AUGUST 2018
Gazette
ANNOUNCING OUR
COMMUNITY GRANTS
We celebrate the 34 fantastic community groups and projects receiving a Community Grant this year. > Find out more on page 6
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Improvement in our Community Satisfaction Survey results
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Update on the Northern Settlement Strategy
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Could you be a Family Day Care educator?
Bannockburn Bush parkrun received a Community Grant in 2017-18.
YOURCOUNCIL Bannockburn Customer Service Centre 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn, Victoria, 3331.
Welcome to the August edition of the Gazette. This edition brings you a lot of important updates and information and we hope you enjoy it. I am very excited to announce the recipients of our 2018-19 Community Grants. Council provides grants to community organisations all across the Shire to help address community needs and provide opportunities that enhance the wellbeing and quality of life of our residents and I’d like to congratulate all the recipients on behalf of Council. Find out more on page 6.
Linton Customer Service Centre 68 Sussex Street, Linton Victoria, 3360. Phone P: 5220 7111 F: 5220 7100 Postal address Golden Plains Shire Council PO Box 111, Bannockburn, Victoria 3331.
FROM THE MAYOR
Have you seen us out and about? As part of our commitment to improving our community engagement, we have undertaken several opportunities recently to get out and about talking to residents. We have also committed to a series of conversation posts; to find out more visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations
Emergency contacts P: 1300 363 036 P: 5220 7111 (24 Hours) Bannockburn Cultural Centre 27 High Street, Bannockburn P: 5220 7260
Cr Helena Kirby – Mayor
The Well, Smythesdale Business, Health & Community Hub 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale P: 5321 1500
In the last edition of the Gazette we let you know the draft 2018-19 Budget would be presented for adoption at the June Council meeting and I am pleased to inform you that following significant community input, the Budget was adopted with changes to the child care fee. We would like to thank those who provided a submission for their time and effort. You can find the final version of the Budget at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/budget.
Northern Community Centre Sago Hill Road, Haddon P: 5342 7000 Bannockburn Family Services Centre 2a Pope Street, Bannockburn P: 5220 7230
Council is also pleased to let you know that our results in this year’s Community Satisfaction Survey show positive improvement in the seven core measures. This is encouraging but we acknowledge there is still room for improvement; find out more on page 4.
I’d like to remind you that Council’s rates notices will be distributed from mid-August to ratepayers; find out more on page 4.
FROM THE CEO
Have you seen our fortnightly ‘Golden Plains Shire Council News’ in the Miner? We’d love to hear your feedback about it if you’ve seen it, and what you like or think could be improved. Drop us an email at enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au to the attention of the Senior Communications and Marketing Officer. Eric Braslis – Chief Executive Officer
2 | GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE GAZETTE | AUGUST 2018
EVENTS What’s on in Golden Plains? AUGUST 4th
Golden Plains Farmers’ Market 8.30am – 12.30pm. Cnr High & Milton Streets, Bannockburn. Farm fresh produce, free parking, free entry and kids’ activities.
18TH
11.00am – 1.00pm. Ross Creek Recreation Reserve. Ceremony recognising the replanting of the Avenue of Honour & unveiling of interpretive sign detailing WWI volunteers from the area.
More info: goldenplainsfarmersmarket.com.au
18TH
Smythesdale Country Market 9.00am – 1.00pm. 35A Brooke St, Smythesdale.
Centenary Rededication of Ross Creek Avenue of Honour
More info: Rosemary Barnett 0439 566 494
26TH
Creators and Craft Market
1st
Gravel Grit Cycle Event
6TH
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A country market located in the historic precinct of Smythesdale with a variety of goods and craft stalls available. More info: Di Moylan 0419 394 784.
