A run of 40 degree days had people comparing notes on how to stay cool and how they were sleeping in the heat. Many, it seemed, were pretty tired by the close of business on Friday.

Yes, the weather has dominated the news.

Not that long  ago a run of days like we had this week was almost unheard of - and more are to come, as Elspeth Kernebone found out.

Bendigo was also ranked in the Top 10 places where children were left in hot cars - and there were more call-outs this week despite warnings.

There were a number of bushfires during the week, the worst at Benloch which threatened homes and lives until it was brought under control by fire crews.

The state’s mining regulator launched a formal investigation after two Woodvale ponds containing potentially toxic dust allegedly went dry.

Pools, reservoirs, lakes and streams in central Victoria were busy as over-heated families on holidays escaped for a some fun. Check out the photos of people beating the heat.

In other news this week, a 64-year-old Victorian woman charged over a crash at Navarre which killed four women on their way home from a night of line dancing has been directed to stand trial before a jury. She has indicated she will fight the charges.

An axe-wielding burglar was sentenced to 21 months in prison, and a man who pleaded guilty to  possessing three different substances illegally was told by a magistrate she was “sick to the back teeth” with people using methamphetamine after a friend was killed in a crash caused by an ice-affected driver. 

It’s also been a big week in sport.

Former Bendigo Football-Netball League Rising Star winner Billy Mahony was among the latest trio of signings for Mount Pleasant, the Bendigo Spirit’s Gabe Richards received a WNBL life membership and Bendigo Braves import Ray Turner will spend the remainder of the National Basketball League (NBL) season with championship contenders Sydney, after he was signed by the Kings as their third import.

While you relax this weekend, spare a thought for Peter Rose. The Lake Eppalock Holiday Park owner routinely works a 100-hour week at this time of year. You can see how your job stacks up in the hours stake here.

Have a great weekend.

Juanita Greville

Deputy Editor