The autumn firewood season ends on June 30, but collectors are reminded individual collection areas may close earlier if there is no more firewood available.
People can access collection maps on the Forest Fire Management Victoria’s website, with maps updated throughout the season as collection areas open or close.
A limit of two cubic metres per person per day and a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year can be collected.
Authorised officers patrol state forests and can issue fines of more than $814 to those caught breaking the firewood collection rules.
If prosecuted in court, more serious offending can result in maximum penalties of $10,175 and/or 12 months in prison.
Authorised officers can also seize chainsaws, trailers, vehicles and equipment that is used in the commission of offending.
Information and updates, including maps of collection areas, are available at www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood
Japanese encephalitis detected in Hay
Health authorities are urging people to stay vigilant after Japanese encephalitis virus was detected at Hay.
JE is a rare but serious mosquito‑borne illness that can cause severe neurological symptoms.
A free JE vaccine is available for people living or working in high‑risk areas, with those vaccinated before age 18, during pregnancy or with weakened immune systems advised to check whether they need a booster.
With warm weather continuing into Easter and school holidays, residents and travellers are encouraged to protect themselves against mosquito bites and stay informed via NSW Health.
WaterLINE drop-in sessions
Goulburn-Murray Water is encouraging customers to attend a drop-in session to help transition to the new version of its online water ordering system, WaterLINE.
The improved functionality in the updated version means people can place orders, monitor water use, see real-time allocation bank balances and manage deliveries from any supported device at any time, anywhere.
Customers are being encouraged to make the switch to the new version before the legacy version is switched off on May 15, following a six-month transition phase.
An online session will be on April 23. Register at yoursay.gmwater.com.au/waterline
Nominate an unsung hero
Echuca and district residents are being encouraged to recognise a dedicated volunteer and the organisations they power.
Nominations are open for the 2026 Victorian Volunteering Awards.
The awards celebrate excellence across eight categories, including young volunteer award, volunteer commitment award, volunteer leadership award, volunteer impact award, inclusive volunteering award, volunteering innovation awards, volunteering partnerships award and grassroots volunteering award.
Last year saw a total of 447 nominations, including Glenys Watts who was named Volunteer of the Year.
Nominations close on Wednesday, May 27. For more information or to nominate visit volunteeringvictoria.org.au/awards
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