Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by ABC Central Victoria
Uncertainty continues for institution's residents as NDIS approaches
The closure of Bendigo's institution for people with severe disabilities is almost complete, but there is continued uncertainty about how the former residents will be cared for once the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is rolled out. The Sandhurst Centre in North Bendigo is being closed and its 30 residents are being moved into five new care homes, staffed by Victorian Government carers. The institution is one of just two of its type left in Victoria.
Marilyn Monroe statue takes final bow as Bendigo visit comes to end
The regional Victorian city of Bendigo warmly embraced the giant statue of screen queen Marilyn Monroe in February. The eight-metre-tall sculpture arrived to mark the opening of the Bendigo Art Gallery's exhibition about the iconic actress. There were sold-out crowds at the gallery on the final weekends before the statue is taken down this week.
Muslim prisoners in Ararat correctional centre fighting drug use through religion
Prisoners at Hopkins Correctional Centre are making use of the chaplaincy program to strengthen their Islamic practice in their fight against drugs. A group of Muslim prisoners forms a neat line with their heads bowed in prayer. The group, led by Altaf Hussain, has gathered in the multi-faith chapel at Hopkins Correctional Centre in Ararat.
Focus on youth engagement brings down crime rate in Bendigo
Police and community agencies say their renewed efforts to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in Bendigo's central business district are starting to bear fruit. Surveillance of the city's Hargreaves Mall has been increased, and efforts to get young people hanging out in the CBD back into school and employment have been redoubled. Police say the early evidence suggests crime rates in central Bendigo have fallen in recent weeks.
Pizza giant Domino's arrival feeds debate in country Victorian town
The impending arrival of a new pizza franchise has prompted debate about local heritage, the economy and community health in the historic central Victorian town of Castlemaine. Domino's has plans to set up shop in the town that is largely untouched by multinational fast food outlets, but there has been a fiery debate about the plan on social media. The Mount Alexander Shire said it was hopeful the store could find a way to co-exist with Castlemaine's existing small traders.
Regional police working in pairs grapple with changes wrought by two-up policy
A policeman working at a northern Victorian station says officers are still finding last year's decision to require police to work in pairs difficult. Victoria Police in May 2015 introduced a change that meant officers were no long allowed to work alone in public places or when dealing with reception duties in low-security police stations. The safety procedure was introduced to deal with a heightened terrorism threat and threats against police.
The bearded bushrangers and the Castlemaine artist who became them
For four years Castlemaine artist and teacher Clayton Tremlett sculpted his facial hair to take on the guise of 12 bushrangers. The beard, the mutton-chop, bottom jaw fringing and the Abraham Lincoln-style chinstrap are just some of the facial hair styles the artist donned to recreate original photographs of some of Australia's infamous bushrangers.
Dashing test pilot to flying mailman and barnstormer, meet Bendigo's Basil Watson
A flight from Melbourne to Bendigo is nothing out of the ordinary these days — but when Basil Watson made the journey and landed safely at Epsom Racecourse 100 years ago, it was lauded as an "epoch-making feat". Watson, born in Bendigo in 1894, was one of Australian aviation's early stars.
Heathcote youth lucky to be alive after one-punch attack leaves him with severe concussion
One-punch attacks can kill but they can also leave someone with brain injuries as a young man from Heathcote has found out. Martin Lord was out on a "normal" Friday night with mates when a one-punch attack to the back of the head left him hospitalised suffering from serious injuries. The 21-year-old said he was lucky to be alive. Mr Lord was out with friends at a local pub in Kyneton last Friday when the group decided to continue their evening at friend's house.
Rio 2016: Bendigo 'all rounder' cyclist's second chance at gold at Rio
No stranger to podiums, cyclist Glenn O'Shea said his chances of winning gold at Rio were good given his past performances. The 27-year-old, Bendigo-raised track cyclist has been picked to compete at his second Olympics, after claiming a silver medal in his debut Games in London in 2012 as part of the men's 4,000-metre pursuit team. At Rio, he will compete in the multi-event endurance competition, known as the omnium, as part of a six-member men's endurance team.
