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Have you seen Carne?

Police are on the search for missing teen Carne.

The 16-year-old from Strathdale is believed to be in the Ashburton area.

Authorities and family are concerned for her welfare.

Anyone with information about her whereabouts is urged to contact Bendigo Police Station on 03 5448 1300.

Victorian COVID commander Jeroen Weimar to finish up role later in April

Good afternoon Bendigo, health reporter Alex Gretgrix here with a quick bit of news for you.

Victorian COVID commander Jeroen Weimar is set to leave his role at the end of the month.

The announcement of his departure comes as Victoria eases a raft of restrictions on Wednesday, including the state's vaccinated economy and mandatory mask rules.

In an official statement on Thursday afternoon, a Department of Health spokesperson thanked Mr Weimar for his work during the pandemic.

Greater Bendigo COVID cases rise as region records more than 200

Greater Bendigo's COVID cases have risen slightly as the city recorded 207 new cases on Thursday, an increase from Wednesday's 169.

According to data on the Department of Health's website, active cases in the municipality are now at 1110.

Following Greater Bendigo, Macedon Ranges had the next highest number of daily cases with 86.

Campaspe Shire recorded 42 new cases and Central Goldfields recorded 22.

Around the region, Mount Alexander (33), Gannawarra (18), Loddon (5) and Buloke (5) all recorded cases.

Victoria records 10,674 new COVID cases

Victoria has recorded 10,674 new coronavirus cases overnight, bringing the state's total number of active infections to 53,896.

The latest Department of Health data also revealed 11 more people had died with the virus.

The new cases were made up of 6827 reported rapid-antigen tests and 3847 positive PCR results.

Health workers tested 20,600 people for COVID-19 on Tuesday. There are 444 people in hospital due to the virus including 35 in the ICU and 11 on ventilators.

As far as vaccination rates go, 94.5 per cent of Victorians over the age of 12 are double-jabbed.

The state's third dose rate has also continued to climb steadily, with 67.2 per cent of eligible Victorians (18-years and over) having received theirs.

Sun poking through

Good morning, political reporter Neve Brissenden here today. It's a chilly morning this morning, with a low of 8 degrees reached overnight.

Top of 17 degrees expected today with partly cloudy conditions.

On this day

A very Bendigo on this day this morning...

Whats happening?

Last night, opposition leader Anthony Albanese and prime minister Scott Morrison had their first (official) debate. We broke it down for you.

In local news, City of Greater Bendigo council Bendigo council revealed their draft 2022/23 budget as it braced for skyrocketing construction and inflation costs likely to constrain it's ability to pay for new projects.

In other news, a new pedestrian crossing will be installed on the Long Gully Train at Creeth Street.

More to come throughout the day.

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