MITCHELL-STRATHBOGIE EDITION 56 PAGES
AVENEL • BEVERIDGE • BROADFORD • CLONBINANE • DONNYBROOK • EUROA • HEATHCOTE JUNCTION • KILMORE • LONGWOOD NAGAMBIE • PUCKAPUNYAL • SEYMOUR • TALLAROOK • TRAWOOL • VIOLET TOWN • WALLAN • WANDONG
Strathbogie Shire thanks residents for their patience
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2026
UPGRADE FOR NORTHERN HWY
■ An upgrade to the intersection of Northern Hwy (High St) and Watson St in Wallan has been abbounced. The Northern Hwy Intersection Upgrade will see additional lanes built on the Northern Hwy in both directions at the intersection, and a second right-turn lane from Watson St into the Wallan township, making it easier for drivers to move through the area. This project is part of the Watson St nterchange Upgrade, which will deliver new entry and exit ramps to create a full diamond interchange where Watson St meets the Hume Freeway. Pedestrians and cyclists will also benefit from the upgrade, with the existing shared-use path along Watson St upgraded, and new street lighting and signage to be installed. Early works on the Northern Highway Intersection will be delivered by Ace Infrastructure and are scheduled to begin next month, with major construction expected to start by April. The $175 million Watson Street Interchange Upgrade and Northern Highway Intersection Upgrade works are funded with a $90 million commitment from the Federal Government and an $85 million commitment from the State Government. Catherine King, Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, said: “Whether you’re passing through Wallan, or picking up the kids from school, the completion of these major upgrades will mean less time in the car and a safer journey.”
‘We Are Beveridge’ ■ Mitchell Council has launched the ‘We Are Beveridge’ public artwork at the Greater Beveridge Community Centre. This project was shaped by conversations with more than 100 locals from community groups.
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Places To Go OUR DIRECTORY TO THE BEST DESTINATIONS
● Catherine King, Federal Minister
MITCHELL CHOSEN FOR DIGITAL CERTIFICATES
● Danny Pearson
■ Strathbogie Council has thanked local residents for their patience over delays to the delivery of municipal services. “It’s been a very busy few weeks for Council as we have supported the bushfire response and recovery efforts while also striving to deliver business as usual,” said a Council representative. “The increased workload means that, at times, we have been unable to meet our usual response timeframes. “We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to support those most affected by the Longwood Berrys Lane bushfire while also continuing to deliver regular services.”
■ Mitchell Shire has been chosen as one of three Victorian municipalities to trial the introduction of digital birth certificates. The initiative is said to give parents fast and secure access to their child’s birth certificate on their phone for the first time. The trial of the new certificate will take place in Wyndham City Council, the City of Casey and Mitchell Shire Council. As an alternative to paper certificates, participating parents across the three councils can now use the new digital birth certificate to make enrolling their children in kindergarten programs easier, by quickly and securely adding their child’s digital birth certificate to the wallet feature on the Service Victoria app. Government Services Minister Danny Pearson said digital birth certificates are another step forward in making more digital services available to support Victorians to more easily engage with the services they need like school, kinder and hospitals. The use of the digital birth certificate will be optional for those eligible, and physical copies will continue to be issued to all Victorians. The Service Victoria digital wallet now features a range of available documents, such as the veterans card, seniors card, digital driver’s licence, and many more. The trial is now officially live, meaning parents in the three Local Government Areas participating in the trial can log in to the Services Victoria app to add their child’s birth certificate today.
The ‘Places To Go’ section has the latest news on travel – in Victoria, interstate and internationally. By road, by rail, by air, by water – Places To Go covers it all. Starts February 18 issue.
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