The night of Eid is celebrated in Bendigo as Ramadan ends
Three Afghan families in Bendigo shared their final meal of Ramadan as the 30-day fasting period ended heralding the start of celebrations. Ramadan begins and ends for the majority of Muslims across the world when the moon is sighted. On a Tuesday night in Bendigo after the sun had set and the moon was sighted, heralding the new month of Shawwal, the Babaali, Azimi and Zahir families shared their last meal of Ramadan.
Defiant Castlemaine artist reclaims 'left-over' railway spaces with nudity in new exhibition
Catherine Shields features her naked body in a series of artworks as part of her exhibition about reclaiming the "left-over" spaces beside railway lines in regional Victoria. Site, Sight and Citation: Making-do in leftover spaces by Catherine Shields features a series of photo media works set in "ordinary" landscapes, alongside railway lines and corridors, throughout regional Victoria.
Election 2016: Labor holds firm in central Victoria as Nats claim Murray
Labor has held on to its marginal seats of Bendigo and McEwen in central Victoria, despite the threat of a voter backlash over the Country Fire Authority pay dispute. There were swings to the ALP in both seats, meaning the backbenchers Lisa Chesters and Rob Mitchell were re-elected. Speaking at Trades Hall in Bendigo, Ms Chesters told reporters she was excited and humbled to have won a second term.
Meet Chris Kennett: from photocopy person to international Star Wars illustrator
Bendigo's Chris Kennett once worked in a council office photocopying. Now he illustrates Star Wars books for a New York publisher. Earlier in the year illustrator Chris Kennett received an email from Random Publishing House in New York which led to a three-book illustration deal with the publisher.
Disability advocate wants fresh inquiry into central Victorian disability school
Calls have been made for a fresh investigation into how students are being treated at the Bendigo Special Development School. Investigators published a report earlier this year that cleared the school based in Kangaroo Flat of serious wrongdoing, after complaints were lodged about the use of so-called pens to separate students. But more allegations have been made and the Victorian Opposition MP, Bernie Finn, has raised them in the State Parliament.
Election 2016: Crunch time for hotly contested Murray seat in Victoria
It has been a safe Coalition seat for 20 years, but could the retirement of the long-serving MP prompt the people of the northern Victorian seat of Murray to turn their backs on the Liberals and elect the Nationals at this election? Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce has declared the seat within his party's reach and on Saturday, voters will make their choice. The electorate takes in the fruit-growing city of Shepparton, the Murray River town of Echuca, and other rural parts of northern Victoria.
Bendigo's suburban rail service makes delayed debut
After months of delays, Bendigo's new suburban commuter rail service has launched today. The Bendigo Metro - including extra train services to and from the Epsom, Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat stations — is incorporated into the new V/Line timetable that has now taken effect. V/Line train services are now fully restored, after the wheel and boom gate problems that caused a crisis for the rail operator in January.
UK expats living in Bendigo say country will remain divided following Brexit result
As Britain votes to leave the European Union, expatriates living in Bendigo, Victoria, are saying the country will remain divided, regardless of the outcome. Dean of Bendigo's St Pauls Cathedral, Reverend John Roundhill, originally from Yorkshire, is concerned the debate around Britain leaving the European Union had become "extreme" in the last few days. "The absolute tragedy of [British MP] Jo Cox's death showed some of what happens when things become very extreme," he said.
Election 2016: How one neighbourhood block in Bendigo is voting
Six Bendigo households on the one block share their one pressing election issue and voting preference. Gentrification and poverty meet in a neighbourhood block in Golden Square in Bendigo, with professionals and public housing tenants all living within close proximity to each other. Plagued by health problems such a bad back and diabetes, ex-nurse and pensioner Kayrean Hinds' biggest concern is the increasing price of prescription medication.
Men admit to carrying out Bendigo arson spree
Two men have told a magistrate they will plead guilty to a month-long string of arson attacks in Bendigo earlier this year. A third man has also admitted to being involved in a handful of the fires, which were lit at the height of a dry and hot summer in central Victoria. More than 20 fires were lit in the suburbs of Eaglehawk, Kangaroo Flat and Golden Square in January and February.
