Get Work ready with free accredited training Golden Plains Shire Council is helping local young people take the next step towards employment through free accredited training opportunities delivered as part of its Youth Work Ready Program. The program will deliver four accredited courses designed to help young people gain practical skills, industry-recognised qualifications and greater confidence as they prepare for employment. Young people aged 14 to 25 will have the opportunity to participate in training that supports entry into a variety of industries and workplaces, including: • Responsible Service of Alcohol – Saturday 15 August, 9.30am to 4pm, Golden Plains Youth Hub • White Card Training – Saturday 29 August, 8.30am to 3pm, Golden Plains Youth Hub
• Safe Food Handling – Saturday 17 October, 9.30am to 2pm, Teesdale Community Hall • CPR Refresher – Saturday 24 October, 9.30am to 1pm, Golden Plains Youth Hub These accredited courses are a part of Council’s Youth Work Ready Program which provide genuine opportunities for Golden Plains young people to develop skills, knowledge and make connections to support their journey to employment. The program is supported by the Victorian State Government’s Engage! Initiative. To register, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events. Registrations are available through Eventbrite and light refreshments will be provided.
DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE DIGITAL HUB?
Located at The Well in Smythesdale, the Digital Hub offers Golden Plains Shire residents, remote workers and business owners a productive place to work without the commute to Melbourne or larger regional centres. •
Fast and reliable NBN
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Strong mobile phone coverage
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4 hot desks available (2 computers and 2 plug-and-play workstations)
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Open Monday to Friday, 8.45am– 4.45pm
Work smarter, stay connected and get more done in a modern, professional environment. For further information about the Digital Hub, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/digitalhub.
APPLY NOW FOR COMMUNITY STRENGTHENING GRANTS
FEEDBACK SOUGHT ON SPECIAL RATE & CHARGE POLICY Golden Plains Shire Council is inviting residents to have their say on a Draft Special Rate & Charge Policy, which aims to support the delivery of more local projects that provide direct benefits to the community. The draft Policy sets out a fair and transparent way for Council and property owners to work together on improvements that provide clear, direct benefits to specific areas or groups of properties. Under the proposed approach, property owners who directly benefit from a new or upgraded infrastructure project contribute to its cost, while Council covers any wider community benefit.
A major focus of the draft Policy is community involvement. Before any Special Rate or Charge is introduced, Council must follow a detailed seven-step process that includes early engagement, surveys of affected property owners, public notices, opportunities for written and verbal submissions, and transparent decision-making, ensuring residents have a strong voice at every stage. Feedback on the draft Policy is invited until 5pm, Monday 31 August 2026 and can be completed at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations.
2 Pope Street, Bannockburn, VIC 3331 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale, VIC 3351
Golden Plains Shire Council's Community Strengthening Grants are now open, with $50,000 available to support local community groups and organisations delivering projects, programs and activities that benefit our residents. Community groups are invited to apply for grants of up to $7,000, available in three categories: • Healthy Connected Community • Community Inclusion • Environment and Sustainability For further information and to discuss your application, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/grants or contact the Community Grants team at 5220 7111 or email communitygrants@gplains.vic.gov.au.
5220 7111 enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au
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