Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Djaa Djuwima is proud to launch a series of individual exhibitions from March 4 to June 9 celebrating the works of First Nations artists Aunty Gertrude Gittins, Aunty Beryl Gay, and Lynette Fagan.

Their Stories: A Solo Series is an opportunity for three local First Nations artists to present a solo exhibition and show their work in their own way. The aim is to let people see their ideas, stories, techniques, and cultural connections as part of an evolving and sophisticated artistic language.

Djaa Djuwima Curator and Arts Officer – First Nations Michellie Charvat said the exhibitions were not only a chance for the established artists to show their work, but also an opportunity for the local community and visitors to experience the deeper cultural influences that inspire the artists’ creativity.

“Each of the three exhibitions continues long traditions of storytelling, celebrating the artists’ individual creativity and expressing their cultural strength,” Ms Charvat said.

“It upholds the artist’s voice, grounded in Country, informed by personal lived experience, and shaped by the deep cultural knowledge passed down through generations.

“Their stories: A Solo Series also contributes to the ongoing reshaping of the Australian art landscape, one led by First Nations creators.”

The project will launch three exhibitions in a row, each one focusing on a different First Nations artist.

• Aunty Gertrude Gittins is exhibiting from March 4 to March 30
• Aunty Beryl Gay is exhibiting March 31 to April 4
• Lynette Fagan is exhibiting April 5 to June 9

An official opening at Djaa Djuwima will take place on Tuesday March 3 from 5pm. All are welcome.

The free Djaa Djuwima exhibition opens daily from 9am to 4.30pm on Wednesday March 4 and is located in the Bendigo Visitor Centre, 51-67 Pall Mall.

Djaa Djuwima means to ‘show, share Country’ in Dja Dja Wurrung language. It is a space for all First Nations artist to exhibit no matter where they are on their journey from emerging artists through to well-established artists. It creates a dialogue across the wider community and uplifts and empowers the voices of First Nations peoples.

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

NARACOORTE

Issued on
27 Feb 2026 10:56

Hay Truck Fire Naracoorte

The CFS is attending a hay truck fire approximately 5km Northeast of Naracoorte on Munn Road.

15 CFS members of 3 trucks and the landowner will remain on scene for some time working to extinguish the fire and ensure the scene remains safe.

This fire is putting up smoke across the area and may be impacting roads. Emergency services will be working on around this area for some time. Motorists are advised to avoid the area.

Members of the community are urged to take care and drive to conditions.

Message ID 0009330

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
26 Feb 2026 18:17

Warning area
MARINER DRIVE, SHEIDOW PARK in the southern suburbs of Adelaide, approx 20km south of the CBD.

Warning level
Advice – Avoid Smoke

Action
Smoke from a grass fire in a valley off Mariner Drive is in the causing smoke to drift towards the suburb of Hallet Cove. area.

Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.

Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.

If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.

More information will be provided by the MFS when it is available.

Source: Australian Renewable Energy Agency

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing up to $3.25 million in funding to MGA Thermal for up to five front-end engineering design (FEED) studies to accelerate the commercialisation of their proprietary thermal energy storage (TES) technology, supporting industrial electrification.

At the core of MGA Thermal’s system is its patented MGA Block technology, which stores energy as latent heat, enabling efficient long duration thermal storage. Renewable electricity is converted into heat and stored in the MGA Blocks, before being dispatched on demand as high-grade process heat suitable for industrial applications.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the project aims to address one of the most challenging areas of decarbonisation.

“Decarbonising industrial process heat is critical to Australia’s net zero transition, but it remains one of the hardest problems to solve,” Mr Miller said.

“By supporting detailed FEED studies, this project could give industrial customers greater confidence in the technical and commercial viability of TES, helping move promising projects closer to investment and deployment.”

The project aims to advance five high-conviction commercial opportunities with strategic customers, producing detailed technical designs, cost estimates, delivery schedules, risk assessments and commercial strategies to accelerate project investment readiness and wider TES adoption across Australia’s industrial sector.

MGA Thermal CEO Mark Croudace said this funding represents continued traction for MGA Thermal and provides an opportunity for industrial partners looking to decarbonise their operations.

“ARENA’s backing gives industry the capacity to move forward with technical and commercial certainty enabling investment in TES projects. We’re excited to work with forward thinking industrial companies who are ready to lead their transition.”

Insights from the FEED studies will also be shared more broadly to inform industry of the opportunities for TES, the barriers to adoption and potential solutions to enable wider uptake across Australia’s industrial sector.

