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16/12/2024

At approximately 1:30 am on Sunday morning, Police were called to attend a carpark in the Ballarat CBD in relation to reports of an attempted robbery. Police will allege a male approached a group walking through the CBD and made a verbal demand for alcohol that was in the possession of one of the victims.

Police will further allege that when he was refused, the male threatened to stab the victim, before making a further demand for the victims watch. The group ran to the Ballarat Police Station to report the assault and as a result - a 22-year-old male from Redan was arrested and transported to the Ballarat Police Station for interview. The male was charged with several offences and was remanded by Police to appear at the Ballarat Magistrates Court today.

▣ At approximately 3:00 am on Sunday morning, Police were called to Sebastopol Street in Ballarat Central in relation to reports that two males were fighting.
Upon arrival, Police will allege they located two vehicles that had been involved in a collision and subsequent checks of one of the vehicles, described as a Toyota Van, revealed it had been stolen from an address in Sebastopol earlier in the night.

Police will further allege that a search of the stolen vehicle located a sawn-off double barrel shotgun and a quantity of ammunition. As a result, a 33-year-old Ballarat man was arrested and transported to the Ballarat Police Station for interview. Investigations are continuing in relation to the identity of the second male, who had fled the scene prior to Police arrival.

▣ At approximately 6:00 pm on Sunday afternoon, Police and CFA were called to the State Forest in Hillcrest in relation to a vehicle fire. Upon arrival, CFA members quickly took control of the blaze and extinguished the vehicle, described as being a Nissan Pathfinder.

Enquiries by Police revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen from an address in Smythesdale overnight. As a result of the fire, the vehicle was completely destroyed, and enquiries are being undertaken by the Moorabool CIU in relation to the vehicle theft and subsequent fire, which is also reported to have burned an area of approximately 20m x 20m.

▣ At approximately 7:00pm on Sunday night, Police and AV were called to an address in Aster Street Wendouree, in relation to reports of an assault and possible stabbing. Upon arrival, Police spoke to a number of people, including the victim who was reported to have minor injuries. Detectives from the Ballarat CIU attended and processed the scene before attending at a second address and speaking to another female involved in the alleged dispute.

As a result, a 34-year-old female from Wendouree was arrested for assault and theft related offences before being transported to the Ballarat Police Station for interview. Detectives are urging anyone who may have witnessed the assault, to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 and make an anonymous report.

▣ At approximately 9:00pm on Sunday evening, Police and FRV were called to a building in Eastwood Street Ballarat in relation to a fire. Upon arrival, FRV quickly took control and located a fire in the roof area of the building.
The fire, which was contained to an evaporative cooling unit was quickly extinguished and at this stage, deemed to be non-suspicious. Several external services were requested to attend, including the City of Ballarat, who ensured the structure was safe and Powercor in relation to electrical hazards.
This fire outlines the exemplary performance of our emergency services who coordinated a multi agency response in rapid time, not only preventing a larger building fire but with no reported injuries to any person.

Ballarat News Team
Victoria Police

15/12/2024

Last night (Sunday), emergency services rushed to the scene of a building fire in Ballarat Central, where multiple fire appliances were dispatched to Eastwood Street. The Taco Bill Mexican Restaurant suffered substantial damage, including a partial roof collapse.

Firefighters from FRV and CFA, stationed in Sebastopol and Ballarat, responded to the incident, and nearby shops were checked for potential fire spread.

A CFA spokesperson stated that a fire investigation is scheduled to commence this morning. The spokesperson consulted with shop owners, discussing plans for re-entry into their stores. However, staff from Taco Bill Mexican Restaurant were explicitly advised against entering the premises due to safety concerns.

It is believed that the fire commenced at approximately 9:12pm on Sunday evening, with multiple onlookers gathering to observe the firefighters in action, and Ladder Platform 67 being utilized to combat the fire in the roof space.

The origin of the fire is currently unknown, although it is suspected to have begun in the kitchen area of the restaurant. There have been no reports of injuries, and emergency personnel have not sustained any injuries.

