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OCTOBER 2018

Gazette

FIRE SEASON:

ARE YOU PREPARED? Everyone has a responsibility to help keep their community as safe as possible. Find out more on page 6 >

Get out and about in the Shire this spring

Introducing Localised, our new local business directory

Community engagement update

YOURCOUNCIL Bannockburn Customer Service Centre 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn, Victoria, 3331.

We are approaching the warmer seasons and I strongly encourage everyone in the Shire to make sure they are fire ready – and in Golden Plains, preparing your property is a huge part of this. Our Environment team will be working on our roadside slashing program soon, and conducting inspections throughout the Shire. This is for the safety of the entire community; find out more on pages 6 and 7.

Linton Customer Service Centre 68 Sussex Street, Linton Victoria, 3360. Phone P: 5220 7111 F: 5220 7100 The Well, Smythesdale Customer Service Centre 10am-2pm Tuesday-Friday 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale P: 5321 1500

FROM THE MAYOR

Postal address Golden Plains Shire Council PO Box 111, Bannockburn, Victoria 3331.

Australia Day Award nominations are open and I urge you to nominate someone you know who goes over and above for their community, team, group or cause. Our Shire is full of amazing, inspiring people and I look forward to seeing lots of great nominations; find the form on page 11 – it only takes a couple of minutes. Cr Helena Kirby – Mayor

Emergency contacts P: 1300 363 036 P: 5220 7111 (24 Hours)

As the weather warms up, we approach the events season for Golden Plains – there are so many great events happening in the Shire over spring and summer for residents and their families to enjoy. You’ll find our events listing on page 4, and on page 5, you can find out about how we’re celebrating Children’s Week across the Shire, the Cinema Pop Up event coming up at the end of November and some great business events.

Bannockburn Cultural Centre 27 High Street, Bannockburn P: 5220 7260 Northern Community Centre Sago Hill Road, Haddon P: 5342 7000 Bannockburn Family Services Centre 2a Pope Street, Bannockburn P: 5220 7230

We also have a number of community engagement opportunities coming up soon – we have an update about our new Play Space Strategy, how you can get involved in our new Communications and Marketing and Waste and Resource Recovery strategies on page 9.

FROM THE CEO

There are also some great programs happening for families in our Shire – on page 10 you can learn about parenting programs, Barwon Child Youth and Family drop in sessions and how we celebrated Veggie-licious week in the Shire. And finally, this month we’re launching ‘Golden Plains Localised,’ a platform to help the community find and connect to local businesses. I encourage all local business people to sign up and help support the local economy. Eric Braslis – Chief Executive Officer

2 | GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE GAZETTE | OCTOBER 2018

news YOUTH COMMITTEE NOMINATED FOR RURAL YOUTH AWARDS The Golden Plains Youth Committee has been nominated for the 2018 YACVic Rural Youth Awards. The nomination recognises the ongoing commitment and involvement of this dedicated group of young people in the development of youth programs, events and initiatives across the Shire to benefit young people across the region. This nomination is a testament to the gusto with which Golden Plains’ young people embrace civic participation and the spirit of volunteerism. Congratulations to this amazing group of youth ambassadors who are an inspiration to all young people living in rural areas.

DONATION OF DENTAL HYGIENE PACKS Over the past two years, 200 sets of dental hygiene packs have been donated for the benefit of families across the Shire. The Scarsdale Country Women’s Association of Vic Inc presented the last 50 sets of dental hygiene packs to Council’s Maternal and Child Health team for distribution in the northern end of Golden Plains Shire. The packs were provided for the benefit of families with infants to help promote good oral hygiene practises.

Pictured from left Lorraine Sala (President), Laurel Sharp (member) Ali Rodwell (Maternal and Child Health Nurse) and Anne Wilson (Secretary).

The Country Grocers in Smythesdale supplied products at cost and donated $100 towards the provision of these sets – both the Scarsdale Country Women’s Association and Council appreciate the generous support of this local business.

