Road works in planning stage

DEPARTMENT of Transport has multiple maintenance projects across the Loddon in the planning stages.

A 4.59km section of the Calder Highway at Woosang has been listed for attention by the department as has 1km at Wedderburn, 1.43km at Kurting and 3.16km at Derby.

The Derby section is near where the department wants to construct south-bound passing lanes, the first on the Calder Highway north of Bendigo.

A planning application to remove trees on the Calder Highway for a passing lane is before Loddon Shire Council.

Future plans include a north-bound passing lane.

The department says its planned maintenance works will provide a “smoother, safer and more reliable journey for road users”.

Similar work is in planning stages for a 2.34km section of the Loddon Valley Highway at Jarklin and 3.32km at Durham Ox with a small section at Gladfield to be have maintenance treatment.

Maintenance is also being planned for Durham Ox-Boort Road and Boort-Kerang Road and two sections of the Loddon Valley Highway at Loddon Vale.

A 2.28km stretch of the BridgewaterSerpentine Road also appears on the planning list.

Wimmera Highway works have started realigning the intersection at Newbridge while works are also planned at Cochranes Creek and Kooreh.

Sections of Glossop Street, Mitiamo, also appear on the latest planning information from the department.

No timelines have been released for the maintenance projects.

“The department is also in the planning phase to determine options for the 26 announced locations and to identify the remaining 20 locations, and will work closely with local government, service providers and other stakeholders to deliver these new facilities,” the Government said.

A strong community campaign for child care in Loddon has been running across the shire since 2021.

Wedderburn College has cited issues with staff recruitment and retention because of the lack of child care.

Principal Danny Forrest has said the college was ready to have a co-located child care centre under the Government’s new policy.

And parents, including Wedderburn’s Tammi Martin have continued to call for action.

Hundreds of signatures were on a petition for action presented to State Parliament by then Ripon MP Louise Staley in 2022.

The 2026 rollout of child care in Loddon would coincide with the State Government’s introduction of pre-prep classes at shire-managed kindergartens in Dingee, Pyramid Hill, Boort, Inglewood and Wedderburn.

- CHRIS EARL

The eighth vintage caravan gathering at Bridgewater has again seen sites at the town’s caravan park booked by holidaying nostalgia buffs.

Vans and vehicles from the 1950s and 1960s will make up most of the campers in town while many will also bring vehicles from the same era.

Meanwhile, heritage steam and diesel locomotives will head north from Melbourne to Nullawil.

The train will pass through Dunolly, Inglewood and Korong Vale on Saturday morning with passengers alighting in Boort for a tour of the Spannerman gardens.

The Grainlander train makes its return trip through the Loddon on Sunday morning.

IDHS would like to introduce some new staff members and roles, we're growing our services to meet your needs.

IDHS Services

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Alcohol and Other Drugs Worker

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Youth Mental Health Worker

Mental Health Nurse

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Family Violence (Orange Door)

Diabetes Educator & Prevention Program

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Social Support Groups

Chronic Disease Nurse

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Occupational Therapist

Physiotherapist Dietitian

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Referral informationFor counselling & mental health services the community can self-refer. For other services, IDHS require a doctor’s referral or a chronic disease management plan. Please email IDHS at admin@idhs.vic.gov.au or phone 5431 7000

"I’m 83 it’s the best corner I’ve ever been in of my life. The volunteers are great. Leeanne and Roger bring the outside in and I enjoy their conversation, they are always happy and they create a wonderful atmosphere” Henry.

"We wouldn’t be able to offer a wide variety of activities or outings without the help from our volunteers”

Leisure

Maddy

& Lifestyle

Volunteers Leeanne, Roger & IDHS Staff

Henry currently lives in the Inglewood Hostel. He likes to be involved in many of the Leisure and Lifestyle activities, especially cards and watering the garden. Henry enjoys helping out in the community too, through the Men's Shed and the Inglewood Community Kitchen. It would be great if people could volunteer to support Henry's activities. If you would like more information please contact Cindy at cgould@idhs.vic.gov.au or phone

54 317 000