Ballarat News Team
Victoria Police
CFA (Country Fire Authority)
Fire Rescue Victoria
Ambulance Victoria
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15/12/2024

A Total Fire Ban is in effect for several fire districts in Victoria, including Mallee, Wimmera, Northern Country, North Central, South West, Central (including Melbourne and Geelong), and West and South Gippsland, on Monday, 16 December 2024.

No fires can be lit outdoors from 12:01 AM to 11:59 PM. Please refer to www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firebans for updates.

Ballarat News Team
CFA (Country Fire Authority)
Fire Rescue Victoria

14/12/2024

Police are investigating following a fatal collision in Windermere this morning.

Emergency services were called to the Western Highway just west of Powells Road to reports of the two-vehicle collision, on Saturday, 14 December about 4.15am.

One man, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene.

A second man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
For the current provisional lives lost tally please see - https://www.police.vic.gov.au/road-safety.

Ballarat News Team
fans

12/12/2024

Police are pleading with motorists to prioritise road safety over the Christmas and New Year period as Operation Roadwise kicks off.

The statewide road policing operation, which launches on Friday, will run for an extended 20-day period and will see police highly visible across the state’s major roads and arterials.

There will be a significant focus on impaired driving with police conducting widespread alcohol and drug testing every day throughout the operation.

Police conducted more than 300,000 preliminary breath tests and almost 9000 roadside drug tests during last year’s Operation Roadwise.

Data shows December is the worst month of the year for drink drive offending, recording the highest number of drink driving detections and most collisions where the driver was over the blood alcohol limit.

Motorists are being warned they should expect to be tested anywhere, any time and to separate drinking and driving by planning ahead, arranging a designated driver or using alternative transport.

Operation Roadwise will see police highly visible on roads around coastal areas and popular holiday hotspots across regional Victoria.

With Boxing Day one of the busiest days for travel across the state, police are urging those hitting the roads to be patient, avoid distractions and take regular breaks to prevent fatigue.

To avoid receiving an infringement and having a costly Christmas, motorists are advised to obey the road rules and stick to the speed limits.

Police issued more than 19,000 traffic infringements during last year’s Operation Roadwise including 7631 speeding offences.

There were 17 lives lost on Victorian roads last year between 15 December and 1 January.

There have been 273 lives lost on Victoria roads to date, which is slightly below 276 at the same time last year.

Operation Roadwise commences at 00:01 hours on Friday 13 December 2024 and concludes at 23:59 hours on Wednesday 1 January 2025.

For more information and tips for staying safe on the roads during the festive period visit the Road Safety page on the Victoria Police website.

Quotes attributable to Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, Glenn Weir:

“As we head towards the end of the year, we’re urging everyone to make road safety a priority.

“The last place you want to end up this Christmas is in a hospital, or worse, as a result of road trauma.

“December is a high-risk period on our roads – we know there is a significant risk associated with impaired driving and we also see an influx of traffic as people head on holidays to regional areas.

“This year Operation Roadwise will run for 20 days until 1 January to ensure we have a highly visible police presence on our roads across this busy period.

“There will be a significant focus on impaired drivers so motorists should expect to be tested anywhere, any time and be prepared to face the consequences if you’re caught over the limit.

“It’s been another devastating year on our roads, and we make no apologies for doing all we can to prevent further serious injuries and deaths.”

Ballarat News Team

12/12/2024

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a stabbing which occurred in Darley earlier this week.

Officers have been told a 17-year-old boy was dropped off in Riverbend Drive about 5.50am on 9 December.

The teen made his way along Riverbend Drive when a white Ford sedan pulled into the street and a number of occupants jumped out and chased the boy to Hartog Grove.

The victim was cornered in the backyard of a property and assaulted and stabbed by a number of offenders.

It is alleged a second car, a silver Subaru Liberty, attended Hartog Grove during the assault.

The occupants of that vehicle were also allegedly involved in the assault and stabbing of the victim.

At this stage investigators believe the parties are known to each other and the victim was taken to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators have released CCTV of a number of people who may be able to assist police with their enquires along with images of possible vehicles involved.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or with further information or footage, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Ballarat News Team

08/12/2024

For our Bendigo readers…

Homicide Squad detectives have charged a man following an alleged fatal stabbing in Kangaroo Flat on Saturday.