LOCAL YOUTH’S TV SUCCESS Gheringhap resident Jack Nyhof has produced, written, edited and directed a news program aired on Channel 31, at just 17 years old! The one-off program, called ‘Geelong Community News Focus’, featured the stories of three young people from the Geelong region. The program featured Golden Plains Shire Young person of the year 2018, athlete and award-winning volunteer Kaitlyn Schurmann (who is on track to compete at the Paralympics); volunteer at the Winged Horse Equine Welfare Centre, Elen Rees and Creative Geelong president Jennifer Cromarty. We love hearing about local people’s achievements, so if you hear about someone doing something great, please let us know by emailing news@gplains.vic.gov.au. OCTOBER 2018 | GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE GAZETTE| 3

EVENTS What’s on in Golden Plains? October 6th

20th

Golden Plains Farmers’ Market 8.30am – 12.30pm. Cnr High & Milton Sts Bannockburn. Farm fresh produce, free parking, free entry and kids’ activities. Also running 5 Nov & 3 Dec More info: goldenplainsfarmersmarket.com.au

Linton Triple Take – Rogaining Event 8.00am – 4.00pm. Based out of Linton Primary School.

20th

More info: Di Moylan 0419 394 784.

20th & 21st

27th

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

Live @ Turtle Bend

LOLA – Linton on Literary Arts 9.00am – 5.00pm. Various locations in Linton township. A writing, performing & visual arts festival mining the stories of Linton.

More info: John Gavens 0427 840 816 jjgavens@gmail.com

Inverleigh Produce & Lifestyle Market

9.00am – 1.00pm. 35A Brooke St, Smythesdale. A country market located in the historic precinct of Smythesdale with a variety of goods and craft stalls available.

Teams of 2 – 4 compete in the sport of long distance cross country navigation.

21st

Smythesdale Country Market

More info: samantha.thompson@gplains.vic.gov.au

21st

Smythesdale Pony Club Gymkhana

9.00am – 5.00pm. Woady Yaloak Equestrian Centre. A fun filled day of equestrian competition. More info: Janet Jackson 0429 402 047 djackson59@bigpond.com.

Weekly event – every Sat.

9.00pm – 11.00pm. Turtle Bend Teesdale.

Bannockburn Park Runs

8.00am – 9.00am. Bannockburn Bush.

Free community event with live music & Entertainment. Includes a huge lantern parade, food & festivities.

Free event, all welcome! 5km route. More info: Owen Sharkey 0417 365 607 owensharkey@gmail.com

More info: Lana Van Galen 0408 104 630 lanavangalen@bigpond.com.

November 3rd

Golden Plains Farmers’ Market

8.30am – 12.30pm. Cnr High & Milton Sts Bannockburn. Farm fresh produce, free parking, free entry and kids’ activities.

17th

More info: goldenplainsfarmersmarket.com.au

Inverleigh Produce & Lifestyle Market

4 | GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE GAZETTE | OCTOBER 2018

9.00am – 1.00pm. 35A Brooke St, Smythesdale. A country market located in the historic precinct of Smythesdale with a variety of goods and craft stalls available.

Also running 5 Nov & 3 Dec.

18th

Smythesdale Country Market

More info: Di Moylan 0419 394 784

18th

Old Skool Street Cars Geelong – Meredith Car Show 10.00am – 3.00pm. Meredith Cricket Club. Car show and family day. Something for everyone. More info: David Rochow 0409 919 200 or paintonglass@gmail.com.

EVENTS CINEMA POP UP EVENT COMING SOON Cinema Pop Up is coming to Bannockburn this summer, and tickets are FREE if you book online! Featuring an outdoor movie experience at Bannockburn Recreation Reserve, Cinema Pop Up is about providing locals and visitors the opportunity to experience an outdoor cinema and all the entertainment surrounding the event in their local environment. Cinema Pop Up will run for four nights only, from Thursday 29 November to Sunday 2 December, and will cater for all by featuring some favourite family movies. Cinema Pop Up offers Bannockburn locals the opportunity to vote on their favourite movies from 1 September on their Facebook page – @CPUAus, on their dedicated Bannockburn event page. Keep an eye out on Council’s Facebook page for more information.

CELEBRATE CHILDREN’S WEEK WITH US Families across Golden Plains are invited to celebrate Children’s Week with FREE events taking place throughout the Shire from 22-26 October. Children’s Week events in Rokewood, Bannockburn and Smythesdale will offer a range of family-friendly activities, and they’re completely free! Come along to one event or come to all, it’s up to you. This year’s National Children’s Week Theme is 2018 ‘Children’s views and opinions are respected’. For more information, please head to goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events. Keep an eye on Council’s Facebook pages for more details.

