Please note that our offices will be closed for the King's Birthday Public Holiday on Monday, June 8, 2026. If your matter is urgent, please call (03) 5358 8700.
Twelve groups and not-for-profit organisations have received a share of almost $56,000 in funding through council’s 2026 Community Grant and Arts & Culture Grant programs. Four schools also received $500 each as part of council's 2026 Creative Education Fund initiative.
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Following on from the success of our Northern Gramps Girls Can campaign last year where council lit up exercise spaces in the early mornings, several of the shire’s sporting facilities are due to light up again in 2026. Between May 4 and September 30, spaces in Stawell and St Arnaud will light up from 6pm to 7.30pm on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and from 6am and 7am on Wednesday mornings.
Storms are common in Victoria and most minor damage is preventable with some simple actions to prepare your home. Danger from storms comes from wind, heavy or continuous rain, lightning, flying debris, hail, fallen powerlines and loss of power.
Severe Weather and Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued by the Bureau of Meteorology to tell people about possible storms.
Severe Weather Warnings are issued to alert communities when severe weather is forecast to occur in an area or move towards an area. The warning will describe the area under threat and what hazards to expect. Examples of severe weather warnings include sustained gale force winds (63km/h or more), wind gusts of 90km/h or more, or very heavy rain that could lead to flash flooding.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings are issued to alert communities of forecasted or developing dangerous thunderstorm conditions which could cause significant localised damage through damaging wind gusts (wind gusts exceeding 90km/h), large hail, flash flooding from heavy rain fall or tornadoes.
Prepare your property:
Trim or remove tree branches overhanging your home.
Keep gutters, downpipes and drains clear of debris.
Bring inside or tie down any loose items in your yard.
Park your car under cover or away from trees.
Communicate with your household and neighbours:
Ensure everyone in your household knows where, how and when to turn off the mains power, water and gas in case of emergency and evacuation.
Talk to your neighbours, family, and friends to see what their plans are and talk about how you can help each other.
Get prepared:
Prepare your emergency kit.
Check your home insurance is up to date.
Stay informed – monitor weather warnings and forecasts at the Bureau of Meteorology website, and warnings through the VicEmergency app, website and hotline (1800 226 226).
Avoid driving if possible. If you must drive, take extreme care. Beware of fallen trees and power lines.
Lightning can kill – if outside seek shelter but stay away from trees, drains, gutters, creeks and waterways.
Monitor conditions using a variety of the communications methods. Remember that electricity, phone, and internet may not be available in a large storm, so keep a battery powered radio in your house.
Park vehicles under solid cover well away from trees, power lines and waterways.
Stay indoors and away from windows and bring pets inside.
Be aware of thunderstorm asthma risks - Thunderstorm asthma | Better Health Channel
Avoid driving through affected areas and never drive through floodwater.
Contact your insurance company immediately and take photos of any damage.
If damage has caused the power to go out, it can be dangerous to turn it back on until it can be checked by a licensed electrician. If powerlines are damaged, contact your electricity distributor.
Stay safe by avoiding dangerous hazards, such as floodwater, mud, debris, damaged roads, fallen or damaged trees, and fallen powerlines (always assume they are live).
Call 132 500 for emergency assistance from VICSES in the event of flooding.
Call Triple Zero (000) in life threatening emergencies.
Who to contact if a tree has fallen on:
Arterial roads – Department of Transport 133 778
Municipal roads – Northern Grampians Shire Council (03) 5358 8700
Private property (tree damage to home or tree blocking exit) - VICSES 132 500
State Forest tracks and roads – DEECA 136 186
Powerlines – Powercor 13 24 12
For more information about storms, visit Storms - Victoria State Emergency Service - VICSES.