It is believed an altercation allegedly took place between two men at a motel on High Street about 10.30pm.

Witnesses heard the confrontation and located a 49-year-old Kangaroo Flat man with suspected stab wounds.

He was treated by first responders but died at the scene.

A 25-year-old Kangaroo Flat man was arrested at the motel a short time later and has subsequently been charged with murder.

He has been remanded to face Bendigo Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.

It is believed the men were known to each other.

Ballarat News Team

08/12/2024

Danielle is missing.

The 41-year-old was last seen at around 9am on Saturday 30 November.

Danielle was last seen wearing black jeans and a blue top.

It is believed she may be in the Melbourne CBD area.

Police and family have concerns for Danielle’s welfare due to medical conditions.

Anyone with information on Danielle’s whereabouts is urged to contact Bacchus Marsh Police Station on (03) 5366 4500.

Ballarat News Team
Victoria Police

06/12/2024

Moorabool Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following an aggravated burglary in Wallace and a pursuit across Melton on Tuesday.

It is alleged the man broke into a licensed premises on Bungaree-Wallace Road in Wallace and stole the cash register, before fleeing the scene in a stolen Green Kia hatchback about 5.45am.

He was later allegedly spotted by police travelling along Centenary Avenue in Melton about 6.20am.

Officers attempted to deploy stop sticks, so the driver conducted a U-turn and drove at police.
Luckily, they jumped out of the way and were not injured.

The driver then fled the scene in the stolen vehicle and police terminated the pursuit.

Four hours later, the same driver was allegedly involved in a two-vehicle collision on the Melton Highway in Melton.

The driver of the other vehicle, a 78-year-old Kurunjang woman was not injured.

The driver of the green hatchback, a 27-year-old man of no fixed place of abode, was arrested at the scene.

He has been charged with aggravated burglary, criminal damage, driving dangerous while being pursued, theft offences, drug offences, disqualified driving and handle stolen goods.

He has been remanded to appear at Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on 19 December.

Ballarat News Team

06/12/2024

The Allan Labor Government is bringing more elite netball to regional Victoria for fans and families to enjoy, across Ballarat, Bendigo and Traralgon over the next three years.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Adddison representing the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events today joined Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman and Vixens and Australia Diamonds superstars Kate Moloney and Jo Weston at Selkirk Stadium in Ballarat to announce the exciting pre-season matches.

Following the success of the two-day Ballarat Blitz in March this year, Netball Victoria will now bring Super Netball to Ballarat, Bendigo and Traralgon in 2025, 2026 and 2027 – giving local netball fans the opportunity to see their heroes in their own town.

The Ballarat Blitz saw four exciting pre-season matches played at Selkirk Stadium, with the Adelaide Thunderbirds, GIANTS Netball and West Coast Fever all travelling to Ballarat for the competition against the Melbourne Vixens.

A men’s league exhibition match was also part of the Blitz.

As part of the roadshow there will be 15 matches, training sessions and community activities, junior clinics, and coaching and umpire workshops for locals.

The regional matches have been made possible by the Significant Sporting Events Program (SSEP), which has supported more than 1,000 sporting events of all shapes and sizes across the state, with more than half of all SSEP events being held in regional Victoria.

Further details, including the schedule and ticketing information, will be announced in the coming months.

Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos….

“Victorians live for sport and that passion is certainly not lost in the regions. We are bringing elite sport to all corners of our state so fans and families can experience the magic in their own backyards.”

Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison….

“Regional Victorians deserve to witness elite sport in their own backyard and there isn’t much better than Super Netball content in three booming regional centres including right here in Ballarat.”

Quote attributable to Netball Victoria CEO Andrea Pearman….

“We’re thrilled to continue working with the Victorian Government to deliver exciting netball events in regional Victoria each year, and this investment will enable us to expand our offering.”

Ballarat News Team

06/12/2024

Updated:

Detectives from the Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit are investigating a Burglary & Theft and subsequent Arson that occurred at a takeaway business on Sturt Street Ballarat at approximately 1:40 am on Thursday the 5th of December 2024.

