WET weather may have put the handbrake on the CFA’s roadside burning program.

AFTER a high-risk pregnancy and the subsequent medical care needed at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) in Melbourne for their new-born child early last year, shearer Ken Bungard and partner Tara Stephens found themselves very grateful to be offered the option of Ronald McDonald House (RMH) as a place to stay.

DESPITE a changing national discourse around Australia Day with more than 80 local government authorities not proceeding with traditional citizenship ceremonies, and some commercial entities pulling Australia Day merchandise from their shelves, Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) will continue to host a series of traditional community celebrations.

RESIDENTS of Hamilton may be surprised to learn Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) recently approached the RSL to switch on the EV charging station at its present location, qualifying the request as only being temporary in nature and intended to save thousands of dollars.

FOLLOWING the direction by the Victorian Government to cap the average rate rise in respect of the 2024–25 financial year at 2.75 per cent, several local governments have spoken out about the fiscal difficulties this will pose.

PARAMEDICS were seen attending to staff outside the Hamilton OTR after another carbon monoxide alert last week, where an apparent lack of effective ventilation in the drive-thru led to an unsafe level of the dangerous gas.

HAMILTON Rotary has advised that unfortunately it has had to make the decision to cancel the free New Year’s Eve Family Party - and all the activities that were to be held at the Hamilton Showgrounds from 6pm on December 31.

WITH another obstacle overcome, the reality of Hamilton’s youth community getting a central location to gather for socialising and engaging activities appears to be getting closer.

JUST in time for the summer holidays, the Dunkeld Visitor Hub project has been completed, offering hikers and tourists an upgraded central location to begin their exploration of the region.

SOUTHERN Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) has provided an update on the progress of the 2023/2024 Capital Works Program which totals $33,778,312, the largest annual capital program it has undertaken.