For regional reporters, our night of nights is the Rural Press Club of Victoria Awards.

Founded in 1966, the RPC is a strong advocate for regional journalists and media outlets. 

Once a year we get together to celebrate each other and the hard work that goes into telling your stories, and keeping you up to date with what you need to know.

This year's awards' night is fast approaching, with the RPC receiving more than 300 entries.

I'm sure you'll be delighted to know that plenty of ABC Ballarat and South West Victoria reporters are among the nominees.

Congratulations to Charlotte Wilkes, Daniel Miles, Ted O'Connor, Laura Mayers, Eden Hynninen and Coco Veldkamp, who are all among the nominees.

Oh, and me. Which is nice. I can't let the reporters have all the fun.

See you next week.

Matt Neal

Editor, ABC Ballarat, Geelong, & South West Victoria

The most dysfunctional emergency departments in Victoria are in regional areas, according to data, with doctors describing overcrowded corridors, lapses in patient safety and burnt-out staff.

Locals say they are feeling hurt after a 100-year-old war memorial was vandalised with slogans including "death to Australia". 

Hera Sheppard, 18, is one of the youngest candidates to contest the Victorian election.

Deen Maar Island was once home to Australia's largest fur seal colony before the pups started developing alopecia.  

Maintenance crews have patched up potholes on the Calder Freeway between Gisborne and Sunbury after at least seven cars were damaged this morning.

Victorian prospectors say they fear further regulations could follow if the state's historic goldfields receive World Heritage status.