January 2026 fire and heat updates

For updates on cooling centres, Council services, community meetings and relief support, visit the January 2026 fire and heat page.

January 2026 fire and heat information

News and updates

Media enquiries

The most effective means of receiving a prompt response is via email to communications@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

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Shire news back issues

2025

December: Welcoming our new Mayor and Deputy Mayor
November: Mayor streetscape update to transform Castlemaine
October: Vote for your favourite business
September: Business Awards nominations now open
August: Apply for a Community Christmas Celebration Grant
July: Meet the climate change-makers in business
June: Come along to Micro and Small Business Day
May: Calling all businesses taking climate action!
April: Help shape the future of our shire
March: $3 million for works in McKenzie Hill
February: Congratulations to our award winners
January: You're invited to the shire's Australia Day – Survival Day community event

2024

December: Welcome to our new Councillors
November: Free green waste disposal now available
October: Emergency planning assistance available
September: 2025 Australia Day Awards
August: Council grants support community
July: Mount Alexander Affordable Housing Trust
June: Australia Day – Survival Day wins award
May: We need you for our first ever Customer First Strategy!
April: Meet the climate change-makers
March: Get affordable housing updates, hear from your Mayor and more!
February: Reflecting on Australia Day - Survival Day
January: You're invited to our Australia Day – Survival Day community event

2023

December: A message from our new Mayor, Cr Matthew Driscoll
November: Volunteer opportunities, grant news, free green waste and more!
October: Open Day on this month
September: Come and say hello at our Open Day
August: Business awards are back!
July: Council adopts 2023/2024 Budget
June: Reflecting on Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week
May: Tell us what you think of our 2023/2024 proposed budget
April: Become a community leader through the Women Leading Locally Fellowship program
March: Let's get better at communicating with each other
February: Reflecting on Australia Day – Survival Day
January: You're invited to the shire's Australia Day – Survival Day celebrations

2022

December: A message from our new Mayor, Cr Rosie Annear
November: New permanent exhibition in Castlemaine celebrates First Nations People
October: Boorp Boorp Boondyil exhibition to open at the Market Building
September: Local flora and fauna makes grand entrance
August: Can La Larr Ba Gauwa Mount Bike Park host the Comm Games?
July: Let's talk affordable housing
June: National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week(PDF, 1MB)
May: Take a look at our 2022/2023 proposed budget(PDF, 14MB)
April: First round of 2022 Community Grants awarded(PDF, 6MB)
March: Our small town are on the road to success!(PDF, 7MB)

2021

Winter: Funding our small town streetscapes(PDF, 2MB)
Autumn: State Festival fun(PDF, 2MB)

10 Result(s) Found

Cool space available during extreme heat

Published on 23 January 2026

Castlemaine Town Hall will operate as a community cool space on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday from 11.00am – 5.00pm.

Tagged as: , News and updates, Community Safety, Health & Wellbeing, Public Notices

Closure of Recovery Hub at the Castlemaine Town Hall

Published on 21 January 2026

Mount Alexander Shire Council is starting to wind down operations at the Castlemaine Town Hall Recovery Hub as community needs change.

Tagged as: , News and updates, Community Safety, Health & Wellbeing, Public Notices

Council statement – Harcourt and surrounds fire event

Published on 10 January 2026

Council extends its deepest concern and support to everyone affected by the devastating fires that have impacted Harcourt and other parts of our shire.

Tagged as: , News and updates, Community Safety, Environment, Public Notices

Safer shopping and better accessibility in Castlemaine

Published on 05 December 2025

Council, in partnership with the Victorian Government, has delivered better safety and greater accessibility on Castlemaine’s central retail strip, with the completion of an upgraded pedestrian crossing.

Tagged as: , News and updates, Community Safety, Improvement Works

Council calls for community input on key initiatives

Published on 01 August 2025

Council is inviting community members to have their say on three important initiatives now open for engagement on Shape Mount Alexander.

Tagged as: , News and updates, Community Safety, Environment, Improvement Works

Weekend storm update

Published on 28 July 2025

Heavy rain and strong winds swept through the shire from Friday into the weekend. Council crews are working to clean-up fallen tree debris.

Tagged as: , Community Safety

16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence gets underway

Published on 26 November 2024

Council’s Executive team are reminding all community members in the shire to get involved in an activity or an event during this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

Tagged as: , Arts & Culture, Community Safety, Events & Activities