If you love your live music with a bit of soul, a bit of grit, and a whole lot of “how is one person making that sound?”, you’re going to want this one on the calendar.
The headline act for the 2026 Cullulleraine Music Festival is Canadian blues icon Harry Manx, set to top a big weekend of folk, blues and roots music at Johansen Reserve (Lake Cullulleraine) across Friday 20 to Sunday 22 March, 2026.
There’s something about Wentworth that just slows the world down in the best possible way. The pace eases off, the river takes the lead, and before you know it you’re breathing deeper and smiling for no particular reason.
When you’re a kid from Mildura taking on the best Junior Sedan racers in the country, just making the trip is huge. But this weekend Ryan Burns (VIC12) didn’t just line up at the Australian Junior Sedans Speedway Title at Tyres & More Esperance Speedway in Western Australia — he delivered the kind of effort that makes Sunraysia locals puff their chest out a little.
A bushfire burning in Wyperfeld National Park is prompting Watch and Act – Prepare to Leave advice for communities including Patchewollock, with emergency authorities urging residents to get ready to evacuate at short notice.
In the latest update, Forest Fire Management Victoria said the fire is about 23km south-west of Patchewollock, is not yet under control, and is travelling from Freeway Track toward Jim Bathgate Road.
Under the Watch and Act warning, residents in Hopetoun, Patchewollock, Willa and Yaapeet are strongly recommended to prepare to leave immediately, before conditions worsen.
Emergency services have highlighted that increased wind speed, a wind change, smoke, or poor visibility can all signal the situation is deteriorating.
A relief centre has been opened at Blackburn Park, Farrell Street, Ouyen.
For road closures and travel updates, authorities recommend checking VicTraffic (or calling 13 11 70).
According to the official warning, key steps include:
Monitor updates closely (from official sources).
If you are away, do not return to the area.
If leaving, pack essentials such as medication, phone/chargers, important documents, cash, clothes, and pet supplies.
The next official update is expected by 8:40pm (unless conditions change).
For the latest warnings and the incident map, use VicEmergency (website/app) or call the VicEmergency Hotline 1800 226 226, and keep an emergency broadcaster on
Mildura Rural City Council has launched a new Emergency Services Dashboard that brings the region’s emergency information together in one easy-to-use online hub — a welcome step for residents, visitors and businesses who need clear, timely information during severe weather, fires, floods or other incidents. The dashboard collates official feeds and live data so you can quickly check fire danger ratings, active incidents, road closures and essential utilities information from a single page.
https://emergency.mildura.vic.gov.au/
What’s on the dashboard
Official incident and warning feeds (VicEmergency, SES, CFA) displayed alongside a live map to help people see where events are happening.
Road closures and traffic information integrated from VicTraffic so users can plan travel or avoid affected routes.
Weather warnings, current conditions and radar supplied by the Bureau of Meteorology, plus radio station info for local broadcasts.
Power and water outage indicators and links to local utilities, helping households and businesses assess service impacts.
Designed for speed and clarity
The dashboard is built to surface the most important information quickly — including the current fire danger rating and advice about what to do — and it clearly reminds people that in an immediate life‑threatening emergency they should call Triple Zero (000). The site pulls data from multiple official sources so users don’t need to jump between different agency pages during an incident.
Reliable sourcing and platform
Mildura’s dashboard displays content from a range of trusted external APIs (OpenWeather, VicTraffic, VicEmergency, CFA) and official feeds, and the council notes the content is provided as‑is and may change without notice. The platform is powered by Symphony3.
Why this matters for Sunraysia
For locals and anyone “out and about” in Sunraysia, having a single, localised emergency dashboard reduces confusion and helps people make safer choices about travel, property protection and evacuation. We will add a permanent link to the dashboard from Out and About Sunraysia so you - the reader can find it quickly when planning trips or checking conditions.
