Ballarat and South West Victoria local news briefing: Friday, November 13, 2026

Detailed summary

Ballarat Police said a raid on the Learmonth Street business was part of a crackdown on crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade. Authorities allegedly seized almost 20,000…

Here's what's making news in the Ballarat and South West Victoria regions today.

Agriculture Minister Michaela Settle has announced a re-elected Labor government will maintain the rate freeze on the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, joining One Nation and the Coalition which have both committed to scrapping the tax.

The levy has been on hold since it stirred controversy after farmers were facing increases of tens of thousands of dollars.

Victorian Farmers Federation President Ryan Milgate said he was pleasantly surprised to hear all parties had committed to scrapping the tax if elected.

Police are appealing for help to locate an 86 year-old woman missing from Berringa.

Police said Helen, who lives with dementia, was last seen on Moonlight Road at 6.45am yesterday.

Police have released her image online and said she may be be travelling in a silver 2014 Toyota Hilux ute.

A tobacco store in Buninyong has been shut down after a police raid allegedly uncovered a large quantity of illicit vapes and tobacco.

Ballarat Police said a raid on the Learmonth Street business was part of a crackdown on crime linked to the illicit tobacco trade.

Opening of the article, excerpted from ABC Environment. To read the rest, open the article on the publisher's site.