UGFM - Radio Murrindindi

04/07/2025

Friday 4th July 2025
New four-bin kerbside collection service rolled out

Murrindindi Shire Council has commenced its new four-bin kerbside collection service, bringing the Shire into alignment with Victoria’s mandatory transition to a statewide four-stream garbage and recycling system.

The new service, which started on Monday 30 June, aims to improve recycling, reduce landfill, and make better use of resources. It is part of a statewide effort to move towards a circular economy, where materials are reused and recycled instead of thrown away.

While many residents have long taken pride in doing the right thing, data shows Murrindindi still has a way to go. In 2023/24, our Shire diverted just 32% of kerbside waste from landfill, compared to the state average of 49% and 40% for comparable rural councils. This new system gives us the tools improve landfill diversion and keep pace with other communities.

From 30 June, kerbside refuse is sorted into four bins:

• Red lid - General rubbish (fortnightly)
• Yellow lid - Mixed recycling (fortnightly)
• Green lid - Food and garden organics (weekly)
• Purple lid - Glass bottles and jars (every four weeks)

While for some households this is a small shift from two to four bins, for others, particularly those not previously receiving a kerbside service, it’s a significant change. Council acknowledges this adjustment and appreciates the cooperation of all residents as the new system rolls out.

Cr Sue Carpenter, Council’s Sustainability and Assets Portfolio Councillor, said the expanded service is essential for meeting community expectations, state requirements, and environmental goals.

"We’re introducing these changes because it’s time. Recycling is everyone’s responsibility, and this new system helps us reduce contamination, protect the environment, and make recycling more meaningful," Cr Carpenter said.

"We know it’s not always easy to change routines, especially when the changes feel imposed. That’s why we’re working hard to make information clear, accessible, and tailored to different needs."

Residents can download the LoopedIn Councils app for personalised bin reminders and guidance on what goes in each bin. Printable calendars are available online or from Council’s Library and Customer Service Centres. Residents can also request a printed copy by mail.

To learn more or to access collection schedules and resources, visit murrindindi.vic.gov.au/fourbins

"This is about building a better system for everyone - not just for today, but for the future. We thank our residents for adapting and doing their part as we make this important transition together," Cr Carpenter said.

04/07/2025

👨‍👦‍👦𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗜 𝗗𝗔𝗗𝗦 𝐁𝐁𝐐👨‍👧‍👦

⭐To celebrate the last Dindi Dads for this term, they are hosting a BBQ.
🎉 This 𝗦𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝟓𝐭𝐡 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 from𝟭𝗽𝗺 -𝟯𝗽𝗺
📍Join other Dindi Dads at the 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘀𝘀𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗮𝘀, 𝟯 𝗕𝗮𝘆𝗹𝗲𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲𝘁, 𝗔𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮 for a free snag or two.
🤟All Dads & Kids welcome
📞For more info contact Hagan 0434 702 137

04/07/2025

04/07/2025

Illegal spotlighting is dangerous and may be putting your community, property, livestock and native wildlife at risk.

Illegal spotlighting is when people illegally use a spotlight or thermal imaging device to shoot deer or other game animals at night.

If you see or hear of illegal spotlighting in your area, please report it to the Game Management Authority. Visit gma.vic.gov.au or call 136 186, or you can contact your local police. If you have immediate concerns for your safety or the safety of others, call 000.

Help keep our community safe and help put a stop to illegal spotlighting.

There are some forms of legal spotlighting, including when landowners or their agents need to control pest animals or problem deer on private property.

All reports received by the GMA are assessed. For more information about spotlighting laws, visit https://bit.ly/3Onj2gr

04/07/2025

❗️✋VOLUNTEER EXPO THIS WEEKEND✋❗️

👋 Are you coming to the Volunteer Expo this Saturday 5 July at the Alexandra Football and Netball Club?

🙋‍♀️Don't worry if you haven't RSVP'd, there is still plenty of space to come along, speak with local groups and enjoy some light refreshments.

👩‍🍳Hear from guest speaker Lillie Giang, founder and president of Feed One Feed All.

👀 You might have seen Lillie as a TV chef and personality, or as a trailblazer in the world of food and community service.

🫶 Come along and connect with a group that speaks to your interests. We'd love to see you there.

ℹ For more information, visit www.murrindindi.vic.gov.au/volunteerexpo

03/07/2025

Shepparton police shine light on impaired drivers
Thursday, 3 July 2025 at 8:56 am
A driver on a mixture of methylamphetamine and cannabis and another double the blood alcohol limit were among those caught during a four-night police operation in Shepparton.

Operation Nightlight - staged from June 26-29 - saw general duties police from Shepparton and Mooroopna unite with Shepparton Highway Patrol to target impaired and unauthorised drivers.

The presence extended from the early evening right through until the early morning.
Police were out across Shepparton, Mooroopna, Tatura and Katandra.

A total 19 drivers were tested for drugs with two returning positive roadside results.

A 48-year-old Mooroopna man was detected with both methylamphetamine and THC - the psychoactive component of cannabis - in his system.

He was fined $593 and his licence suspended for six months.

A 40-year-old Cobram man, who was unlicensed, will face court after testing positive for methylamphetamine, also known as speed or ice.

