Balloons Over Mildura: winter skies, big colour, and a pretty special week in July

There are a few things that just fit our patch of the world: crisp winter mornings, glassy river views… and hot air balloons drifting silently over the region like they own the sky.

This July, Balloons Over Mildura is back for a full week of ballooning action, running Saturday 4 to Sunday 12 July 2026.

And it’s not just a pretty show for the camera either — the program is set up as a serious competition week, with the event hosting Round 2 of the FAI Australian Grand Prix (a national-level series that brings elite pilots to town).

Photo Credit -Mildura Railway History

If you’ve been hearing more chatter about passenger trains lately, you’re not imagining it. The push to reconnect Mildura to Melbourne by rail is gathering steam again — this time with a clear “starter” idea that’s practical, track-ready, and easy to understand: a weekly Mildura–Maryborough shuttle that links into the existing Maryborough–Melbourne passenger service.

Photo Credit - Serena Munro SENS8928

If you’ve been following the momentum around arts tourism in our patch, here’s something properly exciting and very topical right now: Wentworth’s Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra (FOSO) has hit major construction milestones and is now in its final stages.

Photo Credit - Euston Club

If you love the Murray — whether it’s for a quiet sunset stroll, a lazy weekend on the bank, or the dream of landing a proper “Murray monster” one day, this is the kind of local initiative that deserves a big shout-out.

Photo Credit - Mildura.com

If you were planning a magical night out at Bruce Munro’s Trail of Lights this week, there’s a change thanks to the weather.

Photo Credit - Club Merbein Facebook

If you’ve been in lately, you might’ve heard the buzz — the kitchen renovations are underway, and it’s going to be a game-changer. A bigger, better setup means the kitchen crew will have the ability to service more people, faster and smoother… which is a huge win for locals (and anyone rolling through town hungry after a day on the river or exploring Sunraysia!).

Photo Credit - Wade Aunger MMFacebook

If you’ve spent any time around the speedway scene (or even just grown up in a town where engines and big personalities are part of the soundtrack), you’ll get the vibe straight away: Methanol Moonshine is a bold nod to racing culture — a local label with a big personality, marketed by Wade Aunger, and proudly tied to the kind of grassroots motorsport stories we know and love out here in Sunraysia.

And yep, the name turns heads. That’s the point.

Here in the Mallee and Sunraysia, a proper hot day doesn’t automatically trigger panic stations — it triggers a plan.

We’ve been living with this kind of heat forever, so most locals are pretty sensible about it. If you can, you start early. You knock the hard stuff over before the sun gets properly cranky. By late morning you’re already thinking shade, airflow, and whether that job can wait until the evening. Work boots on at sparrows-fart, cold drink bottle filled to the brim, and a quiet respect for the fact that the sun out here doesn’t muck around.

There’s a certain feel the 80’s had in Mildura — a slower rhythm, a smaller-town closeness, and those everyday places and people that quietly stitched the community together. You didn’t need a million options to have a good day. You just needed the corner store, a decent haircut, a hot chicken pack, and a town that still felt like everyone knew everyone (or at least knew your mum).

Here’s what I miss most.

Even with a proper Sunraysia heatwave rolling through, locals still turned out in numbers for the Australia Day breakfast this morning at Mildura Sporting Precinct — and honestly, that says a lot about this region.

Council shifted the celebrations from Nowingi Place to the Sporting Precinct due to the forecast extreme heat (comfort a
nd safety first), but the vibe didn’t miss a beat: free brekkie, coffees flowing, and plenty of friendly faces.

Photo Credit - Humanitix

Some gigs are just gigs… and then there are the ones that feel like a full-circle moment for a town.

On Saturday 7 March 2026, the Wentworth Showgrounds will host the Concert for Cancer Research, and the big headline story is this: Karly Jewell is coming home. The former local who grew up in Wentworth is returning to headline a hometown fundraiser after building serious momentum on bigger stages, including international touring.

Photo Credit - Bushman's Rest Caravan Park

If you’ve been wondering whatever happened to the proposed inflatable water park at Lake Cullulleraine — you’re not alone. It was one of those ideas that just made sense for the lake: more reasons to stop, stay, and give local families (and visitors passing through the region) another proper “summer holiday” option.

Here’s the timeline, in plain English.

Photo Credit - Mildura.com

Just a heads-up for anyone who had Bruce Munro’s Trail of Lights on the weekend (or mid-week) hit list…

Due to the hot weather / extreme conditions, the Trail of Lights will be closed from Saturday 24 January through to Thursday 29 January (inclusive). Safety first... because Lock Island and Mallee heat is no joke.

If you’ve already got tickets or you were about to book, it’s worth keeping a close eye on official updates (conditions can change quickly in summer).

Photo Credit - MRCC

Heads up, Sunraysia — there’s been a last-minute location change for Mildura’s official Australia Day celebrations this Monday, 26 January 2026.

Phot Credit - greyfergietractormuster.com.au

If you’ve ever rolled into Wentworth and felt that proper river-town history in the air, you’ll know this place doesn’t do things by halves. Later this year, Wentworth is hosting the Wentworth Flood Rally (70 Years On) — a huge King’s Birthday long weekend celebration that tips the hat to one of the most iconic “locals vs nature” stories you’ll hear anywhere along the Murray.

Photo Credit - Sunraysia Gliding Club

If you’ve ever looked up at a glider silently carving circles over Mildura and thought “how good would that be?” — this one’s for you.