UPCOMING BUSINESS TRAINING AND MENTORING We have a great range of business training and mentoring opportunities coming up, including the Business Bus, online and marketing training sessions. Small Business Bus: Inverleigh, Tuesday 23 October, 10.00am to 3.00pm, High Street, Inverleigh. Marketing your business: How to get it right the first time: Bannockburn, Thursday 25 October, 9.30am to 11.30am, Bannockburn Cultural Centre, 27 High Street Bannockburn. Taking your business online: What you need to know: Bannockburn, Wednesday 21 November, 2.00pm to 4.00pm Bannockburn Cultural Centre, 27 High Street Bannockburn. SBMS Small Business Clinics: in Teesdale and Linton. For more information, go to goldenplains.vic.gov.au/business. OCTOBER 2018 | GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE GAZETTE| 5

GETFIREREADY

GET PREPARED FOR THIS FIRE SEASON As the fire season approaches, it is vital that residents and communities prepare properly for a long, hot summer.

CUT

TRIM

• On land under two hectares, you must cut or mow any long grass so that it is no higher than 100mm. • On properties over two hectares, you must ensure that you maintain the grass to no more than 100mm up to a minimum of 20 metres from the house or outbuilding.

• Trim excess vegetation along driveways, including any overhanging branches, to provide easy access for fire fighting appliances. • As a guide, the CFA requires a minimum clearance of four metres wide by four metres high. • As soon as the Fire Danger Period begins, you are not permitted to burn off on your property. You can find out more information about the Fire Danger Period on the CFA’s website at cfa.vic.org.au.

Golden Plains Shire residents can do lots of things to prepare their property and family to reduce the bushfire risk to the entire community. Preparing and planning ahead can save you and your family from the stress, trauma and danger of being threatened by fire. It is important to prepare before the fire season and Council is urging all residents to take the necessary steps to ensure they are ‘fire ready’. If you are in a high-risk bushfire area, make sure you know what to do, and when and where to go, on hot, dry, windy days. It could make all the difference to you and your family. What do you need to do?

What does Council need to do? CLEAR • Remove any flammable material around your home, including cleaning out gutters. • Clear away dead undergrowth and fallen branches. • Ensure that any firewood is stored well away from your home and outbuildings. • Ensure that your property is clearly numbered so that it can be easily found by Emergency Services should the need arise.

A well prepared property is more likely to survive a fire. It is important that you reduce the fine fuels around your house. Fine fuels such as leaves, twigs, bark and grass are a primary driver of fire intensity and spread. Some things you must do before and during the fire danger period include:

6 | GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE GAZETTE | OCTOBER 2018

Under State Government legislation, Council must conduct fire hazard inspections of private property. This includes issuing Fire Prevention Notices and arranging contractors to slash non-compliant private property. Council engages contractors to conduct roadside slashing of all of Council’s sealed roads and strategic fire breaks, which have been approved by the CFA. Council also conducts burning of selected reserves to remove the fire hazard and for ecological purposes.

GETFIREREADY

Photo credit: CCMA

Frequently Asked Questions Here we answer some of the questions we hear regularly from Golden Plains residents in the lead up to the Fire Danger Period. What is a Fire Prevention Notice? Fire Prevention Notices are issued by the Municipal Fire Prevention Officer on properties that are deemed necessary to protect life or property. Works may include mowing grass, cutting a boundary around your property or house and outbuildings. Council will begin property inspection on the first week of November.

Why have I received a Fire Prevention Notice? Council’s Municipal Fire Prevention Officer has recently assessed your property for fire hazards in the lead up to the summer Fire Danger Period and determined that you must reduce fuel loads on your property to reduce the fire risk. If you do not complete the works, or contact Council by the due date to arrange an extension or inform Council that you have stock on your property, then a contractor will be arranged. If this happens, the contractor costs are passed on to you and you will also receive a $1,611 infringement.

Why do I need to do works on my house when Council has not mowed their roadsides? Council will cut all sealed roads and strategic fire breaks. Council attempts to cut theses as late as possible in the season to prevent extra work and keeping the costs down for ratepayers. Council’s focus is on reducing the fire hazard on private land immediately around resident’s assets (your home and outbuildings). This is the most effective way of reducing the hazard of fire in our community.

