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The Courier
Tuesday 20 January 2026
The Courier's complete view of property
Crime
Thieves drag 600kg safe down Miners Rest street in daring post office heist
Miners Rest Post Office Licensee Deidre Nichols said thieves dragged an almost 600kg safe down the road in a daring weekend heist. Picture by Lachlan Bence
'It was not a very nice wake up call on Sunday.'
Nick Powell
No comments
Tribute

'I miss your laugh': young Creswick footballer Odinn Cole farewelled

Odinn Cole was remembered as a loyal friend, loving brother and cousin, and a consummate teammate. Picture by Lachlan Bence
'I just ask please, please speak to someone, speak to anyone.'
Jesse Robertson-Torres • 2hrs ago
No comments
Updated

Fatal Cressy train crash leaves two dead as Hamilton Highway partly closed
Police are investigating the circumstances behind the incident.
Gwen Liu
Police are investigating the circumstances that led to a fatal train crash at Cressy. File picture
Analysis

The five affairs you cannot afford to miss on this year's CHFL schedule
There are key storylines all the way through the 2026 billing.
Jesse Robertson-Torres
No comments
It goes without saying the CHFL grand final rematch will be a spicy occasion, but you will not see it immediately. Picture by Kate Healy
Property
Nicole Kidman sells one of her six luxury Sydney apartments for $8.5 million
The Aussie star ended her marriage to Keith Urban last year.
Jade Lazarevic
No comments
The view from the $8.5 million apartment in Sydney's Latitude complex. Picture supplied
A $560,000 betrayal: how a Clunes father was trapped in his own backyard
The warning signs of elder abuse every family should know.
Anna Houlahan
Richard was suffering from rashes and infections (inset image), as well as fluid on the lungs, when he was removed from the care of one of his sons. Picture supplied/file
Photos
Our pictures from the third week of the Summer Sundays festival
Sam, 8, Katie and George, 13, from Sulky soaks up week three of Summer Sundays at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Picture by Kate Healy
All our photos from the third weekend of the festival.
No comments
'It doesn't feel real': shock scratchie win buys Ballarat family a new home
Local newsagent celebrates milestone after selling top prize.
Anna Houlahan
A stock image of a winning ticket and moving boxes. Picture by The Lott

Magpies raid the Swans nest as Clunes snare BFNL recruits

Ballarat Swans Jack Harwood has joined Clunes. Picture by Lachlan Bence
Two Swans change colours, and leagues, heading to Clunes.
Greg Gliddon
No comments
Column

Like they never left: Bunny blitz empowers an emerging women's program
Buninyong took a big leap, and their girls are paying it off.
Jesse Robertson-Torres
No comments
Freya Palmer has announced herself as a prime force in local circles as a hopeful Buninyong outfit aims to follow her lead. Picture by Kate Healy

Witness recounts 'traumatic' moments before fatal Creswick Road crash

Driver faces dangerous driving charge over fatal motorbike crash.
Amy Roulston
Witness recounts 'traumatic' moments before fatal Creswick Road crash. Picture by Lachlan Bence
More than 1000 fire prevention notices issued to Ballarat landowners
Firefighters say council 'should issue [notices] to themselves'.
Nick Powell
No comments
A burnt property along Mt William Road near Skipton. Picture by Kate Healy
Our People
The man responsible for the Ballarat Miners' last title is back for more
Ray Borner, pictured in 2024, will be at the helm for the Ballarat Miners this season. Picture by Kate Healy
After more than 20 years, Ray Borner returns as head coach.
Greg Gliddon
No comments
Bushfires
CFA volunteers left stunned after water theft puts 'lives in danger'
Cape Clear CFA loses over 20,000 litres of water in shock theft.
Greg Gliddon
No comments
Ben Kirby and Casey Steel of Cape Clear CFA discovered that around 20,000 litres of storage water had been stolen less than a week after bushfires tore through the nearby area. Picture by Kate Healy

More money, fewer volunteers: Inside the delayed CFA report

New vehicles and stations pushed the Country Fire Authority's dollar value up more than $100m. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)
Volunteer firefighters accused the government of cutting CFA funding.
Callum Godde