.10.00am – 2.00pm, Cnr High & Milton Sts Bannockburn. This market showcases the best of local craftspeople and artisans, bringing together creators from Golden Plains and beyond to display their varied talents and wares. More info: Noeline Trevor 0427 923 934
september 1st
Golden Plains Farmers’ Market 8.30am – 12.30pm. Cnr High & Milton Streets, Bannockburn. Farm fresh produce, free parking, free entry and kids’ activities. More info: goldenplainsfarmersmarket.com.au
4TH
ATO Seminar – Tax Essentials for Small Business
1.00pm – 3.00pm. Bannockburn Cultural Centre. FREE introductory workshop run by ATO staff and supported by Golden Plains Shire Council.
Smythesdale Country Market 9.00am – 1.00pm. 35A Brooke St, Smythesdale.
16th
Inverleigh Produce & Lifestyle Market
MONTHLY
Bannockburn & Inverleigh Food Swaps
More info: Di Moylan 0419 394 784.
Come and Try Fishing Day
10.00am – 3.00pm. Lethbridge Recreation Reserve. Great family day out, encouraging 2-16 year olds to be more active and learn a new skill. More info: Bannockburn Anglers Club 0417 365 686 / troybroom@live.com.au
10.30am – 2.45pm. Meredith Community Centre.
More info: enquires@gplains.vic.gov.au
A country market located in the historic precinct of Smythesdale with a variety of goods and craft stalls available.
23rd
SBMS Small Business Clinic FREE one-on-one small business mentoring clinics to support local business.
More info: business@gplains.vic.gov.au
15th
7.00am – 5.00pm. Brisbane Ranges National Park. Commencing in the You Yangs, this 91km cycle experience traverses the stunning Brisbane Ranges National Park. Includes closed roads near Steiglitz. More info: www.bicyclenetwork.com.au
9.00am – 1.00pm. Lawsons Park Inverleigh. A monthly event bringing together local producers, artists and professionals, providing the local and wider communities with the very best in produce our thriving region has to offer. More info: inverleighmarket@outlook.com
9.30am – 10.00am. Bannockburn Station Café Car Park – every 4th Sunday of the month. 9.30am – 10.00am. Outside Sonny Café, 15a High St, Inverleigh – every second Saturday of the month. More info: Bannockburn: 0425 735 581 Inverleigh: 0407 876 880
AUGUST 2018 | GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE GAZETTE| 3
NEWS COMMUNITY SATISFACTION SURVEY Golden Plains Shire Council’s results in the 2018 Community Satisfaction Survey demonstrate an improvement in all seven core measures. Council was very pleased to have increased its ratings, especially in overall performance but also in community consultation; advocacy; making community decisions; sealed local roads; customer service; and overall Council direction. Council has made significant efforts to respond to key feedback areas, particularly roads; this year we asked residents to let us know about particular roads and issues that they felt were of concern. The Community Satisfaction Survey report is available at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/news/publications.
RATES NOTICES COMING SOON Rates notices will soon be going out so please make sure you keep an eye out! Local government has a responsibility to provide access to services and infrastructure for the benefit of all members of the community. Rates are a property tax raised to fund these services and provide and maintain infrastructure. Council’s rates notices will be distributed from mid-August to ratepayers. As mentioned on your notice, rates need to be paid in full before 15 February 2019, or by four instalments – the instalment amounts, due dates and payment options are shown on your rates notice.