Inclusive Bendigo community choir gives back to community
A community choir that was initially established for people with psychiatric issues has opened up to all members of the public and now perform for the community. On a cold wintery late Thursday afternoon, a group of people have gathered at St Pauls Cathedral in Bendigo to sing as part of a community choir. Choice Voices volunteer choir manager Suzanane Gould describes the choir as eclectic, in both its music selection and members.
Bendigo historian gets Queen's Birthday honour for community service
A Bendigo man who has devoted his life to local history and tertiary education leads the list of central Victorian Queen's Birthday Award recipients. Dennis O'Hoy is being made a Member of the Order of Australia today. The AM is recognition for his work to preserve of Bendigo's heritage, and his service with La Trobe University. Mr O'Hoy said he was passionate about local history.
Mining sector downturn forces Bendigo manufacturer to cut jobs
A central Victorian manufacturing company has announced it is cutting 24 jobs. Keech Australia makes steel castings in Bendigo for the mining sector, but said it was shedding positions because of the downturn. The company will also stop using casual labour, and senior managers will take a pay cut. Chief executive Herbert Hermens said demand for Keech's products had dropped. "Particularly over the last four to five months, fairly dramatically," he said.
The beautiful and ugly side of motherhood explored in Kyneton art exhibition
A forthcoming exhibition called MUM is bringing together a group of contemporary women artists who each explore their personal experiences of motherhood. A woman lying on the floor covered in cereal and two children with a plastic bag over their heads are just two of the artworks that explore the personal experiences of motherhood by nine contemporary women artists.
Coalition pledges funds for water pipe to drought-hit Victorian farms
The Coalition is promising that if it wins next month's Federal election it will put $20 million towards a big rural water pipeline project north-west of Bendigo. The $80 million pipeline will give farms and rural homes in the Wedderburn, Inglewood and Bridgewater districts access to a reliable water supply. The Nationals' leader Barnaby Joyce was meant to unveil the pledge during a visit to the drought-affected Loddon Shire today, but was not able to make the trip to Victoria.
Bendigo artist explores the many layers of women's selfies
A Bendigo art exhibition explores women's quest to present flawless online images of themselves. The exhibition Flawless at La Trobe University's Phyllis Palmer Gallery features a series of small scale portraits using images of women found on social media. Twenty-five-year-old master's student Alanah Brand has presented 21 small oil paintings created from screenshots from images that "pop up" on her news feed.
Rates relief push for dairy farmers goes to Victorian Government
The Victorian Government has confirmed council rates relief for dairy farmers is an option it is considering, as it prepares to offer more support to the struggling sector. The Campaspe Shire, in the state's north, has written to Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford to ask the Government to help ease the financial burden on dairy producers. Many farmers are under pressure because of cuts made over recent weeks to the price they are being paid for milk.
Ulumbarra performance could be a template for other shows
A Bendigo production that shares local Indigenous stories could be a template for communities around Australia, musical director David Bridie has said. Ulumbarra is a musical concert that covers topics like Aboriginal astronomy, the experience of the Gold Rush and missions, the repatriation of Aboriginal remains, Dreamtime stories, and significant landscapes of central Victoria's Dja Dja Wurrung clan.
After seven concussions a former football captain calls for helmets but expert challenges effectiveness
After seven concussions a four-time premiership player from north-central Victoria has retired on medical advice, calling for helmets to be worn. During a severe concussion former captain Matt Bongiovanni said he blacked out, feeling like he was in a deep sleep and unaware of his surroundings. He said he was left feeling dizzy, nauseous and with blurred vision with only vague memories of the incident.
Questions dog NBN as Bendigo region rollout plans announced
The Federal Coalition is assuring disgruntled residents near Bendigo that their internet service will improve from later this month, but the rollout continues to come under question. The National Broadband Network (NBN) rollout stalled in the Eppalock and Goornong districts when plans for an NBN feeder point at Toolleen were rejected early last year. But the Federal Government has confirmed four towers providing wireless NBN services would be switched on from June 27.