It looks a race in two for the BCA Women's Cricket of the Year award

Votes for the BCA Cricketer of the Year 2025-26.
Greg Gliddon and Jesse Robertson-Torres
No comments
Is Golden Point's Maddy Ogilvie on track for another big award this season? File picture
Property

88 phone calls in a day: what's driving frenzy around these two homes
Both homes sold for double their price from about 10 years ago.
Gwen Liu
No comments
An earlier auction in Ballarat. Picture by Lachlan Bence
Health
Burnt out Grampians Health staff to walk off the job over pay dispute
Staff burnout is pushing regional hospitals to the brink.
Michelle Smith
No comments
Healthcare Workers Union members at Ballarat Base Hospital are among thousands planning to stop work on Tuesday January 20 in the fight for better pay and conditions. Picture by Michelle Smith
Updated
Grass fire north-east of Clunes under control, as message downgraded
A firetruck fighting the Glengower fire north of Clunes on Monday. Picture by Wayne Rigg
Fire crews were called to the blaze just after 1pm on Monday.
Adam Spencer
Crime
Machetes allegedly found in stolen car tracked from Creswick to Sebastopol
Police say one car was allegedly towing another.
Adam Spencer
Two teenagers were arrested by police after allegedly stolen cars were tracked across the Ballarat region on Saturday, January 17, 2026. File picture

Batting depth looks the key in Ballarat's return to top of Country Week

Matt Aikman is back in the BCA Melbourne Country Week squad. File picture
Experience and form crucial for the BCA's return to Provincial.
Greg Gliddon
No comments
Our People

'I ran on a broken ankle': Estlick defies the odds in powerful track return
Sprinter finds her feet again after injury and illness.
Greg Gliddon
No comments
Mackenzie Estlick ran her first race in nine months after a multitude of injuries and illnesses. Picture by Lachlan Bence
Opinion

Out-of-towners say 'thank you' for Base's emergency medical hospitality
Readers have their say in this week's Letters to the Editor.
Letters to the Editor
No comments
Out-of-towners say thank you for emergency medical hospitality. File picture

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Latest News

'Irreplaceable': Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst dies

Samantha Lock and Andrew Stafford • 32m ago
Midnight Oil's drummer Rob Hirst has died aged 70 after battling pancreatic cancer. Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS

Trigger pulled on gun buyback as laws pass parliament

Jacob Shteyman and Grace Crivellaro • 59m ago
New gun laws will tighten licensing rules and expand intelligence checks. Photo: Julian Smith/AAP PHOTOS

Green light for Invasion Day march despite protest ban

Adelaide Lang and Kat Wong • 1hr ago
The annual Invasion Day rally can proceed in Sydney on January 26. Photo: Steven Markham/AAP PHOTOS

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Featured Videos

National

'Irreplaceable': Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst dies

Midnight Oil's drummer Rob Hirst has died aged 70 after battling pancreatic cancer. Photo: Dean Lewins/AAP PHOTOS
Hailed as "the engine driving one of the greatest live bands of all time", tributes are pouring in for Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst after he died of cancer.
Samantha Lock and Andrew Stafford • 32m ago

Trigger pulled on gun buyback as laws pass parliament

Gun reforms that Labor says would have banned the two Bondi shooters from owning firearms have passed parliament with support from the Greens.
Jacob Shteyman and Grace Crivellaro • 59m ago
New gun laws will tighten licensing rules and expand intelligence checks. Photo: Julian Smith/AAP PHOTOS

Green light for Invasion Day march despite protest ban

Controversial protest restrictions after the Bondi terror attack will continue for at least a fortnight but Invasion Day rallies will be allowed to go ahead.
Adelaide Lang and Kat Wong • 1hr ago
The annual Invasion Day rally can proceed in Sydney on January 26. Photo: Steven Markham/AAP PHOTOS

Big change to rules for MPs' family reunion travel entitlements

'Parliamentary life is not family friendly.'
Dana Daniel • 1hr ago
No comments
Labor MP Annika Wells, Special Minister of State Don Farrell and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Pictures by Keegan Carroll, Karleen Minney

Man found dead in car, police quiz travel companions

Two people travelling with an elderly man before he was found dead in the back seat of a car are being questioned as homicide squad detectives investigate.
Samantha Lock • 2hrs ago
Homicide detectives are investigating the death of a man found in a car outside a regional hospital. Photo: Ronnie Amini/AAP PHOTOS