Unknown offenders entered the business and located a small amount of cash in the till before leaving approximately 3 minutes later.

The same offenders have returned just before 1:00 am and were captured on CCTV lighting a fire inside the business before leaving.

Police have released the below CCTV still images of two males they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

If you have information in relation to this incident, or any crime in Victoria, we urge you to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 and make an anonymous report.

Image: file…..

Ballarat News Team
Victoria Police

06/12/2024

Emergency services were called to attend a reported motorcycle accident in Wendouree on Manneville Street at approximately 10:00am this morning ending in Ivanhoe Street.

It has been reported that the rider was being towed by an all-terrain vehicle when they came off and slid across the road, narrowly avoiding a concrete power pole.

The rider suffered a serious leg injury, and paramedics and police responded to the scene, providing medical attention and safely transporting the individual to an awaiting ambulance.

Ambulance Victoria confirmed that paramedics attended the incident in Wendouree at around 10am, transporting a male in his 30's to Ballarat Base Hospital in a stable condition with lower body injuries.

Ballarat News Team
Victoria Police
CFA (Country Fire Authority)
Fire Rescue Victoria
Ambulance Victoria

06/12/2024

A two-vehicle accident was reported at the intersection of Grevillea Road and Forest Street in Wendouree, prompting emergency services to respond at approximately 9:50am on Friday morning.

As a result, the intersection was closed, and traffic was rerouted around the scene.

Ambulance Victoria informed Ballarat News Team that paramedics responded to an incident in Wendouree at around 9:50am today (6 December), although no emergency treatment or transport was required.

Ballarat News Team
Victoria Police
CFA (Country Fire Authority)
Fire Rescue Victoria
Ambulance Victoria

06/12/2024

At approximately 5:00 am on Thursday December 5th, Police were called to attend a private residence in Gillies Street Wendouree, in relation to reports a firearm had allegedly been discharged at a vehicle parked at the address.

Upon arrival, a crime scene was established and specialist investigators from the Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit attended to process the scene.

Subsequent enquiries revealed that a second residence in Elizabeth Road Creswick, was also alleged to have had a firearm discharged toward the residence, causing damage to a front window.

Preliminary enquiries indicate that both incidents are connected, and investigators are seeking community assistance ~ urging anyone with information in relation to one or both incidents, to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000 and make an anonymous report.

Or visit Crimestoppers Victoria on the below link 👇

https://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/

Ballarat News Team
Victoria Police

05/12/2024

Police are investigating an attempted serious assault in Sebastopol on 5 December.

Officers attended a residence on Vale Steet about 1.20am where a woman in her 40s had sustained injuries.

The woman did not require medical treatment.

A 46-year-old man had fled the scene prior to police arrival and investigations are continuing to locate him.

Police believe the persons involved were known to each other.

Anyone with information or dashcam/CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Ballarat News Team
Victoria Police
CFA (Country Fire Authority)
Fire Rescue Victoria
Ambulance Victoria
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03/12/2024

Here is a statement from Buninyong-Mount Helen Fire Brigade which you can read below 👇

Tonight we will be conducting a training exercise in the pine plantation near your home, including a component near homes on Aubreys Rd, Magpie.

The training exercise will run from 6:30pm to 9:00pm, with the component of the exercise nearest Aubreys Rd being held earlier in the evening.

During this time, you will see fire trucks moving through the area, displaying red and blue flashing lights and spraying water simulating a response to fire in the area. The exercise will not use any fire or smoke.

We will be joined by Ballarat Fire Brigade and HVP.

Exercises like this allow us to practice our skills and improve our readiness to respond to fires in the area.

Please give us a wave if you see us out and about tonight.

Image: Buninyong-Mount Helen Fire Brigade

Ballarat News Team

03/12/2024

Police are currently on scene of a fatal car crash at Pitfield.

A vehicle was travelling south Pitfield Scarsdale Road when it veered off the road and rolled just after 1.30pm.

The driver and sole occupant, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene.

The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be established and police will prepare a report for the coroner.

