DIABETES has taken a hold on Victoria, with new figures showing an alarming increase in the number of hot spots across the state’s council areas.

A NEW campaign to recognise and value volunteers for their contribution to Victorian communities starts this week.

KYNETON police will vacate their home of almost 150 years next week.

RESIDENTS in Newham are counting the cost after an audacious string of overnight burglaries.

STAFF at faith-based schools are being “punished” for living private lives that are in conflict of religious doctrines.

LEADERNEWS.com.au has been named news website of the year at the PANPA awards.

A NEW Malmsbury youth program is quickly establishing itself as an art institution.

MACEDON Ranges Council has reached a compensation agreement with the contractor responsible for soil contamination at two of the shire’s recreation reserves in April.

SUNBURY quartet Sound Harmony has made it to the semi-finals of the Australian Association of Men Barbershop Singers competition.

KYNETON Fire Brigade is celebrating 125 years of service.

A CASH injection of $45,000 will be provided to Feed Melbourne to support Melbourne’s food charities, it was announced today.

A CASH injection of $45,000 will be provided to Feed Melbourne in supporting Melbourne’s food charities, it was announced today.

THE Kyneton Caravan Park set to be closed next year could become a community park and playground.

IF you like wool and a party, but don’t mind getting spat at, head for Kyneton this Saturday.

AMBULANCE services across the state will be thrown into chaos if a planned step-down of MICA paramedics takes place tonight.

PASTORIA Rural Fire Brigade members may again be forced to use their own vehicles to fight fires in rugged terrain after a frustrating funding setback.

MEET Macedon Ranges’ green thumbs in their element at the Mount Macedon and District Horticulture Society’s Plant Lovers Market next weekend.

KISMET Park Primary School wants its pupils to heed lessons on pedal power.

SUNBURY veterinarian Glen Hastie got the surprise of his life when an X-ray showed 1000 magnets in Polly the blue heeler’s stomach.

TOM Ritchie has spent more than four decades as a volunteer protecting communities from the danger of fire.