Marilyn Monroe exhibition a big splash for Bendigo tourism
The Bendigo Art Gallery's blockbuster Marilyn Monroe exhibition looks set to match previous record attendance figures. The cultural tribute to the movie star and songstress opened in March with more than 86,000 people having attended so far. Accompanying the show at the gallery is a giant sculpture of Monroe by American artist Seward Johnson, which stands in the centre of Bendigo. Fire crews hosed down the statue on June 1 to mark what would have been the actress's 90th birthday.
Housekeeper at the centre of Karl Marx's illicit affair in new play by central Victorian writer
The housekeeper believed by many to have given birth to communist Karl Marx's illegitimate child is at the centre of a play in central Victoria. While Marx is best known for his theories on class, it is his domestic life that is being explored in the play. Servant of the Revolution, written by Campbells Creek writer and academic Anitra Nelson, focuses on Helene 'Lenchen' Demuth, the long-serving housekeeper for Marx's wife, Jenny von Westphalen.
Goodes educates Indigenous students in the Goldfields about reconciliation
Retired Sydney Swans great Adam Goodes has made a rare media appearance in regional Victoria with former player Michael O'Loughlin to mark Reconciliation Week. The pair visited Bendigo and met Indigenous school children from across the region to share their cultural and sporting knowledge. More than 100 Indigenous children from five local primary schools participated in the event at the Queen Elizabeth Oval.
Cold snap, first frost: winter arrives in central Victoria
After warm days, a sudden cold snap announces the arrival of winter in central Victoria. Go back a few weeks and central Victoria was enjoying a late burst of summer, with top temperatures into the 20s. That is well above May's mean temperature of 16.6 degrees, and even above the highest monthly mean of 18.4 degrees. Even the low temperatures were above the highest mean low temperature for May.
Mental health experience key to teaching at new college in Bendigo
Bendigo's newly-opened Mind Recovery College is a place of learning where teachers have personal experience with a mental health issue. Part of Mind Australia, an organisation that provides mental health and disability support services, the college is delivering a range of courses about mental health. Teacher Maree Roche was diagnosed with bipolar disorder five years ago. "That was a five-year journey of recovery," she said.
Turning hospital landfill into a viable social enterprise in central Victoria
Single-use hospital towels usually destined for landfill are finding a second life in a nifty social enterprise giving work to people with disabilities and raising money for charity. Hundreds of thousands of blue cotton towels are used by hospital theatre staff throughout Australia each year to dry their hands after scrubbing up with disinfectant prior to surgery. After a single-use the towels they are thrown away.
Oldest bird band recovered in Australia found in South Australia's Deadmans Swamp
A dead egret with a bird band still attached to its leg from the 1960s has been found in Deadmans Swamp in South Australia. It is being hailed as one of the oldest bird band finds in Australia. Two students from Bendigo's La Trobe University found the metal bird band still attached to the bone of a deceased bird on a recent field trip.
Botanical prints from Captain Cook's first journey to Australia on display in Kyneton
Two-hundred years after Captain Cook first landed in Australia, a series of limited edition botanical art prints from the voyage were created, and now some are on display in Kyneton. The work, known as Banks' Florilegium, has been described the Natural History Museum in London as one of the most lengthy printing projects ever.
Blokes who listen at risk of ending service after drought relief funding runs out
Staff who provide a listening ear to people in need in western Victoria are concerned about what will happen to their clients when one-off drought funding runs out. The Rural and Remote Engagement (RARE) program run by Wimmera Uniting Care employs 11 staff, including five workers who deliver a door-to-door community service. The program offers everything from succession planning to suicide prevention. "We go out and we work in the community.
Art therapy classes help Bendigo patients who have mental health issues
An externally-funded art therapy program in Bendigo for people with serious mental health issues aims to reduce stigma, with a call for classes to be an ongoing part of therapy. The Vahland Art Group, an art therapy program at the Vahland Complex in Bendigo, aims to reduce the stigma around mental health issues.