Check it now
If you live in or are visiting the Mildura region, bookmark the Mildura Rural City Council Emergency Dashboard and use it as your first stop for local warnings, road closures and service updates — and remember, for immediate emergencies call Triple Zero (000).
A wind change has moved through the Mildura district today, with winds now sitting south-west to south-south-west. At 10:50am, Mildura’s latest observation showed a SSW wind around 24 km/h, and earlier gusts were pushing around 39–41 km/h.
The cooler air is a welcome relief after the recent extreme heat, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting a top of 29°C for Mildura today (Saturday) and cloud clearing, although there’s still a chance of smoke haze later.
Even with the temperature drop, fire conditions can still change quickly — especially if winds strengthen or shift direction,
The Boinka / Big Desert fire warning remains at Watch & Act, but the threat is reduced and authorities say it is safe to return, with a strong reminder to watch for dangerous bushfire and tree hazards and stay ready to act if conditions change (Emergency Management Victoria)
Always check latest updates from Vic Emergency before retuning (don't take my word for it)
Latest key points (VicEmergency):
The fire started south of Boinka and is not yet under control. (Emergency Management Victoria)
Spread has slowed for now, but the situation can change at any time — keep monitoring. (Emergency Management Victoria)
Leave if the situation changes or you feel unsafe (don’t wait for the last minute). (Emergency Management Victoria)
Relief Centre: Blackburn Park, Farrell Street, Ouyen. (Emergency Management Victoria)
Some road closures are in place in the area. (Emergency Management Victoria)
For Colignan, Hattah and Kulkyne, the current level is Advice – Stay Informed. (Emergency Management Victoria)
Latest key points (VicEmergency):
The bushfire at Colignan is not yet under control. (Emergency Management Victoria)
It’s travelling from Brown Road, Colignan in a south-easterly direction towards Raak Track in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park. (Emergency Management Victoria)
Smoke may be visible from nearby communities and roads. (Emergency Management Victoria)
Check VicEmergency for live warnings and maps (website + app). (Emergency Management Victoria)
Keep a radio on — VicEmergency advises tuning to ABC Local Radio, commercial and designated community radio stations for updates. (Emergency Management Victoria)
Be ready to act if you notice increased wind, a wind direction change, heavy smoke, or poor visibility — these can all signal conditions are changing. (Emergency Management Victoria)
In immediate danger: call 000.
Jade Benham MP has also shared a video update urging locals to stay alert, keep checking official warnings, and be ready to act as conditions shift.
Boinka / Big Desert fire — WATCH & ACT (Prepare to Leave)
VicEmergency’s current warning remains Watch & Act – Prepare to Leave for Baring, Big Desert, Boinka, Linga, Patchewollock, Torrita, Underbool, Walpeup.
Latest official advice includes:
If you’re in or near the Watch & Act area: prepare to leave early. Don’t wait until visibility drops, embers arrive, or roads become congested.
Colignan / Kulkyne / Hattah — ADVICE (Stay Informed)
For Colignan, Hattah and Kulkyne, the current level remains Advice – Stay Informed.
Official info at last update:
What locals should do right now
A bushfire is currently burning in the Colignan area, and locals across Sunraysia are urged to stay alert and keep checking for official updates.
VicEmergency is currently listing “Fire – Bushfire” at Colignan as “Not Yet Under Control”, with the listing last updated at 2:57pm (Fri 9 Jan 2026).
Earlier today, the Country Fire Authority also issued an Advice (Stay Informed) message for Colignan, Nangiloc and Hattah, noting fire activity in the area and warning that smoke may be visible from nearby communities and roads. The message urges residents to monitor conditions and keep roads clear for emergency vehicles.
Check VicEmergency regularly (https://emergency.vic.gov.au/respond/) for the latest warnings, maps and updates.
Keep roads clear so fire and emergency crews can move quickly.
Have a plan ready: know where you’ll go if conditions change, and what you’ll take if you need to leave.
Stay away from smoke where possible (especially kids, older residents, and anyone with asthma/respiratory issues).
