Greater Bendigo December 2020

Dine out!Glass half full Meet your new Council CONTENTS

NEWS 4 'Tis the season to go swimming 5 Meet your new Council 8 A rewarding opportunity A new chapter begins 9 Working for Victoria, works for Greater Bendigo GB quiz!

BUSINESS 10 Dine outdoors 12 To market, to market 13 Highlighting the benefits of hiring people with disability The success of your new home business is only a phone call away!

COMMUNITY 14 Glass half full 16 Showcasing gratitude 17 Community spirit shines through COVID-19 projects 18 Surviving summer Is your summer emergency plan right to go? 19 Free green waste disposal Where to go as a last resort when bushfire

Greater Bendigo 17 December 2020 threatens 16 Glass half full Dine out! 20 New plan to advance reconciliation Meet your new Council Video a love song to Bendigo 21 Libraries bringing people together A new dog park for Heathcote 22 Golden Square - what's not to love! 3 for free! 24 Bendigo and Maubisse - an enduring friendship since 2006

SERVICES 25 Seeing the bigger picture 26 Tips to reduce your waste this Christmas 27 What's in the works? 27 City to extend organics collections in 2021 ON THE COVER: Bendigo locals Jude and Rebecca Apokis enjoy outdoor dining at Ms Batterhams. PayStay parking now available throughout city Read more on page 10-11. centre 27 ACTIVE AND HEALTHY 29 Why you can't dig on Crown land Helping fitness groups and businesses to train 23 outdoors 30 Making healthy eating easy Local food systems

LIFESTYLE 31 Greater Bendigo Great Bakery Trail 32 What I did Last Week 34 When one door closes, another opens 35 Merry Christmas

COVID-19 DISCLAIMER GB Magazine was prepared by the City using all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of participants.

2 Looking good Bendigo! Have you got a great photo of Bendigo? Submit your image to gbmag@bendigo. vic.gov.au and you might just see it featured here next edition. Photo submitted by Simon Crane.

WELCOME FROM THE CEO

A Council is like a Board, it oversees Asset Plan to guide how it will look Finally, I would like to take this In a year that has brought the running of the organisation, so after its buildings and other community opportunity to wish you all a very merry about significant change, Councillors need to understand how infrastructure. Christmas. It has been a year like none it works and the services that are other, but as a community we have done When you think the average week as a in recent months our delivered. This then helps them to make a remarkable job of meeting the ever- Councillor can involve up to 20 hours decisions with the social, environmental, changing challenges of COVID-19. I would of reading, along with attending weekly organisation has been economic and cultural needs of the whole like to thank all our staff for the way they briefings, monthly meetings, meeting community in mind. have worked throughout this time and preparing for one more with residents and attending community thank the previous and current Council for Early next year, consultation will begin on events, it is a significant commitment. – the induction of a new the way they have supported staff to adapt the development of key documents that This Council is the latest in the history of and continue to serve our community. Council. will guide the work of Council over the Local Government in Greater Bendigo and I hope all our readers enjoy a safe and next four years and we want you to be we look forward to it making a valuable relaxing Christmas. involved in this important work. Every four years our community heads contribution as it builds on the legacy of Craig Niemann, to the polls, via our letterboxes, to vote Using community feedback, Council will previous Councils in shaping a vibrant Chief Executive Officer in the next Council – nine people tasked agree to a new strategic vision for our regional city and community. with making decisions on behalf of community, essentially an aspirational our community to guide the long-term statement about how it would like to development and success of Greater see Greater Bendigo transform into the CONTACT THE CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO Bendigo. future. It will set a four-year Council It’s a significant role to get your head Plan, which is a roadmap to achieving the Main office Email around and even though we have vision and sets a workplan for staff by 15 Hopetoun Street, Bendigo [email protected] four returning councillors this outlining a number of actions Council Currently closed due to COVID-19 Website term, officers have a key role in wants to see delivered. It will also restrictions www.bendigo.vic.gov.au bringing everyone up to speed develop a new Municipal Public Postal Health and Wellbeing Plan, which After hours/emergency number to help the new group gel PO Box 733, Bendigo 3552 5434 6000 together. outlines ways Council will work to improve the health and wellbeing Telephone Operating hours To do this, an intensive of residents. 5434 6000 8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday induction program was planned, Hearing or speech impaired? Follow us which then transitioned into weekly Under the new Local Call via National Relay Service on 133 677 Council briefings and the Government Act 2020, opportunity for new and Council will also It is expected the City will re-open its Customer Service Centres in Bendigo and Heathcote in the new year, as Victorian Government COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. returning Councillors need to publish a to meet individually 10-year Financial Plan for how with myself and Want to read this document in an alternative format? The City is committed to it will achieve Directors. Continued providing documents that are easy to read for all. If you would like to read the long-term support will be magazine in an alternative format e.g. large print or text only, contact Customer offered as the financial Service on 5434 6000 or [email protected] and we will endeavour to service Councillors adjust sustainability your request in the quickest time possible. to the role. and a 10-year

NEWS 3 'Tis the season to

Summer has arrived and pools across Greater Bendigo are opening for the 2020/2021 season. So if you’re looking for a pool to stay cool or keep fit and swim laps in, visit www.bendigo.vic.gov.au for more information.

Elmore Swimming Pool Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre Marong Swimming Pool Please note COVID-19 4 Elmore-Raywood Road, Elmore Browning Street, Kangaroo Flat High Street, Marong restrictions may impact the 0477 196 840 4431 1000 5435 2207 operating hours, number of people allowed at each pool Facilities: 25m and toddler pools, water Facilities: 51.5m heated pool (with Facilities: 25m and toddler pools, and and permitted activities this slide, barbecue and off-street parking moveable boom to create two 25m kiosk summer. Please phone or pools), beach-entry leisure pool for check social media for details toddler and family swimming, splash on local pool opening hours Faith Leech Aquatic Centre park, warm water program pool and Peter Krenz Leisure Centre and to find out if there are any 168 Barnard Street, Bendigo spa facilities, steam room, sauna, requirements in place. gymnasium and group fitness rooms, 15 Napier Street, Eaglehawk 5443 6151 childcare and multi-purpose room, 5446 9222 Facilities: 50 metre (heated with health and wellness centre and café (all Facilities: 50m (heated), multi-use and accessible chair lift), intermediate (with pools are fully accessible) toddler pools, water slide, spa and accessible ramp), toddler and diving Local pools and facilities: sauna, gymnasium and group fitness pools, water slide, café, barbecue and rooms, family change rooms and café al fresco dining area Bendigo East Swimming Pool Heathcote Swimming Pool 33 Lansell Street, East Bendigo 10 Barrack Street, Heathcote Raywood Swimming Pool Golden Square Pool 5443 7078 5433 2223 1 Macaulay Street, Raywood 14 Maple Street, Golden Square Facilities: 50m (heated), intermediate Facilities: 25m and toddler pools 5436 1360 and toddler pools, barbecue and picnic 0401 804 701 (solar heated), shade and kiosk Facilities: 25m and toddler pools, shade settings, kiosk and off-street parking Facilities: 50m, learners/intermediate and seating and toddler pools, barbecue, shade and kiosk Brennan Park Swimming Pool Long Gully Splash Park FREE ENTRY! White Hills Swimming Pool Brennan Park Pool Road, Flora Hill 21 Cunneen Street, Long Gully Goornong Swimming Pool 5443 9407 Facilities: Shaded seating area, picnic 30 Hamelin Street, White Hills 2 Bagshot Street, Goornong tables, barbecues, toilets and change 5448 4295 Facilities: 50m (solar heated with accessible ramp), intermediate, toddler 5432 2368 room, visitor-activated fountains, drench Facilities: 33m and toddler pools, shade bucket, basketball ring and irrigated and diving pools, barbecue, kiosk and Facilities: 25m and toddler pools, and kiosk grass area off-street parking barbecue, shade and kiosk

4 NEWS Meet your new Council

L-R: Deputy Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf, Cr Vaughan Williams, Cr Julie Sloan, Cr Greg Penna, Mayor Cr Jennifer Alden, Cr David Fagg, Cr Margaret O’Rourke, Cr Rod Fyffe OAM and Cr Matthew Evans.

Elmore WHIPSTICK WARD Five new Councillors have been elected to the Greater Raywood

Bendigo City Council. Local Government elections Neilborough Sebastian were held in October and those elected will represent Goornong Greater Bendigo for the next four years. Huntly Bendigo Cr Matthew Evans, Cr David Fagg, Cr Greg Mayor position is in title only, there is no Eaglehawk Myers Flat Penna, Cr Julie Sloan and Cr Vaughan additional salary for the Deputy Mayor, and Epsom Marong Williams are all first-time Councillors and they are expected to support the Mayor Maiden they join Cr Jennifer Alden, Cr Rod Fyffe by representing the Council at events and Gully Golden Square Flora Hill OAM, Cr Andrea Metcalf and Cr Margaret meetings the Mayor is unable to attend. Axedale Strathfieldsaye O’Rourke who were returned by voters. Council is still finalising meeting dates LOCKWOOD WARD Cr Jennifer Alden is the 2020/2021 Mayor for 2021. When they are confirmed they Kangaroo Mandurang Lockwood Flat EPPALOCK WARD and Cr Andrea Metcalf is the Deputy will be published on the City's website. Costerfield Mayor. Council agreed to continue to Meetings will continue to be livestreamed elect a Mayor every 12 months, along via the City’s website but Councillors Ravenswood Heathcote with a Deputy Mayor. This is the second do hope to welcome residents back to Council term where the Mayoral role has attending Council meetings when it is safe been supported by a Deputy. The Deputy to do so. Mia Mia

Unsure which ward you're in? Visit www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/councillors Redesdale

NEWS 5 Meet your new Council

Eppalock WARD

Cr Matthew Evans

At 23 years-old, Cr Evans is the second youngest person to sit on the Greater Bendigo City Council. He is a first-time Councillor who will place the community and its needs at the forefront of his decision making. He is excited to meet the residents of Greater Bendigo, particularly those in the Eppalock Ward, and drive positive change for the community in partnership with local people, families, businesses and organisations. Key areas of focus will be the responsible management of ratepayer money, supporting a post-COVID-19 economic recovery and building a sustainable future. Cr Evans plays football for Golden Square and cricket for West Bendigo. He lives with his fiancé and their two dogs. T 4408 6694 M 0437 867 028 E [email protected]

Cr Margaret O’Rourke Cr Greg Penna

This is Cr O’Rourke’s second Council Cr Penna is a first-time Councillor who term. Her focus will be to support the will focus on improved road, drainage and business community to recover and footpath infrastructure, and continued thrive following the COVID-19 pandemic. support to areas experiencing considerable She is also interested in the health and population growth, particularly wellbeing of families and seeing the Strathfieldsaye. He is also interested in continued development of open space and improving outcomes for small townships recreational facilities to support this. She and rural communities. believes advocacy to State and Federal Cr Penna’s other priorities include waste governments will be critical to driving management, financial management, the continued success of Greater Bendigo reducing red tape, and greater and the region. Her focus will also be on transparency and accountability for sustainably managing growth, protecting Council. He also looks forward to our environment, and ensuring the differing consulting with and listening to residents, needs of rural communities are understood and working with his fellow Councillors and and met. City staff to achieve the best outcomes for Cr O’Rourke is a long-time Bendigo resident the community. and lives with her husband and two teenage His various community roles include daughters. She is a former manager of PIINPI AD TO COME Chair of the Central Victorian Veterans Telstra Countrywide and her current Board Support Centre, President of the Golden FROM GALLERY appointments include Deputy Chair at City Collectors Association, Vice President Bendigo Kangan Institute and Director at of the Bendigo Australia Indonesia Club, Goulburn Murray Water. Treasurer and booking officer for Quarry T 4408 6692 M 0429 061 096 Hill Community Hall and Treasurer of the E [email protected] Greater Bendigo Ratepayers Association. He is also a past member of the Road Safety Committee. T 4408 6690 M 0429 721 958 E [email protected]

6 NEWS We are pleased to introduce you to your new Councillors for the 2020-2024 Council term. It’s time to get to know your local representatives.