VICTORIAN ENERGY COMPARE From 1 July to 31 December, all Victorian households will be able to claim a $50 power saving bonus. You can do this by comparing energy offers on Victorian Energy Compare (the Victorian Government’s independent energy price comparison site). To confirm your eligibility, you will need to meet the following criteria: You must have a residential electricity bill and be the account holder for that bill; and you must be able to receive your bonus payment via mail at the address of your energy service. You can only claim the $50 bonus on the Victorian Energy Compare website; the Victorian Government won’t telephone you about this offer. For more information, visit compare.energy.vic.gov.au. 4 | GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE GAZETTE | AUGUST 2018
yourBUSINESS
BUSINESS PROFILE – LETHBRIDGE EQUESTRIAN CENTRE Lethbridge Equestrian Centre is a family-run facility, with a 60m x 30m all-weather indoor arena with a sand surface, lighting, yard, parking, café area and hot horse wash. Owned and operated by Seetal Dodd and Angela Castro, the centre has been operating since April 2017. Both Seetal and Angela are passionate about horses, with Seetal an avid showjumper. “I wanted to live somewhere where I could keep my horses, that was affordable, and an easy commute to my work in Geelong, and Lethbridge ticked all the boxes,” Seetal said. “Living on an equestrian property in Golden Plains was a lifestyle decision for us. As a place to run a business it has the advantage of being a close-knit community that supports locals, which is especially important in an equestrian business where reputation and word of mouth is everything,” said Seetal. The centre can be hired to groups and individual riders from all levels and equestrian disciplines, and there are plans to expand the business so it can run equestrian events, including a show jumping event in 2019. For more information contact lethbridgeequestriancentre@gmail.com.
SMALL BUSINESS FESTIVAL The Small Business Festival is an annual curated events program held across Victoria, providing ideas, information and networking opportunities to help you start, operate and grow a business. The Festival runs for the entire month of August and offers a wide range of practical, interactive and innovative events that cover topics such as business planning, marketing, social media, networking and financial management. There are a range of online podcasts and other resources available throughout the Festival, as well as a host of face to face events in both Ballarat and Geelong. All events are free or presented at low cost, and are specially designed to help small business owners improve their productivity. The Festival offers opportunities to learn from, network, and engage with other like-minded businesses and industry experts. Golden Plains businesses were invited to the August Business Networking Lunch at Clyde Park Vineyard and Bistro on Wednesday 8 August as a part of the Festival. Proudly presented by Small Business Victoria in conjunction with local councils, the Festival provides small businesses with the opportunity to exchange ideas, access free or low-cost information and support and establish valuable professional networks. For more information, visit festival.business.vic.gov.au.
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COMMUNITYGRANTS
2018-19 COMMUNITY GRANTS Council is pleased to announce that more than $109,000 has been granted to local community groups under Council’s 2018/19 Community Grants Program. With a return of $2.9 for every dollar granted by Council, these 34 projects will deliver an amazing benefit to our communities. Successful applicants will complete their projects over the 2018/19 year. Congratulations to all the worthy recipients! • Bannockburn Playgroup Revitalise Bannockburn Playgroup • Shelford Duck Race Electrical Cable Traps Protecting Events and Community • Dereel and Surrounding Communities Men’s Shed Provide a Set of Manual Metal Work Hand Tools • Ross Creek/Smythes Creek Community Planning Group Ross Creek Avenue of Honour Celebrations • Inverleigh Kindergarten Inc. Outdoor Music Area • Smythesdale Football Netball Club Installation of Fixed In-ground Seating • Lethbridge Recreation Reserve Internal Facelift Stage 2
• Bannockburn and District Men’s Shed Upgrade Men’s Shed to Classification 9B • Meredith and District Motorcycle Club Refurbishment of Existing Amenities • Inverleigh Golf Club Inc. Cleaning & Clay Lining of Existing Dam & Associated Earthworks • Bannockburn & Surrounds Neighbourhood Watch Implementing and Establishing a Local NHW in our Community • Rokewood Kindergarten Outdoor Environment Enhancement Project • Meredith History Interest Group Escape to the Country & Storage and Signage Upgrade • Lethbridge Public Hall Icing on Our Hall Cake • Smythesdale Pony Club Manure Barrow • Ross Creek Reserve Committee New Information Sign Board to Commemorate the Volunteers to WW1 from the Area • Teesdale Mechanics Institute Repainting Meeting Room and Replacement of Old Carpet • Bannockburn Golf Club Inc. Upgrade of Tractor Used for the Maintenance of the Golf Course • Rokewood Recreation Reserve CoM Water Connection for Irrigation of Oval • Lethbridge Tennis Club Lethbridge Tennis Court Lighting Stage 3 • Life Saving Victoria Open Water Learning Experience Aquatic Safety Education for Youth in the Golden Plains Shire • Woady Yaloak Catchment Group Generational Change in the Woady Yaloak Catchment
