ISSUE 5, 2020 Gazette

4 Mayoral Youth 5 Council Elections 9 Funding for Award-Winners 2020 Lethbridge Lights COMMUNITYCOUNCIL NEWS NEWS COMMUNITY GRANTS PROGRAM From the Mayor Money for Local Community Groups In the last Gazette, the Coronavirus who we know will rise to meet the moment…Golden Plains Sixteen Golden Plains community groups have been awarded Community Strengthening Grants update was focused on the is full of supportive people and strong communities, and by Council, to deliver an exciting range of community projects and programs across the Shire. reopening of community facilities I know that together we can get through these difficult and the return of Council services times.” In the first round of this year’s revamped program, the livestream of the July Council Meeting, where across the Shire. We were all excited As the reality of the pandemic continues to hit home and Council awarded a combined $74,284 to the successful Councillors read out a short statement on each of the to move safely forward and put the we face the uncertainty it has brought, it is heartening to groups for projects across four categories: Healthy successful projects. lockdown behind us. see our communities come together to support families, Active Living; Creative Community; Environment and Sustainability; and Community Safety. These grants Apply Now: Round Two Grants It’s a common saying that a week is friends and neighbours. We don’t know how far we are will support a variety of programs, including protecting a long time in politics but, as we are from the finish line, but we will get there together. In the Applications for Round Two of this year’s Community all experiencing, a week is a very long days, weeks and months ahead, please remember to stay biodiversity in local reserves, improving community Strengthening Grants program are now open and must time in a pandemic. Now, we have safe and connected, be kind, and take care. sporting facilities, and helping children deal with the be received by Monday 21 September, 2020. Community impacts of family violence trauma. returned to working and schooling at home and wearing Thank You groups seeking more information on the program are masks whenever we go out for essentials. As the stay-at- With COVID-19 restrictions preventing a community encouraged to contact Council’s Community Partnerships On a final note, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you for home parent running home school for our three daughters celebration event to present each community group Officer on 5220 7220, emailcommunitygrants@gplains. all the support I’ve received over the past two years as while my wife, a nurse, works at the hospital, it’s hard to with their grant, Council invited recipients to tune into vic.gov.au, or visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/grants. believe we’re back here again. Sometimes, when you take Mayor and four years as a Councillor. It has been an honour a moment to reflect, it all seems rather surreal, as we live and a privilege to serve the people of Golden Plains and The recipients of the first round of Council’s 2020 Community Strengthening Grants are: through a very different 2020 to what we envisioned at the I’ve most enjoyed meeting so many residents of all ages in communities across the Shire. New Year countdown. Healthy Active Living Grants When we first went into lockdown at the start of the With Council elections scheduled in October, I would pandemic, I wrote a message that I believed then, and encourage community members interested in serving the Leisure Networks Mini Movers project $8,000 community to stand for council, and all residents to vote has been proven true so many times over the past several Haddon Recreational Committee of Management Spectator Seating $2,756 months: for their elected Councillors. For more election information, please see page 5 of the Gazette. Bannockburn and District Bowls Club Bowls for Bannockburn $4,500 “Golden Plains is a special place to live – and we have 56 Inverleigh Golf Club Disc Golf Project $8,900 wonderful townships with community-minded residents Cr Owen Sharkey - Mayor of Golden Plains Shire Council WRISC Family Violence Support Van Go Project $2,880 Meredith Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Hall improvements $3,625 Ross Creek/Smythes Creek Community Coordinators Community Signage $3,075