Lockwood WARD Whipstick WARD

Mayor Cr Jennifer Alden Cr Vaughan Williams Deputy Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf

Cr Alden is looking forward to her second Cr Williams is a resident of Golden Square Cr Metcalf is a lifelong resident of Bendigo and is returning to Council for a second term. term and the opportunity to continue to and this is his first term on Council. He She is focused on being accessible to the community and looks forward to hearing from advocate on the importance of community is focused on developing a financially and meeting with residents throughout this term. So as the community understands her health and wellbeing and supporting sustainable and jobs growth future for decision making, Cr Metcalf also looks forward to continuing her record on speaking to the equitable development of services, Greater Bendigo that is informed by most matters before Council. infrastructure and strategies that enable considered forward planning. Cr Metcalf is passionate about support for the business community in the wake of the this. He stood for Council on a platform of COVID-19 pandemic and also wants to see the development of a sustainable outcome to She is interested in creating well- transparency, accountability and a desire manage waste as the Eaglehawk Landfill approaches the end of its life. designed, resilient and prosperous to be part of a responsive Council. To help She understands the importance of community facilities and is a keen supporter of Greater communities that benefit from future- support Greater Bendigo’s recovery from Bendigo’s rural communities, and wants to help them develop and maintain their unique focused decision making that takes COVID-19, he is focused on prioritising characteristics. climate and biodiversity breakdown and support for local industries, particularly future generations into account. those in manufacturing, retail, hospitality T 4408 6697 M 0499 009 096 E [email protected] and the technology industries. Other top Her aim is to support employment priorities include new footpaths, drainage pathways and job creation via innovation. upgrades and road maintenance to help This applies to business and the Cr Julie Sloan Cr David Fagg residents move around, and reducing manufacturing industry with renewable costs so as the Budget can support a Cr Julie Sloan has lived in the Whipstick Cr David Fagg is a first-time councillor energy technologies in areas such as range of community projects into the Ward for 21 years and joins Council for and lives in Long Gully. Cr Fagg has lived waste and resource recovery, plus future. the first time. Her vision for the Whipstick in the Whipstick Ward for 15 years and is environmentally sustainable affordable Ward and wider municipality is of a married to Kylie, with whom he has two housing construction. She sees the visitor He looks forward to meeting with and healthy, engaged and inclusive community young sons. He is a qualified youth worker economy, with hospitality and its links listening to the residents of Lockwood that is proud of its culture, environment, and secondary teacher. to food and culture through the City Ward over the Council term. animal welfare, and vibrant economic of Gastronomy, as a critical part of the Cr Fagg ran on a platform to make the T 4408 6696 M 0437 858 776 growth. COVID-19 recovery. neighbourhoods of the Whipstick Ward E [email protected] Her favourite parts of the ward include the safer, healthier and more vibrant places T 4408 6695 M 0499 005 735 forests, parks and lakes, native wildlife, where people want to live, work and E [email protected] family and community spaces, art and raise their families. His focus is to expand culture precincts, recreation reserves, services for young people and families, local eateries, markets and friendly local push for fair distribution of budget funds traders. Cr Sloan is interested in supporting across Greater Bendigo, and enable Cr Rod Fyffe OAM strategies that encourage economic and communities to implement their priorities. employment growth in small business, local Cr Fyffe returns to the Greater Bendigo City Council table for the eighth time. He looks He will advocate for safer walking and construction and manufacturing industries. forward to again working with and listening to the community. Over the next four years he cycling paths across the Whipstick Ward, wants to see more jobs created in Greater Bendigo, particularly through the development of Other issues important to Cr Sloan include and encourage Council to buy a majority a business park, and advocate for better training and skills development for young people. sustainable environmental outcomes, of its products and services from the local considering animals and the environment community. He will also focus on the development of new community facilities that provide an in decision making, reconciliation and He looks forward to hearing from the opportunity for people to safely meet, and new walking and cycling infrastructure to help healing initiatives, community arts and people move around and stay healthy. Cr Fyffe is passionate about maintaining our striking community and encourages people to get culture hubs and interconnected cycling in touch via the email address below or heritage buildings and attracting events to Greater Bendigo to showcase our city and and pedestrian networks across the region to visitors. they can learn more about him and his municipality and outlying towns. vision for the community at his website He has lived in Bendigo for more than 40 years and is married to Victoria. They have two T 4408 6689 M 0437 862 975 www.davefagg.com.au sons and three grandchildren. E [email protected] T 4408 6698 M 0437 892 918 T 4408 6688 M 0419 874 015 E [email protected] E [email protected]. gov.au

NEWS 7 A rewarding opportunity A new chapter begins BY CR MARGARET O’ROURKE MAYOR 2016–2020 BY MAYOR CR JENNIFER ALDEN is down to people not being able to access It is hard to think of a time prior to COVID-19 when our secure employment. Identifying and supporting working lives and private lives were not geared towards It is a great privilege to pathways for young people to get into work and responding to and living through the greatest challenge of the break the cycle of poverty will be important. modern era. serve as Mayor and lead the Ways Council can do this include identifying and allocating space for a business park and But there were significant achievements both prior to and Council team in the first year working with the tourism and hospitality during the pandemic, which are important to acknowledge of this new Council term. sectors to capitalise on Bendigo and the region and celebrate. becoming a City of Gastronom.y It was an award-winning end to 2019, with the City scooping I look forward to being able to provide I am also interested in the recent various award ceremonies relating to tourism and marketing continuity of leadership between the previous announcements around the Victorian promotion of our city, development of our airport, and an and new Councils and continue a range Government’s investment in social housing, award from the Governor of Victoria for our commitment to of important work with the aim of making which includes a minimum of $85M for Greater celebrating and advancing multiculturalism in our community. decisions that deliver the best possible quality Bendigo, and how this can help improve living of life for residents. We also became a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, finishing off standards locally. The City is currently working on an Affordable Housing Action Plan, so a year-long journey to join cities such as Barcelona, Montreal, For me, it is critical that we don’t leave anyone there is a great opportunity to build on this Dunedin, Chengdu and Tuscon in this category. behind as we seek to grow the prosperity announcement and advocate for strong social, and capability of Greater Bendigo. Strong In the final year of the 2016-2020 Council, I am pleased to economic and environmental outcomes for our community engagement and listening to and say that the theme for 2020 was the completion of significant community as this new housing is built. strategic documents. Knowing we were approaching the end understanding the needs of our residents will of our term, it was important to Councillors to leave a legacy help to ensure this. Other advocacy efforts will focus on attracting funding to expand the Bendigo Airport terminal that would shape the future development of Greater Bendigo. We have some challenges and opportunities building to turbo charge our visitor economy. ahead, particularly in driving social and This body of work included Reimagining Bendigo Creek, Plans are also underway to investigate economic recovery from COVID-19. I look Greening Greater Bendigo, the Food System Strategy, the solutions in waste management, which may forward to meeting with businesses across Greater Bendigo Gender Equity Strategy, Reconciliation Plan, include a Regional Resource Recovery and Greater Bendigo to get an understanding of Bendigo City Centre Plan, and Greater Bendigo Industrial Recycling facility. Land and Development Strategy. These documents will what Council can do to support them to remain contribute to the future liveability, growth, sustainability, open. I am energised by the challenge ahead and thank many in the community who have inclusivity and economic success of Greater Bendigo. Managing the ongoing impacts of climate reached out to wish me well at such an change and biodiversity breakdown is important I was also particularly proud to usher in a second Youth important time in the history of our city and to me and underpins the urgency for action by Council, which demonstrated Council’s commitment to region. I would also like to acknowledge the Council. As our summers continue to get hotter supporting our leaders of tomorrow and ensuring our great service of Cr Margaret O’Rourke, who has and given the climate we live in, growing our decision making reflected the ideas and opinions of young led Council and our community for the past four resilience to emergencies such as bushfires people. years. I look forward to Councillors working and planning for ways to reduce our collective together on writing this new chapter in the It was in March that COVID-19 began to take hold. Events impact on the environment will be an essential history of Greater Bendigo. were cancelled, including the 150th Bendigo Easter Fair. part of future Council decision making. But in true Greater Bendigo fashion and through two A large reason for the food insecurity and lockdowns and a few COVID clusters, we saw our community poverty experienced in our community leaders rally and come together to discuss how we would each take responsibility for guiding our community through this time. I instigated chairing an immediate response committee and later a recovery committee of representatives from the City, Bendigo Health, Be.Bendigo, Regional Development Victoria, Bendigo Foodshare, Victoria Police, tourism and hospitality industries, Goldfields Library Corporation and various community organisations. Both committees were a great opportunity to collect feedback to advocate to government, so as our state leaders could get an idea of what was happening in the regions. As we approach Christmas, it is a relief to see us on track towards a COVID-normal and we hope it stays this way. There is much to do to ensure our community can recover from the impacts of the pandemic but we must also reflect on a job well done; we stayed home, stayed the course and hopefully we will now be rewarded. I am delighted to again have the privilege to serve on Council and am very grateful to have been able to serve as Mayor for four years, and so proud of the work that was achieved by Council and the community. Wishing all our readers a safe and merry Christmas and festive season. Here’s to a positive and optimistic 2021.

8 NEWS gb quiz!

How well do you know Greater Bendigo?

Who is Greater Bendigo’s Q1 mayor for 2020/2021?

Where has the Bendigo Q2 Community Farmers Market 'full market' moved to?

What is the name of the new Q3 project helping to create inclusive employment opportunities?

