OCTOBER 2019 Gazette

3 Mayoral Youth 5 Get Fire Ready 6 Have Your Say Program 2019-20 for Summer on Waste Council News From the Mayor Making good, opportunities in more ways than ever. • Connect with the Community Vision informed decisions Now, we need you. 2040 (page 9) with many upcoming engagement opportunities. for our community If you’ve ever thought ‘why doesn’t Council • Visit the Have Your Say page at Council’s is exactly why local ask me what I want?’ or ‘why doesn’t website to complete a survey or make a government exists Council care what residents think?’ We do submission on a plan or strategy. and as Councillors, care and we are asking. All the feedback on • Follow Council’s Facebook and Twitter when we are these consultations is presented to Council pages, and read the Gazette and Golden considering plans when the decisions are made, and it’s Plains Times, for all engagement and and strategies that often the deciding factor in the outcome. consultation opportunities. drive Council’s So, I encourage you to make sure your • Ask a question at a Council meeting, work and services, opinion is part of the conversation. knowing what residents want is very held on the 4th Tuesday of the month in Linton or Bannockburn. valuable. How can you get involved? • Chat with your Councillors at the next • Celebrate the great people of Golden We are elected by the people and always conversation post on Saturday Plains by nominating a neighbour, want to best serve our communities. We colleague or friend for an Australia Day 16 November at the Spring in the Shire can’t make a decision that makes everyone award (see page 10) or encourage a Awards Ceremony at Dereel Town Hall. happy but the highest value is given to the worthy young person to nominate for the thoughtful opinions and feedback from our • Complete the future waste options Mayoral Youth Program (see page 3). survey (see page 6) or stop by the final residents. • Join your local Community Planning group. two Waste Management Strategy • Become a Council volunteer and make a As a Council, we strongly believe in conversation posts: 11am to 2pm, positive difference in your community. community engagement – and we know Sunday 13 October at Rokewood For more information on these it only works when the community is Transfer Station; and 9am to 1pm, opportunities and more, visit involved. With the Gazette, Golden Plains Saturday 19 October at Smythesdale goldenplains.vic.gov.au or call 5220 7111. Times, Council’s website and social media, Country Market. we are communicating Council’s plans • Sign up to Council’s Community Cr Owen Sharkey and all our community engagement Engagement Register. Mayor of Golden Plains Shire Council Courthouse restored to its former glory

Mayor Owen Sharkey and Councillors Helena Kirby and Les Rowe were joined by State Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle MP, Woady Yaloak Historical Society President Jim Brown, members of the Historical Society and local residents of Smythesdale, for the official re-opening of the historic Smythesdale Courthouse on 18 September.

Since 1861, the Courthouse has stood proudly in Smythesdale’s main street in the town’s Historic Precinct. While the Courthouse no longer sees judges, defendants and juries fill the main chamber, it has become a busy and important community hub for not only the Woady Yaloak Historical Society, but also the wider Smythesdale community; home to markets, community group functions and activities for the local primary school. However, after almost 160 years it was in need of much-needed maintenance. Golden Plains Shire Council applied for, and received, a $90,000 Living Heritage Grant from the Victorian Government’s Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning to enable the conservation works to this important landmark in our Shire’s north. The conservation works undertaken included the replacement of fascia boards, repair to brickwork and mortar, slate roof repairs, roof flashing, gutter and downpipe repairs and replacements, external timber repairs to windows and doors, works to the interior timber floor boards in the Court Room, and a fresh coat of paint on the interior.

2 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | October 2019 Community News The Mayoral Youth Program Mayoral

Program 2019 - 2020.

