Annual Report 2012/13 by City of Greater Bendigo

Annual Report 2012/13

About this Annual Report

Greater Bendigo Snapshot

This City of Greater Bendigo Annual Report covers the period from 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013. Preparation of the Annual Report is a requirement of the Victorian Local Government Act 1989. The Annual Report also reports to Greater Bendigo residents and the wider community about what has been done in order to meet objectives, strategies and actions that were set down in the Council Plan for the year. The Annual Report documents evidence of performance against the State Government satisfaction scorecard and the internal indicators that have been set out in the Council Plan for the same period. It celebrates the achievements and successes and explains why some things have not been achieved. The Annual Report also reports on new activities that were endorsed by Council in response to emerging evidence during the year.

Population: The official population of the City of Greater Bendigo at 30th June 2012 was 103,550

The first section of the report provides a summary of the Mayor and Councillors and an overview of their meeting and committee activities for the year, the Directors’ profiles and areas of responsibility and an overview of staff numbers, their values and recognition of those providing significant service to the City of Greater Bendigo. The sections entitled Reporting Against our Council Plan documents the progress that has been made towards completion of the specific activities set out in the Council Plan. A number of tables and graphs are used to benchmark results for this year against those from previous years. In addition a month-by-month summary provides a snapshot of the diverse range of other activities that the City of Greater Bendigo undertakes and supports on behalf of our population, businesses and visitors. Grants and grants-in-kind to community organisations are detailed in the next section, along with the report against a number of statutory requirements of Council, including, OH&S, Privacy, Council Committees, Local Laws and Best Value. Full financial details are reported in the final section. Financial reporting indicators are set by the Victorian Auditor General. The City of Greater Bendigo reports against these indicators and documents the sources of funds to the organisation and where they have been spent. In each of the goal areas a range of results are reported against agreed indicators; some of these are set by the State Government and a number are internally agreed.

Annual Report 2012/13

The revised forecast was that the population would reach approximately 109,199 at 30th June 2013 Location:

* Location map

Area: Almost 3,000 square kilometres Length of local roads: Sealed over 1,421 kms, unsealed over 1,400 kms – over 2,820 kms combined. Councillors: 9 Number of rated properties: 53,395 (value of $78.158M) Number of farm properties: 1,251

It’s a fact: • Each maintenance crew grades about 760 kilometres of road per year. • The growth of Bendigo’s population requires an additional garbage truck to be put into service every 5 years. • Approximately 3,500 kilometres of kerb and channel are swept per year.

Contents

Acknowledgement of Country

Contents

The Aboriginal people of the area encompassed by the City of Greater Bendigo are the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Ngurai-illam Wurrung language groups of the Central Kulin nation.

Message from the Mayor and Chief Executive Officer

Council and staff of the City of Greater Bendigo pay their respects to the Traditional Owners and Elders, who continuously retain their spiritual and custodial connection to their country.

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Council Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Freedom of Information

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Documents Available for Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Senior Leadership Team

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Our People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Financial Overview

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The Year at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Reporting Against Our Council Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 1. Built and Natural Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Reporting against agreed performance indicators and benchmarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 2. Economic Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Reporting against agreed performance indicators and benchmarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 3. Community and Culture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Reporting against agreed performance indicators and benchmarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 4. People and Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66 Reporting against agreed performance indicators and benchmarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Risk Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Best Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Cover image: Edward Street Car Park The Edward Street Car Park and office complex has been completed on time and on budget. This project was the biggest development ever handled by the City of Greater Bendigo and is a great success in terms of design, planning, construction and commercial underpinning with the State Trustees (100 jobs) moving in as the anchor tenant.

Continuous Improvement

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Integrated Business Planning and Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79 Auditor Generalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Report

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Section 2: 59

Annual Report 2012/13 â&#x20AC;˘ 1

Introduction

Greater Bendigo Council Vision

Values

Greater Bendigo will be the best place to live, work and visit, where:

Council will achieve its vision by working with the community and business, displaying leadership in its decision making, operating in an open manner and basing decisions on sound information.

• growth and living standards are managed to sustain and enhance quality of life; • regional culture of learning, creativity and innovation allows people to flourish; • its rich natural and cultural heritage is conserved for today and tomorrow and • resilience, local spirit, and identity are proudly celebrated.