If you are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000).
Official advice is to tune in to ABC Local Radio (ABC Mildura / Swan Hill 104.3FM), commercial and designated community radio stations for emergency information.
VicEmergency (incidents, warnings, maps)
VicEmergency Hotline: 1800 226 226
Local radio (ABC + local commercial/community stations)
If you’ve got friends or family in Colignan / Nangiloc / Hattah or nearby, check in on them—and encourage them to follow official warnings and not social-media speculation.
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| Photo Credit - Real Deal Photography |
If you love your weeknights loud, fast, and slightly unhinged (in the best possible way), clear the diary — the TFH PWR Sprintcar Power Tour (Round 5) is rolling into B&S Earthworks Timmis Speedway, Mildura for a one-night-only showdown on Wednesday, January 14.
And this one’s got a proper international flavor: four American sprintcar stars are part of the headline act — bringing that “USA sprintcar” aggression, confidence, and flat-out speed to our wide-open Sunraysia clay.
Schuerenberg is one of those drivers who’s been building toward the big time for years — and in 2025 he and Vermeer Motorsports stepped up to chase the World of Outlaws tour full-time.
He’s known for being smooth when it’s slick and brave when it’s fast
Reutzel is the kind of bloke who turns up with a résumé and leaves with a target on his back — a 2015 ASCS National Tour champion who then rattled off three straight All Star Circuit of Champions titles (2018–2020).
He’s quick, calculated, and not afraid to race you hard — which usually makes for either a masterclass… or fireworks.
If you reckon fairy tales don’t exist in sprintcars, Stutts would like a word. In 2024 he scored his first World of Outlaws win by taking down the big names at Williams Grove in the Morgan Cup — one of the sport’s iconic stages.
He’s proof that experience + hustle + a good car can ambush anyone on the night.
Kaeding’s no stranger to Aussie dirt. He famously won the 2014 Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic at Premier Speedway — and then celebrated so wildly it became part of Australian speedway folklore.
If you’ve never seen TK race, expect commitment: high line, high speed, and very little “backing out of it”.
Of course, it’s not just about the visitors — the beauty of a tour night in Mildura is watching international heavy hitters clash with the drivers who know our conditions best. The line-up features a strong Aussie contingent, and there’s a local storyline worth keeping an eye on: Sunraysia car owner Terry Kelly will be in the mix with the Kamstra-backed operation, paired with Adelaide driver Brendan Quinn. It’s the kind of combination that can quietly sneak up the order — especially if they hit the setup early and find clean air at the right time.
So it’s not “guest stars doing laps” — it’s stars vs stars, and our region gets the midweek main event.
Event: TFH PWR Sprintcar Power Tour – Round 5
When: Wednesday 14 January 2026 (Qualifying from 6:00pm)
Where: Timmis Speedway, 3342 Deakin Avenue, Mildura
Venue notes: No BYO alcohol; food/eskys OK but no glass; gates/outlets can be cashless.
Ticket guide : Adults $40, Children $15, Concession $30.
Can’t get there? There’s a pay-per-view livestream option listed at $34.99.
Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1516880
Livestream: https://www.clayperview.com/products/14th-jan-2026-mildura
The Power Tour has been pitched as a major new sprintcar series with big incentive money across the run, and it’s pulling drivers from Australia, the USA and New Zealand — so having Round 5 in Mildura is a genuine “circle it on the calendar” moment.
So if you’ve ever wanted to watch World-level American sprintcar talent tackle our local clay, this is your chance — one night, one track, full noise.
Sunraysia summers don’t muck around, and this week’s forecast is shaping up as a proper run of hot weather in Mildura, with multiple days pushing into extreme territory (mid to high 40s midweek).
The good news? You can still have a brilliant week in town if you plan your day like a local: start early, go indoors when the heat peaks, and head back out when the sun drops.
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| Photo Credit - Jane Bunn's Weather Photography Facebook Page |
If you do one thing this week, do this: set the alarm and get moving before the heat builds.