Golden Plains Shire Council is excited Nominations for the first round of the to launch the Mayoral Youth Program Community Impact Awards open in 2019-2020, to recognise and celebrate November 2019, and Council encourages the positive contributions of local young young people to submit their nomination people, and encourage local youth to for this special recognition. volunteer and get involved in their The Mayoral Youth Program webpage community. including a nomination form for the The Mayoral Youth Program’s Community Community Impact Awards will be Impact Awards will be presented to young available in late October at Council’s Golden Plains residents aged 12 to website: goldenplains.vic.gov.au; with 18 years, who have made a positive impact paper copies of the form available at to an individual, group or environment. Council’s Customer Service Centres in At two special award events in 2020, Bannockburn, Linton and Smythesdale. award-winners will receive a framed For more information about the Mayoral certificate of achievement and a $50 Youth Program Community Impact Awards, Officeworks voucher. contact the Youth Development Team at Local community groups who support [email protected] young people to make a positive or 5220 7106. community impact will also be recognised and rewarded for their support and encouragement of young volunteers. The Value of Volunteers On 29 August, Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey and Council’s Youth Development Team officially launched the Mayoral Youth Program to an enthusiastic crowd of students, staff, parents and community members at Meredith Primary School.

Following a discussion led by the school captains about the new youth program, it was time for action with Mayor Sharkey and the hard-working students getting their hands dirty with painting, maintenance and gardening projects at the school, and then enjoying a well-earned BBQ lunch.

Information about the Mayoral Youth Program will be distributed to all schools in Golden Plains Shire, and the Mayor will speak at a special assembly at Bannockburn College in late October.

October 2019 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 3 Community News

Countdown to summer at the Heart

As we enter spring, the countdown to summer is The Heart will also be the Shire’s first inclusive playspace, well and truly on, and we’re getting excited about with accessible play elements and DDA compliant the opening of one of Council’s major projects: the toilets, making it a regional destination for people with Bannockburn Heart. disabilities and their families. Construction of the Bannockburn Heart is well underway, Stage One of the Bannockburn Heart is a partnership with many of the play elements and structures already project, co-funded by the Federal Government’s National installed. With the cool temperatures hopefully behind Stronger Regions Fund, grants from the Victorian State us, now is the perfect time to start picturing how you Government’s Regional Development Victoria and Sport will enjoy the regional playspace – perhaps spending and Recreation Victoria, and Council. Our successful warm days enjoying picnics and outdoor fun at the new lobbying for grants from both governments on this and playgrounds with the family, cooking up lunch on one of other major projects in Bannockburn allows Council to the BBQs, or bringing the grandkids along to the Shire’s redirect our budget revenue to provide full or majority first water playspace. support to projects in the smaller townships across the municipality. Stage One of the Bannockburn Heart Precinct at the corner of Milton and Byron Streets will create an As the works progress and opening day draws near, stay attractive and welcoming community civic space in tuned for details of the community opening of the Heart! the heart of Bannockburn. Featuring new water and Follow Golden Plains Shire Council on social media and adventure play, active recreation equipment; and read the Golden Plains Times to keep up-to-date with all community facilities including public toilets, seating, the latest developments. BBQs, shade, lighting and landscaped public space; this project will be an exciting addition to Golden Plains Shire. Road Grading Update

In August and September, Council’s graders completed or started road projects in the following townships: • Ross Creek • Napoleons • Scarsdale • Durdidwarrah • Dereel • Cambrian Hill • Happy Valley • Staffordshire • Steiglitz • Corindhap • Durham Lead • Piggoreet Reef • Meredith

In October and November, Council’s graders will be moving across the Shire, working on roads in towns including: • Durham Lead • Springdullah • Meredith • Corindhap • Rokewood • Napoleons • Illabarook • Bamganie • Rokewood Junction • Garibaldi • Cape Clear • Morrisons • Mt Mercer • Shelford • Berringa • Pitfield • Lethbridge

To report an issue with an unsealed road, please call Council’s Customer Service Team at 5220 7111.