OCTOBER 2018 | GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE GAZETTE| 7

yourBUSINESS INTRODUCING GOLDEN PLAINS LOCALISED More than 80% of local businesses want to support other local businesses, but less than half of them actually do! And the number one reason why they don’t? It is hard to find a local. We know our residents want to back local businesses too – supporting each other is a big part of our close knit communities. This is why Council, Bannockburn Chamber of Commerce and Localised are partnering to deliver Golden Plains Localised – a free local business digital network that will help local businesses: 1. Advertise their goods and services locally 2. Engage with other businesses to get local quotes 3. Discover regional networking and professional development events. If you run a business in Golden Plains, or want to find a local business, get connected today at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/localised.

LOCAL BUSINESS PROFILE: HANDS OF CHANGE Hands of Change is a Meredith-based charity and NDIS provider. Started by Linda Wong and Chris Ardrey in 2016, they offer hands-on programs for individuals, businesses and corporates. Programs such as Equihands use interaction with horses to promote learning and social engagement, helping participants cope with real-life challenges, as well as learning about leadership, team building, health and wellbeing. Participants enjoy the outdoor environment, good food and horse-related activities to help them achieve their professional, educational and personal goals. Hands of Change also use interactive virtual reality in their training programs. “We moved to Meredith because it is a friendly rural community with a village atmosphere,” said Linda. “We’ve received so much support and engagement, and in return we hope to make a difference to peoples lives.” For more information visit handsofchange.org.au.

8 | GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE GAZETTE | OCTOBER 2018

We have three important Council strategies in development at the moment, and two are currently open for the community to provide input! Find out more below.

HAVEYOURSAY

Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy Council has committed to develop a Resource Recovery and Waste Strategy in the 2018-19 financial year. The Strategy will guide Council in providing environmentally, economically and socially sustainable waste management services across the municipality. The ten-year Strategy will be in line with the Council Plan, which aims to further reduce the volume of waste going to landfill and explore innovative waste management and resource recovery mechanisms through regional partnerships. The enclosed survey is the first step in community consultation that will contribute to the Strategy. Further engagement opportunities are detailed on Council’s Have Your Say Page located at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/ consultations/waste-resource-recovery-strategy.

How do you connect WITH COUNCIL? Golden Plains residents are invited to help shape Council’s new Communications and Marketing Strategy 2019-21. We want to make sure we are improving how we connect with our communities and sharing important, useful information in the best way possible. Your input will help Council to better understand how the community wants to connect with Council and guide Council’s future communications and marketing priorities and activities within our existing resources. Your say will make a difference! Community engagement activities include Shire-wide consultation, including an online survey, community workshops and interactive conversation posts. Find out more and stay informed by checking out our Have Your Say page at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations.

NEW PLAY SPACE STRATEGY Over September, Council asked our community for their input into a new Play Space Strategy (2018-2028). Community feedback will assist Council to better understand the community’s needs, determine priorities and guide future investment in public play spaces within Golden Plains Shire. The new Play Space Strategy will support Council to plan for change and ensure Council offers appropriate play spaces, wheels facilities and other open spaces, to ensure we support people looking for opportunities to get physically active. The draft Strategy will be released for public comment in the near future; visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations for more information. OCTOBER 2018 | GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE GAZETTE| 9

YOURFAMILY BARWON CHILD, YOUTH & FAMILY DROP IN SESSIONS Raising children can be challenging and sometimes the ordinary challenges of parenting can seem overwhelming. Parents and carers are in invited to visit a Barwon Child, Youth & Family drop in service to access support relating to parenting, mental health, drug and alcohol issues, family violence and referrals to additional support services. Drop in sessions are available weekly at the Bannockburn Family Service Centre (2 Pope Street) on Tuesdays from 9.00am - 12.30pm, and at the Meredith Community Centre (monthly) on Thursdays from 9.00am - 12.30pm (25 October, 29 November, 20 December).

