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4 days ago | 
timesnewsgroup.com.au | Miriam Litwin
GOLDEN Plains Shire’s satisfaction survey result has declined since 2024, with a score of 41 compared to 42 last year. This is below the state average of 53 and the average for large rural Local Government areas of 50. The results of the community satisfaction survey, which is conducted annually by JWS Research, were noted by councillors at Tuesday’s meeting.
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4 days ago | 
timesnewsgroup.com.au | Miriam Litwin
CONTINUED roof leaks at Selkirk Stadium have forced the relocation of all remaining home games in the NBL1 South season to the Buxton Minderdome. The move will affect five home games as well as any finals matches. The Buxton Minerdome has reduced seating capacity and current members will be given priority access for tickets. The broader community is encouraged to purchase tickets in advance as tickets are expected to sell out.
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4 days ago | 
timesnewsgroup.com.au | Miriam Litwin
NOURISHMENT Nooks across Federation University’s campuses are providing relief to students who face cost of living pressures. The facilities offer free food, hygiene products and access to professional second-hand clothing through the Styled for Success program. More than 350 students use the service each month across the Mount Helen, Camp Street, Gippsland, Berwick and Melbourne CBD campuses. Mount Helen has had the greatest uptake.
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5 days ago | 
timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith
— WITH AAPNSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey unveiled the $128 billion 2025/26 state budget on Tuesday, focused on housing, essential workers and protecting vulnerable communities. Charting a path back to surplus, the treasurer of Australia’s largest state advised caution amid global uncertainty while trumpeting stability.
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6 days ago | 
timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith
VICTORIA has unveiled a new plan to grow local industries, boost advanced manufacturing and create secure jobs across the state. Industry and advanced manufacturing minister Colin Brooks launched the Victorian Industry Policy, which sets out a framework to strengthen key industries, adopt cutting-edge technology and build on the state’s economic strengths.
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6 days ago | 
timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith
A CAMPAIGN to launch 111 as Australia’s single mental health crisis number is gaining traction, with advocates calling for an end to the confusion caused by dozens of separate helplines. Supporters say the three-digit number would make it faster and easier for people in crisis to get help — connecting callers immediately with a trained mental health professional, who would stay on the line and link them to the right service.
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6 days ago | 
timesnewsgroup.com.au | Miriam Litwin
CORANGAMITE Catchment Management Authority staff are encouraging residents to protect local waterways like the Yarrowee, Leigh, Moorabool and Barwon rivers by undertaking six actions. Community members are asked to rethink plastic by refusing, reusing and recycling, to become citizen scientists as estuary watch volunteers, to join the River Detectives program, or to join a grassroots group within the region’s local Landcare networks.
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6 days ago | 
timesnewsgroup.com.au | Miriam Litwin
WORK towards the Woady Yaloak Recreation Reserve Master Plan is progressing and community members are invited to provide feedback on the draft document. The draft was created following community consultation undertaken earlier this year with user groups and tenant clubs. The document considers the long-term development goals of tenant clubs, community groups and residents. Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Owen Sharkey said he encourages residents to respond to the draft master plan.
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6 days ago | 
timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith
VICTORIAN apprentices and trainees can now access a free helpdesk to get advice about pay, training contracts and workplace wellbeing. The State Government has launched the Apprenticeships Victoria Helpdesk, staffed by trained case support officers who can also help report serious issues such as bullying or harassment. Skills and TAFE minister Gayle Tierney said the helpdesk aimed to make it easier for apprentices to finish their training and start their careers.
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6 days ago | 
timesnewsgroup.com.au | Angus Smith
FIRST Nations athletes across Victoria will share more than $100,000 in grants to help cover uniforms, equipment and travel costs for sports competitions. Twenty-two clubs and individuals secured funding through the latest round of the Aboriginal Sport Participation Grant Program. Community sport minister Ros Spence said the support would help young players compete and follow in the footsteps of role models like Cathy Freeman and Australian cricketer Scott Boland.