Coronavirus Update Creative Community Grants

Rokewood/Corindhap Community Coordinators History Boards $2,225 In line with the Victorian Government’s reintroduced Bannockburn and Mobile Libraries, stadiums, community Northern Access TV Chronicles X TV Episode on Golden Plains $7,500 Stage Three restrictions, Council made changes to its centres and change and club rooms at recreation facilities services in August. are also closed until at least Sunday 13 September. Meredith History Interest Group Bringing History Alive $2,662.50 Council’s Bannockburn and Smythesdale Customer Essential services of Council that require physical contact Smythesdale Community Arts Community Arts and Music Fiesta $3,000 Service Centres are closed for face-to-face interactions including immunisation, maternal and child health services, until at least Sunday 13 September. delivered meals (meals on wheels), childcare, community Environment and Sustainability Grants Customers can still contact the Customer Service team care, and food safety inspections have continued during this time by: throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with increased Friends of Bannockburn Bush Accessible Tracks $5,000 • Phone: 5220 7111 healthy and safety measures. Ballarat Environment Network Fencing in defence of biodiversity $8,000 • Email: [email protected] For the latest health and restriction advice, as well as how to Birdlife Australia Water security for woodland birds $5,630 and biodiversity • Online: goldenplains.vic.gov.au/forms/portal find the closest testing location, please visitdhhs.vic.gov.au/ Residents who use Council’s sharps containers collection coronavirus or call the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398. and drop-off service in Bannockburn and require sharps This information is current as of 14 August 2020. Community Safety Grants containers, are encouraged to contact Council’s Customer For up-to-date information on the status of Council’s Bannockburn CFA Brigade Portable Lighting $1,530 Service team on 5220 7111 to discuss new arrangements. services, operations and events, visit goldenplains.vic. Playgrounds, skate and bike parks, campgrounds, gov.au/coronavirus, or follow Council on social media. Bannockburn Cemetery Trust Safety Fencing and Tree Barriers $5,000

2 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | ISSUE 5, 2020 ISSUE 5, 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 3 COMMUNITY NEWS COUNCIL NEWS Celebrating Our Youth Volunteers Council Election 2020

The Mayoral Youth Program’s Community Impact The many achievements of this year’s award-winners The next Council election will be held on Saturday VOTER INFORMATION Awards recognise and celebrate the positive range from volunteering with the Lethbridge Junior 24 October, 2020. Council elections are conducted by The Golden Plains Shire Council elections will be held contributions local young people already make to our Football Club and the Teesdale CFA brigade, to designing the Victorian Electoral Commission and this year, seven by postal ballot. Ballot packs will be mailed out by the community, while encouraging new young people to be and campaigning for the future upgrade of Meredith Councillors will be elected to form the Council of Golden Victorian Electoral Commission to all registered voters more actively involved in their communities. skate park, helping establish the first youth group in Plains Shire from 2020 to 2024. from 6 October, 2020. In the program’s first year, 40 young people who Smythesdale and getting involved in Bannockburn Golden Plains Shire Council has created a one-stop hub If you are 18 years or older on election day, and live in, demonstrated a positive impact to an individual, group College’s Koorie education group. for candidates and residents seeking more information on or are a ratepayer in, the Golden Plains Shire, you are the election:goldenplains.vic.gov.au/elections . eligible to vote. or the environment have been recognised and all award- Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, the Awards winners have received a $50 Officeworks voucher and a Presentation, presented by Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey, was CANDIDATE INFORMATION For more information about voting in Council elections, please visit vec.vic.gov.au framed award certificate. held online via Zoom on 20 August 2020. Interested in running for Council? The Councillor Candidate Information Fact Sheet provides ELECTION PERIOD important information for candidates including the The Election Period commences on Tuesday 22 September, election timeline, requirements, induction program, and 2020 and concludes at 6pm, Saturday 24 October, 2020. benefits and entitlements. Council has an Election Period Policy in place to ensure that Congratulations to the Mayoral Youth Information Sessions: The Victorian Local Government the ordinary business of Council can continue throughout Association (VLGA) will host two optional information the election period in a responsible and transparent manner. Program 2019/20 Award-Winners sessions for Golden Plains Shire candidates at 4pm, 1 and 3 September, 2020. