Flood defence finally finished
After years of waiting, Donald's long-anticipated flood levee project has reached completion, with construction of the town's second demountable flood barrier recently finished by Eco Infrastructure. The second wall, located on the town side of the Richardson River, has been under construction since April 13. It completes Donald's pair of demountable flood barriers designed to protect the township from future flooding.
Neville family celebrates silo murals
The King's Birthday long weekend provided the perfect opportunity for a special family reunion in Birchip as members of the Neville family gathered to celebrate the recently completed Ray Neville silo murals. The visit was sparked by Ray's daughter, Lyn Dumesny of Rockhampton, who was travelling to Victoria and was keen to see the impressive artwork honouring her father on the Birchip silos.
Prestigious military honour for Brendan
Ex-Donald local, Brendan Allen, son of Leo and the late Fay Allen, has been recognised in the 2026 King's Birthday Honours, receiving the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC). Lieutenant Colonel Brendan Patrick Allen was awarded the prestigious military decoration for outstanding devotion to duty and leadership during his service as Commanding Officer of the 5th/6th Battalion, Royal Victoria Regiment, Australian Army.
The Nationals to scrap net zero and VNI West
The Nationals will fight to stop the Victoria to NSW Interconnector West (VNI West) by scrapping Labor's net zero agenda, which has driven the reckless renewables rollout across regional Australia. Speaking after a Farmers' Forum in St Arnaud last week, Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said farmers and the local community had made clear the disastrous impact Labor's net zero agenda was having on regional Victoria.