Sport

'I miss your laugh': young Creswick footballer Odinn Cole farewelled

Tribute
Odinn Cole was remembered as a loyal friend, loving brother and cousin, and a consummate teammate. Picture by Lachlan Bence
'I just ask please, please speak to someone, speak to anyone.'
Jesse Robertson-Torres • 2hrs ago
No comments

It looks a race in two for the BCA Women's Cricket of the Year award

Votes for the BCA Cricketer of the Year 2025-26.
Greg Gliddon and Jesse Robertson-Torres
No comments
Is Golden Point's Maddy Ogilvie on track for another big award this season? File picture

Magpies raid the Swans nest as Clunes snare BFNL recruits

Two Swans change colours, and leagues, heading to Clunes.
Greg Gliddon
No comments
Ballarat Swans Jack Harwood has joined Clunes. Picture by Lachlan Bence
Analysis

The five affairs you cannot afford to miss on this year's CHFL schedule
There are key storylines all the way through the 2026 billing.
Jesse Robertson-Torres
No comments
It goes without saying the CHFL grand final rematch will be a spicy occasion, but you will not see it immediately. Picture by Kate Healy
Column

Like they never left: Bunny blitz empowers an emerging women's program
Buninyong took a big leap, and their girls are paying it off.
Jesse Robertson-Torres
No comments
Freya Palmer has announced herself as a prime force in local circles as a hopeful Buninyong outfit aims to follow her lead. Picture by Kate Healy
PropertyView
Ready to sit on your throne? The 'Fresh Prince of Bel Air' home to hit the market
Get your life flipped, turned upside down. Pic: Airbnb/Instagram.
Get your life flipped, turned upside down.
January Jones
No comments
AFL legend Travis Boak has listed his custom-built Adelaide home
Boak is moving to Melbourne to take on a new role with the Blues.
January Jones
No comments
Boak is moving to Melbourne to take on a new role with the Blues. Pic: Supplied.
Property
The hidden cost for locals in a booming tree-change town
A huge surge in city movers is transforming a border town.
Jen Melocco
No comments
Home prices in Wodonga are on the rise as it grows in popularity. Pic: Supplied

Harry Potter star lists home in NSW Southern Highlands town of less than 4000 people

Property
One of a series of decks, this spot is the perfect place to unwind. Pic: Supplied
The actor discovered the home while working on an Australian film.
Jen Melocco
No comments
Property

88 phone calls in a day: what's driving frenzy around these two homes
Both homes sold for double their price from about 10 years ago.
Gwen Liu
No comments
An earlier auction in Ballarat. Picture by Lachlan Bence
Property

Nicole Kidman sells one of her six luxury Sydney apartments for $8.5 million
The Aussie star ended her marriage to Keith Urban last year.
Jade Lazarevic
No comments
The view from the $8.5 million apartment in Sydney's Latitude complex. Picture supplied

What's On

Our pictures from the third week of the Summer Sundays festival

Photos
Sam, 8, Katie and George, 13, from Sulky soaks up week three of Summer Sundays at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Picture by Kate Healy
All our photos from the third weekend of the festival.
No comments
What's on

The 'survival' class hitting the lake amid surge in regional drownings
'You've got a disaster sitting there waiting to happen.'
Nick Powell
No comments
The program teaches people how navigate slippery banks, rotate in life jackets, and push through thick weeds. Picture supplied

The life, times and religion of Bluey

How Bluey uses religious parables to teach lessons we all need.
Sarah Lawson
No comments
How Bluey is teaching us lessons we all need. Picture Ludo Studio
What's on

'Like casting Bond': how AFL hard man Barry Hall became a music video star
Bogan-funk band Playlunch are playing in Ballarat this weekend.
Sophia Baker
No comments
Playlunch are playing in Ballarat this weekend. Picture supplied
Bushfires

Rising from the ashes as Graham family get behind Carranballac fundraiser
Athletes come together to help out Carranballac Cricket Club.
Greg Gliddon
No comments
Skipton premiership ruckman Patrick Graham, who will play BFNL with Ballarat this season, is also the Carranballac Cricket Club captain. Picture by Kate Healy