Working for Victoria employeeJacqueline Glen Where will you working at the Discovery Q4 find a new mural Science & Technology Centre. showcasing gratitude?

WORKING FOR VICTORIA, True or false: You Q5 can dispose of green waste for free year-round at the Eaglehawk Landfill and Goornong and Heathcote works for Greater Bendigo Transfer Stations. Local community buildings, facilities, infrastructure, outdoor spaces Where is Greater and residents have benefited greatly from the Victorian Government’s Q6 Bendigo’s newest dog Working for Victoria initiative. park located?

Earlier this year the City of Greater community, undertaken administrative “COVID-19 has really affected the When was the Bendigo Bendigo was delighted to receive a tasks for the City, carried out audits aviation industry and I’m grateful Q7 Maubisse Friendship $4.63M grant from the Working for of contaminated land sites, planted to have this opportunity to work with Committee formed? Victoria initiative to employ people trees and spread soft fall, and helped a great team and undertake some A) 2002 B) 2004 C) 2006 who had lost their jobs due to Bendigo Foodshare to continue the important community work through COVID-19. great work it does in providing food the Working for Victoria initiative. to people in our community who need In the 2019/2020 financial City Chief Executive Officer Craig “I am currently the project manager Q8 Niemann said the funding had allowed some help. for the Bendigo Community Food year, approximately how many the organisation to hire 115 people for “The Working for Victoria funding Pantry, which is a program to provide planning applications were six months to undertake a range of is also being used to hire additional short term food relief to people who received? cleaning and maintenance works and vehicles and equipment, and purchase feel uncomfortable asking for help. A) 1,150 B) 1,250 C) 1,350 perform a range of other tasks that personal protective equipment (PPE) “The aim of this project is to provide otherwise would not have taken place. from local suppliers for the workers to a faceless online ordering system, undertake their roles. What is the name “This is work that the City would not which is backed up by a volunteer Q9 of the online necessarily have had the means to “The workers have been doing a great delivery system, to help people who otherwise undertake, so not only find themselves under financial stress art exhibition job and the City really appreciates has it provided jobs for people in our due to COVID-19 and the downturn that has been the funding from the Victorian community but it has also helped in the economy. I am also involved Government that has allowed Greater showcasing improve local facilities too,” Mr in a three-month trial project by Bendigo to be part of the program.” local artists who Niemann said. the Victorian Government to supply have created Working for Victoria employee culturally appropriate food to people “Since July, crews employed under the in regional Victoria. work at home? program have undertaken cleaning, Brad Brewer said when COVID-19 external maintenance and gardening restrictions started he had just “Working with the people at the Food at the City’s many community finished his training as a First Officer Pantry is a highlight of each day. I True or false: Bendigo Venues buildings, and additional cleaning of on the Airbus A380 with Qantas. am amazed at what they have been Q10 & Events' Play at Home playspaces and early learning centres “I have been with Qantas for 20 years through in life, yet their main concern program featured more than 60 to ensure they are COVID-safe. flying long haul international flights, is helping others." local artists. “They have also provided valuable IT first on the Boeing 747 and now the How well did you do? support to vulnerable members of our A380,” Mr Brewer said. See page 28 for answers.

NEWS 9 Dine outdoors If you love the experience of outdoor dining, it couldn’t get much better than in Greater Bendigo where you can enjoy top-class food and beverages together with 300 days of sunshine.

No wonder outdoor dining is a big draw For example, Bull Street has been card in Greater Bendigo. It’s also a key partially closed and barriers installed ingredient in creating outdoor COVID- to create an expanded outdoor dining safe places for customers to enjoy and footprint for several businesses. Bull Street has been support hospitality businesses to get Protective barriers are also in place in back on track. View Street, Hargreaves Street, Edwards partially closed and Street and King Street. City of Greater Bendigo Director Strategy barriers installed to and Growth Bernie O’Sullivan said City The City has also waived all outdoor staff from across the organisation had dining fees and cut red tape to quicken create an expanded been involved in helping interested the process. Planning permit application businesses expand their outdoor dining fees associated with permits for liquor outdoor dining footprint, with over 46 applications licence extensions within outdoor dining already processed and several areas are not required. footprint for several businesses in Eaglehawk and Heathcote Interested hospitality businesses can recently applying for permits. businesses. contact our Business Help Desk by “We have had really positive discussions emailing [email protected] or with hospitality traders across Greater phoning 5434 6000 and our staff will Bendigo to talk about their options and arrange a time to meet you. we’ve tried to make it as seamless as For more information and frequently possible,” Mr O’Sullivan said. asked questions, visit “Where businesses have been able to www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/ expand into car parking spaces, City staff outdoordining in partnership with traders have moved quickly to make these spaces accessible, safe and comfortable.” This opportunity will be temporary and approvals will be in place until June 30, 2021. City staff will continue to monitor if these approvals need to be altered or other arrangements put in place.

10 BUSINESS WHAT YOU SAID

How extended outdoor dining is helping businesses

“Our dealings with the Council to facilitate “We’ve been given permission to trade in We’ve gone from having no outdoor this very essential change was seamless. the two car parking bays directly outside dining to this and our customers They were very proactive to get things of Anxious Goat on Hargreaves Street love it. It has made my business going to enliven our streets and support and extend down the front footpath. The more visible to customers because all businesses. outdoor dining with nine tables has helped there are no trucks or cars in the way me to keep on trading. so more people now know my little café is The extension to our outdoor dining here. I hope we can keep this going even area has ensured that we will be able to “It has made a huge difference to our after the pandemic is over.” financially survive, keep all of our staff business and I’ve been able to rehire and employed and also allow for more job recruit more staff. The support from the Brian Harrison creation. This is a very essential move. other hospitality venues has been amazing B-Jays Café, King Street and the extra outdoor dining changes “Moving the space outdoors creates that We have tried to create a visual experience through Council could not have been easier.” community feel within the city centre. “When the extension of outdoor dining for our customers. The feedback from When you walk around and see people Mandy Bloomfield became an option, a number of traders locals has been predominantly that the dining outdoors it gives that European Anxious Goat, Hargreaves Street in Bull Street had a discussion and our experience is amazing, that it almost vibe. The outdoor dining also helps people first contact at Council was with Phil. He replaces their cancelled international to feel safer. We only opened in February listened to what we were trying to do and holidays, and they appreciate being able to “Since COVID-19 started, my days have came up with a plan and we provided so the outdoor dining is great for our spend time with family and friends in this been terrible with no sleep for the last six input. The turnaround was fantastic. My business. We have learnt a lot more about new COVID-safe environment. months, but we’ve got by. After a quick outdoor dining and liquor permit extends our business in the first year and built phone call to Council, two days later, We appreciate the support of Council my red line area out to the front of the a lot of resilience and a connection with an awesome lady was up here for an and believe that these spaces are a business and that is major because I can our staff that perhaps you wouldn’t have inspection and she suggested using the vital component of the re-build that now trade at 80 per cent of my original otherwise. The pandemic has helped us to parallel parks out the front of the cafe. Bendigo needs to retain its major tourism size. We’ve also been blown away by the know what we are capable of and how to Within a week, I got to work at 6.15am destination title.” support from the Bendigo community.” get through this year and beyond.” to see there were trucks out the front Sharon Lock unloading the bollards and the road was Paul Jarman Rhianwen Seiter Borchelli Ristorante, View Street blocked off. I was stoked! Stella, Bull Street Ms Batterhams, MacKenzie Street

BUSINESS 11 To market, to market COVID-19 has seen many people turn to farmers markets and local producers to buy fresh food. With supermarkets experiencing short-term shortages, farmers markets present an alternative source of produce and a way to support local business during challenging times.

Bendigo Community Farmers Market “Now most shoppers are treating it as an “Supporting local farmers and producers has not been immune to this trend and essential shopping experience. Shoppers and giving them a fair price enables has seen increased support from the have discovered the joy of connecting with them to continue to invest in their farms community since the pandemic began. local farmers and food producers. They and businesses to increase production, want to know where their food comes introduce new products and reduce waste, Left: Market Manager Chris Hain said the Love your local! from, who grew it or made it, why they do because everything that is grown can be Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx market had seen an increase in sales it, how they do it and how to cook it.” sold without having to ship long distances. Bendigo Community Farmers since the onset of COVID-19. Market Mr Hain said the 'Love your Local' “It really is a win-win for shoppers and • Mini Markets: Thursdays, campaign and the knowledge that they producers. Shoppers get high quality, 2pm - 4.30pm, Good Loaf Bakery, "The money spent goes were shopping in an open-air environment freshly harvested, in-season produce in Bendigo had led to this shift in behaviour. a traditional market atmosphere. The directly to supporting money spent goes directly to supporting • Full market: second Saturday of “Supporting local producers ensures a the farmers of the Bendigo region and the the month, Bendigo Pony Club, strong and resilient local food system,” he the farmers of the local economy.” Golden Square said. www.bcfm.org.au Bendigo region and The Bendigo Community Farmers Market is accredited with the Victorian Farmers the local economy.” Market Association, which means that Bendigo Showgrounds Market shoppers can have confidence that the • Normally held every Sunday from person they are transacting with is the 8.30am to 2pm at the Prince of person who grew or made the produce. Wales Showgrounds in Holmes They are required to have a minimum Road, Bendigo of 75 per cent accredited stallholders and generally operate well over that www.bendigoshow.org.au/market benchmark.

With the support of the City of Greater Heathcote Lions Bush Market Bendigo, the market has recently made (also runs a Night Market) the move to the Bendigo Pony Club site • Normally runs on the first in Golden Square, which provides more Saturday of the month (suspended space for stallholders and shoppers. The due to COVID-19 restrictions) City is also exploring the site for the future Bendigo Community Farmers Market Manager Chris Hain checking in with stallholders. Greater Bendigo Community Food Hub. heathcote.vic.lions.org.au

12 BUSINESS The success of your new home business is only a phone call away!

Anyone wanting to start a new business from their home is encouraged to call the City of Greater Bendigo so we can help ensure your business is operating safely and with the correct permits in place. We know that COVID-19 has hit many local businesses hard and we’ve noticed quite a few home food, beauty and nail businesses popping up recently. This is great and we love seeing people being resilient, optimistic and taking control of their destiny. However, some people starting home-based businesses may not realise they need to be registered and have the correct permits in place. The City wants to see home businesses thrive and survive and is more than happy to advise on the steps businesses need to take to ensure this. You can talk with our Business Help Desk team on 5434 6000 or email any questions to Highlighting the benefits [email protected] of hiring people with disability

Further information is also available on A new project, Champions for Change, is helping to create inclusive our website at: www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/business employment opportunities across the City of Greater Bendigo and www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/envirohealth Mount Alexander and Loddon Shires by highlighting to local employers the many benefits of hiring people with a disability.