A morning walk along the riverfront is hard to beat — calm water, birdlife, that first golden light, and the kind of quiet you only get before the day really kicks off. Pack a water bottle, wear a hat, and make it an easy stroll rather than a mission.
Then reward yourself the correct way: grab a coffee and settle into the morning while it’s still comfortable. You’ll feel like you’ve already won the day by 9am.
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| Photo Credit - Mildura Holden Motors Museum |
When the temperature climbs, the smartest move is to shift your fun inside. Think of it as “Sunraysia siesta mode” — you’re not missing out, you’re playing it right.
Here are a few local favorites to build a mini itinerary around:
Mildura Waves – when it’s hot outside, a swim (and the indoor spaces) can be the perfect reset.
Mildura Holden Museum – a great wander in cool comfort, especially if you love a bit of Aussie motoring nostalgia.
Mildura Arts Centre – exhibitions, creativity, and that blissful air-conditioned escape.
Rio Vista – a proper Mildura classic: beautiful, historic, and a great way to spend a hot afternoon without baking.
Tip: If you’re heading out during the hottest hours, keep it short and simple — park close, duck in, take your time, hydrate, and head home before you feel drained.
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| Photo credit - Trentham estate |
Hot weather is basically an invitation to eat well somewhere cool.
For a treat-yourself option, Trentham Estate Winery is ideal for foodies wanting air-conditioned comfort, great flavours, and a relaxed setting while the mercury does its thing outside.
For something a little more laid-back and casual, try Club Merbein. They’ve got a ripper bistro and a welcoming bar area that’s perfect for escaping the heat without overthinking it — the kind of spot you can roll into for a cold drink and hearty meal. And I’ll give them a quick shoutout here too — Club Merbein are one of my sponsors, and I genuinely appreciate their support of Out and About Sunraysia.
Here’s the part locals know: once the heat of the day subsides, this can be one of the best times to enjoy Mildura outdoors.
As the sun drops, the town changes mood — the river cools, and the sky starts putting on a show. Sunraysia sunsets in summer are something else.
A few easy evening ideas:
Book dinner and make a night of it in Feast Street (great food, great vibe).
Head down the river and use one of the free public BBQs for a simple family feed.
If you’ve got kids (or you’re a kid at heart), time it right and hit the splash park when it’s cooler — it’s a ripper way to end a hot day without overdoing it.
With forecast conditions this extreme, it’s worth taking the heat seriously:
Avoid strenuous activity in the middle of the day.
Drink water constantly, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Hat, sunscreen, light clothing, and take breaks in shade or air-con.
Early river walk + coffee. Midday indoors. Sunset outdoors + good food.
Do that, and you’ll not only survive the heat — you’ll actually enjoy the best parts of Mildura this week.
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| Photo - Justin Sedgman in action |
While the headline names are enough to pull fans from across the country, the story that matters most for Sunraysia is simple: our local riders will be taking on the best in Australia on their home clay.
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| Photo - Jaimon Lidsey |
Mildura crowds know what a difference “home track” can make. Olympic Park has a reputation for producing hard, fast racing — and that local knowledge could be priceless when the points are on the line.
Jaimon Lidsey arrives with serious credentials and big expectations. The 2020 world U21 champion, and he’s part of a stacked field loaded with proven winners and rising stars.
Justin Sedgmen is another name local fans will be cheering loudly. He’s been a consistent contender at the top level, the two-time Australian runner-up, will be hungry to turn that experience into maximum points when the series hits Mildura.
Then there’s Dayle Wood, named among the reserves for the 2026 championship line-up — the kind of role that can quickly turn into a major opportunity on race night.
The 2026 title is being decided across four rounds — a Wodonga double-header, then Mildura on January 7, before the final round at Gillman in South Australia.
That makes this midweek Mildura meeting a real pressure point: by the time riders load up and head to the next round, there’s not much room left to “make it back later”.
