8 minute read
Golden Plains Shire Council Community Awards 2022
Council congratulates the outstanding winners of the Golden Plains Shire Council Community Awards 2022.
The Golden Plains Shire Council (GPSC) Community Awards 2022 were presented on Tuesday 24 January, 2023 at the Dereel Community Hall where all award nominees were recognised and the 2022 winners were announced.
Advertisement
The Golden Plains Shire Council Citizen of the Year 2022 is Jaymee-Lin Ellis of Smythesdale.
Jaymee-Lin volunteers her time and expertise to assist the Woady Yaloak Historical Society and the Smythesdale Progress Association to improve the Smythesdale Country Market. Jaymee-Lin has been instrumental in the growth of the market and with Jaymee-Lin’s support the event has become so popular that people travel to Smythesdale specifically for the market, stopping at the cafés and shops on the main streets, supporting local businesses. JaymeeLin also runs GenkiFit, a small community fitness program in Smythesdale and is also president of the Woady Yaloak Recreation Factility Committee of Management.
The GPSC Citizen of the Year 2022 other nominees were Leah Phillips of Meredith; Shona Eland of Bannockburn; Melissa Gillett of Bannockburn and Stuart Mc Callum of Bannockburn.
The Golden Plains Shire Council Senior Citizen of the Year 2022 is Dr Jill Wheeler of Linton.
Dr Wheeler works tirelessly as the Linton and District Historical Society President. Dr Wheeler is passionate about the history of Linton and has been an advocate for Linton to be a key historical precinct in the north of the Shire. Dr Wheeler was the key instigator in the commissioning of the sculpture of Dr Vera Scantlebury (WW1 Veteran surgeon) which is to be unveiled in 2023. Dr Wheeler has also been successful in securing local, state and federal government grants to restore the Linton library.
The GPSC Senior Citizen of the Year 2022 other nominee was Heather Butler of Rokewood.
The Golden Plains Shire Council Young Citizen of the Year 2022 is Jayden Sheier of Bannockburn.
Jayden is an integral and valued member of the Youth Activation Committee, FReeZA Committee and a supporter of Youth Service programs more broadly. As a young person, Jayden has demonstrated an outstanding ability and commitment to seizing opportunities to empower and engage young people and is a profound example of how valuable young people are as leaders in the community. Jayden has made a significant contribution to the Golden Plains community, specifically in supporting and advocating for young people.
The GPSC Young Citizen of the Year 2022 other nominee was Jemma Mizzi of Lethbridge.
The Golden Plains Shire Council Community Impact Award 2022 was presented to the Mannibadar Settlement Committee.
The Mannibadar Settlement Committee hosted a significant community event on March 27, 2022, to mark the 100th anniversary celebrations of the 1921 Mannibadar Solider Settlement. In the lead up to the event the Mannibadar Settlement Committee worked tirelessly to search for relatives of soldiers from across Australia, which was evident by the number of people that attended the event. There was also an extensive display of historical photos and memorabilia, and a large brass plaque embedded into a granite boulder was unveiled. Guests of the event praised the Mannibadar Settlement Committee for hosting what was a memorable event for all.
The GPSC Community Impact Award 2022 other nominees were the Bannockburn Cemetery Trust and YMCA Bannockburn.
Thank you to all the recipients, nominees, and guest speakers as well as the community members who submitted nominations.
Footpath Upgrades Across Golden Plains Shire
Council has recently completed work to improve and repair footpaths at locations within Golden Plains Shire as part of Council’s Footpath Renewal Program.
The works included the upgrade of a gravel footpath along Ross Creek-Haddon Road in Haddon, repairs to a footpath north of the intersection of Cambridge Street and Newman Street in Inverleigh due to flood damage, and the installation of a gravel footpath at Ferrars Road in Rokewood.
Council has also completed work to improve a number of footpaths surrounding local schools including the repair and installation of a new footpaths in front of Rokewood Primary School and Haddon Primary School.