Through the project, a range of information and partner them with program officers to speak to resources are available to support local employers businesses about inclusive employment,” Ms Jones looking to recruit from this wide and diverse talent pool. said. “Due to restrictions that wasn’t possible, so we “While employers have expanded the traineeship aspect of the program. This has resulted in a wonderful outcome, particularly at traditionally been hesitant a time when general unemployment is high. We hope the program will create a legacy of further inclusive to employ people with a employment opportunities within not only Local disability, this is changing.” Government but also more broadly. “While employers have traditionally been hesitant to employ people with a disability, this is changing. We The Federally-funded program, led by the City of hear from local organisations that they are open to Greater Bendigo, has also provided opportunities for six employing people with a disability, but the information people with disability to complete traineeships across and support hasn’t always been widely known and we the three Local Government areas. hope the resources that have been developed will help City Senior Inclusive Employment Officer Alison change this.” Jones said the program was designed to provide new For information on hiring a person with a disability visit employment opportunities, while educating employers www.inclusiveemployment.com.au about the benefits of employing people with a disability. “Prior to COVID-19, the intention of Champions for Change was to employ people with a disability and

BUSINESS 13 Glass half full What makes you optimistic? That’s the question asked as part of the City of Greater Bendigo’s Voices of Optimism campaign to celebrate our community’s strong sense of optimism, even when times are challenging.

Since August, community members have in August where special guests spoke frankly contributed to a Voices of Optimism campaign, about what made them optimistic from a personal, sharing their thoughts on what makes them "...being optimistic business and community perspective, despite facing optimistic by recording a short video on their phone. some extraordinary challenges and setbacks in their Selected videos continue to be promoted on our own lives. social media platforms and with City partners. can be learnt, it’s never These included Bendigo Foodshare Chair Cathie Mayor Cr Jennifer Alden said the Voices of Optimism Steele, Cr Margaret O’Rourke and her close friend campaign aimed to showcase and promote the too late to change your Mary Dwyer, Coliban Water Managing Director power of this region’s optimism. Damian Wells who broke his neck in a cycling accident, and Bendigo Community Health Services “Greater Bendigo has a fantastic optimistic way of thinking and Chief Executive Officer Gerard Jóse who said community spirit, which is why it’s a great optimism was part of his DNA. place to live, study and work,” Cr Alden said. enjoy a new, better Mr Perton, who has written several books on the power of optimism, said there was an abundant “We have already reached out to body of scientific research that showed people with scores of people in our community normal.” an optimistic outlook fared much better, particularly and I want to thank them for during challenging times. contributing to our Voices of remain optimistic that you too will Optimism initiative. find their responses inspiring and “An optimistic spirit can bring significant benefits including happiness, better physical and mental “So far, we have received many perhaps provide you with a renewed health, better sleep, greater resilience and stronger wonderful and varied responses sense of optimism." relationships,” Mr Perton said. to the question ‘what makes you The City has been optimistic?’ that have collaborating with The “Optimistic people are better able to balance their been truly Centre for Optimism, which emotions more effectively and they bounce back heartening. is a global movement more easily from some of the many stresses and challenges that life can bring. to empower people to “Our community’s mental health and wellbeing become more optimistic “Some people are born optimistic but the good news is being challenged like never before as a result themselves and to foster is that being optimistic can be learnt, it’s never too of this pandemic. optimism in those around late to change your way of thinking and enjoy a new, them. better normal.” “It has been an incredibly tough time for our community this year and it’s not easy to feel The Centre’s Director, You can watch the videos and the free Virtual optimistic, but I hope that when you hear from Victor Perton, presented Café Series by visiting www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/ others in our community about how they a free Virtual Café Series voicesoftoptimism

14 COMMUNITY WHAT MAKES ME OPTIMISTIC? “I think Bendigo has so much opportunity and after we’re through this really tough time with COVID-19, I think Bendigo will come out the “My family because they’ve raised “When you want to build a other side and do really great “What makes me optimistic is me up to always see the positive muscle, you have to keep on things. I think lots of people that we can stick together and picture in life and I’ve always using it. So I’m optimistic who are living in the city are keep our spirits up and by keeping followed that principle and I feel because I find the silver linings realising that a big back yard connected with friends and family and a short commute are being optimistic just gives you a in my life which I’m grateful really, really good lifestyle in a time like this makes me better life I guess, a happier life.” for, for example my family, choices to make.” optimistic. We will be stronger for Tyrone, Year 12 student my friends and a roof over my the future and how we cope with head. To me, you need to keep Michelle Johnson, times like this, for me, especially ESE Consulting, Director your spirits high, stay positive as a Year 12 student in my final and focus on the things you year of secondary studies. I’m also “What makes me optimistic is being love. It’s important to have optimistic of how our schools and with my family and friends and especially if I could be any kind of hope and nothing in life is businesses will grow to do such help and support for my friends and permanent. Remember, this amazing things, especially in my community. Things that make me too shall pass.” times of hardship and how they’ve “I love the idea of learning and happy are listening to music, playing Thaera O’Brien, a mum and coped with them.” table tennis, gardening and cooking, growing and for someone like me PhD candidate Mattia Costelow, Year 12 student and going to a calm place to watch to be able to start university at nature's beauty.” the tender age of 60, that’s got Zahir Azimi, Bendigo Community “There’s a lot of things to look to be a pretty progressive society. “I am a glass half full sort of lady. Health Services, Settlement Case forward to within Bendigo. We’ve Sometimes we don’t always get Opportunity makes me optimistic. Worker got a lot of investment coming into what we want but there’s always Even during these challenging times, Bendigo with some major projects. opportunity if you keep going there is opportunity that does come We’ve got private investment in the future to get what you out. Having been born, bred and coming into Bendigo with new want. So if you’re not thinking lived in regional Australia my whole hotels. We’re well-situated in terms in an optimistic way, some sort of life, I just know how resilient and of a very diverse employment and innovative regional people can be and manufacturing sector and there’s a positives, we tend to stop doing there’s no exception here in Bendigo. “The future of young people lot of opportunity I think in terms of things.” I’ve found some of the most resilient, and the changes around where Bendigo sits as a region.” Janet Bromley, City of Greater innovative and can-do attitudes that Bendigo seem to be really Bendigo Intercultural Ambassador fantastic. In terms of things Dennis Bice, Be.Bendigo, CEO I’ve seen right across Australia. Gratitude, that makes me optimistic like consideration for the and so does a belief. I’m really environment, respect of “For me optimism means that there’s grateful that I can do my job in such people’s mental health and “I think there’s a lot of things a sense about the day, the week, the a beautiful city, in such a beautiful I guess that environmental going for Bendigo and I am very immediate and the long-term future. region.” and social sustainability optimistic about the future. First I work in mental health and I know the benefits of optimism. You’ve got Marnie Baker, Bendigo and Adelaide of Bendigo has been really of all, it’s our culture – we’ve been Bank, Managing Director improved over the last few to find things – when I’m walking a very resilient community from around our beautiful Lake Weeroona years. We’ve definitely come the early days of gold mining that gives me optimism. Parts of the a long way.” and when that ran out we moved day I create moments where I use my “The vibrancy, positivity and Jemille McKenzie, onto other things and became a senses and it gives me great joy.” commitment of our communities in Bendigo Youth Council centre for agriculture, industry, Kaye Graves, Bendigo Community working hard to make a difference for education, for medicine and so Health Services makes me optimistic about Greater forth. We’ve always had a history Bendigo and the future we’re of crises happening, but then creating together. I’m empowered adapting to them and being more by everyday people of all different “Every morning when I wake up is “As someone who works in a resilient in the way we’ve done it.” ages, backgrounds and abilities optimistic because I have enough university, the thing that makes me who give their time and skills Ian Green, Chair of the Great Stupa food to eat, a roof over my head optimistic is watching the growth and of Universal Compassion to make the place we live more and a safe place to live. More than development of our young people. prosperous, happy and healthy. I’m We have so many talented students that, this place I believe is going also inspired by Bendigo’s young who are so passionate about so many “I like playing with my brothers and to provide me with opportunities to people in particular – the leaders ways in which they can do good in sisters and we play LEGO™ and ride fulfil in the pursuit of my career. of tomorrow who, every single day, the world. It really is inspiring and I our bikes. We have guinea pigs and I’m so glad that many services are out in our community standing can’t wait to see what that generation chickens. The trees, the sunshine, support our Karen community and up for what’s right and for what produces.” Bendigo is a great place.” encourage us. I’m really, really they believe in.” thankful for this.” Professor John Dewar, Jack Dutra Sam Kane, former Young Citizen La Trobe University, Vice Chancellor Ma Paw, Bendigo Community Health of the Year Services, Community Guide

COMMUNITY 15 Showcasing gratitude Quarry Hill Recreation Reserve has a vibrant new “Haymes Paint Shop Bendigo contributed materials. mural that includes a chalkboard area for the They are very community-oriented and love to community to share and display their words of support local artists." gratitude. Gratitude for the small things around him became The mural was initiated and created by local design an important element of the design. and lettering artist Wes Franklin, who noticed the “We’ve been in Quarry Hill for nearly two years and rebound wall each day when he took his family have found it so welcoming. Being able to walk in for walks around the reserve. Wes developed such a nice space makes me feel grateful every a proposal for the artwork and then sought the day,” Mr Franklin said. appropriate permissions from the City of Greater “Instead of doing the mural alone, I wondered if I Bendigo to undertake the project. could include the community and conversations led The project was supported by the Bendigo me to adding the chalkboard space. Venues & Events' Creative Communities team, “It gave me a chance to connect and talk to people. the temporary Public Art program, Haymes Paint People can’t help but smile, everyone wants to be Shop Bendigo and Wes engaged a few helpers to part of it! transform the wall. “The feedback has been really positive. Everyone is “I wanted it to brighten the environment, but also keen to add their words of gratitude, I can’t wait to blend and be complementary,” Mr Franklin said. see how it develops.”

16 COMMUNITY Community spirit shines through COVID-19 projects The Make Someone’s Day letter writing campaign, a trauma teddy knitting project called Commuknitty Crafters and the Make a Mask for a Mate initiative have proven that Greater Bendigo’s community spirit is alive and well during COVID-19.