If you’re new to the Australian Solo Championships, here’s the easiest way to picture it: short, intense races where every point matters.
The official event format for the Mildura round is set to include 20 heats, with the top two on points going straight to the final, while riders placed 3rd to 10th fight through two semi-finals for the remaining spots.
That structure is great for spectators because it rewards consistency — but it also creates do-or-die moments where one mistake can change the whole night.
Where: Olympic Park Speedway, Mildura
When: Wednesday, January 7, 2026 (Mildura Motorcycle Club)
From the Mildura Motorcycle Club schedule:
Gates open 5:00pm
Practice 7:00pm
Main racing 8:30pm (revised start time due to heat)
Big national events do more than crown champions — they put Mildura on the map for motorsport fans, fill seats midweek, and remind everyone that Olympic Park isn’t “just a local track”.
This Wednesday, local supporters get the best of both worlds: a national-title atmosphere, and local riders with a genuine shot at shaping the round. If you’ve ever wanted to take someone to speedway for the first time, this is the night — fireworks on the track, a proper parade, and the kind of racing where you’re on your feet without realising it.
Not just for Out & About Sunraysia as a YouTube channel and website — but for me personally too.
This year pushed me in the best ways. It gave me more confidence, more patience, more appreciation for the region I live in, and a bigger sense of purpose around why I started this in the first place: to shine a light on Sunraysia — the people, the places, the stories, and the moments that make our patch special.
Even when I started this channel reporting on floods, it was more than floods.. it was the places and a bit of history.
What 2025 did for me personally
Putting myself out there more consistently this year has been a massive step.
There’s a lot that goes into filming, interviewing, talking to camera, meeting strangers, telling stories properly, and then actually backing it up with the work behind the scenes — planning, editing, writing, posting, and trying to keep everything moving while life keeps happening around it.
But this year taught me a few big things:
Out & About Sunraysia has become more than content. It’s become a reason to get out, explore, listen, learn, and connect.
The channel’s growth in 2025
It’s been unreal watching the numbers climb this year — not just because stats look good, but because they represent real people choosing to watch, share, comment, and support local storytelling.
Here’s what 2025 looked like for the channel:
More than anything, I’m grateful that the channel is reaching beyond just locals — it’s becoming a window into Sunraysia for visitors, former locals, and people who didn’t even know where Mildura was until a video popped up.
The stories and places that made the year
2025 was packed with those “how have I never stopped here before?” moments — even as a local.
This region has a way of surprising you: a quiet historic corner, an artist doing something incredible, a family-run business that’s been part of the town forever, a community event that turns a normal night into something special.
From river vibes and warm nights to local history, attractions, interviews and community events — this year reminded me that you don’t have to go far to find something worth sharing.
A huge thank you to my sponsors
I also want to give a genuine, heartfelt thanks to the businesses that backed this journey in 2025.
David at Phil Smith Automotive — thank you for supporting Out & About Sunraysia and helping make it possible to keep getting out there, chasing stories, and showcasing the region, and more importantly being a genuine friend.
Sharan at Club Merbein — thank you for getting behind what I’m building and supporting local content that celebrates community, events, and the people who make Sunraysia what it is. Sponsorship isn’t just a logo on a post — it’s a vote of confidence. And I don’t take that lightly.
Thank you to everyone who followed along
To everyone who watched a video, shared a post, left a comment, sent me a suggestion, stopped me for a chat, or said “mate, keep doing this” — thank you.
You’ve helped Out & About Sunraysia become something that actually matters. You’ve helped build a local spotlight.
Looking ahead to 2026
I’m heading into 2026 with momentum and a full list of ideas: more interviews, more hidden gems, more history, more road trips, and more reasons for people to put Sunraysia on the map.
If you’ve got a place I should visit, a business I should feature, or a story you think deserves to be told — send it through.
Here’s to a bigger year ahead — and to continuing to grow, one story at a time.
