News
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Gisborne’s furore over development
A VCAT decision that overturned council’s refusal for a housing development in Gisborne, has seen nearby residents voice multiple complaints since construction work escalated in the past six months. Following proposed amendments in 2025, the Rosalia Estate is expected to provide 861 dwellings on about 85 hectares of land close to the town’s centre. But…
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Government email confirms wildlife rescuer’s rights
Clarity surrounding the rights of wildlife rescuers has emerged since reports surfaced a week ago that many had been threatened by state government officials in fire-affected areas. Last week, the Express spoke with multiple rescuers attempting to assist burnt wildlife in the the Mount Alexander region. They all said they had been threatened by state…
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It’s cup day at Hanging Rock
The annual Australia Day races at Hanging Rock are one of the major drawcard attractions in the district next Monday. Being a public holiday, thousands are expected to flock to The Rock for an enjoyable family day out. Kyneton and Hanging Rock Racing Club is looking forward to the program, highlighted by the running of…
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Logging truck tips and loses load
A logging truck with two trailers attached crashed and spilled its load at Woodend last Tuesday afternoon. The rear trailer was reportedly loose and caused the truck to tip on its side when it came to a bend on Woodend-Tylden Road at about 2.30pm. Ambulance Victoria assessed and released the driver from the scene and…
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Rebuilding from the ashes
Taradale Fire Brigade has organised a GoFundMe appeal to assist four volunteers from the Harcourt CFA who lost their homes and a business in the Harcourt fires on January 9 while fighting fires and saving other people’s homes and businesses. One of the affected firefighters, Stephen Upton, and his wife Sam, lost the majority of…
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Fire contained, recovery begins
The Fogartys Gap Road fire that impacted Ravenswood South, Walmer, Harcourt, Sutton Grange, Faraday and surrounds on January 9 was officially declared contained on Friday morning. CFA and Forest Fire Management crews have been working around the clock to build containment lines, back burn and black out the fire with the support of three aircraft.…
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Fire sends shock waves through industries
Dozens of local small businesses and producers have been impacted by the Harcourt fire on January 9, which destroyed the Harcourt Cooperative Cool Stores, with the loss of stock and equipment estimated to be in the millions of dollars. Business Mount Alexander chair and Shedshaker Brewing co-owner Jacqueline Brodie-Hanns said the Harcourt fire had seriously…
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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…