Work to improve the Tannery Road Floodway in Scarsdale has also begun. The existing pedestrian walkway will be replaced with a levelled surface to provide safe shared access for all pedestrians.
Council regularly works to identify upgrade projects, through hazard inspections, accident statistics and feedback from the community.
Safer Intersections for Berringa and Garibaldi
Motorists travelling through Berringa and Garibaldi are benefitting from safer intersections following the completion of upgrade works at the intersection of Derwent Jacks Road, Snowgum Road, Staffordshire Reef Road and Crombs Road in Berringa and the Buninyong–Mt Mercer Road and Hardies Hill Road intersection in Garibaldi.
The improvement works in Berringa saw the widening and sealing of approximately 100m of Staffordshire Reef Road, Snowgum Road and 50m of Derwent Jack Road, leading from the intersection. The intersection upgrade was undertaken following community requests, with works beginning in May 2022 and completed in December 2022.
Upgrades in Garibaldi included road asphalt resurfacing and shoulder improvement works to increase safety on the busy Buninyong–Mt Mercer Road and Hardies Hill Road intersection. These works were completed in March 2022.
The $306,900 upgrades were fully funded by the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) fund and delivered by Council.
Post Flood Recovery in Golden Plains
Council’s road maintenance teams have had a busy start to 2023, with road grading and road patching of flood damaged roads continuing throughout the early part of the year.
Major patching works for roads within Golden Plains Shire commenced the week of 9 January, and this year’s patching works schedule is significantly larger than previous years due to the impact of unprecedented storms in October and November, 2022.
Mayor Cr Brett Cunningham commended the great work repair teams are doing to progress road works. A range of road works have commenced at locations including Haddon, Scarsdale, Rokewood, Werneth and Inverleigh. Major patching works for roads in Smythes Creek, Barunah Park and Ross Creek are programmed to commence in February.
Council received over 900 requests for road repairs following the storms and flooding, and continues to work through the backlog of requests on a priority basis.
To report a road issue, please contact Council’s Customer Experience Team on 5220 7111 or report it online at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/resident
Community Satisfaction Survey 2023
As part of Council’s commitment to Customer Experience, Golden Plains Shire Council is pleased to take part in the Victorian Government’s annual Community Satisfaction Survey (the Survey).
Each year the Victorian Government undertakes the survey on behalf of local Councils to measure the community’s perception of Council’s performance over 12 months.
Residents may receive a call from an independent market research agency, National Field Services, inviting them to complete the Survey.
The Survey assesses the performance of Council across a range of measures, to identify ways to provide improvement or more effective service delivery to residents of Golden Plains.
National Field Services representatives will be contacting 400 Golden Plains residents by phone from Monday 30 January to mid-March 2023.
Please be assured that your details and individual responses are confidential and only overall results are shared with Council.
If you have any questions regarding the Survey, please contact Council’s Customer Experience Team on 5220 7111.
Great Vic Bike Ride Makes Positive Impact
The Great Victorian Bike Ride travelled through Golden Plains on Saturday 3 December, 2022 with more than 2,200 riders and support staff camping at the Inverleigh Recreation Reserve before travelling from Inverleigh to Buninyong for the final day of the ride.
Following a picturesque ride from Angelsea, riders arrived in Inverleigh and set up camp before enjoying a beautiful afternoon and evening in town, visiting a number of local businesses within the town including the Inverleigh Hotel.
The Inverleigh Community Market, comprising over 50 stallholders, was very popular with many riders and residents buying local produce, plus arts and crafts while enjoying live music.
Council worked closely with event organisers to bring the Ride to Golden Plains and in June 2022 awarded Bicycle Network a $5,000 Community Strengthening Grant to support the event’s overnight stay in the Shire.
The 2022 Great Vic Bike Ride (The Ride) began in Koroit on Saturday 26 November, 2022 and over 8 days made its way to Inverleigh through Timboon, Birregurra, Apollo Bay and Anglesea.
Choose Water This Summer
Did you know water is essential for brain function and physical performance?
Golden Plains Shire Council, as part of the G21 Geelong Regional Alliance, is encouraging residents to Choose Water This Summer.
