THERE has been a 34.9 per cent rise in criminal incidents in the Southern Grampians Shire jumping from 772 in 2023 to 1076 for the year ending September 2024 according to the quarterly statistics released by the Criminal Statistic Agency this week.

ALL have been urged to prioritise road safety and secure their homes over the summer holidays, particularly heading into the Christmas and New Year period where the risk increases.

A BAND of lightning that crossed Western Victoria on Monday night started multiple fires in the district including in the Grampians at Yarram Gap and Mirranatwa that has burnt more than 7600 hectares so far with a coordinated response by emergency services from far and wide.

ADMIRERS of Adam Lindsay Gordon’s poetry have been called on to join a committee with the goal of raising the profile of and “keeping alive the memory of Australia’s national poet”.

LOWAN MP and Deputy Leader of the Nationals Emma Kealy is again calling on the Victorian Government to take urgent action to control corella numbers.

OVER the last few years Hamilton Taxis haven’t been operating on Christmas Day – however, that is changing this year with the new owners offering the service throughout the day.

IT’S that time of year again when Victorians string up their Christmas lights and set up their Christmas trees to celebrate the holiday season, but with the fun and festivities comes the potential for serious fire hazards.

SOUTHERN Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) awarded the demolition contract of 90-92 Lonsdale Street for the Community Hub at the ordinary Council meeting on Wednesday, December 11.

SOUTHERN Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) has taken significant steps toward improving accessibility and modernising public facilities, awarding a contract during the December meeting to design and construct a changing places facility in the Hamilton Botanic Gardens (HBG).

TARRINGTON locals have again used their artistic flair to decorate a hay bale, a unique tradition which has run for 15 years and drawn many a holiday maker and sightseer to the town.