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2 MAY, 2023
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Store manager Kyama Fraser (centre) and volunteers Annette Jarry and Andrea Beckett are getting ready for the Vinnies fashion show. (Damjan Janevski) 330689_01
Sunbury Vinnies is holding a winter fashion show on May 5, to raise money for the CEO sleepout, which supports people who are experiencing homelessness. The local op shop will be showcasing its winter appeal on the catwalk from 6pm to 8pm, with finger food and door prizes available for $10 entry. Store manager, Kyama Fraser said all the money raised will go towards the CEO sleepout and its goal to raise $1.2 million for Australians in need. “[It’s the] first time we’ve done it,” Ms Fraser said. “During [COVID-19] lockdowns there was talk about how we could get the community together.” “When the CEO sleepout came up we thought this was the perfect way to raise money for that and bring the community together.” “We’re hoping [to sell] around 100 [tickets], as the maximum we can take in … fingers crossed.” Ms Fraser said the volunteers will be walking in the show, and will include a line dancer, a rock and roll teacher and two people from distinctive options. “We’ve been trying to hold onto some of the better items that have come in … so we can showcase some of the great items that we have.” Zoe Moffatt
Rates, rubbish costs rise By Zoe Moffatt Macedon Ranges council’s draft budget includes a rates icrease of 3.5 per cent while rubbish collection charges are also set to soar. In the April 26 meeting, council said the budget was prepared in relation to cost of living increases and council’s cost of doing business, along with the complexity posed by extreme weather and unprecedented events. Council has proposed the average rate increase for 2023-24 will be within the state government’s 3.5 per cent rate cap, which
is based on the average rate increase for the average property. The proposed four-bin kerbside collection charge is set to increase by 8.5 per cent to $540.50 per property, which council said is due to inflating costs of collection. Council has proposed an option to include a green waste charge of $5 per trailer load at transfer stations, which would reduce the kerbside charge by about $8.5 per rateable assessment receiving the four-bin system. Capital expenditure for the next financial year will be $26.7 million and will go
towards funding works and services, including the Woodend Community Centre, Daylesford-Hanging Rock Shared Trail and stage two of the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct. Council also noted the budget includes contingency for increased costs relating to the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct, which has been paused following the builders going into voluntary administration. Deputy mayor Jennifer Anderson said she encouraged residents to look at the budget and provide the council with feedback.
“I really would encourage people to have a look at where we’re heading [and] what we’re thinking,” Cr Anderson said. “Particularly that green waste … to see which model you feel best fits where we’re at in the Macedon Ranges.” “We can’t know what we don’t know, we can’t be everywhere and we really value [residents] input.” The public will be able to make comments on the draft budget from April 27 to May 19, and council will be presented with a report and submissions in a meeting on June 28
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