4 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | October 2019 Get Fire Ready Be prepared for this Fire Season

Coming out of a dry winter and a long, hot summer, it is TRIM vital that residents and communities prepare properly • Trim excess vegetation along driveways, for the fire season. including any overhanging branches, Golden Plains Shire residents are encouraged to prepare to provide easy access for fire-fighting their property and family to reduce the bushfire risk to appliances. the entire community. • As a guide, the CFA requires a minimum clearance of If you are in a high-risk bushfire area, make sure you know four metres wide by four metres high. what to do, and when and where to go, on hot, dry, windy • As soon as the Fire Danger Period begins, you are not days. It could make all the difference to you and your family. permitted to burn off on your property. You can find out What do you need to do? more information about the Fire Danger Period on the CFA’s website at cfa.vic.gov.au. A well-prepared property is more likely to survive a fire. It is important to reduce the fine fuels around your house. What does Council need to do? Fine fuels, such as leaves, twigs, bark and grass, are a Under State Government legislation, Council must primary driver of fire intensity and spread. conduct fire hazard inspections of private property. This Before and during the Fire Danger Period, residents includes issuing Fire Prevention Notices and arranging should take the following action at their property: contractors to slash non-compliant private property. CUT • On land under two hectares, you must cut or mow any long grass so that it is no higher than 100mm. • On properties more than two hectares, ensure that grass is maintained to no higher than 100mm up to a minimum of 20 metres from the house or outbuilding. CLEAR

• Remove any flammable material around Photo credit: CCMA your home, including cleaning out gutters. Council engages contractors to conduct roadside slashing of all Council’s sealed roads and strategic fire breaks, • Clear away dead undergrowth and fallen branches. which have been approved by the CFA. Council also • Ensure that any firewood is stored well away from your conducts burning of selected reserves to remove the fire home and outbuildings. hazard and for ecological purposes. • Ensure that your property is clearly numbered so that it For more information on fire preparations in Golden Plains can be easily found by Emergency Services. Shire, visit Council’s website: goldenplains.vic.gov.au

October 2019 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 5 Waste Management

6 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | October 2019 Waste Management

October 2019 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 7 Community News What’s the Latest With the…

…Meredith Interpretative Centre … Bannockburn Plaza Redevelopment

Golden Plains Shire Council is seeking expressions of interest from commercial operators, community groups and social enterprises interested in leasing the The Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) Meredith Interpretative Centre. has upheld Golden Plains Shire Council’s decision in The Centre is located at 10 Wallace Street, Meredith, October 2018 to approve a planning permit for the and is a modern and attractive 61.5 square metre Bannockburn Plaza Redevelopment. building that includes an exhibition space, store room, On 15 August 2019, VCAT issued an order confirming entrance foyer and covered terrace. that a permit be granted for the redevelopment of The site also features: the existing shopping centre complex, Bannockburn • 15 off street car parks Country Plaza, at High Street. The order follows • On site public toilets that make it a popular rest spot a three-day hearing to consider the merits of the for travelers development proposal, which received a small • Prominent site with frontage onto the number of objections. Midland Highway The order details a number of variations to those • Power and town water supply conditions outlined with the Council-issued planning • Close to workforce permit. The variations were supported by an expert • NBN Fixed Wireless coverage urban design consultant appointed by Golden Plains Expressions of interest in leasing the Meredith Shire Council during the VCAT appeal process. Interpretive Centre are due by 9am, Monday 28 October, Council welcomes VCAT’s decision to confirm the 2019. For more information, email planning permit and looks forward to the developer [email protected] or call Council’s Investment progressing the multi-million dollar retail project to Attraction and Business Support Team at 5220 7111. construction soon.

… Golden Plains Wind Farm …Teesdale Structure Plan Golden Plains Shire Council welcomed the announcement in August 2019 that the Federal Government has approved the Golden Plains Wind Farm under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, 1999 Golden Plains Shire Council is working towards the (EPBC), following its sign-off of the preparation of a new Structure Plan for Teesdale and Environmental Effects Statement. wishes to understand community preferences that may The Golden Plains Wind Farm is set to affect its content. be one of the largest wind farms in the southern hemisphere with developer The Structure Plan preparation process seeks to: WestWind Energy confirming plans • Review the existing 1997 Teesdale Structure Plan. for up to 228 wind turbines in the • Guide long-term development in Teesdale. area around Rokewood. The Federal • Review commercial development opportunities. Government’s announcement follows approval for the project from the State • Review the need for new community and development Government’s Minister for Planning in infrastructure, where not already considered in existing January 2019. Council Strategies. The Golden Plains Wind Farm will The Structure Plan is expected to be finalised in early 2020. be the largest development ever Following two community conversation posts at Teesdale undertaken in Golden Plains, delivering Primary School and Turtle Bend Reserve in September, significant economic outcomes to the community and the region, the online survey is open until Sunday 20 October, 2019. particularly in terms of job creation For more information or a paper copy of the survey, call and infrastructure development. Council’s Strategic Planning Team at 5220 7111.