This investment reflects ARENA’s commitment to supporting innovative technologies that improve the competitiveness of Australian industry, reduce emissions and strengthen energy resilience as part of the clean energy transition.

The project is funded under the Industrial Transformation Stream (ITS). Round 3 is currently open for applications. For further information and to apply, visit the funding page.

ARENA media contact:

media@arena.gov.au

Download this media release (PDF 174KB)

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

Electric Wonderland will once again transform Rosalind Park into a vibrant canvas of colour, creativity and light when it returns to the heart of Bendigo this winter school holidays from June 26 to July 14, 2026.

The much-loved light show promises to shine brighter than ever as it delivers even more exciting hands-on experiences and breathtaking photo opportunities. Visitors can expect new innovative light installations including:

• a giant magical snow-globe
• interactive dance-pads with a fiery finale
• projection portals to lose yourself in
• an immersive radiant reef of underwater creatures

Now in its fourth year, Electric Wonderland has fast become a winter family tradition, with thousands of visitors from across Victoria and interstate making it part of their school holiday plans.

Electric Wonderland Event and Creative Manager Alicia Villiers encouraged residents and visitors to save the date.

“This July, our popular Electric Wonderland will return with some exciting new attractions and family favourites, inviting visitors and residents to play, explore and capture magical selfie moments,” Electric Wonderland Event and Creative Manager Alicia Villiers said.

“We are thrilled to warm up Rosalind Park with Electric Wonderland for the fourth consecutive winter with a show that will surprise and delight audiences.”

City of Greater Bendigo Manager Economy & Experience James Myatt said Electric Wonderland was a must-see event.

“The City of Greater Bendigo is delighted to see the return of Electric Wonderland with awe-inspiring installations and hands-on experiences. It will be a highlight of the winter school holidays for people of all ages to enjoy,” James Myatt said.

Further program details, event maps, and the ticket release date will be announced in the coming months.

For more information, follow Electric Wonderland on Facebook or Instagram, or visit:

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo Youth Council has commenced its second year of a two-year term with six new, and eleven returning Youth Councillors for 2026.

New Youth Councillors Anya Singh, Ava Parker, Bailey Leach, Grace Wells, Hayden Ferrari and Simone Richter have joined returning Youth Councillors Aidan Sanders, Alyssa Beaton, Amelia Westbrook, Annie Dalton, Bailey Dolan, Ella Filsell, Freiya O’Connor, Hamish Knight, Lucas Thredgold, Mollie Hartje and Rafferty Brasier.

The Youth Council met yesterday with Alyssa Beaton elected as Youth Mayor and Ella Filsell and Bailey Dolan installed as Deputy Mayors.

Youth Mayor Alyssa Beaton said her appointment as youth mayor fills her with pride and strength.

“To be given the opportunity to lead this year’s Youth Council as we begin our journey of growth, connection and impact sparks an excitement and determination that I plan to channel into this role,” Ms Beaton said.

“Youth Council provides a space for young people to share their voices and make changes in an environment that is both welcoming and empowering. Beyond shaping our community and its future, the Youth Council shapes its members even more.

“The skills we gain from being part of this group are invaluable and allow us to truly influence areas of significance for Greater Bendigo.

“The position of Youth Mayor offers a platform where I can foster the uplifting atmosphere that first built my confidence as a Youth Councillor. To now be in the position of past leaders that have helped me grow and become who I am today is an incredible experience, and one I am beyond grateful for.”

City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Thomas Prince welcomed both new and returning Youth Councillors and congratulated new Youth Mayor Alyssa Beaton and Deputy Youth Mayors Ella Filsell and Bailey Dolan.

“The Youth Council represents the views of young people on a range of City plans and programs that impact them and represents young people at civic and other events and activities, Cr Prince said.

“It also fulfils a key goal of the Council Plan 2025-2029 to ensure young people thrive and are empowered to lead.

“Over the past seven years Youth Councillors have contributed to nearly 60 City plans, strategies, policies and projects. They have also co-designed and overseen the development of the City’s Youth Action Plan and represented young people on several advisory committees.

“The Youth Council is an initiative to engage with local young people in the City’s decision-making process for the future and Council is looking forward to working with them in 2026.”

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

View Street Amplified is set to energise Bendigo’s cultural precinct with live music on the steps of The Capital, running monthly on select Saturdays from February to November.