The City of Greater Bendigo developed program to create trauma teddies for the Requests from people in our community The City would like to thank everyone who the three projects, which were designed Australian Red Cross to pass onto children to participate in this initiative resulted in participated in these three intiatives for to provide support to members of our experiencing illness or trauma. enough resources for over 700 masks. helping to make the lives of others better community and encourage them to stay In addition, many donations of material in what has been an unprecedented and Commuknitty Crafters targeted engaged and active during COVID-19. and additional masks were also given often difficult year. community members aged over 50 who The projects involved intergenerational to the project, which demonstrated the may have experienced social isolation or activities to build positive relationships generosity that abounds in Greater Above: Red Cross Bendigo Manager Kara just wanted to help the community during and connections between older residents Bendigo. The Fosterville Mine donated Simmonds surrounded by trauma teddies COVID-19. and younger members of our community. 200 masks, while some individual knitted for the Commuknitty Crafters project. Over 100 people signed up to knit community members Below: Betty Jones reads a kindness letter The Make Someone’s Day initiative teddies and the City donated up to 100 received through the Make Someone’s Day provided an opportunity for children and delivered knitting kits, masks towards the initiative. young people to give back with a random which included wool, project. act of kindness by writing a letter or needles, stuffing and a drawing a picture to help older people pattern to the participants. combat isolation and loneliness. The City recently donated the Over 600 letters were delivered through first batch of over 200 bears to local networks to residents receiving aged the Red Cross for distribution. care services and people with disability. Over 600 letters were To ensure everyone in the The letters were heart-warming and community was safe and had access to delivered through reflected kindness and care. They a face mask, the Make a Mask for a Mate varied from photos of animals, beautiful initiative called upon local sewers to make local networks to paintings and pictures, and stories of their reusable masks for those who really experiences during these times, to funny needed one. residents receiving jokes to brighten the letter receiver’s day. People who agreed to make some masks aged care services It was also great to see so many older were delivered packs containing a residents show their appreciation by pattern and enough material and elastic and people with returning letters back to the kids and to make three masks. The masks were sharing information about themselves and distributed through the City’s community disability. their childhood. services, Bendigo Foodshare, community The City also put out a call for knitters houses, and aged and community service through the Commuknitty Crafters organisations.

COMMUNITY 17 Surviving Summer

Is your summer emergency plan right to go?

Emergencies can happen at any time and can affect us, Looking after yourself our families, our pets and our community, so it’s best to be prepared by having a written emergency plan and knowing COOL YOURSELF: where you will go to be safe and when you need to leave. • Drink plenty of fluids • Stay out of the sun To prepare your home for summer remove any If you have pets, make sure you prepare an • Wear lightweight, loose clothing rubbish, clear the gutters, cut the grass and trim emergency kit for them too with a bowl, food, • Take a cool shower the trees around your home. Domestic quantities blanket, lead, travel cage and any medication. • Reduce physical exertion of green waste can be taken to the Eaglehawk • Use a damp cloth You can download a copy of the In an emergency, Landfill and Goornong and Heathcote Transfer what is your plan? booklet from www.bendigo.vic. Stations free of charge all year round. This KEEP YOUR HOME COOL: gov.au or for more information go to includes tree prunings, garden clippings and leaf www.emergency.vic.gov.au or www.bendigo.vic. • Use a fan litter. gov.au/emergencyplanning and remember those • Use the air-conditioner It’s also a good time to check that your air- who fail to plan - plan to fail! • Keep doors and windows closed conditioner, fans and blinds are all in good during the day working order to better cope with the hot • Close curtains and external blinds weather. during the day You should also decide where you will go to be • Cool your house at night by opening safe, the best time to leave and how to prepare an windows and blinds emergency kit in case of an emergency. • Use a thermometer An emergency kit should have things like TAKE A BREAK: important documents and phone numbers, • Even a short break from the heat will help photos, personal details and information, clothing, • Visit a friend or relative who has air-conditioning medication, bottled water, etc. so that you are ready to leave when you need to. • Visit an air-conditioned library or shopping centre Be prepared, stay aware, and keep your mobile phone charged and close by. If you live in a bushfire-prone area listen to the radio to stay informed. If you feel dizzy, nauseous, have a bad headache, lose balance, get short of breath or just feel sick, call Nurse on Call (1300 60 60 24), your doctor, or even an ambulance (000). You are not bothering them and they would prefer you call. For more information visit www.bendigo.vic.gov. au/heatwavehelp

18 COMMUNITY Surviving Summer

Where to go as A LAST resort when bushfire threatens

Bushfire Places of Last Resort are to be considered a place of last resort in a bushfire emergency. They should only be used if all other plans have failed and should not be Free considered as places to relocate to when leaving early. Bushfire Places of Last Resort are a piece Bushfire Places of Last Resort in Greater of open ground. Safety and survival cannot Bendigo include: be guaranteed and support services will • Axedale Primary School Oval green not be provided, as the sites offer minimum 81 High Street, Axedale protection against radiant heat and embers. • Lansell Square shopping centre car park They are a place of last resort, in bushfire Calder Highway, Kangaroo Flat waste emergencies only, which may assist people when there is imminent threat of bushfire • Queen Elizabeth Oval and they have no plan or their planned View Street, Bendigo options are not possible. • Canterbury Park car park and events area disposal On hot, dry, windy days, leaving the area Simpsons Road, Eaglehawk early before there is any chance of fire • North Bendigo Showgrounds activity, including along your travel path, is Greater Bendigo residents can dispose of excess green always the safest option. Holmes Road, Bendigo waste all year round for free at the City of Greater Bendigo’s • Maiden Gully Primary School basketball Eaglehawk Landfill and Goornong and Heathcote Transfer There are no provisions at Bushfire Places courts Stations. of Last Resort for people and their pets or animals, so having a well-prepared fire plan Carolyn Way, Maiden Gully The free green waste disposal means there really is no around a more suitable location is a much • Lord’s Raceway excuse not to be prepared for the hot summer months. better option. McIvor Highway, Junortoun Residents who take the time to keep their properties clear Residents should visit the CFA website for • Strathfieldsaye Primary School playing fields of fire hazards will help minimise the risk of fire on their information on how to develop a fire and Uxbridge Street, Strathfieldsaye property during the summer months and decrease the emergency plan and go to www.cfa.vic.gov. amount of work they need to do in the garden. au/plan-prepare/neighbourhood-safer- • Dower Park Station Street, Kangaroo Flat Only green waste from residential properties is accepted places for more information about Bushfire free of charge. Commercial vehicles will be charged a Places of Last Resort. • Redesdale Recreation Reserve Oval disposal fee. Corner Moylans Road and Kyneton-Heathcote Road, Redesdale The Eaglehawk Landfill is open daily from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 4.30pm on weekends. The • Holy Rosary Primary School Oval Goornong Transfer Station is open from 8am to 5pm on 18 Pohlman Street, Heathcote Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. The Heathcote Transfer Station is open from 8am to 5pm Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.

COMMUNITY 19 New plan to advance reconciliation The City of Greater Bendigo has launched a new Reconciliation Plan 2021-2025 to continue to VIDEO A TO BENDIGO advance reconciliation over the next four years. love song A music video written, produced and The group worked on and off around The Reconciliation Plan, named New themes and actions featured in performed by the City of Greater COVID-19 restrictions to record the song Barpangu which means 'build the Reconciliation Plan include: Bendigo’s Intercultural Ambassadors and make the video happen, with most of together' in the Dja Dja Wurrung • Improving Aboriginal is simply a love song to the Bendigo the filming completed when restrictions language, was developed following employment and economic community to show they care. had eased. community engagement with outcomes by setting Aboriginal Traditional Owners, the broader The song titled You and I was written Intercultural Ambassador Dr Marthin procurement and employment Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander by Dr Marthin Nanere and performed Nanere said the video was heart- targets community, City staff and the by Greater Bendigo’s Intercultural warming and genuine, and the group general public. The new plan was • Increased visibility of Aboriginal Ambassadors to help spread optimism was delighted to see it come together to launched during the NAIDOC Week culture, history and landscapes and joy throughout the community in share it with the community. 2020 celebrations in November. through public art, interpretive what has been a very challenging year “It’s been a really good project for the signage, performances and open for everyone. The City is strongly committed to group and we hope it puts a smile on the space projects reconciliation and the new plan While COVID-19 restrictions meant the face of everyone who views it,” provides a clear direction for the City • Working with the Traditional group was unable to sing live together, Dr Nanere said. to continue to advance reconciliation Owners to promote Aboriginal the ambassadors have done a brilliant job and support the local Aboriginal and place naming and the use of Dja in producing and sharing their message. Torres Strait Islander community. Dja Wurrung and Taungurung language within our public The plan articulates how the City spaces You can watch the video on the and other partner organisations City’s Facebook page, on Youtube will engage in reconciliation, • Improving the cultural safety at https://youtu.be/b0aha-kE8ns and includes the organisation's of our organisation and direct or on the City’s website at responsibilities under the Dja services www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/youandi Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Recognition and Settlement • Supporting Aboriginal young Agreements. people through leadership, employment and training It builds on the progress of the City’s opportunities first Reconciliation Plan 2016-2019, and sets out actions and strategies • Enhancing the City’s engagement to further advance reconciliation and delivery of the Dja Dja both internally and externally with Wurrung and Taungurung key partnerships. Recognition and Settlement Agreements The Reconciliation Plan can be • Providing further support to First viewed at www.bendigo.vic.gov. Nations artists, performers and au/reconciliation productions

20 COMMUNITY Libraries bringing people together

How do public libraries fight racism? Throughout the season, listeners will democratic places – our public libraries – Can you be addicted to books? What’s it meet a range of wise, witty and colourful are more important than ever. really like to be a librarian? characters who’ve each got a very Tune in to 94.9 MAINfm on Thursdays different story to tell about why they love The new locally-produced podcast and from 8.30am to listen live or subscribe their public library. radio series, Meet Me at the Library, aims wherever you get your podcasts. to find out. From the keyboard warrior using the Meet Me at the Library is produced library’s free wi-fi to help reunite families, Host and producer Anne-Marie with the assistance of the Community through to the reformed smoker who’s Middlemast visits public libraries across Broadcasting Foundation and supported replaced cigarettes with books, you’ll find Central Victoria to find out how these by Goldfields Library Corporation. out why these surprising, creative and remarkable spaces bring us together.

A new dog park for Heathcote Heathcote now boasts a fantastic new dog park for dog owners to exercise their fur babies.

The new dog park is located on a large site in The new dog park is enclosed by a 1.8 metre Herriot Street close to the Heathcote township, fence with two air lock entry points and two In addition to the Heathcote Dog Park the with great connections to the O’Keefe Rail Trail separate areas for large and small dogs. City of Greater Bendigo has other dog and a path to the town centre. The large dog area features a compacted parks located at: There is also an existing car park that was gravel walking path and a large concrete • Corner of Allingham and Chapel Streets, constructed as part of the trail head and has trough to provide water and water play Kangaroo Flat plenty of off-road parking. options. • Harcourt Park, Crook Street, Strathdale Extensive advanced tree planting has taken • Truscott Reserve, Turner Street, place and new drinking water fountains have California Gully been installed.

Craig Guy walks his dogs at the new Heathcote Dog Park.

COMMUNITY 21 WHAT I ABOUT GREATER BENDIGO...

- What’s not to love!