The health campaign aims to increase water consumption across the Golden Plains, Colac Otway, Greater Geelong, Queenscliffe and Surf Coast municipalities, which has approximately 324,067 people.
In making water the drink of choice this sunny season the campaign hopes to decrease the consumption of sugary and sweetened beverages.
As well as drinking water, the G21 Health and Wellbeing Pillar wants to promote regular physical activity and healthy eating habits in South West Victoria.
Did you know the recycling bins in Golden Plains Shire contain on average 77% recyclables and 23% contaminants? This is approximately 10% higher than the state average contamination rate of 13.3%.
Recycling is contaminated when the wrong items are placed in the recycling bin. It is a myth that you should put everything that could possibly, maybe, or sort of be recycled in the recycling bin ‘just in case’.
Learn, know and understand what items can go into your yellow-lidded recycling bin by visiting: goldenplains.vic.gov.au/resident
Council’s Active Ageing and Inclusion team hosted a Morning Tea on Friday 2 December, 2022, in Haddon, Meredith and Bannockburn to celebrate the International Day of Person with Disability event (IDPwD). The event was also held virtually to make it accessible to all Golden Plains residents.
As part of the event, guests heard from three guest speakers including the Central Highlands Local Area Coordinator from Latrobe Community Health Service who shared further information about the NDIS; a Disability Advocate at the Barwon Disability Resource Council (BDRC) who discussed the Advocacy services provided across the Shire for individuals with a disability, including Assert 4 All; and local Linton artist Pam Farey who shared and discussed
Upcoming EVENTS
Wiser Driver Program - A Refresher Course for Responsible Older Drivers
Bannockburn Cultural Centre, 25-27 High Street, Bannockburn*.
Thursday 9, 16, 23 and 30 March 2023 from 10am to 12pm.
An informative, informal, and friendly refresher course, to upgrade your knowledge and build on your experience to keep you driving safely.
*Transport is available on request. Contact Council’s Active Ageing and Inclusion team on 5220 7151 or email: ageingandinclusion@gplains.vic.gov.au
Create and Connect
Council has partnered with Geelong Regional Libraries to deliver the Create and Connect Program featuring Storytelling and Art Sessions for Golden Plains community members who are living with dementia or experiencing early onset dementia and to help support their carers or companions.
The program is held across three locations in Golden Plains in Dereel, Meredith and Bannockburn and will run until Thursday 9 March, 2023.
For further information, visit Council’s Events page: goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events
Get In Touch
If you have any suggestions for future editions or comments you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact Council’s Active Ageing and Inclusion Department on the following numbers: some of her art (you may be familiar with Pam’s artwork at bus shelters in the north of the Shire).
The International Day of People with a Disability Morning tea events aimed to increase awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability in the community.
The day also educated the community about the barriers people with disability face and how we can work together to break down misconceptions and encourage inclusive attitudes and behaviours.
Weekly Activites for Seniors in the Shire
Tai Chi - $15 per class
• Meredith - Tuesdays from 9.30 to 10.30am at Meredith Community Centre, 4 Russell Street, Meredith
• Bannockburn - Tuesdays from 9.30 to 10.30am at the Bannockburn Men’s Shed, 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn
• Teesdale - Tuesdays from 9.30 to 10.30am at Teesdale Community Hall, 1109 Bannockburn-Shelford Road, Teesdale
Steady Feet - $10 per class
Wednesdays from 9.30 to 10.30am at Meredith Community Centre 4 Russell Street, Meredith
Caris School of Dance
Mondays from 3.45 to 9pm and Tuesdays from 4 to 7pm at Teesdale Community Hall, 1109 Bannockburn-Shelford Road, Teesdale
Kyokushin Karate - $10 per class
Wednesdays from 6.15pm at Teesdale Community Hall, 1109 Bannockburn-Shelford Road, Teesdale
Golden Plains Shire Council Active Ageing and Inclusion team (during business hours): 5220 7151
Email: ageingandinclusion@gplains.vic.gov.au
