WITH winter in full swing and locals feeling the cold, Hamilton Police are warning people not to leave their cars running while unattended, even when parked in a driveway.

FOOT-AND-MOUTH disease (FMD) looms as a major biosecurity threat on Australia’s doorstep that will pose significant problems to western Victorian animal health and trade if transmitted to Australian livestock.

HOMEOWNERS with variable interest mortgages copped another rate rise on Tuesday, and with grocery prices also expected to continue to rise, particularly vegetables, family budgets are continuing to feel the pinch.

CHANGES under the VicRoads Modernisation process announced by the State Government on Thursday included rewards for safe driving, and free online testing for learners and probationary licences, meaning learner and probation drivers will save up to $51.40 and $133.30 in testing fees, respectively.

THE State Government has finalised new 10-year contracts worth $2.3 billion for Victoria’s entire regional bus network, promising improved services for passengers.

THE Greater Hamilton Library was alive with activity on Friday when kids gathered as part of the school holiday program to learn how to program Bee-Bot robots.

FORMER Victorian minister for Emergency Services, Jane Garrett, who passed away on Saturday aged 49, is being remembered locally for her support of the Country Fire Authority (CFA).

THE fourth and final winner of the $500 Greater Hamilton Dollars draw was announced on Friday, with Cassandra Young (left) presented with her prize by Maxine Rigby from The Catching Pen in Coleraine, where Ms Young spent $20 and entered the draw.

METHYLAMPHETAMINE use is increasing in regional areas, with Australia having the highest consumption of the drug out of 25 Sewage Core Group Europe (SCORE) countries according to a recent report from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC).

THE late Jim Newton’s Bahgallah Football Club blazer has a rich history and thanks to his family, that history will be preserved, to be shared by the community for years to come.