The Capital’s front steps will transform into an open air stage, entertaining visitors, and shoppers as they explore View Street’s boutique shops, cafés, and galleries.

The new series will feature a mix of indie, folk, roots, blues and contemporary artists, adding fresh sounds and vibrancy to the streetscape.

The first View Street Amplified kicks off on Saturday February 28, showcasing a mix of touring and local performers from 11am to 3pm:

• Deano Stanton brings upbeat, feelgood tunes with his signature one man band style good tunes with his signature one man band style
• Grim Fawkner is known for roots-riven storytelling with depth and authenticity driven storytelling with depth and authenticity
• The Tuck Shop Ladies deliver razor-sharp humour, stunning harmonies and infectious fun sharp humour, stunning harmonies, and infectious fun

City of Greater Bendigo Manager of Bendigo Venues & Events Julie Amos said View Street Amplified was an exciting activation bringing fresh energy and vibrancy to the precinct during the Gallery’s redevelopment.

“There will be a street party atmosphere with music filling the street, shop fronts expanding onto the footpath, buskers, pop up art at the Bendigo sign, and the recently unveiled Barbara Rae statue watching on from the corner of the QEO,” Ms Amos said.

“The street remains open for vehicles and pedestrians to allow easy access and classic and vintage cars are invited to cruise through and be admired by diners and shoppers.

“View Street is the cultural heart of Bendigo with boutique shopping, coffee, wine, gelato, dining, galleries, art and much more, all set amongst a backdrop of some of the grandest heritage buildings in the region. We are inviting people to visit, explore, stay longer, and support local cafes and shops.

“View Street businesses can get involved and participate through market-style offerings on the footpaths during these Saturday performances to add to the lively party atmosphere. Pink Honey, Passion for Design and Indulge a Little are among the traders keen to get involved in the street event on February 28.

“View Street Amplified offers the perfect soundtrack for those wandering through boutiques and galleries, grabbing a coffee, or settling in for lunch along the strip.”

To complement the live music event, the Gallery also has a series of large-scale artist-led events and public artworks planned soon for the View Street precinct and extending into 2027.

View Street Amplified performers already confirmed for March and April:

Saturday March 28:

• 11am – Ellie Silver
• 11.45am – The Quarry Hillbillies
• 1pm – No Sleep Till Texas

Saturday April 18:

• 11am – Kalo Davies
• 11.45am – Mariah McCarthy Trio
• 1pm – Queen of Hearts

The full program will be available shortly. To keep updated, visit:

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

The new Footscray Hospital is open. The purpose‑built, modern facility is designed to meet the growing needs of communities across Melbourne’s west, now and into the future.

Located close to central Footscray and next to Victoria University, the hospital brings health, education and research together in one place.

Run by Western Health, the new hospital includes:

• An expanded emergency department with a new mental health, alcohol and other drugs hub.
• State-of-the-art clinical and surgical spaces, including operating theatres, procedural suites and medical imaging.
• Teaching, training and research facilities to support the future health workforce.
• Improved access, including new parking and transport links.
• A design shaped by community input, featuring natural light, sustainable materials and inviting outdoor spaces.

New Footscray Hospital is one of the state’s largest ever health infrastructure projects. In the centre of the hospital campus is a large green outdoor space. In the surrounding buildings there is a pharmacy, cafes, a health club, childcare, a community space and shops, including a general store and a gift store.

Care closer to home

The hospital has been built with room to grow so it can treat more patients over time. When it is fully operational, it will have:

• more than 500 inpatient beds
• space to treat 15,000 more patients each year
• room for 20,000 extra emergency department visits every year

This will help reduce pressure on nearby hospitals and improve wait times.

Most of the health services are accessed with a referral from a doctor or healthcare provider. For life-threatening emergencies, the expanded emergency department is always open. For urgent but non-life-threatening issues, when you can’t wait to see a doctor, you can use Victoria’s urgent care services. These services are free, fast, and help you avoid waiting in the Emergency Department.

Innovating and improving care

New features in the hospital allow for better care, such as the Emergency Department’s mental health, alcohol and other drugs (AOD) hub. This is part of a statewide plan to support vulnerable people when they need it most.

Emergency departments can feel overwhelming for patients experiencing mental health, alcohol or other drugs challenges. The hub provides a calm and comfortable space. People will be connected to specialist care to help them get the right support sooner.

