Help Shape How Council Communicates and Engages with the Community Golden Plains Shire Council is inviting residents to help shape the future of how Council communicates and engages with the community. As part of the development of the new Communication and Engagement Strategy 2026–2030, Council is seeking feedback from residents on how they would like to receive information, stay informed about Council initiatives and participate in Council decision-making. The new Strategy will guide the way Council communicates with residents, connects with communities and creates opportunities for meaningful participation over the next four years. With communication methods and community expectations continuing to evolve, Council is committed to ensuring its approach remains effective, accessible and responsive to the needs of people across the Shire. Community feedback will play an important role in helping Council understand current preferences and identify opportunities to strengthen communication and engagement practices. Residents can share their thoughts at a series
of community pop-up sessions being held across the Shire: • Friday 31 July – Golden Plains Mobile Library stops at Cape Clear, Haddon, Linton and Smythesdale • Saturday 1 August, 9am to 1pm – Golden Plains Farmers’ Market • Saturday 1 August, 1.30pm to 3pm – Bannockburn Football & Netball Club • Thursday 13 August – Golden Plains Mobile Library stops at Meredith, Dereel and Rokewood • Saturday 15 August, 9am to 1pm – Smythesdale Country Market Feedback on the development of the Strategy is invited until 11.59pm, Sunday 6 September 2026 and can be completed at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations. Council encourages all residents to take part and help shape the future of communication and community engagement across Golden Plains Shire. Complete the survey and you could go in the draw to win a $250 Prezzee voucher. *Terms and conditions apply.
Community Strengthening Grants Open Tomorrow Golden Plains Shire Council’s Community Strengthening Grants Program returns in 2026, with applications open from Saturday 1 August for local community groups. Community Strengthening Grants provide a valuable opportunity for local community groups and organisations to deliver vital projects, activities and programs in Golden Plains Shire. 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 Community groups are encouraged to apply for the 2026 Community Strengthening Grants Program, with $50,000 available to support local projects. Applications close at 2pm on Monday 31 August 2026. Council’s Community Grants team can provide assistance throughout the application process. For further information, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/grants or contact Council’s Community Development and Grants Officer at communitygrants@gplains.vic.gov.au or call 5220 7111.
2 Pope Street, Bannockburn, VIC 3331 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale, VIC 3351
Expressions of Interest Now Open for Community Planning Do you care about the future of your town? Are you part of a community group with ideas you'd love to see become reality? Council's Community Planning Program gives local communities the opportunity to identify priorities, shape projects and create a shared vision for the next four years. Participating communities receive support from a dedicated mentor to help build skills, strengthen community connections and identify projects that will make a lasting impact. We're inviting expressions of interest from Inverleigh, Shelford, Batesford, Maude, Steiglitz, She Oak, Dereel, Cape Clear, Illabarook and Rokewood Junction Interested in learning more? Contact Council's Community Partnerships Officer on 5220 7111 or visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/communityplanning.
Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants Awarded More than $90,000 in funding has been awarded to nine local community groups through the 2026 Berrybank Wind Farm Community Grants Program.
The funding will support a diverse range of projects and events across Golden Plains, including sporting facility upgrades, environmental initiatives, community arts programs and local events. Delivered in partnership with Berrybank Wind Farm, the grants help local organisations bring projects to life that create lasting benefits for our communities. Learn more about the successful recipients at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/ news.
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