8 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | October 2019 Community News

What’s the Latest With the… Golden Plains Community Vision 2040

Over the next few months you will likely hear a lot about the Golden Plains Community Vision, but what exactly is this project? The Golden Plains Community Vision 2040 is a high-level strategic document that will set the vision for the type of community and place our Shire will be in 2040. The Community Vision will directly influence the decisions and actions that we all take today to move Golden Plains Shire into the future. Once completed, the Community Vision will provide direction for Council priorities and provide a course for united, community-led action. In September, Council invited Expressions of Interest for residents to join a voluntary Community Reference Group for the project. This group will work alongside Council officers in the co-design of how Council will roll out engagement opportunities to the wider community, so that everyone has the opportunity to have their say on what type of community Golden Plains will be in the year 2040. Council thanks all interested residents who put up their hand to be a part of this exciting first stage of the project. • What do you love about Golden Plains? So what’s next? • What is your hope for Golden Plains Shire in the Over the next several months there will be many year 2040? opportunities for all residents to contribute to the Golden • What are you willing to do to make that hope a reality? Plains Community Vision 2040. We’ll be out in the community at various events, such as Children’s Week in We’ll have more information on the project and how you can be October, asking community members: involved in the next edition of the Gazette, as well as on Council’s social media channels and in the Golden Plains Times, so stay tuned! Let’s Get Active Together! Golden Plains Shire will join VicHealth in encouraging kids to walk, ride or scoot to school as part of the annual Walk to School program. Every October, Walk to School encourages families to get active on the trip to and from school to help kids build healthy habits for life. Golden Plains Shire will work with local primary schools to deliver a range of activities to support more families to walk, ride or scoot to school this October thanks to $15,000 funding from VicHealth. Council will launch ‘Walk or Wheel Wednesdays’, promoting the new initiative at schools across Golden Plains. For more information, visit the Walk to School website at www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au or call Council’s Health and Wellbeing team at 5220 7189. Walk or Wheel Wednesday Launch 10am to 4pm, Wednesday 9 October. Join the Vic Health ‘Walk to School’ program launch and walk or wheel to school. Roving performers, live music, performers and giveaways along High St, Milton St and Moreillon Dr in Bannockburn. For more information, call Rebecca Hickey at 5220 7189.

October 2019 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 9 Events in Golden Plains goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events 12 Oct Teesdale Celebrates 15 & 24 Oct SBMS Small Business Clinics 2 to 6pm. Teesdale Turtle Bend 10am to 4pm, 15 Oct. 22 High St, Bannockburn. Celebrate 10 years of Live@TurtleBend 10am to 4pm, 24 Oct. Inverleigh Public Hall. and 70 years of Teesdale CFA with markets, 10am to 3pm, 21 Nov. Haddon Community Centre. children’s entertainers, ride, salsa classes, Free one-on-one small business mentoring clinics live music, lantern parade. Free entry. to support local business. Bookings are essential. More info: Claire Whiteley 5281 5115. More info: [email protected]

19 Oct Dereel Art and Craft Festival 19 Oct & 16 Nov Smythesdale Country Market 10am to 2pm. Dereel Community Hall 9am to 1pm. Smythesdale Historic Precinct. A community arts day featuring demonstrations, exhibition and try new art A country Saturday market with a variety of techniques. Fun, food, community garden goods and craft stalls. and more. More info: Di Moylan 0419 394 784. More info: Lisa Hunter 0414 895 020.