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, these KEY ELECTION DATES 2020 information sessions will be held online through Zoom. – 4pm, VLGA Candidate The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) also held 1 & 3 September Information Workshops (online) Daisy French Russells Bridge Emily Bradley Batesford an information session on 11 August. All candidate 17 September – Candidate nominations open Mason Corbett Lethbridge Noah Hutchison Bannockburn information sessions were promoted on Council’s website and social media, and in the Golden Plains Times and local 22 September - Candidate nominations close Chris Meyer Shelford Louise Van Baar Teesdale community newsletters. 12pm. Election Period commences. Candidate Training: All 2020 Council election candidates 6 October – Ballot Packs mailed out to voters Samantha Watkins Bannockburn Teegan Crawford Sutherlands Creek must complete the prescribed (mandatory) candidate 23 October – Voting closes Zoe King Shelford Hayley Crawford Sutherlands Creek training, facilitated by Local Government Victoria via 24 October – Election Day. Election Period concludes an eLearning module. The training must be completed William Bradley Batesford Alisha Nurnaitis Bannockburn before a candidate nominates. 13 November – Declaration of Results (Note: Results may be declared prior to this date) Charlie Thompson Lethbridge Rachel Kaiser Maude For the fact sheets, mandatory training FAQ’s and links to information sessions and candidate training, visit This information was correct as of 14 August, 2020. Novella Rollins Bannockburn Luke Getsom Piggoreet goldenplains.vic.gov.au/elections For Council Election information, visit vec.vic.gov.au Alex Loveday Meredith Michael Jales Lethbridge Council Meetings 2020 Ethan Vorkauf Meredith Zac Aberdein Smythes Creek On 23 April 2020, the Victorian Parliament passed meeting. The maximum time limit of five minutes is still Eibhlinn Sharkey Batesford Matthew Hooper Mannibadar emergency COVID-19 legislation enabling ‘virtual’ council applicable in accordance with Local Law No. 1. Bridie Orr Inverleigh Joshua Hooper Mannibadar meetings to be held until 2 November 2020. Golden The following Ordinary Meetings of Council are scheduled Plains Shire Council Meetings will be held virtually under for 2020: Monday 21 September, Tuesday 24 November Harry Brown Bannockburn Harley Murfitt Meredith the provisions. and Tuesday 15 December. There is no Ordinary Meeting of Council in October due to the Local Government Molly Weiler Bannockburn Max Love Meredith All meetings of Council are livestreamed on Council’s YouTube channel. For a direct link, visit Council’s website Election on Saturday 24 October, 2020. Riley Box-Tweedy Bannockburn Kynan Munday Meredith or social media on the day of the meeting and all Council There are also the following Unscheduled (Special) Meetings: meetings start at 6pm. A recording will be made available Gus Edwards Inverleigh Jayden Stewart Bannockburn Tuesday 1 September, 2020: Submissions on Bannockburn on Council’s website following the meeting. Family Services Centre Lease Proposal (if required) Camdyn Gregory Bannockburn Angus Kasbach Garibaldi Council will accept public questions submitted in accordance Tuesday 8 September, 2020: Bannockburn Family Services with the Local Law No. 1. Due to COVID-19 and the meeting Centre Lease Proposal Jackson Lander-Mitchell Bannockburn Nevada Childe Rokewood being held virtually, public questions will be read out by the Tuesday 17 November, 2020: Mayoral Election Andrea Wellington Teesdale Darby Mayfield Ross Creek Chief Executive Officer as proxy (where appropriate). The meeting agenda is available on Council’s website on All public presentations and submissions must be in Zac McKiernan Bannockburn Talia Jonas Smythesdale the Friday prior to the meeting. For agendas and more written form and will be read out by the Mayor at the information, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au