BY RON SYMONS I am a Golden Square person through and through. My family moved from Lockwood to Golden Square in 1953 so I could start school and I’ve never lived anywhere else. The Symons name has long been in Golden Square. My father, Frank (known by most people as ‘Slim’), was the local milkman at Symons Dairy (George Symons being his cousin). Frank was well known by most people in the area. The family nicknamed him ‘Ernie, the fastest milkman in the west’. We lived opposite the Golden Square Fire Station, so I’ve had a long association with the brigade. Frank would be finished his milk rounds and then he’d be on-call to fight fires.

Golden Square Fire Brigade team.

I joined the Junior Brigade at the age of eight years and then moved onto the Senior Brigade at 16 years. I competed in fire brigade competitions over the years, local and interstate. I was driving fire trucks at the age of 17 and often got called across the road to the station in the early hours when Frank had commenced work.

22 COMMUNITY I don’t attend to firefighting anymore, but I’m still involved with the brigade and held the position of Chairman until last year. We’re always fundraising and have raised a lot of money over the years with the help of the community. A few years for back we had sufficient funds to purchase a second-hand truck and re-fitted it for brigade use. FREE! Coronavirus is having a huge impact on future funds for the brigade, so there’ll 3 need to be lots of tin-rattling but I’ll keep Three great things to going until I drop! do for free this summer! I’m a motor mechanic by trade and did my apprenticeship with the old City of Bendigo, commencing at the age of 16. I Golden Square Bowls Club. obtained my qualifications, truck driver "When I look around, licence and fork-lift licence. a lot of the families I I started the Golden Square Volleyball My first job was at BCX, a drink company Club and at one stage we had 32 teams in Golden Square. I was the maintenance grew up with are still playing in the local competition. Many engineer mechanic, doing repairs to the school teachers were playing, which machinery, delivery trucks and general in Golden Square." saw a lot of kids get involved. The club fix-it man. is now part of the Bendigo Volleyball My cousin, John Kiely, was in the car I started playing volleyball at 16 years Association. trade business and convinced me to join when the Bendigo YMCA sent a letter to Over the years I’ve had various office him, which I did. I worked in conjunction the Golden Square Fire Brigade inviting bearing roles with the association. I still with John at Barnard Street Car Sales it to put a team into the competition that play but I’m not sure how the body will for many years, until I purchased the was played upstairs in the old YMCA come back after having most of this year Explore Greater Bendigo’s more business from John on his retirement. building on Mundy Street. off due to coronavirus. I’ve relied on 1 than 130 playspaces these mowing my grass for fitness (albeit on a holidays (a full list is available ride-on mower)! at www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/ playspaces). We’ve hosted a number of international volleyball teams over the years, which provide a great boost to the local economy. The new Bendigo Stadium is really great and I’ve certainly missed catching up with my teammates and others after a game. When I look around Golden Square it’s definitely busier than it used to be, a sign that our population is growing. I like that the character of the area has been maintained, lots of the old houses are still here, art deco, weatherboard, cream brickers – something from every era and I’m pleased that people have largely been made to hold onto them, rather than develop them. Take a leisurely stroll in shady Rosalind Park. We love our sport in Golden Square and 2 have bowls, football and cricket clubs, and the Golden Square Pool. There’s lots of passionate people connected to those clubs who keep the wheels turning. When I look around, a lot of the families I grew up with are still in Golden Square.

Golden Square For me, you can’t beat Golden Square, shopping strip. all the best people reside here!

Wade Street Oval, Golden Square.

Enjoy a day out at Crusoe Reservoir - a popular spot 3 for cycling, walking, jogging, swimming and fishing.

COMMUNITY 23 Bendigo and Maubisse – an enduring friendship since 2006

The Bendigo-Maubisse The Bendigo-Maubisse Friendship Nowadays the committee’s work in facilities at the kindergarten, a storage Committee was formed in 2006 to Maubisse contributes to improved living shed at the Agricultural School, building Friendship Committee has fundraise and complete projects such standards, access to basic services, materials for a community arts centre and been working for 14 years as helping build schools and providing training, capacity-building and social much more. school supplies to the people of programs. Other ongoing projects undertaken by the Maubisse. However, since establishing, to help improve the lives The committee’s work embraces committee at the request of the Maubisse the committee’s focus has changed to ecologically sustainable development community include programs in dental of the people of Maubisse, improve social structures, governance principles, respects local systems, health, ultrasound equipment provision and infrastructure. located in the central cultures and laws, upholds the principles and training, teacher training, art classes highlands of Timor Leste, In September 2007 the first Bendigo of social justice, and engages both the for students and community art activities. Maubisse and Bendigo communities in its delegation accompanied Kirsty Sword The committee welcomes the contribution 73 kilometres south of the programs. Gusmao, the former Eaglehawk resident of volunteers in all capacities. Volunteers capital Dili. and wife of then Timor Leste Prime This work has included initiating, in are invited to participate in working bees, Minister, to Timor Leste to further conjunction with the Alola Foundation, a fundraising events or exploring how their Maubisse has a population of 20,000 relations and establish a friendship scholarship program that enables selected specialist skills may be of benefit to the people and is the main coffee-growing agreement with Maubisse and the City of students in Maubisse to be sponsored Maubisse community. region of the country. Many of its residents Greater Bendigo. It’s important to note to complete their secondary and tertiary are farmers who exist on less than $350 a that the delegation of six paid their own education. Other work has included year producing green beans, mandarins, travel and in-country expenses to be part refurbishing a community house, drainage If you are interested in helping the avocados, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, of the visit and have continued to do this works to supply water to 70 houses, committee or want to know more, garlic and shallots. for all subsequent visits. funding for building kitchen and toilet please phone the City on 5434 6000 or email [email protected]

24 COMMUNITY City Graduate Planner Corbin Wright in front of the Bendigo TAFE redevelopment project.

Fast facts

In the 2019/2020 financial year: • Approximately 1,150 planning applications were received by the City of Greater Bendigo • The total value of this development was $491M • 99% of applications were approved • 810 new subdivided lots were approved

Tips for getting a planning permit • Get professional planning advice • Take the time to understand the zones and overlays on your land • Engage with the City before lodging a planning application • Make sure your paperwork is complete • Follow the status of your application online via the City’s website SERVICE IN THE SPOTLIGHT: TOWN PLANNING

Seeing the bigger picture Planning speak Planning Scheme – The ‘guide book’ for If you have ever completed a major renovation, subdivided your property or set how land can be developed Zones – The purpose of your land, such up a new business, chances are you have been in contact with a town planner. as residential, industrial or commercial But what exactly is a town planner? How do you even plan a town? And why? Overlay – An ‘extra’ control on your land, such as flooding, heritage or Town planning is about protecting (Bachelor of Urban, Rural and For Corbin, one of the best things about bushfire and enhancing the natural and built Environmental Planning at La Trobe being a planner is driving or walking environment. In Victoria, Planning Bendigo) well before he finished year 12. past a new development that he has Referral – An application may be Schemes establish the vision for helped approve. referred to another agency, such as each town or community and provide Being a planner offers Corbin a wide He says that town planning is vital to utility companies to make sure the land guidance on what type of development variety of work and a fast-paced society and a really rewarding job. can be serviced with water and power is preferred. It is a planner’s job to environment. But not everyone is aware work out what the Planning Scheme is of the planning process. “It helps shape communities and Public Notice – An applicant may be trying to achieve and apply it to each “People always think about building literally everything around you. But so required to inform neighbours about development application. permits, but they’re not aware of many people don’t realise it’s there.” the proposal Planning applications might include the planning controls that apply unit developments, subdivisions, to a property as well. Really, these Objector – A person with concerns changes to heritage buildings, native planning controls are guiding future DID YOU KNOW? about a planning proposal vegetation removal, signs and even development," he said. liquor licensing. Each application is Town planning at the City is now Consultation – The City facilitates One of the biggest misconceptions different but can involve issues like paper-free. Gone are the days discussions between an applicant and people have about town planning is that building design, traffic movements and of blueprints, light-tables and objectors a planner simply ticks ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to a land uses. rubber stamps! All planning development. applications can now be lodged Appeal – Where someone wants a For Graduate Planner Corbin Wright, it’s “They don’t realise everything an in electronic format. When plans review of Council’s decision. Planning all about seeing the bigger picture. application has to go through to be are approved, they are ‘stamped’ appeals are heard by VCAT (the Victorian Corbin has always been fascinated approved. It’s quite a comprehensive electronically and emailed to the Civil and Administrative Tribunal) by the built and natural environment, process that involves lots of pieces of applicant. and chose his undergraduate degree information.

SERVICES 25 TIPS TO REDUCE YOUR WASTE THIS

The Christmas and holiday season can result in significant increases in the amount of garbage and recycling the City of Greater Bendigo collects from local homes, so we’ve put together the following tips to help you reduce your waste this festive season.

Have a great Christmas! 13 Get crafty with decorations! Use cuttings from the garden or make items from last year’s wrapping and 1 Use paper wrapping that can be 6 A void products with lots of packaging cards, then store and reuse for future easily reused or recycled rather than and consider giving a service, years. foil or cellophane. Better still, get donation or experience instead. creative with wrapping using a scarf, Consider minimising gift towel or item of clothing as part of the purchases and resultant waste by 14 Dit ch single-use plastic! Avoid gift. You could also wrap presents in 7 Borr ow or hire anything you need for implementing the five gift rules: cutlery, crockery, cups, straws and paper decorated with your children’s a party rather than buying, especially 1. Something they want decorations all made from single- drawings. if it will only be used for a short time. 2. Something they need use plastic. These items cannot be 3. Something they wear recycled and contribute significantly 4. Something they read to landfill. There are plenty of 2 Plan your meals and buy only the 5. Something they do reusable and compostable options ingredients that you need. Share available. leftovers with friends and family to 11 ensure less waste goes into your 12 Think about if you really need to organics bin. Choose ingredients upgrade electronic equipment/games. with minimal packaging and, where Think about If you do, then why not try and sell possible, purchase products in old equipment or if it’s broken, take recyclable packaging. contacting a local it to either the Eaglehawk Landfill Recycle Centre or one of the City’s Men’s Shed to transfer stations located in Goornong, purchase wooden 3 L ook for gifts that are made from If you receive a gift that doesn’t fit Heathcote or Strathfieldsaye. recycled or upcycled materials, such 8or is really not wanted, consider gifts such as toys as wallets made from old transit donating it to a charity so it can find canvas, jewellery made from cutlery, another home. and furniture. or get creative and make you own! 9 T ake the small lids off plastic and glass bottles that go into the 4 Send e-cards rather than traditional kerbside recycling bin and place cards and keep any cards received to the lids in the garbage to reduce cut into strips for use as gift tags the contamination of good recycling. 15 following year.

