UGFM - Radio Murrindindi

23/11/2025

🎉 BACK FOR ANOTHER YEAR! Dindi Daze | A Celebration of Community & Fun! 🎉
Join us on February 28, 2026 at Rotary Park, Alexandra for a FREE family-friendly event packed with kids' activities, live local music, food, and more! Fun for everyone in the heart of Murrindindi! 🎶🎨

23/11/2025

Sunday 23rd November 2025
Buxton Primary School Celebrates 150 Years yesterday Saturday.

Broadcasting live from Buxton PS we spoke with current and former Principals along with current and former students.

It was a great day with lots of memorabilia to check out, along with a free sausage sizzle and local produce.

23/11/2025

Tuesday 18th November 2025
Alexandra District Health (Hospital) ADH explores amalgamation with Eastern Health.

ADH CEO Jane Poxon spoke at length on UGFM Tuesday morning about the reasons the boards were exploring amalgamation.

Local State Member for Eildon, Cindy McLeish MP said that the ADH board needed to consider the proposed amalgamation with eyes wide open.

ADH has run a number of Tea Talk sessions around the Murrindindi Shire where feedback and questions could be asked of members of both boards by the community.

Due to concerns by the community of the possible impacts to maintaining or loosing local health services, around 100 people attended a public meeting in Alexandra Shire Hall that was also held Tuesday convened by the Alexandra District Traders & Tourism Association on Tuesday afternoon.

The meeting was emceed by Michael Chesworth from Murrindindi Shire Council along with representatives from Alexandra and Yea communities who made statements of concerns for the future of Alexandra District Health and Yea & District Memorial Hospitals.

Andrew Embling OAM, Cr Damien Gallagher, Neil Beer AFSM and Caolan O’Connor were asked 18 questions to be put the ADH & EH boards along with a paper that looked at successful and failures other amalgamations around Australia and USA.

Around 50 people then attended an ADH & EH Tea Talk public meeting at the RSL in Alexandra to hear from and ask questions of both board members and staff.

Both meetings were broadcast live on UGFM

A survey being run by ADH has now closed with a second survey being run by the Murrindindi Shire Council still open seeking feedback until weeks end, with the results being to received by ADH for consideration.

Concerns were raised about the short two week consultation and the possibility of loosing local control of our hospitals through loss of local boards and the need for a guarantee that services would not be lost into the future, should an amalgamation go ahead.

23/11/2025

Local Emergency Services kept busy over the weekend.

21/11/2025

Friday 21st November 2025
Mayor and Deputy Mayor Re-Elected for the next 12 months

Murrindindi Shire Council is pleased to announce that at tonight’s Special Meeting of Council, Cr Damien Gallagher and Cr Anita Carr were unanimously re-elected as Mayor and Deputy Mayor respectively, for the 2025-2026 Council year.

Cr Sandice McAulay acknowledged Cr Gallagher’s outstanding leadership and unwavering commitment to the Shire and Council of Murrindindi. She highlighted his integrity, clear vision and genuine care for the people he represents, noting that his steady guidance, proactive approach and willingness to listen have strengthened local communities and helped deliver positive outcomes across the region. Cr McAulay said his contribution has been invaluable and that he is exceptionally well-suited to lead the Council as Mayor.

Addressing the Council chambers, Mayor Gallagher expressed his honour at continuing to serve the community as Mayor.

“Our democratic system supports every person to be valued and every voice to be heard. Citizenship is our calling to uphold the values that democracy represents. Tonight, I honour my fellow Councillors for their dedication to service, and I thank you most sincerely for supporting me to represent Murrindindi Shire Council once again as Mayor. It is truly the honour of my life.”

Reflecting on the past year and looking ahead, Mayor Gallagher highlighted Council’s priorities for the next 12 months.

“The year ahead will be a defining chapter for this Council and for our community. Over the next 100 days, we will set a clear roadmap to achieve financial sustainability.