4 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | ISSUE 5, 2020 ISSUE 5, 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 5 COMMUNITYROAD AND BRIDGES NEWS ROAD PROJECTS Building Bridges Completed: Road Projects 2019/20 Two significant bridge projects were recently completed in Golden Plains, Council has completed its roads and bridge infrastructure program, delivering providing safer travel for residents and visitors to Inverleigh and Steiglitz. all the project commitments in its 2019/20 Budget.

With significant funding from Federal and State Governments, these new and upgraded roads and bridges have made Barwon Park Road Bridge travel on local roads safer for residents and visitors to Golden Plains Shire. With the old bridge over Warrambine Creek showing signs of structural distress, the deck of the Barwon Park Pitfield-Cressy Road Tall Tree Road, Lethbridge Coopers Bridge, Meredith Road Bridge in Inverleigh has been replaced. A significant road upgrade The upgrade and sealing of 3.5 km Existing single-lane, load-limited The existing and outdated w-beam bridge barrier was and widening of 3.8kms of and widening and replacement of bridge replaced with new double- removed and upgraded to a VicRoads-approved medium Pitfield-Cressy Road. 2.2km of this key arterial road of lane concrete bridge with new safer performance bridge barrier. The narrow, steep 3.8m Project Value: $1.2 million the Golden Plains Food Production road approaches. Precinct. approach from the north was also widened to provide two From Council Budget: $0 Project Value: $1.6 million traffic lanes and a new retaining wall was constructed to Project Value: $1.4 million From Council Budgets (2018/19 improve retention of the approach fill. From Council Budget: $472,000 and 2019/20): $1.3 million The responsibility for Barwon Park Road Bridge and this Linton-Mannibadar Road Teesdale-Lethbridge Road Barwon Park Road Bridge, $620,000 project is shared by Golden Plain Shire and Surf The widening and sealing of The reconstruction, sealing Inverleigh Coast Shire Councils. Of Council’s $310,000 commitment, 5.5kms of Linton-Mannibadar Road. and drainage improvements of Bridge deck replacement and $110,000 came from the Federal Government’s Roads to Project Value: $1.4 million 740 metres north of Shelford- new road approaches. Recovery Program. Bannockburn Road. From Council Budget: $0 Project Value: $620,000 Project Value: $500,000 From Council Budget: $200,000 Barwon Park Road Bridge. Steiglitz Bridge From Council Budget: $0 Traffic is once again flowing over Sutherlands Creek in Maude-She Oaks Road Wall Bridge, Teesdale Footpath Projects Steiglitz, with the reopening of Steiglitz-Durdidwarrah The widening of 3kms and Existing 99-year-old single-lane New and improved footpaths in Road after works were completed on the bridge in June. upgrade of intersections on timber bridge was replaced with Smythesdale, Scarsdale, Rokewood Maude-She Oaks Road. a new concrete bridge with new and Bannockburn. The maintenance works completed on the Steiglitz Bridge Project Value: $1.485 million footbridge. Project Value: $354,000 include replacing timber components on the deck and Project Value: $607,000 From Council Budget: $300,000 sub-structure. From Council Budget: $1.1 million From Council Budget: $303,500

Franklin Bridge Works on the Franklin Bridge in Napoleons are progressing Road Projects 2020/21 Blackspot Funding: $1.2 million well. The new $2.85 million bridge is a partnership project With the 2020/21 Council Budget Golden Plains Shire Council has secured $1.238 million from the Federal with a $512,000 contribution from Council and the approved, works on the following Government’s 2020/21 Black Spot Program. remaining funding from City of Ballarat and the Federal roads and infrastructure projects The following road projects will be delivered with the Black Spot funding: Government. will be delivered next year: Steiglitz Bridge. Shelford-Mt Mercer Road • Shelford-Mt Mercer Road Improvements Funding: $1.1 million COUNCIL’S ONLINE GRADING CALENDAR • Russells Bridge Road Improvements The Project: Widening and sealing 3.5kms of Shelford-Mt Mercer Road in Sutherlands Creek from Grahams Road to Rices Road, with guard rails installed. Want to know when your local road will be graded? To view which streets are scheduled to be graded • Replacement of Geggies Road Russells Bridge Road Council’s annual maintenance schedule of local unsealed each week, simply click on each calendar entry. Bridge in Rokewood* Funding: $138,000 roads for the 2020/21 budget year is now online. If you wish to report a road maintenance issue, • Rehabilitation of Slate Quarry The Project: Works along 2km section near Parker Road at Russells Bridge please contact Council’s Customer Service team Road Bridge in Rokewood* To find out when Council’s graders will be completing to reduce speed limit to 60km/h, and install additional chevron alignment routine maintenance on roads in your area, visit on 5220 7111 or submit a request through Council’s • Replacement of Reserve Road Bridge in Rokewood markers, raised reflective pavement markers and guide posts. A barrier goldenplains.vic.gov.au/road-events/calendar/month. online Customer Service Portal. line and guard rail will also be installed. * Subject to grant funding

6 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | ISSUE 5, 2020 ISSUE 5, 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 7 COUNCIL NEWS COMMUNITY NEWS Delivering for Golden Plains