This Annual Report outlines how the Greater Bendigo Vision for the future has been achieved through the delivery of strategies, projects and services in the period 2012-2013. The City of Greater Bendigo is located in the geographic centre of Victoria; about 90 minutes’ drive north of Melbourne. Greater Bendigo has a population of around 109,000 and covers almost 3,000 square kilometres of the central Victorian landscape, including smaller towns and villages such as Heathcote, Axedale, Huntly, Marong, Elmore, Goornong, Neilborough, Sebastian, Woodvale, Raywood, Mia Mia and Redesdale. Nationally, most regional cities are experiencing rapid growth. There are many advantages in terms of employment cost of living and quality of life that attract people to settle in these centres. In responding to this trend the State Government has provided some significant support to assist with the development of infrastructure through the Regional Cities Victoria initiative. The City of Greater Bendigo is recognised widely as a thriving centre of growing sophistication and importance as a destination to settle, visit or conduct a business or industry, all reflected in the strength of Bendigo’s economy and diversity. Greater Bendigo is experiencing growth at a rate faster than the state average and this rate of growth is expected to continue. An increasing number of older people in our community has been widely anticipated, but unlike many other locations, Greater Bendigo is also experiencing a population ‘hump’ in the larger than expected proportion of the population

2 • Annual Report 2012/13

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We will do what we say Working together Embracing diversity Creative leadership Encouraging new ideas Demonstrating integrity

who are young adults. This is a fortunate situation for the future in that growth in younger population members will help ensure Greater Bendigo’s economic growth, sustainability and vibrancy as a regional centre into the future. Greater Bendigo has a diverse and progressive manufacturing industry base and this has ensured its resilience in recent times of economic challenge. But a great deal of advocacy is being undertaken to ensure Greater Bendigo is best placed to take advantage of new developments and funding opportunities to ensure the vitality and sustainability of the whole municipality. This work will continue to be an important role for Councillors and senior staff members. Greater Bendigo Councillors and staff also play a central role in advocacy for future developments across the Loddon-Mallee region. During this term the Regional Strategic Plan was revised and it will provide strong guidance for the all the councils. A number of significant initiatives have been endorsed by Council in recent years, including redevelopment of the library and provision of a new multi-storey car-park, extension of the Bendigo Art Gallery, and provision of and re-development of a number of sports grounds and facilities. These, along with other major projects that are under way or in the planning stages including the community theatre complex and development of the aquatic facility at Kangaroo Flat, will provide the facilities required for a growing, sophisticated, regional centre.

Report from the Mayor and Chief Executive Officer

Report from the Mayor and Chief Executive Officer The 2012-2013 financial year was a busy time for Council with works beginning on major projects, new roads being built, existing ones being resealed, drains being constructed and important services being delivered for our community. In July 2012 the Edward Street multi-storey car park and office complex was opened. This was the biggest development ever handled by the City of Greater Bendigo and was a great success in terms of design, planning, construction and commercial underpinning. Work began on the Bendigo Library redevelopment and Bendigo Art Gallery expansion with both projects on track to be opened in early 2014. Progress was made on the much-anticipated community theatre project that will deliver a 1000-seat auditorium for our region. The community theatre is an excellent example of what can be achieved when all levels of government work together to deliver good community outcomes. From an investment of $4.5M from Council, we have been able to leverage $22.8M in funding support from State and Federal Governments.

We continued to work with other levels of government to foster a regional approach to planning and development through the Loddon Mallee South Regional Growth Plan. The 30-year plan aims to streamline planning policy; provide direction for accommodating residential, commercial and agricultural activities; and consider the infrastructure needed to support growth. We lobbied State and Federal Ministers for funding support for regionally-significant projects such as the Bendigo Botanic Gardens and Bendigo Airport redevelopment and Ravenswood Interchange upgrade. We also advocated for other levels of government to support the proposed Aquatic Centre at Kangaroo Flat.

The City also dedicated significant money and resources to improving our road infrastructure, drainage and footpaths. Greater priority was placed on the importance of our gravel road network with $2M spent on re-sheeting 80kms of road. The program has been so successful that $2M has also been included in the 2013-2014 Budget. The City continued planning for future growth with work progressing on several significant strategies. We undertook land use planning in the Maiden Gully area and commenced work on the Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy – Connecting Greater Bendigo – encompassing road, rail, cycling and walking options for the future. We are also actively planning for the delivery of the new $630M Bendigo Hospital as well as looking at the future of one our City’s prized assets through the Rosalind Park Recreation Reserve Precinct Master plan.

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Report from the Mayor and Chief Executive Officer

In February and March this year, 400 residents were interviewed for the annual Community Satisfaction Survey. While there is always room for improvement, the results showed that we compare well when measured against other local governments in Victoria. For example, the City scored an overall satisfaction rating of 63, compared with the statewide average of 60. We are particularly happy with the Customer Support Service rating of 75. It is terrific that our residents feel that their issues are being taken seriously and that our staff are responsive to their requests. Our Customer Support team received almost 108,000 phone calls in 2012-2013.