10 R emember, don’t pack recycling 5 Dr op off any flat household inside plastic bags or boxes, simply batteries from Christmas toys at the place them loose and mingled in Eaglehawk Landfill or one of the City’s the kerbside recycling bin. Flatten transfer stations located in Goornong, boxes to help fit more in your Heathcote or Strathfieldsaye. recycling bin.

26 SERVICES 1 3

2

WHAT’S IN THE WORKS?

As part of the Council’s commitment to deliver improved infrastructure, a range of works are currently underway BENDIGO HEATHCOTE or have recently been completed. Nolan Street – batter strengthening High Street – footpath upgrade works to Bendigo Creek LONG GULLY EPSOM 1. Safety upgrade works are underway 2. A major upgrade of drainage in Burns BMX track construction Midland Highway – footpath upgrade in Peatlings Road, Bagshot and are Street, Spring Gully is estimated to KENNINGTON funded by a $431,000 Black Spot cost $683,000 and is scheduled for Midland Highway – pedestrian bridge Program grant. The project includes completion in December. installation Sternberg Street – footpath upgrade reconstruction of the road pavement, 3. F ootpath upgrade to Lyttleton Terrace, GOLDEN SQUARE SPRING GULLY shoulder widening, line marking with Bendigo aims to improve pedestrian Retreat Road to Grenoble Place traffic separation, solar lighting and safety and the general appearance of Hargreaves and Panton Streets – renewal of shared path the installation of steel guardrail with the street where an upgrade to drainage – safety upgrade works motorcyclist protection. The works are was recently completed. Works are expected to be completed in December. estimated to cost $375,000. To keep up to date with works in your area, visit www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/roadworks

SERVICES 27 PayStay parking now City to extend available throughout city centre The City of Greater Bendigo has extended the successful PayStay parking system following a lengthy trial at two all day collections in 2021 car parks in Market and Myers Streets.

PayStay allows users to pay for their parking However, people can still purchase parking The City of Greater Bendigo will online or via a smartphone app and is available tickets using cash or their credit and debit cards. throughout the Bendigo city centre, except for the extend its fortnightly kerbside A number of councils across Victoria already Edwards Street and Hargreaves Street multi- use this technology, which means hundreds organics collection service to storey car parks. of thousands of motorists across the state are include the townships of Axedale, The City was keen to continue to provide the already familiar with it. community with a more flexible and convenient The City has installed new signage to promote Elmore, Goornong and Heathcote parking payment system and PayStay allows where PayStay is available. in early 2021. motorists to park without having to buy a physical ticket or put coins into a ticket machine. In addition, the City has installed 70 new state- of-the-art parking meters that allow motorists Homes in these areas will receive a new 240 litre People don’t carry or use cash as much as they to pay for their parking by entering their green lid organics bin, an organics kitchen caddy, a did in the past and many prefer the convenience registration details, which means they no longer supply of compostable caddy liners and information of paying by card. about how the organics system works. need to return to their vehicle to place a ticket on Users of the PayStay system can register their car’s dashboard. When the new organics service commences, the multiple vehicles to one account and for a small The PayStay app is available to download weekly waste and fortnightly recycling collection days reminder service fee, people can opt to have from the App Store or Google Play. For more for properties in the townships will not change. The SMS reminders sent to remind them when their information go to www.paystay.com.au or contact new organics bin will be collected on the opposite parking session is due to expire. week to the recycling collection. the City on 5434 6000. PayStay also has SMS and phone payment The City introduced the organics collections in urban options and accepts Mastercard and Visa. Bendigo and Marong in September 2016 and since that time residents have embraced the service with thousands of tonnes of organic material collected and diverted from landfill and turned into compost for reuse. In the last financial year alone, the City collected over 13,000 tonnes of organic waste from over 38,000 households and this is set to grow when the collection is extended in 2021. The City will also extend its commercial organics service to allow all food businesses to access an organics collection, to further increase diversion of organic material from landfill. The City is committed to continuing to find ways to divert items from landfill and educate our community about how to correctly dispose of waste. For more information please visit www.bendigo.vic. gov.au/organics or phone the City on 5434 6000.

gb quiz answers! 1. Mayor Cr Jennifer Alden 2. The Bendigo Pony Club site in Golden Square 3. Champions for Change 4. Quarry Hill Recreation Reserve 5. True! 6. Herriot Street, Heathcote 7. C – 2006 8. A – 1,150 9. What I did Last Week 10. True!

28 SERVICES Helping fitness groups and businesses to train outdoors Bendigo Karate Club training at Spring Gully Recreation Reserve soccer grounds. Making the most of the great outdoors is recreation activities proving to be an enjoyable and popular to relocate outdoors. way to exercise, but for a time it became For more information phone 5434 6000 or a lifeline for fitness operators and clubs to make a booking, visit www.bendigo.vic. who had to temporarily close their Why you on Crown land gov.au/commercial-fitness-booking can’t dig doorsdue to COVID-19 restrictions.

Crown land is public land set aside by There are many reasons for this Many clubs, recreation and commercial the government for different purposes, including to: fitness operators wanting to take classes such as Local Government reserves, • Keep the area safe and accessible outdoors have taken up the opportunity KICKING OUTDOORS to book outdoor recreation spaces for state forests, national parks or regional for everyone The Bendigo Karate Club couldn’t groups to train safely. parks. It equates to approximately one- • Protect trees and vegetation from do any indoor classes because third of Victoria. damage To safely ensure there is room for of the health restrictions at the The City of Greater Bendigo does not • Allow workers to carry out everyone outdoors, the City of Greater time. Club owner Lance McInnes own Crown land but it is responsible maintenance and mowing, especially Bendigo has created an online booking took up the City’s option to use for maintaining some sites located in the lead up to the fire season form to make it as easy as possible for an outdoor space for classes. It mainly in urban areas to ensure • Keep any contaminants present on businesses to book ahead. meant the students could train they are safe and accessible for the land contained three times a week at the Spring It also means that popular recreation everyone. Other Crown land sites are Gully Recreation Reserve soccer • Ensure no debris from digging areas like Rosalind Park, Lake Weeroona managed by various other groups grounds. enters local waterways and Lake Neangar are not overwhelmed and government departments, such • Protect cultural heritage values with too many fitness groups in one spot, “The permit was granted within as Parks Victoria and the Department days which was wonderful. Over the past 10 years the City has making it difficult for wider community use. of Environment, Land, Water and The group training allowed our worked hard to improve and provide Planning. The booking process is free and the City students to interact with each formalised BMX jumps, play spaces, has also waived fees and charges for other whilst social distancing This year a number of bike shared walking and riding paths, and hiring outdoor space until January 1, 2021. and this was very good for their jumps constructed on a range of other active and passive wellbeing,” Mr McInnes said. Crown land without recreation facilities for our community With permission from the operator, their permission have to enjoy in a safe manner. details and location of training is also “We have now returned to indoor been removed added onto the City’s website so that the training; however, we were grateful You can find out more by the City and community and other operators can see for the opportunity to be able to about the range of facilities other Victorian who is training where. train outdoors for no charge during Government available and where they are During tighter restrictions, the City also those difficult times.” departments. located by visiting www.bendigo.vic.gov.au supported dance schools and indoor

ACTIVE AND HEALTHY 29 Making healthy eating easy

Eye-catching new signage has been installed at the Bendigo Stadium to encourage people to choose healthier food and drink options when visiting the facility’s canteen.

Bendigo Stadium, with support from the City of Greater Bendigo, VicHealth and the Healthy Eating Advisory Service, is demonstrating its commitment to the Victorian Government Healthy Choices guidelines for sport and recreation centres. The Healthy Choices guidelines encourage the availability and promotion of healthier food and drinks by using a traffic light system to categorise them as Green (best choice), Amber (choose carefully) and Red (limit), and Bendigo Stadium is proud to have increased the range of healthier food and drink options at the canteen. It’s a great example of a local sporting It’s a great example of The move towards providing and recreation facility going above and healthier foods is part of the City's beyond to make a difference to health and a local sporting and commitment to improving the wellbeing, and to setting the standard for health and wellbeing of the how sport and recreation facilities should recreation facility going community by making it easier operate. for residents to access healthier above and beyond to choices at a number of local The new signage and the healthier food facilities including the Peter Krenz offerings create a fresher look for the make a difference to Centre, Bendigo Tennis Centre, Gurri canteen and will support people seeking a Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre and Bendigo healthier lifestyle through the centre. health and wellbeing. Stadium.

PRODUCTION Agriculture, horticulture, school, community, backyard gardens Local food systems RESOURCE PROCESSING RECOVERY Manufacturing, Composting, value adding The City of Greater Bendigo’s recently adopted Food per cent) are higher than the Victorian state average (6.22 recycling, landfill System Strategy highlights the importance of a healthy per cent and 50.8 per cent respectively). Improving our local food system. A local food system means a more local food system offers a way to combat both problems. direct link between producers and consumers. A strong Looking at our entire food system also provides an local food system not only has health and environmental opportunity to prepare for a changing climate. More benefits, but also supports the economy through job extreme weather will affect local food production, including CONSUMPTION DISTRIBUTION creation and investment in local businesses. At school, at work, Transport, storage, which foods can be grown locally. Reducing emissions at home, on the go wholesale Food insecurity is on the rise, as are diet-related illnesses. associated with food production, processing, storage and In Greater Bendigo, rates of food insecurity (6.96 per cent) transportation has the potential to slow climate change. RETAIL and residents classed as either overweight or obese (60.3 Shops, markets, restaurants, cafes, canteens 30 ACTIVE AND HEALTHY GREATER BEND to Huntly and Elmore! IGO

8 12 Great Bakery Trail EPSOM here is nothing like a great SAILORS GULLY bakery pie, fresh and hot out Tof the oven, to warm your soul. And nothing compares to the first bite of a well-made vanilla slice, with sweet, 2. BEECHWORTH EAGLEHAWK BAKERY BENDIGO JACKASS FLAT fluffy vanilla custard perfectly balanced The Bendigo branch of the with crumbly, biscuit-like pastry. Or famous Beechworth Bakery 7 maybe you are just searching for the 6 brand offers all the bakery perfect loaf of bread! We all have our favourites including its CALIFORNIA favourite treats, sweet or savoury, hot signature Ned Kelly pie (a meat 18 GULLY or cold. We may even have a favourite pie with bacon, cheese and a whole egg) or the famous WHITE bakery, or the less loyal amongst HILLS beesting. NORTH us may be committed to tasting all BENDIGO available products in search of EAST the best bakery bite. In aid 14 LONG BENDIGO GULLY of the dedicated bakery MAIDEN GULLY lovers in our community, 22 we have compiled the Greater Bendigo Great 8 Bakery Trail.