Roundabouts in the south, playgrounds in the north, Major Roundabouts: $9.7 million and a new bridge project in the centre – these are some Bannockburn Township Entrance of the infrastructure projects that will be delivered in The Federal Government has unlocked $3.2 million in Golden Plains Shire next year, thanks to investment from federal funding to deliver the Bannockburn Township the Federal Government. Entrance Safety Project – a major roundabout constructed With our fast population growth, Council is proactive in to improve public safety at the entrance to the business lobbying for Federal and State Government investment in centre of Golden Plains Shire’s largest town. our Shire and is proud to secure significant funding for key Fully funded by the Federal Government, Regional roads and community infrastructure works. Roads Victoria will build the new roundabout at this site, Local Roads & Infrastructure: $1.33 million designed to safely control the five entry and departure roads that meet at the intersection, including the main The Federal Government’s new $500 million Local Road entries to town from Geelong and Ballarat. The project and Community Infrastructure Program will help local also includes concrete splitter islands at each entry to the councils support jobs and businesses by delivering roundabout and street lighting to VicRoads’ standards. priority projects focused on infrastructure upgrades and The Bannockburn Community Plan identifies the maintenance. roundabout as one of the most important local issues in In July, Council allocated the $1.33 million secured by the fast-growing town. With more than 10,000 vehicles Golden Plains to several shovel-ready local roads and travelling through the intersection every day and 10 Lighting Up Lethbridge community infrastructure projects, to be delivered by percent of these heavy vehicles, the current intersection mid-2021: creates major traffic flow issues and is a clear safety hazard. Council has long been pushing for government investment Pictured above are (left to right, back row) Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle MP; Sharon Boyd, Secretary of the Lethbridge Recreation Reserve Committee of Management • Reserve Road Bridge in Rokewood: $700,000 and Lethbridge Junior Football Club; Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey; and (left to right, front row) Jaydan Corbett of Lethbridge Junior Football Club, Matthew Boyd of the Lethbridge Cricket for this Priority Project and is pleased the funding from Club, and Evie Bounds of the Lethbridge Junior Football Club. Replacement of an aged, load limited single-lane timber the Federal Government and works by Regional Roads bridge with a new unrestricted double-lane concrete Victoria will deliver a safer entrance to Bannockburn. The Lethbridge Recreation Reserve will be the latest The upgraded Lethbridge Recreation Reserve is home to bridge on an improved road alignment. Golden Plains Shire sporting facility to receive new the Rosellas - the Lethbridge Junior Football and Lethbridge • Maude Recreation Reserve / Lookout Water Supply: sports lighting, thanks to a partnership by Council, Cricket Club – and the players will be able to train at $15,500 and State and Federal Governments. night, when community sport returns. All local residents Upgrade to a reticulated water supply for camping area will enjoy the green space under lights to play with their On 17 July, Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey and members of and toilet block in Maude. children or take the dog for a walk in the evening. the Lethbridge Junior Football and Lethbridge Cricket • Playground Renewal in Dereel, Linton, Garibaldi and Club joined Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle Advocating for Our Communities Haddon: $240,455 MP, in Lethbridge to announce the State Government’s Golden Plains Shire Council and the Lethbridge $250,000 commitment. The funding comes from the • Inverleigh Female Friendly Change Rooms: $177,700 community lobbied State and Federal Governments Victorian Government’s Local Sport Infrastructure Towards two new female friendly/unisex change rooms for investment in the Lethbridge Lighting and Irrigation Fund, following the successful grant application from and refurbishment of two existing player change rooms Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey and Senator Sarah Henderson met to discuss the Federal project and led the way with $100,000 committed to Government’s funding commitment for the Bannockburn entrance roundabout in July. Council. at Inverleigh Recreation Reserve. this project in its 2019/20 Budget. Last year, the Federal Midland Highway The $450,000 Lethbridge Lighting and Irrigation project Government matched the $100,000 commitment to the • GPS Youth Hub*: $100,000 In July, Council welcomed the news that the Midland will deliver four new lighting towers at Lethbridge project as part of its election pledges and in July, the State Towards a new Golden Plains Youth Hub facility delivering Highway and Clyde Road intersection in Bannockburn will Recreation Reserve and a subsurface irrigation system. Government announced its $250,000 contribution to local youth services and programs. be upgraded by the Federal and Victorian Governments, The project will deliver a quality community sport facility cement investment from all three tiers of government. with $6.5 million allocated to fund Regional Roads catering for junior sport in Lethbridge, with the new • Bannockburn Skate Park Upgrade*: $100,000 In the past few years, Golden Plains Shire Council has Victoria’s planned roundabout at the busy intersection. lighting to AFL training standards (50 lux) enabling the *Subject to successful funding applications. In the event the actively advocated for and delivered sports lighting The Midland Highway is an important transport link that increased use of the facility, as well as providing further contributing funding is not secured, the funding will be upgrades across the Shire. This year, the new lights at connects Golden Plains Shire to Geelong and Ballarat, opportunities for quality physical activity for children in diverted to deliver the widening of Meredith-Shelford Road. Rokewood Recreation Reserve and the new and upgraded providing residents with easy access to services and jobs. As the township. lights on both Victoria Park ovals in Bannockburn, were the population of the Shire continues to grow, Golden Plains The subsurface irrigation works will address safety issues switched on. In 2019, the lighting upgrade at the Linton Shire Council has been active in lobbying for improvements to the Midland Highway and other important transport routes. for users, through improving the current surface condition Recreation Reserve was completed and in Inverleigh, of the oval. These works include the installation of an local sporting clubs have enjoyed the new lights at the automatic irrigation system, tanks and pumps. Inverleigh Sporting Complex since early 2018.