Parkinson's teaches Morwell artist patience
Artist Pezaloom has immersed himself in 160 kilograms of petroleum jelly to express the symptoms of living with Parkinson's condition. The large photographic portraits in the upcoming exhibition Dopa-kinesia by Morwell artist Pezaloom are both personal and confronting. The artist has covered his naked body in 160kg of petroleum jelly to convey the feeling of being "stuck" in Parkinson's, in relation to the lack of movement he experiences.
Pharmacy degree offers new opportunities to Sudanese refugee
A man who had to flee a civil war in Sudan has made a new life in Australia, graduating with a pharmacy degree and pursing a career caring for people. Yong Deng was born during the Sudanese Civil War and spent most of his life in a Kenyan refugee camp, before arriving in Australia. Mr Deng, 24, always had a passion for science, especially the subjects of chemistry and physics.
Knitted rugs from Taradale used as loving message sticks for family violence victims
A group of women in the small town of Taradale in central Victoria gather to knit for victims of family violence in a shop that has also become a safe place. Knitters for Good meets weekly at The Goods Shed in Taradale to knit woollen rugs for women fleeing family violence. It's the only shop in the small town open during the day and not only serves as the petrol station, general store, post office and cafe but a meeting place for a group of local women to share stories.
From Bendigo to France: Hughy Pippin's service in France
One hundred years ago, in April 1916, a young man travelled from Mildura to Bendigo. Like so many others, he wanted to "do his bit" for king and country and so he enlisted. Hughy Pippin was 21 when he joined the Bendigo-based 38th Battalion: he trained for a time at the battalion's camp at Epsom Racecourse.
Two cultures meet as a Karen refugee social enterprise takes off in Nhill
From little English and with no sewing skills, a group of Karen women are close to opening a social enterprise business on the main street in Nhill, in western Victoria. The group of up to 25 women, largely made up of Karen refugees, from Burma, gather at the Nhill Learning Centre to sew products they intend selling through a new shopfront they are setting up. Started over a year ago, the sewing classes slowly developed from English and lifestyle classes held at the centre.
Vietnam veteran memories reinforced by time, become more vivid
Many Australians see Anzac Day as an annual reflection on the meaning of war, but for some returned servicemen, memories of war are with them every day. Bendigo's John Young served in Vietnam more than 40 years ago and his memories are still vivid. "Sometimes you push it aside, you push it away, and then there will be something that will remind you, some little thing pops up," Mr Young said.
Blind first-time mother from Bendigo regains her independence after losing sight after giving birth
Twenty-eight-year-old Sarah Hocking, who became blind after surgery to remove tumours from her eyes, now shares her experience with others through a blog. Last year Sarah Hocking became a first-time mother and legally blind. During her pregnancy she discovered she had meningiomas — benign tumours growing on her optic nerves — and when her son Archer was nine days old she underwent brain surgery to remove them. When she woke up she couldn't see.
Work ethic and passion sustains Bendigo horse trainer Allen Browell for over half a century
Allen Browell has spent the last 50 years working seven days a week as a horse trainer, having survived changes in the industry and the tragic loss of his son. In his five decades in the racing industry, the 71-year-old from Bendigo has seen many changes, not least the increased working hours. He said horse racing was now a seven day a week, sometimes twice a day occupation.
Viral Facebook post resuscitates central Victorian hospital's fundraising efforts
A country hospital has nearly $28,000 in extra funds after a Facebook post about a local doctor's concern for the lack of funding for rural hospitals went viral. The daughter of Dr Peter Barker, from the small town in Cohuna, near the Murray River in northern Victoria, has catapulted the fundraising efforts of the community after she posted her father's letter to the local newspaper on her own Facebook page.
Bendigo art exhibition tackles colonialism using paper cut outs
Award-winning Filipino visual artist Ryan Villamael is documenting the effects of colonialism in his sculptural paper cut outs as part of his residency at La Trobe University's Visual Arts Centre. Villamael creates intricate and delicately patterned works from paper, to create three-dimensional buildings for his upcoming exhibition, Unknown Land. However, these are not just pretty structures.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with ABC Central
Contact ABC Central, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack