Weekly update - Friday 2 October 2026

Published on 02 October 2026

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COMMUNITY GRANTS RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED  

Nine community-led projects across Central Goldfields Shire will share more than $20,000 in funding through Council’s 2026–2027 Community Grants Program.

Congratulations to the following grant recipients:

  • Goldfields Community Connect – Daisy Hill Soft Plastics Recycling Scheme ($3,000)
  • Maryborough Community Garden – Intermediate Bulk Containers for MCG ($500)
  • Goldfields Music Club Inc – Vibes on Broadway – Dunolly Street Festival ($3,000)
  • Maryborough Toy Library – By Kids, For Kids: A Fresh Look for Play ($2,920)
  • Maryborough Giants Football Netball Club – Maryborough Giants Digital Upgrade ($2,896)
  • Talbot Farmers Market – External 24/7 Defibrillator for Talbot Market Square ($3,000) (pictured)
  • Dunolly Community Thrift Shop – Shop Equipment and Volunteer Safety Improvements ($2,348)
  • Salvation Army Maryborough – Purchase of a Defibrillator ($2,195)
  • Maryborough & District Horse and Pony Club – MDHPC Sustainability Veranda Project ($750)

AWARD WINNING GARDEN

garingilang gatjin wii (Water and Fire Garden) beside Central Goldfields Art Gallery has received two major honours at the 2026 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects VIC Awards: the Award of Excellence for Cultural Heritage and the Regional Achievement Award.

Opened in 2024, the Garden was created with Dja Dja Wurrung Elders, artists and DJANDAK, inviting the community to learn, reflect and connect with Djaara Country.

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FULL-STEAM AHEAD FOR RAIL ADVOCACY

Council is on board with community efforts to see rail services expand in the region.

Councillors last week passed a motion formally endorsing State Election advocacy to request additional trains between Maryborough and Ballarat; and reinstatement of passenger trains to Mildura.

A report to Council stated that discussions have occurred with stakeholders including the Rail Revival Alliance, Public Transport Users Association (Ballarat branch), the North West Rail Alliance and other local governments.

An online survey in March and April 2026 verified the community’s interest in extra trains and the preferred times. There were 221 responses and broad support for extra trains on weekdays, especially a return train from Ballarat in the late afternoon.

Council is also calling for a review of bus timetables to link with trains at Castlemaine and Ballarat.

As part of Council’s State Election advocacy, letters have been sent to party leaders, Ministers and Shadow Ministers, and candidates for Ripon.

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Transfer station daylight saving opening hours

Our transfer stations at Talbot, Dunolly and Bealiba will have new hours from Wednesday 7 October.

They’ll be opening from 8am to 12noon (instead of 9am to 1pm) during daylight savings.

  • Talbot: Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 8am to 12noon
  • Dunolly: Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 8am to 12noon
  • Bealiba: Saturdays and Sundays, 8am to 12pm

There is no change to the opening hours at Carisbrook.

For further info visit: www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/TransferStations

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CURRENT STAFF REPLACEMENTS

Ready for your next career move? We are currently recruiting for:

  • Coordinator Goldfields Children’s Centre

Visit www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/careers  

 

 

 

 

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