20 Oct & 17 Nov Inverleigh Produce and 20 Oct Community Art and Music Fiesta Lifestyle Market 9am to 4pm. Smythesdale Historic Precinct. 9am to 1pm. Lawsons Park, Inverleigh. A fabulous community event embracing an A great community-led market with fresh exhibition of two- and three-dimensional art, produce items. October theme: Halloween. projection, live music, comedy and poetry. November theme: 2nd Annual Dog Show. A spoken word competition, food vans, craft stalls and More info: www.inverleighmarket.com workshops. More info: Barry Wemyss 0487 225 881.

20 Oct Smythesdale Pony Club Gymkhana 23 Oct Celebration of Children’s Week 9am to 5pm. Woady Yaloak Equestrian Centre 10am to 12pm. Bannockburn YMCA.

A fun day for novice riders of all age. A fun-filled two hours of activities, music and Rings for tiny tots, topsy riders, juniors, giveaways. pony clubbers and more. More info: Lyndall Gallbraith 5220 7230. More info: Janet Jackson 0429 402 047.

26 & 27 Oct LOLA – Linton on Literary Arts 26 Oct Smythesdale Petanque Tournament 9am to 5pm. Downtown Linton. 8.30am. Woady Yaloak Recreation Reserve.

LOLA captures and presents stories of the Sign up for four rounds of games plus final, play people of Linton. Local art, stories, music starts at 9.30am. BYO or canteen. and access to community groups. More info: Jeff Langdon 0411 552 862. More info: Kylie Turville 0448 428 190.

Australia Day Award Nominations Nominees must be Australian citizens, who either live or work in Golden Plains Shire, and have made a noteworthy contribution during the current year and/or given outstanding service to the local community over a number of years. Award categories are: Citizen of the Year, Senior Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, and Community Event of the Year. Hard copy nomination forms: Available at Council Customer Service Centres in Bannockburn, Linton and Smythesdale. Online: Fill out and submit the form online at: goldenplains.vic.gov.au/forms/australia-day-awards-2020 2019 Award-Winners with Mayor Sharkey. More information: Call 5220 7245. Citizen of the Year Senior Citizen of the Year Young Citizen of the Year Community Event of the Year Anthony Walker Malcom Johns Luke Getsom Meredith History and Interest Group Nominations must be received by 5pm, Monday 2 December, 2019.

10 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | October 2019 Events in Golden Plains goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events 2 Nov & 7 Dec Golden Plains Farmers’ Market 7 & 21 Nov Taking Your Business Online Workshop 8.30am to 12.30pm. 22 Byron St, 10.30am to 12.30pm, 7 Nov. Haddon Community Centre.

Bannockburn. Starting up or already in business, this workshop will Farm fresh produce, free parking, free entry help you get the most out of digital opportunities.

and kids’ activities. More info: [email protected] More info: goldenplainsfarmersmarket.com.au

. 9 Nov Teesdale Community Car Boot Sale 13 & 26 Nov SBMS Tax Essentials Workshop 9am to 2pm. Leighdale 10am to 12pm, 13 Nov. Bannockburn Cultural Centre. A grand community car boot sale with 10am to 12pm, 26 Nov. The Well, Smythesdale. stalls and car boots. Entrance is a gold Free Council workshop in conjunction with the Australian coin donation to support the upkeep of Taxation Office. Give your business the best start. Leighdale facility. More info: Kirsty Blake 0427 811 971. More info: [email protected]

16 Nov Cape Clear Spring Fair 17 Nov Meredith Car Show 10am to 3pm. Cape Clear Primary School 10am to 3pm. Meredith Cricket Club. Trash and treasure, sausage sizzle, pony rides, cake stall, face painting, jumping Family event includes a car show and display with castle, spinning wheel and much more. plenty of food options for hungry patrons. More info: Laura Vear More info: David Rochow 0409 919 200 . [email protected],gov.au

17 Nov Linton Town Wide Garage Sale 24 Nov Creators and Craft Market 8am to 2pm. Linton. 10am to 2pm. Lions Park, Bannockburn.

