Mirage News

The Albanese Government is investing nearly $135 million to deliver new road safety projects across the country as part of the latest round of the Safer Local Roads Infrastructure Program (SLRIP).

The SLRIP funds projects that create safer and more productive roads across Australia.

The 45 new projects will improve key transport routes, strengthen local infrastructure and provide safer journeys for all road users.

New South Wales will receive more than $66.7 million for 22 projects, including $5 million to widen and upgrade Montpellier Drive in Wollondilly Shire.

Mirage News

Mirage News

Western Brigades Urging Residents To Get Fire Ready

CFA is calling on Victorians to Get Fire Ready ahead of what is predicted to be a high-risk fire season, with residents across the west invited to attend local preparedness events.

As part of CFA's Get Fire Ready initiative, more than 70 brigades across CFA's West Region will take part in events throughout October and November, giving landowners practical advice to help protect their homes, families and properties.

Mirage News

Mirage News

High-flying Chapter Comes To Close

Daryl Chibnall

After 26 years, one of CFA's trusted eyes in the sky, Daryl Chibnall is hanging up his flying suit following a proud chapter with CFA responding to some of Victoria's most significant fire emergencies.

Known to many as "Chibby", he began his flying career in 1986 before moving into emergency services aviation in 2000. Since then, he has amassed more than 4,500 hours undertaking aerial reconnaissance, fire spotting and air attack support roles.

Ararat Rural City Council is encouraging residents across the municipality to come along to upcoming Community Drop-In Sessions and share their views on local issues, projects, and priorities. Running from Monday 29 June to Thursday 2 July, the sessions will be held in Ararat, Warrak, Streatham, Willaura, Moyston, Pomonal, Wickliffe, and Lake Bolac, and give people a chance to speak directly with Councillors and Council staff close to home.

Ararat & Lake Bolac Libraries Are Welcoming Residents This Winter

Ararat Rural City Council is inviting residents and visitors to make the most of the colder months by visiting the Ararat and Lake Bolac Libraries, with a wide range of resources, programs, and services available for all ages.

Mirage News

Mirage News

Successful Planned Burn At Skipton

A successful planned burn has been carried out at Skipton following years of planning to reduce bushfire risk to the township.

Skipton Common, an approximately 100-hectare reserve, has long been a concern for the local community due to its proximity to Skipton and the potential risk it poses during bushfire conditions.

CFA Acting Vegetation Management Officer (West Region) Matthew Keller said the burn followed extensive work to develop a long-term approach to bushfire mitigation.

Mirage News

Mirage News

Yeodene Member Marks First Strike Team Deployment

Yeodene member, Christine Spencer

When the Skipton-Streatham fire broke out on 9 January 2026, Yeodene Fire Brigade member Christine Spencer was deployed to the fireground on her very first strike team to assist.

While being deployed for the first time can be daunting, Christine credits the training and support received from her brigade for giving her the confidence to put her hand up.

​Joint media release with Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher

The Albanese Government has extended financial assistance to more bushfire-impacted Victorian communities.

From 2:00pm local time on Thursday, 23 April 2026, the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be available for eligible people in Leslie Manor of the Corangamite Local Government Area (LGA) and Woodfield of the Mansfield LGA.

This extension brings the total number of locations where AGDRP has been activated in Victoria to 68.

Works have started on the upgrade of a section of Woorndoo-Streatham Road as part of a joint-project by Ararat Rural City Council and Moyne Shire Council to make the road safer, especially for heavy vehicle transport supporting the region's agriculture.

​​​Joint media release with the Hon Katy Gallagher MP

The Albanese Government has extended financial assistance to more Victorians impacted by the bushfires that have devastated communities.

From 2:00pm local time on Monday, 9 February 2026, the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be available for eligible people in the following new locations: Acheron, Bullioh, Crooked River, Meredith, Mount Mercer, Thornton.