NEW CIRCLE OF SECURITY PROGRAM The FREE Circle of Security Parent Education Program is designed to enhance attachment security between parents and children. Results from previous participants show that after the seven sessions, parents are better able to support their child’s ability to successfully manage emotions, enhance the development of their child’s self-esteem and understand their child’s emotional world and needs better. When: Wednesdays from 17 Oct - 5 Dec, 10am - 12pm (booking is for seven sessions) Venue: Bannockburn Cultural Centre, High Street Bannockburn. Bookings: by 10 October to Lyndall at earlyyears@gplains.vic.gov.au or call 5220 7230. Childcare may be provided but booking is essential. 10 | GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE GAZETTE | OCTOBER 2018

VEGGIE-LICIOUS WEEK CELEBRATED AROUND THE SHIRE Children across our Shire participated in an innovative food education initiative known as Veggie-licious Week in July. Over 170 local children took part in various fun activities designed to create exposure to different vegetables and provide hands-on opportunities to increase confidence and knowledge around vegetables. The five participating groups included the Meredith Kindergarten, Bannockburn Children’s Service, Rokewood Kindergarten, Teesdale Kindergarten and our Family Day Care Services. Parents were provided with take-home resources and vegetable packs to continue the conversation around eating vegetables in the family home.

AUSTRALIADAY LINTON ON LITERARY ARTS EVENT LOLA (Linton On Literary Arts) will be a multi-arts storytelling development project that will tell the story of past and present Linton on 20-21 October. The historic gold mining town of Linton will come to life presenting storytelling, literary workshops, performances and art. LOLA’s diverse opportunities to connect and share stories will bring together tree-changers and long-term residents and farmers within the district and beyond. Visit facebook.com/lintonOnLiteraryArts for more information.

2019 Australia Day Awards nominations are now open The Australia Day Awards are an opportunity to formally acknowledge extraordinary individuals and community groups who make an outstanding contribution to Golden Plains Shire in fields such as community service, arts and culture, environment, business, economic development and sport. All nominees must be an Australian Citizen, who either lives or works in Golden Plains Shire, who has made a noteworthy contribution during the current year and/or given outstanding service to the local community over a number of years. 2018 Australia Day Winners Citizen of the Year Margaret Cooper

Senior Citizen of the Year Dianne Moylan

Young Citizen of the Year Kaitlyn Schurmann

Community Event of the Year Linton Town Garage Sale

How to nominate Post this tear off: Events Officer, Golden Plains Shire Council, 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn 3331 Email this tear off: Email to events@gplains.vic.gov.au. Online: Fill out the form online by searching for ‘Australia Day Awards 2019’. For more information, please call Council’s Event’s officer on 5220 7245. Nominations must be received by 5pm, Friday 30 November 2018.

2019 Australia Day Awards Nomination Form

Please list your details as the nominator: Full name Contact telephone or email address

Please select the category that best represents the person you are nominating: o Citizen of the Year (All age categories considered for this award)

o Young Citizen of the Year (Up to and including 25 years of age)

o Senior Citizen of the Year (65 years of age or over)

o Community Group of the Year (An event or project. A group or team who have achieved an impressive outcome/ result) Please list the details of the person/event you are nominating: Full name Address

Email address Telephone Mobile OCTOBER 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. 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. December deadline Please note, the deadline for the December edition is Thursday 8 November 2018. Send your copy with “Gazette News” in the subject line to: news@gplains.vic.gov.au Fax: 5220 7100 or post PO Box 111, Bannockburn 3331. 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.

PUBLIC HOLIDAY DECLARED The State Government has declared the following substitute public holidays in Golden Plains Shire in lieu of Melbourne Cup Day: • Friday 19 October is declared a public holiday for all areas east of Wingeel Road, Gumley-Mt Mercer Road and Meredith-Mt Mercer Road to celebrate Geelong Show Day. • Friday 9 November is declared a public holiday for all areas west of the above roads, to celebrate Ballarat Show Day.

MEREDITH & DISTRICT MEMORIAL HALL Armistice Centenary Celebrations and Commemorations 1918 – 2018. Events: Friday 9 November (Dinner & ‘Barry Pearce’ Peace Award), Saturday 10 November (Family BBQ and Country supper dance), Sunday 11 November (Remembrance of Armistice 1918 Service, light lunch and concert). For further information & bookings please contact: Jim Baker, 0419 757 965 or 5286 1251. Find out more: Facebook page - Meredith & District Memorial Hall (for bookings).

HADDON & DISTRICT LIONS CLUB WHITE ELEPHANT AUCTION Sunday 11 November, Race Course Road, Haddon. Auction commences at approximately 9.30am. Enquiries: Chris (Secretary) 5342 480 or email kay.rigg@bigpond.com

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Reason for Nomination: • Summarize the reasons why your nominee should be considered. You may wish to include:

o Other significant contributions and achievements about your nominee/group/event o Background information about your nominee/group/event

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