News
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Wildlife burnt, respondents at odds
Wildlife advocates have raised concern for the welfare of native animals and how the state government will respond since bushfires ravaged habitats in the past two weeks across Victoria. Rescuers across this region have so far aided – among others – burnt kangaroos and koalas, or their orphaned offspring, that emerged from the charred surrounds…
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Harcourt residents among the lucky ones
Harcourt community member Faye Hards said her family is feeling very fortunate; both her home in Wilkinson Street and her son’s home in Leafy Lane are still standing following Friday’s fire, but their hearts go out to all those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. “We stayed and defended our home in Wilkinson Street…
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PM witnesses Harcourt destruction, funding announced
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited Harcourt on Sunday and unveiled a $19.5 million support package for those affected by the ongoing bushfires. He was joined by state MPs from across the Bendigo electorates – Maree Edwards, Lisa Chester’s, and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan. The joint funding between the federal and state governments will establish a…
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Family devastated by loss
Harcourt mum Bianca Hitchens and her sons were among the community members to lose their homes in Friday’s fire at Harcourt.Bianca and her sons Tyler and Will were devastated. “I’m broken-hearted. Friday’s fires that hit Harcourt so quickly, claimed my beautiful modest 100-year-old cottage that I’ve lived in with my boys for 23 years. It…
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Emergency services continue fire fight
The Harcourt, Ravenswood South and Walmer communities and surrounds are shocked and devastated following Friday’s fire. The fire began in Fogartys Gap Road at Ravenswood South on Friday afternoon and the catastrophic conditions saw it get away from emergency services, pushing it through parts of Walmer towards Harcourt. It then jumped the Calder Freeway and…
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Trees down, buildings damaged across the region
Volunteers from Victoria’s State Emergency Service responded to a spate of disasters last week, and official numbers confirm there were about 1800 incidents state-wide between Monday and Sunday. It was a result of the ongoing bushfires, strong winds and damaging lightning. In the Loddon Mallee unit support team area, which includes Mount Alexander Shire, SES…
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Harcourt fire not expected to expand far beyond current footprint tonight
The Ravenswood Fogarty’s Gap Road fire that has impacted Harcourt is not expected to expand far beyond its current footprint tonight, authorities have told residents. Incident controller Michael Masters explained what occurred during the fire and its current status at a community meeting this afternoon. The meeting was held at Kyneton where about 80-100 fire-threatened…
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‘Do not drink Harcourt water’ advisory
Coliban Water, following consultation with the Department of Health, has advised customers in Harcourt to not drink tap water from 11.45am on Saturday, January 10, until further notice. This advice has been issued following the fires in Harcourt on Friday, January 9, which impacted Coliban Water’s ability to safely access a burst water main that may…
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State of disaster declared for Mount Alexander
Premier Jacinta Allan has declared a State of Disaster for Mount Alexander and 17 other Local Government Areas and one Alpine Resort as fires burning across the state continue to pose risk. The declaration comes following advice from the Minister for Emergency Services and the Emergency Management Commissioner. The Premier is satisfied there is an…
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Catastrophic Fire Day declared
Victorian fire authorities have issued a Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating for tomorrow, Friday, January 9, for the North Central, Northern Country and Wimmera districts. Extreme fire ratings have been issued for the rest of Victoria, which includes the Macedon Ranges. However, this region borders those zones deemed catastrophic tomorrow. A state-wide total fire ban will…
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Angle grinder sparks bushfire at Turpins Falls
Contractors working on a job at Turpins Falls using grinders and metalworking tools sparked a bushfire yesterday. Shortly before 2.30pm on Tuesday callers to Triple Zero reported a large column of smoke triggering a large response from fire brigades. The high fire danger also saw the immediate despatch of a waterbombing helicopter which was on…
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Mount Macedon Memorial Cross funding deadline looms
A major project cost blowout has cast doubt over Anzac Day services at Mount Macedon Memorial Cross unless funds are raised by the month’s end. Unexpected structural challenges have tipped Mount Macedon Memorial Cross restoration expenses more than $200,000 over budget. During construction, engineers discovered that the original footings did not align with the 1990…