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• Dereel Community Hub Inc. Art In Dereel • Shelford Public Hall Replacement of Free-standing Electric Oven/stove in our Hall Kitchen. • Happy Valley School Restoration Group Happy Valley School Window Replacement. • Bannockburn Scout Group Purchase of Storage Container / boxes for our Group • Woady Yaloak Recreation Facility CoM Window Furnishings upgrade to MPR • Golden Plains Art Inc. Art in a Box, Pop up Library Activities & Exhibition • Woady Yaloak Historical Society Inc. Provision of Picture Rail and Restoration of Historic Framed Photographs • Rokewood Golf Club Inc. Safety Access to Clubhouse • Inverleigh Football Netball Club Provide and Place Bench Seating • Rokewood Corindhap Football Netball Club Re-fence the Rokewood Common • Geelong Miniature Aircraft Association Inc. New Club House/Shed • Haddon Community Planning Construction of a Rotunda
schoolupdate
CHECKING IN WITH BANNOCKBURN P-12 COLLEGE Bannockburn P-12 College has now been in operation for eight exciting months so we thought it was time to check in and see how it’s going.
The brand-new contemporary facility, located in Bannockburn, is home to over 700 students from prep to year 8. Over the coming years, student numbers will continue to increase with an additional year level added each year to finally accommodate students up to year 12 in 2022.
This produce has been guiding the creation of seasonal menus to put the student’s culinary skills and taste buds to the test and promotes the College’s overall approach to sustainability.
In the first six months, the College developed many exciting initiatives for students to support their academic learning and tools needed for ‘Learning for Life’, such as the ‘Be Inspired’ program, which promotes resilience, confidence and motivation and is very popular amongst students.
Students across all year levels have participated in a range of sporting competitions across the district with some outstanding performers, placing the College on the sporting map for future events. In areas such as science, woodwork and visual arts, students have had the opportunity to work with new and state-of-the-art equipment and have produced some exceptional work.
The performing arts area continues to grow and offers many opportunities for students in the areas of music, choir and dance, with a recent concert performance wowing parents and friends, showcasing all the students have learned in only a short amount of time.
Bannockburn P-12 College has created an exciting place for students to learn, achieve and reach their fullest potential and continues to find ways to engage and support the College community and the wider Golden Plains community. Well done to all involved!
Food technology’s approach to sustainability has prompted many locals in the region to donate fresh home-grown seasonal produce.
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yourhome ENVIRONMENT STRATEGY UPDATE The Environment Strategy 2019-27 is progressing well, with Phase 1 and 2 completed. These phases included the initial round of community engagement to inform the draft Strategy, with participants sharing their thoughts and passions for protecting our environment, reconciling the growth of our community, and contributing to a better world. The community survey, pop-up conversation posts and community workshops were attended by 79 residents representing the wider community groups and township focus areas, providing creative and in-depth input into the development of the new Strategy. Find out more at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations.
Nss STRATEGY UPDATE
BOOSTING LOCAL BIODIVERSITY
The Northern Settlement Strategy (NSS) will provide a municipal approach to land use planning for the northern part of Golden Plains Shire.
The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) is assisting Council with the restoration of native grasslands at Bakers Lane Reserve in Teesdale.
The Strategy will be available on Council’s website by late-September and once adopted, will form part of an amendment to the Golden Plains Planning Scheme.
CCMA is supporting Council through the provision of a Victorian Volcanic Plains Small Grant to plant 1000 forbs and grasses. Bakers Lane Reserve contains large old River Red Gums over a grassy understorey comprised of mostly introduced grasses. The CCMA grant has reintroduced native plant species that are absent from the reserve following a long history of grazing. The native plants will add biodiversity to the Reserve and assist with reducing heavy fuel loads associated with introduced grasses. Council will continue to restore the native grasslands in the Reserve through careful weed control and small planned burns.