Sponsored

From grizzlies to desert glitz

Branded Content
One of the grizzly bears you'll see at Grouse Mountain. Picture Shutterstock
See some of the best of the Americas on this sun-soaked Pacific cruise exploration from Canada to Mexico.
Rosie Ryan

Spectacular drone show experience returns to Canberra sky

Bigger and brighter that ever, the FLIGHT: Drone SkyShow is set to light up the sky.
Rosie Ryan
The sky becomes the canvas for the shows featuring 600 drones. Picture supplied
Branded Content

An unexpected music career
From rural science to the ARIA stage: Fanny Lumsden's journey and how the next wave of musicians are finding their voice at UNE.
Miranda Aitken
Two-time ARIA award winner Fanny Lumsden is an University of New England alumna. Picture by Dan Stanley Freeman.

Community

Submit your baby's photo to The Courier

Submit your baby's photo to The Courier
We will publish your photos in our gallery.
The Courier
Our People

Calling Ballarat brides: submit your wedding photo
Photos will be published in our weddings gallery and in print.
Marnie Papst, Annie Jew, Maddie Slater, Cecily Frost, Hayley Hynes at Hayley and Nick Hynes' wedding. Picture submitted by Hayley Hynes.
What's on

The 'survival' class hitting the lake amid surge in regional drownings
'You've got a disaster sitting there waiting to happen.'
Nick Powell
No comments
The program teaches people how navigate slippery banks, rotate in life jackets, and push through thick weeds. Picture supplied

Photo Galleries

Thieves drag 600kg safe down Miners Rest street in daring post office heist

Crime
Miners Rest Post Office Licensee Deidre Nichols said thieves dragged an almost 600kg safe down the road in a daring weekend heist. Picture by Lachlan Bence
'It was not a very nice wake up call on Sunday.'
Nick Powell
No comments
Photos

Our pictures from the third week of the Summer Sundays festival
All our photos from the third weekend of the festival.
No comments
Sam, 8, Katie and George, 13, from Sulky soaks up week three of Summer Sundays at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Picture by Kate Healy
Our People

'That's what you do': Streatham man fights fire next door as his home burns
'He rang me ... he said, 'It's gone up. We're off to fight another fire'.'
Nick Powell
No comments
Pauline and Leigh Graham standing in front of the remains of their home. Picture by Nick Powell
Photos

Were you at Summer Sundays this weekend? Take a look
All our photos from the second weekend of the festival.
No comments
Ballarat's Barb Johnston, Milo, Sally Spence and Benji at Week 2 of Summer Sundays at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Picture by Kate Healy

Fire recovery begins for Ballarat region as state of disaster declared

Properties west of Ballarat have been lost, as communities rally.
The Courier Live
No comments
Picture supplied by Derrinallum and District Facebook Page

Comment

Opinion polls in the wake of Bondi should alarm both parties

Opinion
Pauline Hanson received a boost in the polls. Pictures The Canberra Times
An unexpected side did, however, receive a surge.
Crispin Hull
No comments
Opinion

Appease and the bully only returns for more
Trump's shakedown of Europe over Greenland was predictable.
John Hanscombe
US President Donald Trump. Picture Shutterstock
Opinion

Tired of AI chatbots? Why the 'human touch' is becoming a luxury in 2026
Small business may well be the last voice of truth in commerce.
Bruce Billson
No comments
Small business success relies on everyday systems that work. Picture by Shutterstock
Explore
Book Now
Sydney Fish Market is finally open. Does it live up to the hype? Here's our verdict
A decade in the making, the $836 million Sydney Fish Market has opened for business.
It's the largest fish market in the southern hemisphere.
Carla Mascarenhas
No comments
The world's most powerful passport revealed - and Australia has slipped in the rankings
Two major countries also showed steep declines, the Index found.
Carla Mascarenhas
No comments
Passport. Picture from Unsplash / Henry Thong
Sydney on a shoestring: 6 brilliant ways to entertain kids without breaking the bank
A trip to the big smoke doesn't have to mean haemorrhaging money.
Ashley Walmsley
No comments
Sydney in all its splendour can make for a happy holiday for families looking to experience the big smoke. Pictures by Ashley Walmsley
CarsGuide

Jeep and Peugeot parent could look to Chinese Leapmotor for future of its hybrid models

