Local News
Dja Dja Wurrung Take First Steps Towards Local Treaty Negotiations
Dja Dja Wurrung People of the Central Victoria area are the first Traditional Owner group to register intent to negotiate a Traditional Owner Treaty. Under Victoria’s Treaty Negotiation Framework, Traditional Owner groups across the state can negotiate their own Treaties, which will reflect the aspirations and priorities in their local areas.
Stimulating AGM – Notes From the Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre (DNC)
DNC Annual General Meeting A good number of hardy DNC members attended our Annual General Meeting last Tuesday evening, braving the freezing weather. They heard a review of our past year’s efforts and gained an insight into the Centre’s exciting times ahead. In her...
Daylesford Rotary Recognises Exceptional Service
Daylesford Rotarian Jenny Hopkins has been awarded as a Paul Harris Fellow by her Club and the Rotary District Governor. Jenny has been a tireless member of Daylesford Rotary for six years and is currently managing the Daylesford Art Show for the third year. On...
Water Reservoir Down to 35%, Water Security to be Enhanced
At a public meeting held at the Community Bank meeting room in Hepburn Springs Central Highlands Water (CHW) outlined the need for greater water security  given that  that current local storages (Wombat, Bullarto and Hepburn reservoirs/storages) are currently at 35% of capacity compared to 65% at the same time last year.
Walk for Reconciliation
Australians are being urged to walk for reconciliation and justice to support National Reconciliation Week. This year National Reconciliation Week is from May 27 to June. This year’s theme is “Bridging Now to Next”. It is 25 years since a quarter of a million people...
New Emergency Services Levy to Impact Hepburn Shire Ratepayers
The Victorian Government has legislated a new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF), set to take effect from 1 July 2025. This levy will replace the current Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL). For rate payers in Hepburn Shire, the increase comes hard on the heels of a10% increase in rates approved last week by the Essential Services Commission.
Daylesford-Hepburn Property Market Shows Signs of Stabilising After Pandemic Surge
After several years of volatile growth, new data suggests the property markets in Daylesford and Hepburn Springs may be entering a phase of stabilisation. The COVID-era migration from metropolitan areas and a sharp increase in demand for regional properties fuelled unrealistic market expectations. Conditions have cooled and several newly introduced property-related taxes have subdued investor interest, particularly in the holiday rental segment which was once a major driver of local property demand.
Farmers in Hepburn Shire to Benefit from Expanded Victorian Drought Support Package
Farmers in Hepburn Shire are set to benefit from a significant expansion of the Victorian Government’s drought support, with an additional $15.9 million committed to assist those affected by prolonged dry conditions and challenging seasonal forecasts.
Hepburn Shire Council Releases Draft Budget with Rate Increase and Service Reductions
Hepburn Shire Council has released its draft Budget for 2025/26, outlining a strategy to address ongoing financial challenges through a combination of increased rates and substantial operational savings. The draft documents, which include the Council Plan, Financial Plan, Revenue and Rating Plan, and Asset Plan, are now open for public consultation until 5 June.
Blue Trees and Youth Mental Health
The Blue Tree Project is a grassroots mental health initiative, one of several in the Shire. Youth Mental Health First Aid, the Blue Tree Project and Live4Life aim to address mental health challenges by promoting awareness and equipping community members with the skills to support young people in need.