This Saturday 24 January 2026, the Sunraysia Gliding Club is throwing the hangar doors open for an Open Day / “Gliding in Sunraysia” session from 1:00pm to 5:00pm out at Koorlong. (see map)

Photo Credit - The Mallee String Quartet

If you’ve ever stood out on Lake Tyrrell as the light drops and the sky starts doing its thing, you already know: this part of the world doesn’t just do sunsets… it shows off. And that’s exactly what makes Haeusler’s Strings & Sunset 2026 such a ripper idea. A dressed-up, fine-dining night out on the “Sky Mirror”, with live music, good company, and a fundraising purpose that hits close to home out here.

Photo Credit - EnviroEDU

If you’re chasing a free, easy school-holiday win that’s equal parts fun and educational, the Wildlife Expo is on tomorrow (Thursday 22 January 2026) at the Mildura Visitor Information Centre.

Photo Credit - Glenn Milne

If you love your sport with a bit of grit, noise and energy — clear your Sunday. The Gates Sidecar Cup is back at Mildura’s Olympic Park Speedway on Sunday 25 January 2026, and it’s shaping up as a ripping way to kick off a big sidecar run through the next few months at the track.

Fresh off a huge Jason Lyons Solo Trophy night (with local Red Cliffs rider Jaimon Lidsey taking the win), the club’s spotlight now swings straight onto sidecars — and word is this one has drawn a large field.

If you’ve ever said “Mildura needs a proper BBQ festival”… well, here it is.

Fully Blown BBQ Festival is landing on the lawns at The Gateway Mildura on Saturday, 7 March 2026 — and it’s shaping up as a full-on day/night of slow-cooked meats, live-fire cooking, music, drinks, and a Show & Shine car scene all in one spot.

Photo Credit - MRCC

If you’re in Mildura for Australia Day, Nowingi Place is where its at. A relaxed, family-friendly morning on the river where you can grab a feed, catch some live entertainment, and celebrate the people who make our region tick.

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.

Watch and Act - Prepare to Leave issued as Wyperfeld National Park bushfire threatens Patchewollock area

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.

What the warning means for Patchewollock locals

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.

Relief centre and travel information

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).

If you’re in or near the warning area — what to do now

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.

Stay updated

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 launches one-stop Emergency Services Dashboard

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).

UPDATED TODAY (Sat 10 Jan 2026): Wind change through + cooler temps a welcome relief — Boinka & Colignan fires

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,

Boinka / Big Desert fire: WATCH & ACT — Threat Reduced (Monitor Conditions)

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)

Colignan / Hattah / Kulkyne: ADVICE — Stay Informed

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)

What locals should do right now

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.

UPDATE: Wind change has moved through + temperatures easing — Boinka (Big Desert) & Colignan fires

A wind change has now come through the Mildura district, with winds swinging around and a noticeable drop in temperature compared to the peak heat earlier today. The Bureau of Meteorology’s detailed forecast for Mildura shows the wind turning westerly then south-south-westerly through the evening, while temperatures ease from around 45°C late afternoon down into the low 30s later tonight.

Even with that slight cooling, conditions can still be dangerous and unpredictable — particularly with damaging wind gusts forecast across Victoria today. BoM advice warns of damaging gusts around 90km/h, with the potential for up to 110km/h in thunderstorms/elevated areas.

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:

The fire is south of Boinka and not yet under control.
The warning notes the wind change is expected to push the fire towards the north-east, and conditions can become very dangerous and unpredictable.
Firefighters have not been able to stop the fire.
Relief centre: Blackburn Park, Farrell Street, Ouyen.
Next update expected by 7:20pm or as conditions change.

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:

The bushfire at Colignan is not yet under control.
It is travelling from Brown Road, Colignan in a south-easterly direction towards Raak Track in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park.
Smoke may be visible from nearby communities and roads.
Next update expected by 9:30pm or as conditions change.

What locals should do right now

Check VicEmergency frequently for the latest warning level, map changes, and updates.
Keep a radio on (ABC Local Radio + local commercial/community stations) for emergency broadcasts.
With gusty winds, be alert for trees down, debris and powerlines — and avoid travel if it’s not essential.
Call 000 if you are in immediate danger.

Colignan bushfire : stay informed, be ready to act — Friday 9 January 2026

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.

Sunraysia Daily has also reported the Colignan bushfire activity has moved into Hattah Kulkyne National Park - Out and About Sunraysia cannot confirm this at time of writing.

What you should do right now

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).

Keep your radio on for updates

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.

Where to get trusted updates (don’t rely on rumours)

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.

USA invasion: TFH PWR Power Tour lights up Timmis Speedway this Wednesday night

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.

The four American drivers to watch

Hunter Schuerenberg

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

Aaron Reutzel

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.

T.J. Stutts

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.

Tim “TK” Kaeding

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”.

The locals and the internationals collide

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.

What you need to know (so you don’t miss the action)

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

Why this one matters for Sunraysia

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.

What the warning means for Patchewollock locals

Relief centre and travel information

If you’re in or near the warning area — what to do now

Stay updated

Boinka / Big Desert fire: WATCH & ACT — Threat Reduced (Monitor Conditions)

Colignan / Hattah / Kulkyne: ADVICE — Stay Informed

What locals should do right now

What you should do right now

Keep your radio on for updates

Where to get trusted updates (don’t rely on rumours)

The four American drivers to watch

Hunter Schuerenberg

Aaron Reutzel

T.J. Stutts

Tim “TK” Kaeding

The locals and the internationals collide

What you need to know (so you don’t miss the action)

Why this one matters for Sunraysia

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