General News
30 December, 2025
2025 in review
As 2025 draws to a close, take a look back at the many highlights, challenges and defining moments from another unforgettable year in the Central Goldfields Shire and surrounds.
January
The hot weather was well and truly here in January, with a house in Alma completely destroyed by fire.
Later in the month, there were three suspicious fires in the space of one week, with the largest burning through 100 hectares of farmland between Maryborough and Avoca.
January also marked the 40th anniversary of the 1985 fires that devastated the district — destroying 101 homes.
A Maryborough man had the surprise of his life early in the year, winning Tattslotto’s division one and becoming a millionaire.
Janet Watts, Ella Govan and the Live4Life program were each recognised during the Central Goldfields Shire’s Australia Day awards.
February
Maryborough’s Riding Develops Abilities (RDA) began the lengthy process of finding a new home, after a change in agreements meant their former Johnson Street site was no longer suitable.
In mid-February, Maryborough’s Nightingale Clinic reopened its books to community members — with four additional GPs joining the clinic.
March
In some heartwarming news from March, The Advertiser covered a story where Dunolly resident Ian Ellem helped save the life of his best friend, Ian Blacket, after he suffered a cardiac arrest.
To end the month, the Central Goldfields Shire Council took a strong and unanimous stand — stating “enough is enough” when tasked with deciding on further broiler farm developments locally.
April
The Federal Labor Government pledged $4 million to help reopen the Maryborough Outdoor Pool if re-elected.
Talbot’s Darron Reid was awarded in April for his efforts in helping save fellow local Barry Ross’ life after suffering a cardiac arrest during an eight ball competition.
The Maryborough Hospital’s $115 million redevelopment officially opened to the community, marking a new era of healthcare in the district.
Majorca’s newly re-planted Avenue of Honour marked its first Anzac Day service.
May
The Federal Court dismissed the Central Goldfields Shire Council’s appeal of a new enterprise agreement that would see better conditions for staff.
A more than 120-year-old family home was destroyed by fire in Wareek, sending shockwaves through the tight-knit community.
Volunteer firefighters spoke out about the Victorian Government’s newly announced Emergency Services Volunteers Fund (ESVF), labelling it a “kick in the guts”.
Peter Harriott is named the Central Goldfields Shire Council’s new CEO, commencing a five-year term in the top job.
June
In June it was announced that pharmacies across the state, including locally, would be able to treat conditions that would usually require an appointment with a doctor following a successful pilot program.
Maryborough’s Full Monty fundraiser was deemed a success, raising in excess of $30,000 for the local health service in a record year.
July
Local residents celebrated NAIDOC week at the Maryborough Pony Club in July, reflecting on the meaning of inclusion and country.
A local man was shot dead following an hours long police siege at a Daisy Hill property.
The Maryborough RSL sub branch prepared to return commemorative crosses to descendants and family members.
Community Satisfaction Survey results were in for the Central Goldfields Shire, showing overall that council performs worse than its peers.
This month marked the 50th anniversary of the disappearance of Maryborough boy Terry Floyd, with a memorial plaque unveiled in Avoca.
Bendigo Bank announced the closure of its regional agencies, impacting branches including Clunes and St Arnaud.
August
A joint operation between local police and the Sherriff’s Office Victoria caught almost $100,000 in unpaid fines and 27 defective vehicles.
The local VicRoads agency’s future came into question, with the shift to a transaction-based model meaning council would no longer be subsidised for operating the service.
September
Local residents and businesses began putting pressure on the local council, and the Victorian Government, to do more to keep Maryborough’s VicRoads agency open.
While already open to the community, the Maryborough District Health Service prepared to host a community open day at Maryborough’s redeveloped hospital, giving locals a chance to see the new facilities first-hand.
The Central Goldfields Shire Council passed its new local laws for the next decade, including clear rules on trolley collection, new rules for burning in open air and prohibiting the use of drones at the Maryborough Aerodrome.
October
In October, it was announced that Maryborough’s VicRoads services would remain — following wide-spread protesting, petitions and advocacy at a community level.
Maryborough’s Princes Park was set for rejuvenation, with two projects valued at over $700,000 to revitalise the precinct’s sporting facilities.
The Natte Yallock Fire Brigade’s new station and heavy tanker were unveiled to the community in October, providing a significant boost to emergency response for the region.
The reopening of Maryborough’s Outdoor Pool swells to $14 million due to rising construction costs.
November
Despite the council’s opposition, the Moolort Plains will be home to another broiler farm after it was given the green light by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT).
Energy Breakthrough returned for its 33rd year in November, with numbers swelling to those of pre-COVID levels in a promising sign for the event.
The development of a local splash park and restoration of the Carisbrook Railway Station are among projects shelved due to financial pressures, council claims.
December
To mark the end of the year, it was announced Dunolly’s school crossing would be without a supervisor — sparking safety concerns for local students.
Dogs will now be allowed in Maryborough’s CBD, following a change to council’s local laws.
Highview College’s Paul De Mesa and the Maryborough Education Centre’s Ashley Mason are named dux of their respective schools.