His vehicle, which allegedly had false numberplates, was impounded for 30 days.
Police conducted 164 preliminary breath tests, with three drink drivers nabbed.

They included a 29-year-old Merrigum man who returned an alleged blood alcohol reading of 0.089 and had his licence immediately suspended.

A 34-year-old Rushworth man returned an alleged blood alcohol content of 0.101.
His licence was immediately suspended and his vehicle impounded.

In another vehicle impoundment a 44-year-old Mooroopna man was caught driving disqualified for the second time in a month.

The man will now face a magistrate.

The highly visible police effort comes as 10 people have so far this year been killed on Goulburn Valley roads.

It compares with 16 deaths at the same time last year.
There were 155 vehicles and 137 drivers checked.
Five people were caught speeding, two of them at more than 25km/h over the posted limit.
Both had their licences suspended for three months.

Victoria Police this week released figures showing more than 700 drug drivers are being caught statewide each month.

Local police will continue targeted and proactive patrols in their efforts to keep road users across the Goulburn Valley safe.

First Constable Thomas Hoskin, Mooroopna Police:
"Operations like these are crucial in sending a clear message to anyone who chooses to drive when they're impaired.
"We will find you and you will face the consequences.
"There is simply no excuse for anyone getting behind the wheel when they're over the blood alcohol limit or on drugs.
“The ramifications can be nothing short of catastrophic.
"Every life lost on our roads is preventable and local police will continue doing all we can to reduce road trauma.
"We're out across the Shepparton area enforcing the rules anywhere, any time.
"Ultimately, we want all road users to take responsibility for their actions and make better choices that will keep themselves, their passengers and all road users safe."

03/07/2025

Thursday 3rd July 2025
Seasonal firefighters help protect Victorian communities
Applications are now open for seasonal firefighter roles across Victoria.

Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) is employing 500 seasonal firefighters prior to the summer bushfire season

FFMVic Chief Fire Officer, Chris Hardman, said seasonal firefighters boost Victoria’s firefighting capacity in the lead-up to summer and during the peak fire season.

“New recruits will train and work alongside our permanent firefighting staff, responding to bushfires rapidly to keep communities safe this summer,” Mr Hardman said.

“They will be part of a team of close to 1800 frontline personnel and 1200 accredited incident management staff this bushfire season.”

Last year Forest Fire Management Victoria firefighters responded to more than 1265 bushfires across the state, and delivered priority planned burns which will help reduce the impact of bushfires this summer.

“Emergency response deployments can occur anywhere across the state, providing opportunities to travel and work in different locations,” Mr Hardman said.

“In previous seasons, some recruits have also been deployed to support firefighting efforts across Australia and internationally.”

Hume Region Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Aaron Kennedy, said seasonal firefighter roles provide rewarding career opportunities for those with a passion for the outdoors, learning new skills and making a difference.

“In addition to responding to bushfires and helping to deliver planned burns, new recruits will also undertake pest and w**d control works, and maintain recreational reserves, strategic fire breaks and forest roads,” Mr Kennedy said.

"They can also be called on to support other emergencies such as major floods, storms and biosecurity incidents.”

“Many of the firefighters deployed to the current Canadian bushfires started their careers as project firefighters,” he said.

Applications are now open for seasonal firefighter roles across 12 locations in the north east including Alexandra, Marysville, Toolangi, Broadford, Benalla, Mansfield, Beechworth, Bright, Ovens, Corryong, Eskdale and Tallangatta.

FFMVic is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the Victorian community. As part of its ongoing commitment to support meaningful careers for current and future First Nations staff, designated positions are available.

Applications close 27 July and employment occurs between October and May, with some variations depending on seasonal requirements.

For information and to apply, visit jobs.careers.vic.gov.au/pff or call 136 186.

01/07/2025

UGFM Young Artist of the month for July 2025 Ashleigh Sumpter

01/07/2025

Tuesday 1st July 2025
Road Rule 79A change from today!
The rule requires drivers to slow down and give way to any emergency vehicle with flashing lights and/or sirens has been updated.

The rule has been expanded to include more vehicles such as accident towing, breakdown towing, roadside assistance and all incident response services.

When you see flashing lights (red, blue, magenta or yellow) and workers on the roadside, you must slow down to 40km/h and pass safely!

01/07/2025

Robert Vine wanted on warrant
Tuesday, 1 July 2025 at 4:37 pm
Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate Robert Vine.

The 35-year-old is wanted on warrant for breaching a court order and assault related offences.

Vine is described as approximately 175cm tall, medium build, dark hair and wears glasses.
He is known to frequent the Hume, Macedon, Wallan, Bulla and Mitchell areas.

Investigators have released an image of Vine in the hope that someone may be able to provide information on his current whereabouts.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

30/06/2025

Sunday 29th June 2025
Victorian Emergency Services Commissioner Tim Wiebusch ESM recognised for his work at Vic SES with Life Membership.

At the VicSES State Controllers conference held last weekend in Preston the former SES Chief Operations Officer was made life member for his 33years involvement through various emergencies and disasters in Victoria.

Congratulations to Tim who received a standing ovation from the 200 plus SES Controllers, Deputies and staff from across the state on the announcement of his life membership.