More than 30 garage sales across town. Showcasing local craftspeople and artisans, enjoy Bargain hunters and treasure-seekers can pick up shopping, food and local musical talent. a map at the Linton Takeaway Store from 8am. More info: Noeline Trevor 0427 923 934. More info: Jenny Stuart 0427 447 416.

Every Month Local Food Swaps Bannockburn 9.30 to 10am, every 4th Saturday of the month. Bannockburn Station Café Car Park. More info 0425 735 581.

Inverleigh 9.30 to 10am, every 2nd Saturday of the month. Sonny Café, 15a High St. More info 0407 876 880.

Meredith 9.30 to 10am, every 3rd Saturday of the month. Back Creek Café, Staughton St. More info 5286 1166.

Public Holiday in Golden Plains Notice is hereby given that Adem Somyurek, Minister for Small Business, under section 8 of the Public Holidays Act 1993, has declared: • Tuesday 5 November 2019 is not a public holiday in all areas of the municipal district of Golden Plains Shire. • Friday 8 November 2019 is appointed a full-day public holiday for all areas in the municipal district of Golden Plains Shire west of Wingeel Road, Gumley-Mt Mercer Road and Meredith-Mt Mercer Road to celebrate the Ballarat Show. • Friday 18 October 2019 is appointed a full-day public holiday for all areas in the municipal district of Golden Plains Shire east of Wingeel Road, Gumley-Mt Mercer Road and Meredith-Mt Mercer Road to celebrate the Royal Geelong Show.

October 2019 | Golden Plains Shire Gazette | 11 Community Notice Board

Customer Service Understanding Social Centres: Enterprise Workshop Bannockburn 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn Council is partnering with Social Enterprise Academy and Victoria, 3331. Australian Centre for Rural Entrepreneurship (ACRE) to run a free two-day workshop on Understanding Social Enterprise in Linton Bannockburn on Thursday and Friday, 5 and 6 December, 2019. 68 Sussex Street, Linton Funded by Rural Councils Victoria, the facilitated workshop will Victoria, 3360. bring together leaders from community, business, education, Smythesdale government, and social entrepreneurs to learn more about social enterprise. Places are strictly limited. For more 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale information, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events Victoria, 3351. Phone P: 5220 7111 F: 5220 7100 Get Fit in Dereel Postal address The Dereel exercise program continues at the Dereel Soldiers Memorial Hall from 10 to Golden Plains Shire Council 10.45am, Wednesdays from 23 October to 11 PO Box 111, Bannockburn, December (no class on 20 November). Victoria 3331. Presented by a Ballarat Community Health Emergency contacts Exercise Trainer, this 45 minute low- P: 1300 363 036 moderate intensity exercise circuit includes P: 5220 7111 (24 Hours) a combination of cardio and strengthening exercises. New participants will complete To receive a copy of the Gazette a pre-exercise screening tool prior to in large print, call 5220 7111. participating and a doctor’s letter may be The Golden Plains Shire Council required to attend. website has a text-to-voice The cost is $10 per class. Registrations are option. The audio is generated essential; contact Lucy, Dereel’s Community using ReadSpeaker text-to- Wellbeing Officer, at 0409 247 237 or speech technology and will read [email protected] the content out loud. The deadline for the December issue of the Gazette is 9am, Rates Payment Thursday 7 November. Email: [email protected] on 30 November or post to PO Box 111, All Golden Plains Shire ratepayers have Bannockburn 3331. received their 2019/20 Rates Notice in

The Golden Plains Gazette is produced on the mail. stock which is FSC Certified; 100% recycled Residents who have chosen to pay their rates post consumer waste. in instalments and paid their first payment by 30 September, are reminded that the second instalment is due by 30 November 2019. For more information or a confidential chat about your rates situation, call Council’s Rates Team at 5220 7111. connect with golden plains shire council

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