Horse trainer Darren Weir receives two-year ban for using an electrical device on horses in 2018
The Victorian Racing Tribunal disqualifies Darren Weir from racing for another two years for using an electronic shock device known as a jigger on three horses.
How to prepare an Australian home for cold weather
Laine Taylor has bought a miner’s cottage in Ballarat. To help her winter proof this home she has engaged an accredited energy assessor.
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Grim reality for businesses left to pick up the pieces after bird flu outbreak
Despite poultry farmers being required to kill tens of thousands of their chickens to stop the spread of bird flu, the industry says it gets minimal financial support from government
Got an old, cold house like Laine's? Here are seven ways to make it warmer and cheaper
Australian homes are notoriously cold in winter — draughty, with poor insulation, thin glass and inadequate heating. But there's a growing movement of people retrofitting their homes to make them cheaper to run and more comfortable year-round, while also reducing emissions.
There's a bust of him in Westminster Abbey but the legend is struggling to live on in Australia
The lengthy closure of a South Australian cottage museum honouring bush poet and politician Adam Lindsay Gordon has fans fighting to prevent his legacy from fading into the past.
With a shrinking number of foreign students, smaller universities are struggling to survive
Jubin Raju loves studying in Australia but the government plans to put a cap on international students like him and that is not good news for struggling regional universities.
There wasn't a jazz club when James Valentine was growing up in Ballarat. Instead he tuned into the ABC
James Valentine grew up listening to jazz on the ABC. Five decades on he's sharing his love of the form on ABC Jazz, which turns 15 on July 1.
Women seeking abortions in Victoria's west forced to travel far at great cost
A new report from a regional Victorian women's health organisation reveals a dire lack of access to sexual health and reproductive services in the state's west.
'Heartbreaking closure' of beloved century-old cinema stuns regional city's moviegoers
The historic Regent Cinemas, once the largest "movie palace" in regional Victoria has closed, effective immediately, after almost 100 years of screening films.
Man hospitalised with suspected gunshot wound as police investigate 'targeted attack'
Victoria Police believe a "targeted attack" was carried out at a Ballarat property early on Monday morning, which led to a man being take to hospital with a suspected gunshot wound.
Meet the 'time-rich, cash-poor' Australian family hitchhiking their way to India on the adventure of a lifetime
A few weeks ago, the Jones family was waking to icy cold winter mornings. Now, they're seeing how far their thumbs can take them on the journey from central Victoria to India.
On this frosty morning train ride, some passengers say lower regional fares have changed their morning commute
Reduced prices have seen V/Line passenger numbers increase but the promised extra rail services haven't appeared — which can lead to packed carriages and longer commutes.
Phillip Island preparing for possible bird flu outbreak in penguins
When migratory birds return to Australia in spring they could bring the devastating strain of bird flu that has killed thousands of penguins in Antarctica, deeply worrying the people charged with protecting Victoria's little penguin colonies.
Sissy Austin was confused and concussed after a violent assault. She was discharged onto the street at 1am
Victoria's health minister has described the treatment of an Aboriginal woman who self-discharged from hospital as "shocking", while government data shows an increase in the number of First Peoples leaving hospitals against medical advice
Former clients engage Consumer Affairs after 'heartbreaking' conduct of Ballarat Real Estate
The ABC has spoken to 10 people about their experiences with property agent Ballarat Real Estate, alleging unethical and improper conduct, and potential breaches of the law.
Man accused of stealing from allegedly murdered woman's fundraiser faces court
Lachlan Morganti, 22, is charged with stealing more than $60,000 from an online fundraiser for allegedly murdered Victorian woman Hannah McGuire's grieving family.
'Leading with a stick': Victoria's stronger minimum rental standards raise concerns
A property lecturer says while the changes could lead to a more equitable quality of life, they also may lead to investors choosing to swap from long-term leases to short-term accommodation.
Volunteer firefighters go on strike over renewables projects, transmission lines
Volunteer firefighters from dozens of brigades in north central Victoria will refuse to fight fires at properties hosting renewable energy plants or transmission lines.
Victorian hospitals told to prepare for big budget cuts as government considers hospital mergers
More than 20 regional Victorian health services have been told their budgets will be slashed by up to 30 per cent in the coming financial year, the ABC understands.
'I am the high jump king': How a Ballarat landscape gardener has leapt into Olympic contention
Ballarat landscape gardener Yual Reath has declared he wants to be a high jump star as his Olympic dream beckons.
Victoria Police conclude latest search for clues regarding missing Ballarat mother Samantha Murphy
Victoria Police conclude their latest search in the Ballarat area for clues in the disappearance of Samantha Murphy.
Studying for exams in a derelict rental, Natalie struggles to see how she will break the poverty cycle
Living in a derelict rental is causing a lot of stress for Natalie as she eyes off a university degree.
'Never too young' to talk about safety, murdered schoolboy's father says, after students approached
Bruce Morcombe is urging parents to talk to their children about personal safety after reports a stranger has approached several students in regional Victoria.
$20 to take an old mattress to the tip sounds like a steal ... but where is the rubbish ending up?
With Facebook Marketplace and Airtasker offering easy solutions to waste management, authorities are urging due diligence to ensure rubbish is being disposed of the right way.
Police charge man over alleged theft of fundraising money donated to family of Hannah McGuire
Hannah McGuire was found dead near Ballarat in April, with more than $60,000 raised on GoFundMe in the days following.