Mildura Power Outage, Horsham Mental Health Facility Calls, and Regional News Updates

A series of significant developments unfolded across regional Victoria on Monday, September 21, 2026, impacting communities in Mildura, Swan Hill, Horsham, and surrounding areas. Reported by ABC News and produced by Nethma Dandeniya, the regional news briefing covers utility disruptions, healthcare advocacy, cultural heritage preservation, local government leadership, and community sports milestones.

In Mildura, more than 3,360 homes and businesses lost electricity following a motor vehicle collision. According to emergency reports, a car struck a power pole at McEdward Street in Birdwoodton shortly after 6:30 a.m. Paramedics responded to the scene and transported one woman to Mildura Hospital for treatment. The impact triggered a power surge across the area and activated multiple automatic fire alarms. Power utility providers estimated that service would be fully restored by 5:30 p.m. on the same day.

Healthcare access has emerged as a central issue in the Wimmera region, where Horsham Rural City Council and local residents are advocating for the establishment of a dedicated 24/7 mental health facility. Community members dealing with conditions such as anxiety, depression, and depressive psychosis currently face arduous five-hour round trips to Ballarat for treatment, frequently relying on public transport. Horsham Mayor Brian Klowss noted that approximately 400 individuals from the region are admitted or transferred to Ballarat Hospital annually for mental health care. In response to the community calls, Grampians Health stated that while it acknowledges ongoing regional demand, there are currently no confirmed plans to construct a 24/7 facility in Horsham.

Cultural heritage concerns have temporarily halted infrastructure progress in Robinvale. The Swan Hill Rural City Council suspended construction on a proposed dog park at Centenary Park after Tati Tati traditional owners voiced objections regarding the site's historical significance. Uncle Brendan Kennedy, a Tati Tati traditional owner, emphasized that the area holds deep cultural importance as a traditional massacre, burial, and ceremonial site. First Peoples - State Relations, the cultural body that previously approved the project's cultural heritage management plan, paused the development while an official investigation is carried out.

Meanwhile, traditional owner groups are actively participating in Victoria's broader response to the H5 bird flu virus due to potential risks facing protected and culturally significant bird species. The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action announced it is collaborating with traditional owner groups to provide immediate notification when H5 impacts are detected on Country. This communication allows communities to modify local operations, protect their members, and explore additional strategies to mitigate wildlife impacts.

In local government updates, the Wentworth Shire Council confirmed the reappointment of its leadership team for another two-year term. Mayor Daniel Linklater and Deputy Mayor Peter Crisp were both elected unopposed after no other councillors put forward nominations. Cr Linklater has already completed three years as mayor, while Cr Crisp has served two years as deputy mayor.

The regional briefing also highlighted major sporting achievements as several Australian Rules Football and netball clubs shattered long-standing premiership droughts. In the Wimmera Football Netball League, the Nhill Tigers captured a historic title by defeating the Ararat Rats, bringing an end to a 45-year premiership drought and halting the Rats' pursuit of four consecutive flags. In netball, the Horsham Saints secured back-to-back championships with a decisive 57-39 victory over Dimboola.

Additional celebrations took place in the North Central League, where the Birchip-Watchem A-grade netball team broke a 73-year championship drought, and the Wedderburn Redbacks claimed consecutive senior football flags. In the Central Murray Football Netball League, Nyah Nyah West United secured a dramatic premiership victory with a goal kicked after the final siren, while the Mallee Eagles triumphed in the A-grade netball competition.