About: darrenmclean

Posts by: darrenmclean

January 31, 2026

Have a say on mobile site lease plan

THE Golden Plains Shire is seeking public feedback on a plan to lease part of its Rokewood depot for use as a mobile telecommunications...

January 30, 2026

Forage and Feast a winner so far: organisers

THE 2026 instalment of the Forage and Feast festival is proving popular with both hosts and visitors, according to an organiser. Commerce Ballarat project coordinator...

January 29, 2026

Greens announce Eureka candidate as McCracken steps away

THE Greens have announced emergency services worker and long-time community volunteer Sam McColl as the party's candidate for Eureka in the November Victorian election. In...

January 28, 2026

State sporting awards open for nominations

NOMINATIONS for the state's most prestigious sporting awards will be open until the middle of February. The Victorian Sport Awards are presented by the State...

January 27, 2026

Call goes out for young Golden Plains councillors

THE Golden Plains Shire has put the call out for young people to step into a leadership role by joining the Golden Plains youth...

January 24, 2026

Social housing plan for Bannockburn

A PLANNING permit application for a social housing development on vacant land in Bannockburn has been lodged with the State Government. Catholic Care Victoria (CCV)...

January 9, 2026

Call goes out for Smythesdale locals to get involved in market

ORGANISERS of the Smythesdale Country Market are calling on locals to get involved in organising and running the popular event as one of its...

January 3, 2026

Word-of-mouth spurs rapid growth of Bannockburn Facebook charity group

A BANNOCKBURN Facebook group that distributes handmade items to charities throughout Victoria is enjoying fast-growing popularity on the social networking platform. Create and Share Victoria...

December 29, 2025

Walking group a must for Stacey

BANNOCKBURN resident Stacey Wane credits the local walking group offered by Hesse Rural Health with making a major contribution to her physical and mental...

December 19, 2025

Wind farm’s Father Christmas leads workers’ toy drive

A SANTA of a different kind has been busy in Rokewood as Christmas approaches, decked out in high-visibility work gear and a hard hat...

December 9, 2025

Tips and talks as Landcare groups get together

THREE local Landcare groups have shared their knowledge and expertise in separate site visits in Scotchmans Lead and Smythesdale. The Napoleons Enfield group...

December 7, 2025

Sunflower program introduced to Cafs offices

CAFS has introduced a program designed to support people with non-visible disabilities across its offices in Ballarat, Bacchus Marsh, Daylesford and Avoca. The Hidden Disabilities...

November 29, 2025

Cafs sharpens focus on gambling harm after public forum

LAST week's gambling harm awareness forum in Ballarat has given Cafs a clear focus as it plans its next 12 months to two years'...

November 29, 2025

Road safety, playground top the list of Smythesdale priorities

A PEDESTRIAN crossing on the Glenelg Highway and more community facilities such as a children's playground have emerged as priorities for Smythesdale residents as...

November 28, 2025

New-look gardens open in time for summer

UPGRADES to the Smythesdale Public Gardens have been declared officially open, just in time for the looming summer season. Member for Ripon Martha Haylett joined...

November 24, 2025

Sustainable garden a labour of love for Bannockburn students

THE Bannockburn P-12 College and Barwon Water have joined forces to create a new sustainable garden system on the school's Milton Street grounds. College students...

November 22, 2025

River threat removed – at least for now

A CLEAN-up of an aquatic fern outbreak at a refuge pool in the Moorabool River has averted what could possibly have been a disaster...

November 14, 2025

MP visit begins men’s shed extension celebrations

THE approaching Christmas season will be extra-festive for members of the Bannockburn and District Men's Shed as they plan for their long-awaited extension to...

November 1, 2025

Bannockburn men’s shed extension will go ahead

A PLANNED extension of the Bannockburn and District Men's Shed will proceed, with news last week that the State Government has funded much of...

October 24, 2025

Catchment authority chair, board members stepping down

CORANGAMITE Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) chair Cath Jenkins is one of four long-term board members stepping down from their roles. The CCMA announced the departures...

October 10, 2025

Former students break out the snags for Scarsdale children

A LONG-running tradition will be resurrected today when a free barbecue is held for children attending the Woady Yaloak Primary School Scarsdale campus. Starting at...

October 4, 2025

Scary Scarsdale event ready for next instalment

WHAT has grown into possibly Scarsdale's biggest and most popular community event will take place again late next month. The annual Halloween ball is scheduled...

October 3, 2025

Scarsdale lunches help district, those in need

WHEN Rhonda Edwards came up with the idea for a community lunch as a way of making better use of the Scarsdale Public Hall,...

October 2, 2025

Public hearings on Bannockburn growth zone start soon

A STANDING Advisory Committee (SAC) on the Bannockburn South East Precinct Structure Plan will begin three weeks of public hearings later this month. The first...