“Nothing in town other than us” – Rural pharmacists’ role in oral health
Pharmacists are stepping in as frontline providers of oral healthcare advice in rural Victorian towns without dental practitioners, offering oral hygiene advice, managing dental pain inquiries and promoting preventative care, according to a new study by La Trobe University. Eleven rural pharmacists shouldering health responsibilities far beyond traditional dispensing roles participated in the study...
Merger will not restore deleted emergency capability
Victorian Fisheries Media Centre. On May 20, 2025, the fisheries authority (VFA) finalised an organisational restructure, under which it has since shed 30 (44 per cent) of the state's 69 Fisheries Officers; leaving just 39 officers to patrol Victoria's 2,512 km coastline, 10,000 square km of ocean waters and 170,000 km of inland water frontage along 85,000 km of rivers and creeks. Then in a separate decision, on Friday, June 13, 2025, the VFA stripped the remaining officers of their duties to "respond to any emergency" by deleting these duties from their Position Descriptions ...
Approval for mineral sands project
The Victorian Government has approved the Donald Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project work plan. The work plan approval is the final major regulatory milestone permitting Donald Project Pty Ltd, trading as Donald Mineral Sands (DMS), a joint venture between Astron Corporation Ltd and US critical minerals company Energy Fuels Inc, to develop the resource.
Toxic weed risk due to dry swamps and dams
Paul Beltz. The green pick available on swampy land or dried up billabongs and dams may seem a boon for producers during drought and difficult seasonal conditions. However, it’s important to check for toxic weeds and plants in swampy areas ... Toxic plants that might be found in these areas include dock, soursob, fat hen, lesser loosestrife and swamp grass.
Support for Victoria’s proposed fair fuel plan
RACV welcomes mandatory fuel price reporting but urges the Victorian Government to share pricing data to support more Victorian motorists. RACV this week announced its support for Victoria's proposed Fair Fuel Plan, subject to the data being freely available to all platforms so that fuel price data remains open and accessible through existing consumer platforms.
“No show” from transmission company: Farmers rally at Wycheproof
Carey Brennan. Around 200 farmers rallied at Wycheproof on Friday, June 20, outside the Buloke Shire Offices ready to greet TCV staff when they arrived to meet with Councillors … Shortly before the meeting, TCV notified Cr Getley that they had concerns for their safety after receiving advice from Vic. Police and would no longer be attending…
Skills and enthusiasm at early learning centre
Blake Lee. The Birchip Early Learning Centre has expanded its workforce in recent years, welcoming new staff who contribute fresh skills and enthusiasm at a time when Australia faces a major shortage of early childhood educators. Jobs and Skills Australia reports a current shortfall of around 21,000 qualified Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) professionals across the country.
Changes needed in harness racing
Peter Hibberd. This is my opinion only – some very big changes are needed in harness racing. Over recent months, with the decrease in prizemoney back to $4,000 per race, one particular club did not get enough nominations to have its meeting, which was surprising as it is one of the biggest harness areas in Victoria. Another case was Charlton last Monday with only enough horses running for six races.
Drought announcement
Emma Kealy, Shadow Minister for Agriculture. The Allan Labor Government's drought announcement fails to deliver the immediate support farmers have been calling for and desperately need. While doubling drought resilience infrastructure grants and deferring the emergency services tax on agricultural land for a year may sound helpful, it does little to provide immediate support for farmers who are at breaking point.
Twin lamb disease
Dr Jeff Cave. As we move towards winter sheep producers may begin to see cases of pregnancy toxaemia or twin lamb disease in their ewes. Twin lamb disease occurs when ewes have an inadequate energy intake during the last 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy.