The results of the Victorian Farmers Federation’s 2026 State of the State Farmer Priorities Survey have been released, revealing the condition of regional roads is now the number one issue facing rural and regional Victorians.

Poultry owners in southern and coastal parts of Victoria will be required to continue housing their birds for at least another 28 days, as H5 bird flu detections continue among wild birds.

The United Firefighters Union is warning Victoria’s firefighting fleet is facing an immediate crisis, with recent documents showing 60 Fire Rescue Victoria appliances are currently unavailable for operational service.

Victorian residents are being urged to check fire safety measures in their garages, after more than 120 fires have started in garages or vehicle storage areas since April.

Victorian farmers are being encouraged to review their farm safety practices ahead of updated dangerous goods regulations coming into effect later this month.

More than 220 aspiring police officers have expressed interest in Victoria Police's first regional training academy, as the new Mildura facility prepares to welcome its inaugural intake of recruits. In the lead up to applications for the initial intake closing mid-way through July, FlowFM's Jess Dempster spoke with Victoria Police Superintendent Paul Bertoncello to learn more about the academy and the intricacies of regional policing.