Anyone who witnessed the crash or with footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

For the current provisional lives lost tally please see - https://www.police.vic.gov.au/road-safety.

Ballarat News Team
Victoria Police
CFA (Country Fire Authority)
Ambulance Victoria
Fire Rescue Victoria
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03/12/2024

Police are currently searching for a man in the Avoca area.

It is understood he was driving on Bridport Street in Avoca before crashing his vehicle into a ditch about 4am on 3 December.

The man fled the scene on foot.
With assistance from the Air Wing and Dog Squad, police are searching the state forest and surrounding areas.

The man is Caucasian, described as being of solid build and about 155cm tall with dark hair.

He was last seen wearing a red T-shirt, tan coloured shorts and a dark coloured hoodie.

Anyone who sights the man is urged not to approach him and to call Triple Zero.

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

Ballarat News Team

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#BreakingNews Last night (Sunday), emergency services rushed to the scene of a building fire in Ballarat Central, where multiple fire appliances were dispatched to Eastwood Street. The Taco Bill Mexican Restaurant suffered substantial damage, including a partial roof collapse. Firefighters from FRV and CFA, stationed in Sebastopol and Ballarat, responded to the incident, and nearby shops were checked for potential fire spread. A CFA spokesperson stated that a fire investigation is scheduled to commence this morning. The spokesperson consulted with shop owners, discussing plans for re-entry into their stores. However, staff from Taco Bill Mexican Restaurant were explicitly advised against entering the premises due to safety concerns. It is believed that the fire commenced at approximately 9:12pm on Sunday evening, with multiple onlookers gathering to observe the firefighters in action, and Ladder Platform 67 being utilized to combat the fire in the roof space. The origin of the fire is currently unknown, although it is suspected to have begun in the kitchen area of the restaurant. There have been no reports of injuries, and emergency personnel have not sustained any injuries. Ballarat News Team Victoria Police CFA (Country Fire Authority) Fire Rescue Victoria Ambulance Victoria @top fans

#BreakingNews Police are investigating following a fatal collision in Windermere this morning. Emergency services were called to the Western Highway just west of Powells Road to reports of the two-vehicle collision, on Saturday, 14 December about 4.15am. One man, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene. A second man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing. Anyone who witnessed the collision, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au For the current provisional lives lost tally please see - https://www.police.vic.gov.au/road-safety. Ballarat News Team @top fans

Emergency services were called to attend a reported motorcycle accident in Wendouree on Manneville Street at approximately 10:00am this morning ending in Ivanhoe Street. It has been reported that the rider was being towed by an all-terrain vehicle when they came off and slid across the road, narrowly avoiding a concrete power pole. The rider suffered a serious leg injury, and paramedics and police responded to the scene, providing medical attention and safely transporting the individual to an awaiting ambulance. Ambulance Victoria confirmed that paramedics attended the incident in Wendouree at around 10am, transporting a male in his 30's to Ballarat Base Hospital in a stable condition with lower body injuries. Ballarat News Team Victoria Police CFA (Country Fire Authority) Fire Rescue Victoria Ambulance Victoria

A two-vehicle accident was reported at the intersection of Grevillea Road and Forest Street in Wendouree, prompting emergency services to respond at approximately 9:50am on Friday morning. As a result, the intersection was closed, and traffic was rerouted around the scene. Ambulance Victoria informed Ballarat News Team that paramedics responded to an incident in Wendouree at around 9:50am today (6 December), although no emergency treatment or transport was required. Ballarat News Team Victoria Police CFA (Country Fire Authority) Fire Rescue Victoria Ambulance Victoria

Police are investigating an attempted serious assault in Sebastopol on 5 December. Officers attended a residence on Vale Steet about 1.20am where a woman in her 40s had sustained injuries. The woman did not require medical treatment. A 46-year-old man had fled the scene prior to police arrival and investigations are continuing to locate him. Police believe the persons involved were known to each other. Anyone with information or dashcam/CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au Ballarat News Team Victoria Police CFA (Country Fire Authority) Fire Rescue Victoria Ambulance Victoria @top fans