We will sharpen our focus on efficiency and accountability, ensuring every dollar works harder for our residents. At the same time, we will engage deeply with our community to understand priorities for service delivery, so that what we provide truly reflects local needs. And we will continue to advocate strongly to the Victorian Government for fairer distribution of funding. Together, these steps will position us to meet challenges head-on and build a stronger future for all.”

“I recommit myself tonight to serve the entire Murrindindi community, inclusively, to the very best of my ability. Let’s get to it,” he said.

Deputy Mayor Carr expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue in the role:

“I am delighted to be re-elected as Deputy Mayor and to work alongside Mayor Gallagher and my fellow Councillors. My focus will be on strengthening community engagement and ensuring that the voices of all residents are heard in shaping the services and priorities that matter most.”

Both Mayor Gallagher and Deputy Mayor Carr thanked Councillors for their confidence and reaffirmed their commitment to inclusive leadership and strong advocacy for the community.

19/11/2025

National Asbestos Awareness Week: 24 November – 30 November 2025
Asbestos is now up to 100 years old, deteriorating and more dangerous

In the lead up to National Asbestos Awareness Week (NAAW) the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA) is warning all Australians that asbestos is still a big problem.

ASSEA’s CEO Jodie Deakes said safe proactive removal can save lives with around 6.2 million tonnes of deadly asbestos in our homes, businesses and workplaces which is enough to fill the MCG five times over.

“Asbestos is still in many homes built before 1990, and in older buildings it can be up to 100 years old and deteriorating making it increasingly more dangerous,” Ms Deakes said.
“As asbestos products deteriorate with age the risk of exposure to deadly fibres increases.”

Asbestosis Council of Victoria CEO Vicki Hamilton said that’s why we are asking
Australians to prioritise the safe and proactive removal of asbestos in their homes which costs around half the amount of unplanned, reactive removal following an accident or natural disaster.

“We all know Australians love to DIY and renovate especially in the warmer months, but
homeowners may unknowingly expose themselves and their loved ones to danger.

“Even simple home upgrades like drilling into eaves to install security cameras or sensor lights, or sanding back an asbestos painted wall can release fibres that when inhaled can cause mesothelioma and lung cancer, ” Ms Hamilton said.

Ms Deakes said there are real concerns for renovators with over 3,000 asbestos products used and found both inside and outside of older homes built before 1990.

Products that can contain asbestos include floors, walls, ceilings, eaves, fences and roofs. These materials are now between 30 and 100 years old which is well beyond their expected lifespan.

“We’re advising DIYers undertaking home improvement projects to remove potential uncertainty and risk by contacting their local authority for guidance on asbestos removal and how to contact a qualified asbestos assessor and removalist,” Ms Deakes said.

“By knowing where asbestos is in your home and prioritising its safe removal, you can plan for the unplanned and protect yourself, your family and neighbours.

“Accidents can also happen. A cricket ball hitting a shed causing damage, or a wall getting scraped when moving furniture, can be enough to disturb asbestos and cause a hazardous situation.

As Australia heads into summer there is a real risk that bushfires, floods and storms can damage or disturb asbestos in homes and sheds, which exposes residents, emergency responders, clean-up crews and volunteers to deadly fibres.

“Proactive removal with the right professional, before natural disaster strikes can significantly reduce these risks while protecting those in your community and on the front line of emergency response and recovery,” Ms Deakes said.

“It can also save you from hidden costs, as in many cases insurance may not cover asbestos clean-up and remediation costs, which can be significant.”

Whether at home or at work; through renovation, DIY, accident or natural disaster, asbestos exposure is a real risk for everyone.

Australia’s asbestos legacy continues to have tragic consequences with around 4,000 people dying each year from asbestos-related diseases.

For more information, visit asbestossafety.gov.au

Background
The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency was established in 2013 to oversee national actions to improve asbestos awareness and the effective and safe management, removal and disposal of asbestos.

The Agency’s key function is to work with state and territory governments to implement the Asbestos National Strategic Plan which provides a long-term, phased approach to eliminating asbestos-related diseases in Australia.

The Phase Three Asbestos National Strategic Plan 2024-2030 is focussed on actions that will increase the rate of asbestos removal safely. With approximately 6 million tonnes of ageing asbestos material remaining in our built environment, there is a more urgent need to focus on safe, proactive removal and disposal.

