About: chrisoleary

Posts by: chrisoleary

May 2, 2026

Chocolate sold helps clubs more than just play

ONE bar of chocolate sold can make a big difference to local clubs. On Tuesday 28 April, the Western Bulldogs and Mars Ballarat Community Football...

May 1, 2026

State budget funds for Dereel fire station

CFA members in Dereel are pleased after state funding was allocated to a new station in the town. Brigade captain Rob Hill said $400,000 would...

April 28, 2026

Institute supports passenger rail’s return to line

SERVICING Ballarat and Geelong's growing populations would be a key reason behind linking the cities with direct passenger rail, an expert said. John Hearsch OAM,...

April 24, 2026

Safer road links towns

THE federal minister for infrastructure and transport has praised works that have been completed along a major road connecting Golden Plains communities. Ballarat MP Catherine...

April 20, 2026

Gheringhap land under negotiation

NEGOTIATIONS are underway on the sale of a significant future employment landholding in Gheringhap with a number of parties. The expression of interest period for...

April 18, 2026

Practical approach helps protect property

A MEREDITH couple has been praised for their fire preparation efforts ahead of last summer. Fire devastated the Golden Plains region earlier this year, including...

April 17, 2026

Mayor calls all aboard for rail’s return to Bannockburn

THE debate for passenger rail services to the region has been reignited by Golden Plains Shire Council. The goal was one of the priorities the...

April 17, 2026

$200k to Golden Plains’ health

GRANTS totalling $200,000 were announced last week for programs in Golden Plains that encourage healthy eating, recreation and connection with other residents. Golden Plains Shire...

April 10, 2026

Call to reduce wood loads in reserve

RESIDENTS from Inverleigh and Teesdale are petitioning to allow for levels of deadwood to be reduced in a nearby reserve. Forest Fire Management Victoria, the...

April 5, 2026

Brigade does towns proud at state firefighting titles

NAPOLEONS Enfield Fire Brigade reached the podium at the recent Victorian titles. The brigade came second overall at the CFA/Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria State Championships...

April 3, 2026

Egg-citing chance to enjoy Easter at markets

THE date of a farmers market has fallen at the perfect time for Easter egg-cellence. The Golden Plains Farmers' Market will be held tomorrow on...

April 3, 2026

Running head on into ultra challenge

THE mind as well as the body was needed for Bannockburn's Tim Kacprzak to pull off a feat which left him running 3550km this...

March 30, 2026

Race to fun and the most laughs

A LARGE crowd enjoyed a day of competition, laughter and fun at the Slownet Yacht Race in Cape Clear this month. Patrons took part in...

March 28, 2026

Ambulance station, play space on shire’s election list

THE north of Golden Plains has received significant attention in its council's list of advocacy projects ahead of this year's state election. Improved public transport,...

March 28, 2026

More opportunity to take part in local art

FREE art workshops that have been offered in Bannockburn are set to also be held in the north of Golden Plains. The Take Part: Local...

March 27, 2026

Residents to launch Teesdale community plan

BIKES, buses and road safety are some of the key priorities for residents in one Golden Plains town. The Teesdale Community Plan 2025-2029 is to...

March 27, 2026

Brigade’s red-hot form leading into state firefighting titles

NAPOLEONS Enfield Fire Brigade showed their determination and community spirit at the weekend ahead of the state titles in Stawell. The brigade will compete at...

March 26, 2026

New league for region’s junior netballers

COMMENCEMENT of a new netball competition in Ballarat has been advanced for junior players from the Woady Yaloak Football Netball Club. Stakeholders in the competition...

March 24, 2026

‘Big data’ on region’s Australian wildlife

A STUDY tracking the movement of koalas, echindas and birds of prey is aiming not only to gather more information about these animals, but...

March 21, 2026

Workshops to enhance emergency readiness

GOLDEN Plains residents have shown interest in sessions beginning from next week designed to further prepare themselves and their communities for emergency situations. The region's...

March 14, 2026

Volunteers aim to be neighbourly

FROM lawns mowed to roofs fixed, a community program in Golden Plains' north is taking neighbourly help to a new level. So far the Help...

March 13, 2026

Bannockburn needs more buses, council says

MORE buses are something Golden Plains Shire Council is leading calls for as the Department of Transport and Planning conducts a review into future...

March 10, 2026

Bands ready to do battle

CHRISTOPHER O'LEARY AN investment in young people is what the Golden Plains' Battle of the Bands is for the region, the Shire has said. Teesdale's Turtle...

March 6, 2026

Land ahoy! Yachts sailing back to Cape Clear

A MAJOR event for Cape Clear offers potential to further bind the community, alongside being fantastic fun. The Slownet Yacht Race will be held at...