8 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | ISSUE 5, 2020 ISSUE 5, 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 9

COMMUNITY NEWS COMMUNITY NEWS The Tidy Towns of Golden Plains Avian Flu Outbreak Communities from across Golden Plains Shire feature prominently in the In August, Agriculture Victoria advised Council that a number list of finalists for this year’s Keep Victoria Beautiful Tidy Towns Awards. of free-range egg farms near Lethbridge had tested positive for H7N7 avian influenza virus. Announced in June, six local community groups and one Golden Plains Shire township have been named finalists Movement controls were put in place in Golden Plains Shire and the across five categories for the organisation’s Sustainable Communities – Tidy Towns awards: affected properties were quarantined. These controls prohibit, until further notice, the movement of birds, equipment and products within and out of, the Keep Victoria Beautiful’s Sustainable Communities designated restricted area, except under permit issued by Agriculture Victoria. – Tidy Towns Awards recognise, celebrate and share Overall 2020 Tidy Town Finalist Victoria’s Chief Veterinary Officer issued a Housing of Livestock clause for 30 days grassroots initiatives and positive actions taken • Bannockburn from 7 August 2020, legally requiring all poultry owners in Golden Plains Shire – by community groups, educational institutions, even those with just two or three chickens or birds – to keep their birds enclosed. Community Finalists businesses and councils in regional and rural Victoria. The Victorian Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) confirmed • Turtle Bend Events Committee – Teesdale Celebrates The Tidy Towns Awards program has been running the H7N7 virus is not a risk to the public as it rarely affects humans unless since 1982. The winners of each award category will • Bannockburn Community Planning Group Inc there is direct and close contact with sick birds. There are no food safety issues be announced in September 2020. – Advocacy for the Teesdale to Bannockburn Cycling Path identified; properly cooked chicken meat and eggs are safe to eat. • Ross Creek – Smythes Creek Community Group For more information about Keep Victoria Beautiful If you have had contact with birds on an affected property and you are – Car Boot Sale and the Tidy Towns Awards, visit kvb.org.au experiencing cold or flu symptoms, call your doctor or DHHS on 1300 651 160 for medical advice. Environment Finalists Poultry farmers, and backyard flock and bird owners are urged to report any • Ross Creek Landcare Group A Local Community Hero cases of unexplained bird deaths to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease – Ongoing commitment to Ross Creek Nature Reserve Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888, to your local vet or to Agriculture Victoria Congratulations to Golden Plains Shire animal health staff. • Friends of Bannockburn Bush – Cleaning up the Bush local Brendan Johnston who has been For more information including restrictions and movement permits, visit • Friends of Bannockburn Bush – Protecting the Bush nominated for Awards Australia’s 2020 agriculture.vic.gov.au/biosecurity/animal-diseases History & Culture Finalist Community Hero Award. Note: This information was correct at time of printing: Friday 14 August, 2020. Brendan was nominated in recognition of • Meredith History Interest Group his voluntary work collecting litter discarded – Significant Trees of Meredith & District along the roadsides of the Haddon and SAVE Indigenous Culture Finalist Smythes Creek area. Congratulations to Shake It Off!

