About: darrenmclean

Posts by: darrenmclean

May 16, 2026

Better bus services push in shire’s review submission

GOLDEN Plains Shire council has officially called for the introduction of a high-frequency bus service between Bannockburn and Geelong. It made the point in a...

May 15, 2026

Imagination and creativity goes on display in Meredith

INDIVIDUAL takes on Australia's history will be on display in Meredith this weekend when the local history group hosts its second History Reconstructed exhibition. It...

May 15, 2026

Turf wicket go-ahead for Lethbridge cricketers

THE Lethbridge Cricket Club has a new total to chase – and it's not on the scoreboard. The total is a sum of money –...

May 11, 2026

Careers expo on again at YMCA

THE YMCA in Bannockburn will be the place to be early next month for anyone considering their future work options or for those simply...

May 7, 2026

Gamble fails with Teesdale rezoning amendment move

A Golden Plains Shire councillor's attempt to defer consideration of a planning scheme amendment allowing residential development in Teesdale has failed. Councillor Gavin Gamble tabled...

May 4, 2026

Wind farm powers community grants

Applications opened last Friday for this year's Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants Program, with a pool of $75,000 to be distributed. The program, which began...

April 30, 2026

Free e-waste drop-offs in Meredith, Bannockburn

THE Golden Plains Shire has scheduled two free e-waste drop-off days for residents who want to dispose of old or unwanted electrical items. The drop-off...

April 24, 2026

Thousands are expected on Anzac Day, says RSL president

RSL president Frank Nuccio expects the fact that Anzac Day falls on a Saturday this year to have no great effect on attendances at...

April 15, 2026

Settle gets Regional Development, Agriculture ministries

Eureka MP Michaela Settle has been elevated to the state government’s front bench with dual portfolio responsibilities in a Cabinet reshuffle prompted by the...

April 14, 2026

Nats name former Ararat mayor as Ripon candidate

The Nationals have named Tatyoon farmer and Ararat Rural City councillor Jo Armstrong as their candidate for the seat of Ripon in November’s Victorian...

March 13, 2026

Locals ready to celebrate Barunah Park’s past and present

BARUNAH Park Public Hall will be the focus of a celebration when a new community plan for the area is launched there next Friday...

March 10, 2026

Community health leaders in region for statewide conference

IDEAS and partnerships to help overcome health inequity in rural and regional regions will be the focus of a major conference in Ballarat next...

March 6, 2026

Top working dog trainer passes on knowledge, skills at Shelford

WORKING dogs on as many as 10 district agricultural properties will now be even better at their jobs after taking part in a formal...

March 5, 2026

Bushfire recovery support for Skipton, Streatham

SKIPTON and Streatham region residents affected by January's bushfires can now access a free support program to help them recover from the events. Grampians Community...

February 26, 2026

Telecommunications tower lease approved – Golden Plains Shire council meeting briefs

THE Golden Plains Shire council has approved leasing part of its Rokewood works depot to be used as a telecommunications tower site. Councillors voted five...

February 24, 2026

Creative minds wanted for Meredith exhibition

CALLING all sculptors – the Meredith History Interest Group is running its sculpture exhibition in May and it wants you to get involved. It will...

February 21, 2026

Date set for Linton tree to turn blue

LINTON residents will be painting a tree blue in support of mental health awareness in mid-March. Locals will be invited to head down to the...

February 19, 2026

Special day out for Central Highlands farmers

CENTRAL Highlands farmers will be the focus of a full-day event aimed at providing specialised development tools and information next month. Commerce Ballarat is organising...

February 10, 2026

Fire recovery funding for Meredith, Mount Mercer

MEREDITH and Mount Mercer people affected by last month’s bushfires can now access financial help through the Federal Government’s Disaster Recovery Payment system. Minister for...

February 9, 2026

Seek early help with financial problems, Cafs urges

CHILD and Family Services Ballarat (Cafs) is urging individuals and families in the Central Highlands to seek support quickly if they feel overwhelmed by...

February 6, 2026

Daredevils on two wheels coming to Mars Stadium

MARS Stadium will host what is being billed as the greatest show on two wheels when the Freestyle Kings Live tour comes to Ballarat...

February 5, 2026

Exotic Bazaar products front and centre in Ramadan displays

MIDDLE Eastern meal products developed by Ballarat-based Exotic Bazaar founder Gilava Pour are soon to gain an even higher national profile. Ms Pour's products, already...

February 4, 2026

Fire burns in steep Lerderderg country

CFA and Forest Fire Management Victoria firefighters are battling an out of control bushfire in the Lerderderg State Forest north of Bacchus Marsh. The fire...

February 3, 2026

Shire wants feedback on land selloff proposal

GOLDEN Plains Shire Council wants to sell vacant land in Bannockburn and use the proceeds for providing what it describes as community infrastructure. It is...