Planning the move

Up to 180 patients transferred to the new hospital in a carefully planned one-day move. Western Health planned and practiced the move to make sure patients received high-quality care throughout. This included:

• 4,500 staff being trained and learning to use the new hospital’s advanced features and technologies.
• around 200 specialised staff participating in clinical simulation exercises to test critical care processes in the new hospital.
• over 400 patient care spaces – from consulting rooms to intensive care areas – being carefully stocked and prepared.
• a mock move day in December to ensure the smooth transition on February 18, 2026.

Find out more about the new Footscray Hospital and the project to build it.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Victorian public health services have reached another important milestone in promoting healthier food environments for staff, patients and visitors. For the second year in a row, services have maintained success, and now all services have achieved 100% compliance under the Healthy choices: policy directive and guidelines for health services.

Introduced in 2021, the Healthy choices: policy directive helps make the ‘healthy choice the easy choice’ by requiring public health services to offer healthy food and drink options. This applies across key areas such as in-house managed cafés, vending machines and food provided at staff meetings.

This year’s results show continued sector wide commitment to health promotion, with:

• 100% (59/59) of health services with in-house retail met the requirements
• 100% (38/38) of health services with vending machines met the requirements
• 100% (80/80) of health services had a catering or healthy eating policy in place.

A full report of this year’s findings will be published on the policy page soon.

Participating public health services were supported throughout implementation by the Healthy Eating Advisory Service, which provided guidance, tools and support to help services meet the policy requirements. As noted by a participating health service, the support has been valuable:

“It was my first time reporting on the policy directive and Healthy Eating Advisory Service has been amazing at supporting us and walking us through it.”

We would like to thank the participating health services and the Healthy Eating Advisory Service for their collaboration and continued commitment to creating healthy food and drink environments.

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), observed annually on 6 February, is an opportunity to raise awareness and highlight progress to end female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), while recognising the work happening every day across Victoria to support affected women, girls and communities.

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), sometimes referred to as female genital cutting, is a traditional cultural practice and a significant public health, human rights and gender equity issue. While the practice is illegal in Victoria and across Australia, estimates suggest there are around 120,000 migrant women in Australia who experienced FGM/C in their country of birth.

In Victoria, women and families affected by FGM/C are supported by a network of specialist clinicians, community organisations and Family and Reproductive Rights Education Program (FARREP) workers. Together, they deliver culturally safe, trauma-informed care, education and prevention activities and support women to navigate the health system with compassion and dignity.

Through the Women’s Health and Wellbeing Program, the Victorian Government funds services that support women, girls and communities affected by FGM/C to access care, information and support. This includes specialist healthcare, counselling, community education and outreach, and workforce capability building to strengthen culturally safe practice across the health system.

One example of this important work is the African Women’s Clinic at the Royal Women’s Hospital. The clinic provides specialist, nurse-and-midwife-led care for women of all ages who have experienced genital cutting, providing culturally safe and trauma-informed care.

Marie Jones, Nurse Practitioner and Midwife who has led the African Women’s Clinic since its inception in 2010, said the clinic focuses on providing information and holistic support to meet each woman’s individual needs.

“At the Royal Women’s Hospital, the African Women’s Clinic provides specialist, culturally safe and trauma-informed care for women of all ages who have experienced genital cutting,” Marie said.

“The team offers clear information about the type of cutting experienced and care options, support for concerns across periods, sex, urination and pregnancy, cervical screening and sexual health care, counselling and emotional support, and de-infibulation procedures when appropriate. With FARREP support, women can access care that is holistic, respectful and tailored to their needs.”

Across Victoria, FARREP workers play a vital role in supporting similar approaches by working alongside communities, strengthening trust in services, supporting prevention efforts and working with clinicians to deliver culturally safe care. Their work helps ensure women and girls feel safe to seek support and are met with understanding and respect.

Last week, clinicians and community workers from across Australia came together at the Australian FGM/C Support Network Conference, hosted by the Royal Women’s Hospital in partnership with the Australian FGM/C Support Network for Healthcare providers.

The conference supported workforce capability building by sharing practical skills, best practice and collaborative approaches to care for women and girls affected by FGM/C.

“This conference brings clinicians from across Australia together to strengthen practical skills, confidence and shared approaches to caring for women and girls who have experienced FGM/C,” Marie said.

“It’s an important opportunity to build capability and ensure care reflects the voices and needs of the communities we work with.”

For more information about FGM/C and support services available in Victoria, see the Better Health Channel.