3 7 15 4 16 23 22 BENDIGO STRATHDALE 22. THE GOOD LOAF SOURDOUGH GOLDEN 2 SQUARE BAKERY & CAFE KENNINGTON 18 to Heathcote!10 This artisan hand-crafted 5 sourdough bakery and cafe 13 20 bakes a variety of award- 9 21 winning breads and serves 12 10. GAFFNEY’S BAKERY homemade organic foods. Their 11 FLORA HILL famous pumpkin sourdough Famous across the region, this bloomer loaf and hot cross award-winning bakery does buns are famous! everything from delicious sandwiches to a wide range KANGAROO SPRING GULLY of pies and pastries, bread FLAT as well as a vast selection 23. WILD AND TAMED SOURDOUGH of baked sweet treats. This local sourdough bakery operates from Sim’R Café and its 1 products (including its famous STRATHFIELDSAYE gourmet fruit sourdough loaf) are stocked at numerous locations. 19

1. Bakemen Bakery and Café 4. Bridgewater Bakehouse 9. Flora Hill Bakehouse 15. Max Bakery Café 20. Strath Hill Hot Bake Shop 5/301 High Street, Bendigo 13 Retreat Road, Flora Hill 172-176 McIvor Highway, Shop 11, Strath Hill Shopping Kangaroo Flat 9/20 Bath Lane, Bendigo 10. Gaffney’s Bakery Strathdale Centre, Kennington 2. Beechworth Bakery Bendigo 5. Country Cakes 63-65 High Street, Heathcote 16. Ne w Freedom Gluten-Free 21. Strath Village Cafe Bakery 158 High Street, Bendigo 31 Breen Street, Bendigo 11. Garlands Cafe & Bakehouse Bakery Shop 3, Strath Village 3. Bendigo Original Pie Shop 6. D’Arcys Bakery 124 High Street, Kangaroo Flat 26 Short Street, Bendigo Edwards Road, Kennington 266 Hargreaves Street, 72 High Street, Eaglehawk 12. George’s Bakehouse 22. The Good Loaf Sourdough Bendigo 17. Richardson's Bakery 7. Eaglehawk Bakery (and K ennington Village and 507C Napier Street, Bakery & Cafe 655 Midland Highway, Huntly Bakery Express Caffe, located White Hills 404 Hargreaves Street, at 2 Queen Street) 13. Golden Village Bakery Bendigo (and the Good 18. Segafredo's Bakery 80 High Street, Eaglehawk 2A Panton Street, Golden Loaf@Monash, located at 95A High Street, Heathcote 26 Mercy Street, Bendigo) 8. Elmore Bakery Square 104 Railway Place, Elmore 14. Maiden Gully Bakehouse Blitz 19. Strathfieldsaye Bakery 23. Wild and Tamed Sourdough and 6/23 Kennedy Street, 2/741 Calder Highway, 25-33 Blucher Street, 236 Hargreaves Street, East Bendigo Maiden Gully Strathfieldsaye Bendigo

Disclaimer: The City has endeavoured to list all traditional-style bakeries in Greater Bendigo and details were correct at the time of printing. There are many other businesses selling bakery produce in Greater Bendigo, which can be found on websites like Localised, Bendigo Tourism and the Yellow Pages. The featured bakeries are members of Bendigo Tourism, which is an initiative of the City of Greater Bendigo.

LIFESTYLE 31 What I didLast Week

Maddy Lynch, Untitled (Mixed media on paper).

32 LIFESTYLE Over 175 Greater Bendigo artists have contributed to an extraordinary online art exhibition, What I did Last Week, as a way of sharing work and encouraging creativity whilst remaining at home during the pandemic.

Over 780 artworks have been featured The result has been the creation of a in the What I did Last Week online art diverse and truly inspiring exhibition, exhibition, which was established and showcasing a variety of artistic expression curated by the City of Greater Bendigo's captured in a single still image. Bendigo Venue & Events' (BV&E) Creative Communities team. BV&E Creative Communities Coordinator Maree Tonkin said a new gallery was The program ran for 32 weeks and published online each week until early encouraged local artists to get involved November, so there was much to see and and participate, even if they had never enjoy. exhibited before. No theme was given and artists were asked to submit recently “It has been a fascinating platform for completed works, ideally finished within such a wide variety of artists to express the past week. As it was an online themselves and share their work with a exhibition, works were captured in a photo wider audience online, not just the Greater or image and text was permitted. Bendigo community,” Ms Tonkin said.

Diane Cardinal, Rona (oil on canvas).

Paul Harrington, The Busy Bees.

“The program has become an important “We received via photos or images, a visual record of the times, reflecting variety of entries from poems, sculptures, the experiences of the artists and their metal works, paintings and textiles to community from the beginning of lockdown costumes, sketches and photography, and to present day. we’ve been very impressed with the quality and diversity of the work.” “We were overwhelmed and truly delighted to receive such a strong response from the To view the exhibition, please visit creatives in our community who wanted to www.bendigoregion.com.au/what-i-did- get involved in this inspirational program. last-week

What I did Last Week encouraged art-making as a support for wellbeing. “This period in our collective lives has When surveyed at various stages of the project, participants responded very “Art is a nice way to relax cemented what I know to be true - that strongly that art-making helped them to deal with the COVID-19 lockdowns. and take in the moment. It art is vital! Being able to exhibit and These were some of the anonymous responses: see work via the What I did Last Week is great to be able to create exhibition gave me an opportunity to new pieces for your own share my work with a different audience and see works by a range of artists I’d “Being home has made me notice and “Making art during lockdown helped me entertainment but even not encountered before. In a way, it was desire to paint more things around my keep track of myself… the hour or so like making what I was doing in isolation home. I always find art and creativity I could manage each day in the studio greater to be able to share part of something much bigger and I’m helps my sanity and mental wellbeing.” helped keep me in my own loop.” the outcomes." grateful for that.”

LIFESTYLE 33 When one door closes, another opens

Mariah McCarthy.

When Bendigo’s flagship performance venues, The Capital and Ulumbarra theatres, had to close earlier this year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the team at the City of Greater Bendigo's Bendigo Venues & Events (BV&E) unit quickly developed an innovative virtual program to retain its connection with its audience and support the creative industries.

One of BV&E first initiatives between “Creativity and arts play an important August saw Bendigo musicians featured in Last month saw another The Way April to June was the Play at Home role in enhancing people’s mental the weekly online festival, Isol-Aid, which Back livestreamed online concert from program, which saw more than 60 wellbeing and helps to lift spirits in the was supported by BV&E and the City’s Ulumbarra Theatre, showcasing some local artists deliver music and comedy community. I am so pleased that we have Tourism and Major Events unit. Bendigo of Bendigo’s finest classical performers performances from their homes also continued to help our community musicians took centre stage for a two hour and hosted by renowned music educator, reaching an online audience of more experience great local performances and online broadcast, which was seen by more presenter and conductor Mr Graham than 50,000. entertainment on a digital platform.” than 23,000 viewers. Abbott. BV&E Manager David Lloyd said he was In July the first The Way Back online Isol-Aid’s aim was to provide support to The team at Ulumbarra Theatre very proud of this team. concert featuring eight local artists was musicians who would normally have had also hosted and recorded a major livestreamed from the main stage of performances, launches, tours and other contemporary music performance in appearances planned for this period. “The pandemic may have closed our Ulumbarra Theatre to an online audience October featuring 2020 Indigenous beautiful theatres but the team’s creative of more than 7,000 people. Participating local artists included Performer of The Year Baker Boy, as well spirit and commitment to its mission, Four Lions duo Shann Lions and Keith as Dallas Woods and Aswang. to enrich and delight, has not been “Our programs and MacQueen, singer-songwriter Mariah diminished,” Mr Lloyd said. McCarthy and a special performance from Named Dragon City Sounds, the concert Archer, a troubadour recently signed to footage is being distributed through “The BV&E team has developed a clever activities now reach a national online music and health networks alternative to retain our connection acclaimed Darwin-based record label global audience and we Skinnyfish Music. to promote positive mental health and between the audience and performers. wellbeing messages for young people, “This was a great platform to foster a “Play at Home invited Bendigo musicians, especially important at this time. have been thrilled to sense of togetherness and we were comedians, actors and other performing delighted that musicians from Bendigo BV&E is an annual partner and supporter artists to share their talents with the not only showcase local and central Victoria had the opportunity to of the Bendigo Blues and Roots Music community - and the world - and was an and regional performing showcase their talents to a global captive Festival, which this year has been pivoted important way to support them through a audience,” Mr Lloyd said. to offer audiences free online shows. challenging time. artists, but also our In late September, In The Wings was The Ulumbarra Theatre recently hosted “We were really pleased to be able to launched and still continues weekly with three headline artists, hand-picked by promote local musicians and to be able venues and Greater presenters Felicity Wolff and Derek Guille the festival team, to perform on the main to present high-quality performance hosting 20-minute online chats with stars stage at Ulumbarra for an online audience. programs for the wider community.” Bendigo to the world.“ in the performing arts.

34 LIFESTYLE “Our programs and activities now reach a global audience and we have been thrilled to not only Baker Boy. showcase local and regional performing artists, but also our venues and Greater Bendigo to the world." Mr Lloyd said.

“Of course, we eagerly await the reopening of our beloved theatres in early 2021, but in the meantime we will continue to create and present a range of entertaining and enthralling online performances and cultural programs for our audience and community to enjoy for free."

To view archived video and other online content, as well as current and future online performing arts activity, please visit www.bendigovenuesandevents.com.au

Backstory for literary lovers Bendigo Writers Festival Director Rosemary Sorensen has developed and produced a range of online content for lovers of literature. The interview series Backstory has featured local, national and international authors and presenters in conversation every week and, more recently, Bookmark events featuring Wheeler Centre CEO Caro Llewellyn and (twice) Miles Franklin winner Alex Miller have been livestreamed to large online audiences. Local writers have also submitted work responding to the pandemic on the Writers Festival website in a blog named Day By Day, while in October a large online audience of primary and secondary students participated in the Bendigo Writers Festival Schools Day – produced in partnership with La Trobe University and Arena Theatre Company.

The City of Greater Bendigo wishes you and your family a merry Christmas. What a year it has been! Thank you for all you have done to keep our community safe and adapt in these uncertain times. In particular, we acknowledge our amazing healthcare professionals and other essential workers for all their wonderful efforts. Stay safe over the coming weeks – it’s nearly time for a rest.

May 2021 and the year ahead bring good health, happiness and a return to doing the things we love!

www.bendigo.vic.gov.au

LIFESTYLE 35 A Uniquely Bendigo CHRISTMAS GIFT Love your local with our range of beautiful, locally made gifts and produce.

Make your own hamper • Local produce • Hand crafted items • Something for every budget • Complimentary gift wrapping

BENDIGO VISITOR CENTRE 51-67 Pall Mall, Bendigo • 03 5434 6060 • [email protected] www.uniquelybendigo.com.au • #ExploreBendigo • Find us on