Council is holding information sessions including a short presentation in Napoleons (Napoleons Public Hall, ColacBallarat Road, Wednesday 8 August, 2-7pm, presentations at 2.30pm and 6pm) and Smythesdale (at the Well, 19 Heales Street, Thursday 9 August, 2-7pm, presentations at 2.30pm and 6pm) to present the key findings of the NSS. You can find out more about the NSS at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations. 8 | GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE GAZETTE | AUGUST 2018
yourhome BEAUTIFYING BRUCES CREEK VicRoads, Council and year 8 Bannockburn P-12 College students planted 600 native trees and shrubs in Bruces Creek Reserve on World Environment Day on Tuesday 5 June. A further 400 trees and shrubs were planted later to complete the planting project. VicRoads provided the locally sourced plants, stakes and guards as a community contribution as part of the Midland Highway overtaking lanes project. The trees and shrubs planted were all local indigenous species. The plantings will complement the existing revegetation efforts in the reserve and will not only help to beautify the reserve but will also provide food and habitat for our local fauna.
STOP KITTY LITTERING ‘Stop Kitty Littering’ is a new campaign to address increased numbers of cats being impounded and euthanised. Over the last year, there has been a 62% increase in pound fees for cats and dogs delivered to the pound, resulting in significant increased costs to the community. Following on from the success of ‘First in best de-sexed’ program, from August 2018 Council will be offering, with support of local vets, a 50% discount on de-sexing with each new cat registration. This offer will run for a limited time and Golden Plains Shire residents are encouraged to monitor our website and social media for updates.
NEW LOOK FOR MILTON STREET A partnership between Golden Plains Shire, Bendigo Bank and the Bannockburn Community Planning Group has resulted in the planting of Claret and Golden Ash trees in Milton Street in Bannockburn. With the opening of the new Bannockburn P-12 College, along with the existing stadium and soccer field, Milton Street has become an even more significant street in the town and it was ready for an upgrade. The new trees will provide shade for children and families walking to and from school and, with their Autumn colours, will also greatly enhance the appearance of Bannockburn.
AUGUST 2018 | GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE GAZETTE| 9
yourCOMMUNITY ‘HEAL’ GRANTS NOW OPEN Golden Plains Shire Council is supporting healthy eating and active living in our community with our new ‘Healthy Eating and Active Living’ (or HEAL) grants. There are two different funding categories which groups can apply for, ‘Eat well! and ‘Be active!’ which can include a range of initiatives around promoting healthy eating and increasing opportunities for the community to be physically active. HEAL grants will replace our ‘Gem of an Idea’ grants to align more closely to the changing health and wellbeing needs of our region, and the shared priority of Central Highlands and G21 Regions of ‘Healthy Eating and Active Living’. Funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, grants will be available to community groups to the value of $500. Applicants should be an incorporated body or have an auspice community group to manage the funds on their behalf. For more information on HEAL grants and to read the grant guidelines, visit our website and search for ‘Healthy Eating and Active Living grants’, or contact a Council staff member from our Health and Wellbeing team on 5220 7111.
JOIN OUR FAMILY DAY CARE EDUCATOR TEAM! Golden Plains Shire Council is looking for Family Day Care Educators. If you are looking for a flexible career, becoming a Family Day Care Educator for Council could be the right choice for you. Family Day Care is a home-based licensed children’s service operated by Golden Plains Shire Council, provided for children from six weeks to 12 years of age. As a Family Day Care Educator, you can: P Enjoy working from home P Develop your own learning programs P Help shape the future of children P Combine your passion for children with running your own business (with support from Council!). If you have a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, contact the Bannockburn Family Services Centre on 5220 7230 to find out about progressing your career with Golden Plains Shire Council. 10 | GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE GAZETTE | AUGUST 2018
yourCOMMUNITY EASY ENGLISH VERSION OF THE COUNCIL PLAN Council has worked with Scope to develop an Easy English version of our 2017-2021 Council Plan. About 44% of Australians do not have the literacy skills required for everyday life. People may find it hard to read complex text due to low literacy skills, disability, ageing or English being their second language. ‘Easy English’ uses simplified language and grammar to communicate the key messages with simple images that link to the main idea of the text to help people understand. The Easy English version of the Council Plan can be downloaded from the Council website, and hard copies are available at our Customer Service Centres. If you would like a copy posted to you, please contact us.
