Golden Plains Times

11/01/2026

🔥 Crews near Skipton still battling dangerous conditions despite easing warnings, more details 👇

Otway fire warnings were downgraded on Sunday, but emergency authorities warn even mild winds could push fires further across Victoria.

10/01/2026

⚠️ Otway fires still out of control, haze lingers across region, more details 👇

Thick smoke has spread across the Surf Coast and Geelong as out-of-control bushfires burn in the Otways, forcing evacuations and warnings.

09/01/2026

🔥 State of disaster declared across Victoria as fires rage, authorities act fast, full story 👇

Victoria enters a state of disaster after extreme fire conditions spark multiple bushfires across the state.

09/01/2026

🔥 Total Fire Ban extended across Victoria as crews battle fires, stay informed, Full story 👇

THE Total Fire Ban now in place across Victoria has been extended into tomorrow (Saturday, January 10) due to the several fires as a result of today’s Catastrophic conditions. Tomorrow’s conditions will be cooler than today (Friday, January 9), but still warm with strong winds across the state, ...

09/01/2026

🚨 EMERGENCY WARNING: Bushfire near Bamganie — too late to leave, take shelter indoors now 👇

**Update: This warning is no longer current. Stay informed: www.emergency.vic.gov.au

EMERGENCY WARNING - BUSHFIRE - Take Shelter Now
Incident Location: Shelford-Mt Mercer Rd, Mount Mercer
Issue Date: Friday 09 January 2026, 03:53 pm
Next Update: Friday 09 January 2026, 06:00 pm

This Emergency Warning is being issued for Bamganie.

- There is a bushfire at Shelford-Mt Mercer Rd, Mount Mercer that is not yet under control.
- The bushfire is travelling from Mt Mercer Road in a south-easterly direction towards Lethbridge.
- It is too late to leave the area safely so you must take shelter now.
- This Emergency Warning replaces the Watch and Act issued at 3.25 pm

You are in danger and need to act immediately to survive.

The safest option is to take shelter indoors immediately. It is too late to leave.

09/01/2026

WATCH & ACT - GRASS FIRE - Stay Near Shelter
Incident Location: Shelford-Mt Mercer Rd, Mount Mercer
Issue Date: Friday 09 January 2026, 03:07 pm
Next Update: Friday 09 January 2026, 05:10 pm

More details at http://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/ #!/warning/39242/moreinfo

This Watch and Act message is being issued for Bamganie, Lethbridge, Meredith, Mount Mercer, Shelford.
- There is a grassfire at Shelford-Mt Mercer Rd, Mount Mercer that is not yet under control.
- This grassfire is travelling in a easterly direction from 680 Shelford-Mount Mercer Road towards Midlands Highway.

Staying close to a building where you can shelter is the safest option, as conditions can change suddenly.

Continue to stay informed and monitor conditions.

09/01/2026

🎉 Unlimited kids’ rides, live DJs and outdoor cinema, it’s the ultimate school holiday day out at Geelong Racing Club. Details here 👇

Enjoy free rides and movies at the Geelong kids racing event on Jan 14. The ultimate family school holiday fun with free entry for U17s!

08/01/2026

🧺 A key organiser’s stepping back and Smythesdale’s market needs fresh hands. Get involved 👇

Smythesdale Country Market seeks local volunteers to help run and organise the popular community event supporting the historical society.

08/01/2026

Read this week's FREE digital edition here >>> bit.ly/GPT-digital

08/01/2026

🎶 Nightjar Festival's back in Torquay this weekend with live music, lights and summer vibes. Don’t miss it 👇

THE Nightjar Festival will to return to Torquay for a highly anticipated second night, with organisers promising an evening of live music, connection and a laid-back coastal atmosphere that has quickly become a Surf Coast favourite. Following a strong opening night, night two is shaping up to delive...

08/01/2026

🍷 Forage and Feast kicks off this month with 130 food experiences across six regions. Full guide 👇

Experience the Central Highlands food festival with 130+ events, showcasing local food, wine, and cider across six regions this January to February.

07/01/2026

🧺 You're invited to a picnic on a 130-year-old railway bridge with local food, drinks and music. Book your spot 👇

Nimons Bridge picnic invites food lovers and history buffs to enjoy local cuisine, drinks, and live music as part of the Forage and Feast Festival.