For practical guidance on identifying and managing asbestos in the built environment, ASSEA’s Asbestos Product Guide is a valuable resource.

The guide provides detailed information on the types of asbestos-containing materials commonly found in Australian buildings, helping homeowners, renovators, and professionals recognise potential risks and plan for safe, proactive removal. The guide is available at www.asbestossafety.gov.au/products

19/11/2025

There has been a lot of talk about the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS. Here’s the latest from NASA, there are links in the comments to the NASA photo library as well.

19/11/2025

Police search for thief following car theft in Shepparton UPDATE
Friday 21 November 2025 at 3:18 pm

Shepparton police officers have arrested a man following the theft of a vehicle with a toddler on board in Shepparton last week.

It is alleged the man stole a vehicle, which had a sleeping child inside, from a supermarket carpark on Maude Street just before 2pm on 14 November.

The man allegedly removed the toddler from the car, placing the child in a box in the carpark before driving the Volkswagen away.

The victim returned and located the toddler, who was not physically injured.

Police recovered the stolen car the following day in the Mooroopna area.

Today detectives from Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit and officers from the Shepparton Divisional Response Unit arrested the man in central Shepparton about 2pm.

The 32-year-old Mooroopna man will be interviewed in relation to the incident and serious driving offences.

Investigators would like to thank the public for providing information leading to the arrest of the man.

Thursday 20 November 2025 at 1:47 am

Shepparton Divisional Response Unit officers are appealing for public assistance to identify a man following the theft of a vehicle in Shepparton last week.

Police have been told a vehicle with a sleeping child inside was parked in a supermarket carpark on Maude Street while the victim quickly ran into the store just before 2pm on 14 November.

It is believed an unknown male offender then took the opportunity to steal the red Volkswagen and reversed out of the car park.

The offender then realised a baby was in the back seat and removed the baby, placing the child in a box in the car park before driving away.

The victim returned and immediately located the toddler before raising the alarm.

The stolen car was located the following day in the Mooroopna area.

Police have released CCTV and images of a man that may be able to assist with their enquiries. The offender is described as being aged in his 20s to 30s, with a slim build and 165cm tall.

He was wearing a black cap backwards, navy headphones, a blue Golden State basketball singlet, black shorts, light blue runners and black sweatbands on both wrists.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

19/11/2025

Wednesday 19th November 2025
Congratulations to Cr Damien Gallagher and Cr Anita Carr on being reelected as Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the Murrindindi Shire Council.

Our democratic system supports every person to be valued, every voice to be heard. Citizenship is our calling to uphold the values that democracy represents. It is a duty to engage, to care, and to actively contribute to a better future. To serve your community is the ultimate expression of citizenship. Tonight, I honour my fellow Councillors for their dedication to service, and I thank them most sincerely for supporting me to represent Murrindindi Shire Council once again as Mayor.

It is truly the honour of my life.

I congratulate Cr. Anita Carr on her reappointment to the role of Deputy Mayor.

The year ahead will be a defining chapter for this Council and for our community. Over the next 100 days, we will set a clear roadmap to achieve financial sustainability. As an organisation, we will sharpen our focus on efficiency and accountability, ensuring every dollar works harder for our residents. At the same time, we will engage deeply with our community to understand priorities for service delivery, so that what we provide truly reflects local needs. And we will continue to advocate strongly to the Victorian Government to play its critical role of accomplishing fairer distribution of grant funding and the full implementation of the recommendations from the Parliamentary Inquiry into Local Government Funding and Services. Together, these steps will position us to meet challenges head-on and build a stronger future for all.

I recommit myself tonight to serve the entire Murrindindi community, inclusively, to the very best of my ability.

Let’s get to it.

19/11/2025

19/11/2025

December 6th is set to be the Biggest Sedan Meeting in Victoria this year, DONT Miss It!!! Some of the Best Sedan Drivers in Victoria and in some cases Australia across 5 classes- all in one place, One Night 🏁🏁