Community engagement continued to be a top priority with Councillors and City officers using a range of methods to keep people informed about and involved in decisions. Regular Ward meetings were held and Councillors attended ‘listening posts’ and public meetings in various locations throughout the municipality. The Mayor’s Office was opened once a month to enable members of the community to raise issues without first having to make an appointment. We also added social media to the range of tools we use and encourage residents to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We are also making regular improvements to our website and in recent months have added a Community Engagement calendar, which can be viewed at www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/ haveyoursay With service delivery our core business, we provided over 103,000 hours of general home, personal and respite care, transport and property maintenance services. More than 40,000 meals were provided to residents through Meals on Wheels and over 13,000 vaccines were administered through our immunisation program. We issued over 1,170 planning permits valued at over $270M; collected some 28,000 tonnes of garbage and supported 165 community events … the list goes on. Earlier this year, Council commissioned an Independent Review of the City of Greater Bendigo, which has made 69 recommendations aimed at improving the way we operate. The report was broadly supportive of the organisation and dispelled some myths about our organisation in relation to staff numbers and salary costs. Work has commenced on the implementation of the recommendations.

4 • Annual Report 2012/13

Last October elections were held under a new ward structure and four new Councillors and five existing ones were voted onto the Greater Bendigo City Council. We congratulate the Councillors on their election and thank those past Councillors who retired or were unsuccessful, for their years of service. In the year ahead we will continue to look at how we can do things even better. We will continue to deliver our major projects agenda; build and maintain roads, footpaths and drainage; deliver services; and listen to residents in order to keep in touch with their wants and needs.

Cr Lisa Ruffell Mayor

Craig Niemann Chief Executive Officer

Above (from left to right, clockwise): Concept: Bendigo Library Redevelopment Concept: Bendigo Community Theatre Concept: Bendigo Art Gallery Expansion

Council Profile

Council Profile Councillors to November 2012 Cr Alec Sandner Mayor 2011/2012 Flora Hill Ward – 2008-2012 Localities within the ward: Flora Hill, Kennington, parts of Strathdale, Quarry Hill and Spring Gully. Cr Rod Fyffe Golden Square Ward – Elected 2008, 2002, 1999, 1996 Localities within the ward: Golden Square, Specimen Hill, Ironbark, West Bendigo and Quarry Hill. • Cr Fyffe was the Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo in 2010/2011. Cr Rod Campbell Eppalock Ward – Elected 2008 Localities within the ward: Shelbourne, Lockwood South, Ravenswood, Harcourt North, Mandurang, South Sedgwick, Emu Creek, Axe Creek, Myrtle Creek, Eppalock, Lyal, Kimbolton, Derrinal, Mia Mia, Redesdale, Argyle, Heathcote, Costerfield, Mt Camel, Lady’s Pass, Knowsley, Redcastle, Toolleen, Axedale and Longlea. • Cr Campbell was the Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo in 2009/2010 Cr Lisa Ruffell Epsom Ward – Elected 2008 Localities within the ward: White Hills, Jackass Flat, East Bendigo, Ascot, Epsom, Wellsford and Junortoun. Cr Bruce Phillips North West Plains Ward – 2008-2012 Localities within the ward: Huntly, Huntly North, Bagshot, Bagshot North, Fosterville, Barnadown, Goornong, Avonmore, Elmore, Hunter, Drummartin, Kamarooka, Neilborough, Raywood, Sebastian, Woodvale, Whipstick, Leichardt, Wilsons Hill, Marong, Maiden Gully, Lockwood and Myers Flat.

 Elmore

stick tick Ward Whips Whip

 Raywood

 Neilborough Sebastian

 Goornong

 Huntly  Myers Flat  Marong

 Maiden Gully

wood Ward Lockwood  Lockwood

 Axedale Strathfieldsaye Mandurang

Eppalock Ward

 Ravenswood

 Costerfield

 Heathcote

 Mia Mia  Redesdale

Cr James Reade Sandhurst Ward – 2008-2012 Localities within the ward: Bendigo, Central Business District, Long Gully and part of North Bendigo. Cr Peter Cox Eaglehawk Ward – Elected 2008 Localities within the ward: Eaglehawk, Eaglehawk North, Sailors Gully, California Gully and Long Gully. Cr Barry Lyons Kangaroo Flat Ward – Elected 2008 Localities within the ward: Kangaroo Flat, Golden Gully, Diamond Hill, Mandurang and part of Spring Gully.

Cr Keith Reynard Strathfieldsaye Ward 2004-2012 Localities within the ward: Strathfieldsaye, Junortoun, Mandurang and parts of Strathdale.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 5

Council Profile

Above (from left to right): Cr Rod Fyffe, Cr Barry Lyons, Cr Peter Cox, Cr Elise Chapman, Mayor Cr Lisa Ruffell, Cr James Williams, Cr Mark Weragoda, Cr Helen Leach and Cr Rod Campbell.

Your Councillors elected in 2012 Following a review by the Electoral Commission in 2011, the municipality was divided into three wards which all include an urban area of the city of Bendigo and some rural areas and towns. Three Councillors were elected from each of the three wards.