Brendan and all the best for the awards THE • Bannockburn Community Planning Group Inc Council recently launched its latest online DATE announcement! – Advocacy for the Milton Street Ironbark Arbour health and wellbeing program: Shake It Off. The Napoleons community is Community members are invited to take part in the series of free online preparing to celebrate a very weekly dance classes to promote mental health and wellbeing. The classes special occasion –Napoleons Primary School’s 150th are for all ages, abilities and skills with a focus on fun, trying something new, Birthday! The school community and keeping the body and mind active during the COVID-19 restrictions. is planning a special celebration To sign up for the Shake It Off lessons, please email Council’s Health and on Sunday, 1 November Wellbeing team at [email protected] or call 2020, so save the date in your 5220 7111. Council will also create a compilation video of interested calendars today. For more participants performing the dance routine to be broadcast on its social information, visitgoldenplains. media channels as part of Mental Health Week. vic.gov.au/events.

THE GAZETTE EVENTS CALENDAR Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancellation of many community events, Council has not published its regular community events calendar in this issue of the Gazette. Some events, including small business clinics, are now being held online. To keep up-to-date with local events, visit Council’s online events calendar at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events

Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey recently met with members of the Beautify Bannockburn Group and nominator Stuart McCallum, viewing beautification works in downtown Bannockburn.

10 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | ISSUE 5, 2020 ISSUE 5, 2020 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 11 COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD

Customer Service Rates Notices 2020/21 Due to the Coronavirus All Golden Plains Shire ratepayers have now (COVID-19) pandemic, received their 2020/21 Rate Notices in the mail. Council’s Bannockburn With the notice is the Your Rates Explained and Smythesdale Customer 2020/21 brochure that details how rates are Service Centres are closed charged and the meaning of the information for face-to-face interactions, and figures on the notice. If you have a until further notice. question and the answer is not in the brochure, please call Council’s Rates Team at 5220 7111. New this year, Council has introduced a 10 BANNOCKBURN monthly payment option so now there are three 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday ways to pay your Rates & Charges 2020/21: 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn 1. Pay in one full payment by 15 February, 2021. Victoria, 3331. 2. Pay in four instalments, due at the end of September and November 2020, and SMYTHESDALE February and May 2021. Direct debit is available or notices are received for 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday each instalment with a range of payment options. 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale 3. Pay in 10 monthly direct debit payments, due on the 15th of the month from Victoria, 3351. September 2020 to June 2021. PHONE To sign up for the monthly payments or direct debit for the instalment program, P: 5220 7111 please contact Council’s Rates Team at 5220 7111. F: 5220 7100 If your Rates Notice has a red box with arrears carried forward on the front page, POSTAL ADDRESS this overdue amount is due immediately. If you have any concerns about this Golden Plains Shire Council payment, please call the Rates Team at 5220 7111. PO Box 111, Bannockburn, This year, Council has confirmed a package of financial relief options, including Victoria 3331. a COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy, to support residents and ratepayers with EMERGENCY CONTACTS payments. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, please call Council’s Rates team at 5220 7111 for a confidential conversation. P: 1300 363 036 P: 5220 7111 (24 Hours) If you disagree with information on your Rates Notice, Council’s Rates Team will review your situation and work to find a solution. If the issue cannot be resolved, you To receive a copy of the Gazette have the right to appeal and the appeal process is detailed on the back of the notice. in large print, call 5220 7111. For more information or any questions about rates, please call Council’s Rates Team at 5220 7111. The deadline for Issue 6 of the Gazette is 9am, Tuesday 3 November, 2020. Animal Registrations Email: [email protected] or post to PO Box 111, Thank you to all the Golden Plains Shire residents who renewed their Bannockburn 3331. 2020 pet registrations in April. If you missed registration and your renewal is outstanding, now is the time to get your pet registered.

The 2020 animal registration renewal notices were sent out in March, and under COVER: Pictured from left to Victorian Government legislation, all pets must be registered every year by 10 right: Jaydan Corbett, Evie Bounds April. This year, under Council’s Financial Hardship Policy in response to COVID-19, and Matthew Boyd celebrate the penalties for late payments have been waived until 30 September, 2020. announcement of new lighting at Council now offers payment plans for animal registrations via BPAY. If you would the Lethbridge Recreation Reserve. like to sign up for the 2020 payment plan, have any questions about paying your Photo courtesy of Golden Plains animal registration notice, or would like a new copy of your animal registration Times. renewal notice, please call Council’s Customer Service team at 5220 7111. To find out more about animal registrations in Golden Plains Shire, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/residents/my-home/animals/pet-registration. connect with golden plains shire council WWW goldenplains.vic.gov.au

GoldenPlainsShire GoldenPlainsMayor @GPSCouncilNews @lovegoldenplains