CarsGuide
Jeep and Peugeot parent could look to Chinese Leapmotor for future of its hybrid models
In what seems to be an obvious end-game as part of its team-up with Leapmotor, Stellantis could be set to lean on its Chinese partner for hybrid technology to bolster its other brands in Europe.
Tom White • 2hrs ago
CarsGuide

Foton Tunland 2026 review: V7 C 4x2 - GVM test
China has made a substantial impact on the Australian ute market by single-handedly creating a new category of utes, which are larger than traditional Ranger/HiLux size but smaller than full-size US pick-ups.
Mark Oastler
Foton Tunland 2026 review: V7 C 4x2 - GVM test
CarsGuide

Important tweaks for best-selling EV: 2026 Tesla Model Y gets upgraded cabin tech as it looks to fend off competition from BYD Sealion 7, Kia EV5 and Zeekr 7X
Rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive variants of the Tesla Model Y will now feature a larger central vertical touchscreen as part of a mild upgrade for 2026.
Tim Gibson
Important tweaks for best-selling EV: 2026 Tesla Model Y gets upgraded cabin tech as it looks to fend off competition from BYD Sealion 7, Kia EV5 and Zeekr 7X
CarsGuide

Cheap Mazdas to be axed
The writing has been on the wall for years now, but Mazda will cease production of two of its entry-level models as it gears up to launch an all-new replacement, according to reports.
Jack Quick
Cheap Mazdas to be axed
CarsGuide

Why Mazda is about to get less Japanese
Mazda has pushed back its in-house EV plans to 2029 as it focuses development of its incoming in-house hybrid drivetrain, according to a new report.
Tom White
Why Mazda is about to get less Japanese
The Senior

Why pensioners are choosing Victoria for their next big move

It's possible to have a sea change and not pay stamp duty in Victoria - for eligible pensioners. Picture from Nutrien Harcourts.
The $600k property trick: how you can save thousands.
Lisa Edser
No comments

'Three weeks later I was engaged': Supermodel spills on rock star marriage

The Kiwi star shares on her seven-year marriage to Rod Stewart.
Phoebe Loomes
No comments
Actor Barry Williams, who played Greg Brady in 'The Brady Bunch', and supermodel Rachel Hunter entered the jungle for the 12th series of I'm a Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here. Picture supplied

'Couldn't care less': Actor Rachel Ward claps back at ageist online trolls

Her supporters include Sarah Jessica Parker, Sharon Stone and Alec Baldwin.
Phoebe Loomes
No comments
Ward was harrassed by trolls about her appearance after posting a video from her farm shortly before Christmas. Picture supplied
Stock & Land

'Lucky to be alive': Farmer recounts horrifying minutes flames threaten home

Flames race across a paddock.
The Jeffrey property at Whiteheads Creek was razed by fire.
Monique Patterson
No comments
Updated

From near death to grand champion, all of the International Dairy Week action
Behind the ribbons of the southern hemisphere's largest dairy event.
Andrew Miller
No comments
The grand champion Brown Swiss with handler Alexz Crawford, Dingee, Tandara stud principal Ben Govett, Dingee, and Shirleen Evans, Cranbrook Brown Swiss, Wangaratta. Picture by Andrew Miller

'A new dynamic': the top buyers at the western district weaner sales revealed

Southern buyers jostled for stock amidst reduced northern demand.
Petra Oates Barry Murphy
No comments
Last week's western district weaner sales saw a new buyer dynamic play out. Pictures by Barry Murphy and Petra Oates

Lifestyle

Ready to sit on your throne? The 'Fresh Prince of Bel Air' home to hit the market

Get your life flipped, turned upside down. Pic: Airbnb/Instagram.
Get your life flipped, turned upside down.
January Jones
No comments

AFL legend Travis Boak has listed his custom-built Adelaide home

Boak is moving to Melbourne to take on a new role with the Blues.
January Jones
No comments
Boak is moving to Melbourne to take on a new role with the Blues. Pic: Supplied.

Harry's lawyer tells court Mail complicit in wrongdoing

Prince Harry's case against the Daily Mail publisher over allegations of unlawful information gathering is under way in Britain's High Court.
Michael Holden and Sam Tabahriti
Harry arrived at London's High Court for the first day of a trial against Associated Newspapers. Photo: AP PHOTO

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