Vol. No. Vol. 2818No. 3227
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Wednesday,February January 18, 13, 2026 2016 Wednesday,
SHENANIGANS: Henley on Lake Wallace’s parade was a highlight of Edenhope’s annual event, along with fireworks, and family and novelty activities. Committee president Hugh Caldow said the 102-yearold tradition was popular. “It’s really well-supported – a lot of ex-locals use this as their weekend to come back to Edenhope, they always know they’re going to catch up with old friends and family.” Jack Cranage, pictured, joins in the fun. More pictures, page 27. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Charges withdrawn P
BY LAUREN HENRY
olice have withdrawn charges against WIM Resource employee Murray Wilson, just days before a scheduled court hearing.
Mr Wilson had planned to contest four charges of falsifying documents at a hearing set for today and tomorrow at Horsham Magistrates’ Court. But at a special mention hearing on Monday, it was agreed by the prosecution and defence to abridge matters to yesterday, where all four charges were withdrawn due to ‘insufficient evidence’. The charges against Mr Wilson related to May 26, 2023, where he was accused of making a false document
with the intention to use it to induce members of the Avonbank Mineral Sands Project Inquiry and Advisory Committee, as part of the Environmental Effects Statement process to approve the Avonbank mineral sands mine at Dooen. Mr Wilson was accused of creating documents in the names of four people without their permission. In a statement from Victoria Police yesterday, a spokesperson said Horsham Crime Investigation Unit detectives had conducted a thorough investigation into allegations that documents were fraudulently prepared and submitted as part of a proposed mining project. “All evidence was reviewed and
assessed by prosecution,” the spokesperson said. “The charge was withdrawn at court as it was determined there was insufficient evidence to successfully prosecute the person charged in relation to this matter.” WIM Resource had suspended Mr Wilson pending the outcome of the case. In a statement released by WIM Resource yesterday, it said it acknowledged the decision by police to withdraw all charges against its employee. “We respect the judicial process and note that the matter before the court is now finalised with no finding having been made against the employee,” the statement read.
“The Avonbank Mineral Sands Project remains subject to a comprehensive and independent regulatory framework and continues to progress in accordance with all approval requirements. “WIM remains focused on delivering the project responsibly and transparently, and on working constructively with government, regulators and the community as the project advances.” Earlier court hearings detailed there were four complainants in the case, with 25 people on the police’s list of witnesses – most of whom would not be called to provide evidence. The prosecution’s case was to rely on key evidence being assessed by Victoria Police’s cybercrime unit, fol-
lowing the seizure of a mobile phone and laptop. Detectives executed a warrant at a Horsham home in February, 2025, as part of the investigation, where Mr Wilson was arrested at the scene and later interviewed. He was charged in July with the alleged offences. State Government body, Resources Victoria, is expected to release a decision on the approval of a mining licence for the Avonbank mineral sands mine next month. The Avonbank mine, located 1.3 kilometres northeast of Dooen, spans 3426 hectares, with the project to be staged over 38 years.
IN THIS ISSUE • Wotjobaluk Nations join register • Horsham events boon • Bullants one-day premiers artisanHP942
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