MITCHELL-STRATHBOGIE EDITION 52 PAGES
AVENEL • BEVERIDGE • BROADFORD • CLONBINANE • DONNYBROOK • EUROA • HEATHCOTE JUNCTION • KILMORE • LONGWOOD NAGAMBIE • PUCKAPUNYAL • SEYMOUR • TALLAROOK • TRAWOOL • VIOLET TOWN • WALLAN • WANDONG
Tree removals
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2026
OPPOSITION LEADER VISITS WOLLERT CFA ■ Opposition Leader Jess Wilson joined Country Fire Authority volunteers at Wollert, to hear about the challenges facing their brigade. Ms Wilson signed the CFA volunteer pledge, committing that a future Liberals and Nationals Government will provide the funding, support and recognition that the CFA deserves. “The Wollert CFA volunteers are doing a fantastic job serving their local community and ensuring residents along Melbourne’s rapidly growing north more broadly are protected from all manner of emergencies,” Ms Wilson said. “They desperately need the support of a government that will commit to funding and resourcing them properly, which just isn’t happening under Labor’s wrong priorities. “I am proud to sign this pledge and commit that - if elected - a Wilson Liberal and Nationals Government will provide the CFA the support it deserves. “Thank you to Wollert CFA Captain Senad Tubic and First Lieutenant Tony Ellis for the invitation and for the brave work your brigade did over summer fighting dangerous fires in towns like Longwood, Ruffy and Harcourt. “I also acknowledge the outstanding work volunteers from our wonderful Indian community provide to this brigade.” Northern Metropolitan Region MLC Evan Mulholland also signed this pledge. “It’s great to host Jess Wilson here in Wollert and for her to see the challenges this community is facing, like so many across Victoria, thanks to Labor’s neglect.”
Inland rail works ■ Inland Rail works are being undertaken across multiple sites in Mitchell Shire to provide sufficient clearance for double-stacked freight trains. Works are underway in Broadford, Seymour, Tallarook and Wandong. These works are being delivered by John Holland. Some road closures and extended working hours will be needed as works progress, with delays expected.
Khial Smith wanted ■ Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Khial Smith. The 35-year-old man is wanted for questioning in relation to an aggravated burglary at a property on Maude St in Shepparton about 12.30am on Saturday, February 14. Police are investigating after a man forced entry, started two small fires and threatened some of the occupants who disturbed him.
Inside This Week FREE ADS FOR FIREAFFECTED BUSINESSES ● Jess Wilson at Wollert
ELTHAM JAZZ FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND RADIO STATIONS LINK
● Craig Wright, Plenty Valley FM
■ Strathbogie Shire Council is carrying out essential tree removal works in Euroa this week. To maintain public safety and support the health of o local reserves, the following dead or declining trees will be removed: ■ Two small dead trees in Seven Creeks Park (near the RSL) ■ One dead tree near the Euroa Miniature Railway ■ Two Flowering Gums on Clifton St that are in poor condition “These works will help ensure our public spaces remain safe and enjoyable for everyone,” said a Shire Council representative.
■ This year’s Eltham Jazz Festival will again be held on Friday (Feb. 27) and Saturday (feb. 28) in the Town Square precinct. Plenty Valley FM continues it long association with the event, including live music fromtwo alternating stages, and the flavours of local wineries and food. Plenty Valley FM President Craig Wright said “Music is a medium that is all-inclusive, and this festival is a multi-sensory event featuring all the sounds, smells and tastes that the festival brings. “We will be broadcasting live from 4pm on the Friday and midday on the Saturday “It’s one of our biggest community engagement opportunities within our service area in Melbourne’s outer north. Conrad Browne from Vision Australia Radio says: “Vison Australia Radio is known for providing access to information, but we also appreciate an opportunity to collaborate with other stations and deliver quality entertainment to our community of interest too. “That’s why we are delighted to be partnering with Plenty Valley FM to simulcast some of the many highlights from the Eltham Jazz, Food and Wine Festival on our IRIS DAB+ feed for Melbourne’s blind and low vision community.” www.elthamjazz.com.au/program
Throughout 2026, our ‘Phoenix’ section will offer absolutely free 40-word ads for local fireaffected businesses. Lodge your ad at phoenixnews.com.au
YOUR GUIDE TO COUNTRY LIVING Life in the bush has its own unique set of challenges. Check our ‘Victorian Rural News’ section for the latest info. VicRuralNews.com.au