#BreakingNews Police are currently on scene of a fatal car crash at Pitfield. A vehicle was travelling south Pitfield Scarsdale Road when it veered off the road and rolled just after 1.30pm. The driver and sole occupant, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene. The exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be established and police will prepare a report for the coroner. Anyone who witnessed the crash or with footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au For the current provisional lives lost tally please see - https://www.police.vic.gov.au/road-safety. Ballarat News Team Victoria Police CFA (Country Fire Authority) Ambulance Victoria Fire Rescue Victoria @top fans

There was a moderate level of storm activity in and around the Ballarat district last night and into this morning. Today's rain is consistently falling across most of the state. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and avoid placing themselves in unnecessary danger while traveling. How much rain are you getting at your place ? Ballarat News Team

The Threat is Reduced following the bushfire at Creswick Bald Hills Road. This Advice message replaces the Watch & Act issued at 2:30pm on Thursday 21 November 2024. There is still fire active within the Creswick Plantation People located within the area are requested to maintain situation awareness and monitor for any changing conditions. Impacts in your area: Emergency services will remain in the area. Smoke will be visible from nearby communities and roads. This message was issued by Country Fire Authority. This will be the final message issued for this fire. Footage: file. Ballarat News Team CFA (Country Fire Authority)

How incredible is this, a beautiful magpie decided to land on our photographers foot this morning and just hung around for at least 5 minutes. How trusting are this creatures. Really sets the tone for the day. Ballarat News Team

● At approximately 8:55 pm on Saturday night, a Police unit was patrolling the Soldiers Hill area when they observed a Nissan Pulsar sedan travelling erratically. Police attempted to intercept the vehicle which failed to stop. The Police Air Wing observed the Nissan travelling nearby and maintained observations until Police members successfully deployed a vehicle immobilising device which deflated at least one tyre on the vehicle. The air wing tracked the Nissan Pulsar to a residential address in Sebastopol, where Police members attended, before locating the vehicle, which Police will further allege was an outstanding stolen and arresting the alleged driver, a 22-year-old Sebastopol man. The male was transported to the Ballarat Police Station for interview and was charged with a number of offences including Theft of a Motor Vehicle. ● At approximately 8:30 pm on Saturday night, a Police unit was patrolling the Ballarat CBD when they observed a Ford Falcon sedan exit a carpark at excessive speeds. Police located the vehicle in Humffray Street North and attempted to intercept it, however the driver failed to stop the and it was last seen travelling erratically onto East Street, Ballarat. The Police Air Wing located the vehicle a short time later and co-ordinated ground units and a vehicle immobilising device was successfully deployed on Russell Street. The driver is alleged to have continued to drive the vehicle erratically before dumping it at the intersection of Brougham Street and Doveton Street North before being arrested by Police. A 19-year-old male passenger was transported to the Ballarat Police Station where he was interviewed and released pending further enquiries. The driver, a 15-year-old male, was charged with a number of offences and will face the Ballarat Children's Court at a date to be fixed. ● At approximately 11:30 pm on Saturday night, emergency services were called to a single vehicle collision on the Meredith-Mount Mercer Road at Me

#BreakingNews Emergency responders swiftly arrived at the scene on the Midland Highway in Scotsburn this morning at approximately 7:11am following reports of a vehicle collision, where it is alleged the female driver collided with a road safety barrier and overturned. This morning's incident near Scotsburn Primary School has resulted in the closure of the Geelong-bound lane, with motorists being redirected via a designated detour. A HEMS helicopter was dispatched to the scene, and according to Ambulance Victoria's statement to Ballarat News Team: A teenage female has been airlifted to The Alfred Hospital in serious but stable condition with upper body injuries. Ballarat News Team Victoria Police CFA (Country Fire Authority) Ambulance Victoria Fire Rescue Victoria Buninyong-Mount Helen Fire Brigade

Please be mindful of wildlife, especially koalas, if you are visiting Mount Buninyong today or at any point in the future, as we observed a family consisting of two adults and a baby this morning. We were fortunate to spot koalas this morning; if you come across any, kindly refrain from approaching too closely and allow them to enjoy their tranquility. Ballarat News Team