Mirage News

​The Albanese Government is extending financial assistance to more Victorians impacted by the bushfires that have devastated communities.

From 2pm local time on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be available for eligible people in the following added locations: Carlisle River, Irrewillipe and Simpson.

Joint media release with Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher

The Albanese Government is extending financial assistance further for Victorians impacted by the bushfires that have devastated communities.

From 2pm local time on Friday 23 January 2026, the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be available for eligible people in the following added locations: Berringama, Bungil, Koetong, Shelley and Thologolong.

Joint media release with Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher

The Albanese Government is extending financial assistance further for Victorians impacted by the bushfires that have devastated communities.

From 2pm local time on Tuesday 20 January 2026, the Commonwealth's Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be available for eligible people in the following added locations: Cobram, Fawcett, Maintongoon, Mitre, Koriella, Walwa and Yarroweyah.

Joint media release with Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher

The Albanese Government is extending financial assistance further for Victorians impacted by the bushfires that have devastated communities.

From 2:00pm local time on Monday, 19 January 2026, the Albanese Government's Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be available for eligible people in the following added locations: Arapiles, Avenel, Cathkin, Devils River, Dropmore, Duchembegarra, Gooram, Limestone, Merton, Molesworth, Murrindindi, Noradjuha, Quantong, Tarcombe, Vectis, Walmer, and Whanregarwen.

Joint media release with Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher

The Albanese Government is extending financial assistance to more communities impacted by the recent bushfires in Victoria.

From 2pm local time on Friday, 16 January 2026, the Australian Government Disaster Recovery Payment (AGDRP) will be available for eligible people in the following added locations: Alexandra, Carranballac, Caveat, Creightons Creek, Ghin Ghin, Gobur, Highlands, Kanumbra, Skipton, Streatham, Terip Terip, Upton Hill, Whiteheads Creek, and Yarck.

Mirage News

Mirage News

Fifteenth Person Charged After Kings Domain Affray

Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a fifteenth person following an alleged affray and assaults which occurred in Melbourne in August.

Police will allege the men assaulted people in Kings Domain on Sunday 31 August around 5pm.

Detectives arrested a 35-year-old Berringama man in Albury on 1 October.

He has been charged with violent disorder, affray, wilful damage and commit indictable offence on bail.

Mirage News

Mirage News

Woorndoo-Streatham Road Reconstruction Ahead

Ararat Rural City Council's 2025/2026 Budget has allocated a $683,000 contribution for the upgrade of Woorndoo-Streatham Road, delivered in partnership with Moyne Shire Council.

This key section of shared rural road plays a central role in facilitating heavy vehicle transport and supporting our region's agricultural sector.

The works proposed will reconstruct a section of Woorndoo-Streatham Road, commencing from Warings Lane and continuing to Pagels Lane in Woorndoo.

Yorke Peninsula barley growers should review their disease management practices after samples of a damaging fungal disease collected from local paddocks showed resistance to three widely used fungicide groups.

Barley is an important crop for South Australian grain growers. It is used in the production of beer and other foods, as well as in animal feed. But the disease 'net form net blotch' - caused by a fungus - can reduce its yield and grain quality.

Mirage News

Mirage News

Council Backs New Plan to Boost Local Road Quality

Council Endorses New Infrastructure Program Set to Improve Local Roads

Ararat Rural City Council has endorsed a new infrastructure program that aims to deliver upgrade works to several roads and bridges across the municipality.

The five free Emergency Recovery information sessions held across the community last month - funded via Council's partnership with Emergency Recovery Victoria and hosted by Emergency Management specialists The Six C's - produced some very favourable results, with many attendees enthusiastic to return for planned workshops in the new year.