WALK, RIDE OR SCOOT TO SCHOOL! We are calling all local families to walk, ride and scoot to school this October. Council joins VicHealth in its mission to get kids walking, riding and scooting to school as part of VicHealth’s annual Walk to School program to help build healthy habits for life. Council will work with local primary schools to deliver a range of activities encouraging more families to get active, thanks to funding of $10,000 from VicHealth. Activities include competitions (20 x $50 Rebel sport vouchers up for grabs!), healthy morning teas and development of safe walking maps. Walking at school or home will be an option for those who cannot walk to school. Contact the Health and Wellbeing team on 5220 7111 for more information.
FARMERS’ MARKET SURVEY RESULTS In May we asked community members and market goers for feedback about the Golden Plains Farmers’ Market. The survey attracted a high number of responses, seventyfive percent of whom were Shire residents, reflecting the value the Market brings to the region. The three top reasons for attending the Market were to ‘buy direct from farmers’, ‘buy local’ and for ‘fresh food shopping’. Eighty percent thought there is room for improvement, with most stating they would like ‘more variety of stalls’ and a ‘greater number of stalls’. It is clear from survey results that the Market is delivering great outcomes for our community and we look forward to making it even better. Visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/ consultations for more information. AUGUST 2018 | GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE GAZETTE| 11
COMMUNITYNOTICEBOARD Alternative formats If you are interested in receiving a copy of the Gazette in large print please contact Customer Service on 5220 7111 or 1300 363 036.
TEESDALE CALISTHENICS CHAMPION
The Golden Plains Gazette is published six times per year and is delivered to all households and mail collection centres and is also available on Council’s website.
Taliah competed in the sub-junior division; she’s a fourth-generation calisthenics performer looking to repeat the efforts of her mum, Rebecca Eastgate, who won a national team title 25 years ago.
October deadline Please note, the deadline for the October edition is 9am Thursday 30 August 2018. Send your copy with “Gazette News” in the subject line to: ann.card@gplains.vic.gov.au Fax: 5220 7100 or post PO Box 111, Bannockburn 3331.
Congratulations to Taliah Eastgate from Teesdale who competed at the National Calisthenics Championships in Canberra in July.
success for Cari’s School of Dance, Teesdale The School had three troupe teams competing at the Warrnambool Eisteddfod in July, with the under 10’s and under 13 teams achieving first place! Well done to this wonderful community dance school, which teaches around 100 students from around our Shire, and congratulations all involved.
HESSE RURAL HEALTH SERVICE COMMUNITY CONNECTION VISIT
WELL DONE TO THE GEELONG FALCONS
Come and meet with your local Hesse health care representative at the Bannockburn Shopping Centre on Wednesday 22, Thursday 23 and Friday 24 August, between 11am and 3pm.
Council would like to congratulate the Geelong Falcons on their win in the TAC Cup Girls grand final in May, against the Northern Knights.
Rokewood Resource Recovery Facility Hours of operation: Sunday 10am till 3pm. The Golden Plains Gazette is produced on stock which is FSC Certified; 100% recycled post consumer waste, Process Chlorine Free environment, 100% FSC certified fibre and ISO 14001 EMS accredited.
Hesse representatives will be available to talk with you regarding Home Care Packages and information about other Hesse health services, including respite Care, permanent Care, District nursing and Allied health supports. For further information please call 5267 1200.
Coached by Jason Armistead, a Golden Plains resident and Golden Plains Shire Council employee, our Shire was also represented in the player group. This is a huge achievement and Council would like to congratulate all involved.
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