Whipstick Ward Localities include: Ascot, Avonmore, Bagshot, Bagshot North, Barnadown, Bendigo, California Gully, Drummartin, Eaglehawk, Eaglehawk North, East Bendigo, Elmore, Epsom, Fosterville, Goornong, Hunter, Huntly, North Ironbark, Jackass Flat, Kamarooka, Long Gully, Neilborough, North Bendigo, Raywood, Sebastian, Wellsford, Whipstick, White Hills, and Woodvale.

Cr Lisa Ruffell – Mayor • Phone: 5434 6206 • Mobile: 0429 946 171 • Email: l.ruffell@bendigocouncillors.org.au

Along with her family, Cr Ruffell owns and operates a local business, Ruffell Family Jewellers. Lisa and her husband have run the business since 1985. She is extremely passionate about her local community and for many years has served as a member of numerous school, sporting, community and charitable organisations. Cr Ruffell has a demonstrated history of listening to and working with the community, with special emphasis on local infrastructure, including drainage, footpaths & roads, regional and business development and social issues in the Whipstick Ward. She has a long history of involvement and commitment to the future development of Greater Bendigo and its outlying areas. Lisa is determined in her resolve to maintain and further develop the quality of life for the City of Greater Bendigo community. Cr Ruffell was first elected to the City of Greater Bendigo Council in 2008 and was successfully returned as one of three Councillors to represent the newly-formed Whipstick Ward in 2012.

Cr Ruffell is the 2013 Mayor.

Cr Peter Cox

Cr Lisa Ruffell is a successful and active local business woman with a diverse range of qualifications and experiences.

• Phone: 5434 6189 • Mobile: 0427 318 490 • Email: p.cox@bendigocouncillors.org.au

Cr Ruffell was awarded the 2000 Australian Federation of Business and Professional Woman Incorporated (BPW) Bendigo Business Woman of the Year and was a finalist in the 2000 BPW Victorian Business Woman of the Year Awards. She was a member of the Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Committee, forging closer links between Victoria Police and the City of Greater Bendigo community and raising much needed funds for the Bendigo and Heathcote hospitals.

6 • Annual Report 2012/13

Cr Peter Cox lives in Eaglehawk and is currently a Project Manager at Future Employment Opportunities. Having worked in Eaglehawk since 1989 he was instrumental in setting up the Eaglehawk Recycle Shop at the Eaglehawk Landfill and the Eaglehawk Enterprise Park, now known as Workspace Eaglehawk. He also supervised the renovation of the Sailors Gully Hall and the Eaglehawk Railway Station. Cr Cox has a tertiary qualification in Community Development and has pioneered changes in legislation to reduce road deaths.

Council Profile

He was elected to represent Eaglehawk Ward at the November 2008 election and was returned as one of three Councillors to represent the newly-formed Whipstick Ward in 2012. He has also served two terms as a Councillor with the former Hawthorn City Council in 1976 and 1979. Cr Cox is the founding president of Empowering Eaglehawk, a community action group that provides funding for local schools, community and sporting groups, personal achievement awards and scholarships. He is also a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Eaglehawk. In 2008 he received the Eaglehawk Community Service Award and in 2005 was named Social Ventures Australia’s Social Entrepreneur of the Year. Cr Cox has a strong interest in community and business development, job creation, planning, major projects and policies that maintain public and private gardens, reserves and recreation facilities.

Cr James Williams • Phone: 5434 6208 • Mobile: 0427 211 677 • Email: j.williams@bendigocouncillors.org.au Cr James Williams was elected as a Councillor for the City of Greater Bendigo in October 2012. Cr Williams lived and worked for 28 years as a self-employed farmer in Drummartin where he was one of three directors that built a company specialising in the growing and sale of fodder to the domestic and export markets. Now retired from farming, he and his wife live in Bendigo. Along with being a former Councillor for the Shire of Huntly, Cr Williams also won the Hanslow Cup in 1999, an innovation and landcare award for primary producers. In the same year, he also received an Honourable Mention at the Cotton Australia Landcare Awards for his contribution to landcare at a State and Federal level. Cr Williams is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. With a strong interest in water quality for North Central Victoria, Cr Williams has helped in developing key strategies for the health and wellbeing of the region’s environment and water through his involvement with the Loddon and Campaspe water quality strategies, the Lower Campaspe and Upper Loddon Water Groundwater Supply Catchment Area Review Committees and the Campaspe River Environmental Flows Committee. He is also a North Central Catchment Management Authority board member. Cr Williams was a founding member of the Northern United Forestry Group and the Bendigo Creek Floodplain group and also a member of the Hunter fire brigade. He has also been a member of the City of Greater Bendigo Farming Consultative committee and the Rural Wellbeing committee since inception.

Eppalock Ward Localities include: Argyle, Axe Creek, Axedale, Bendigo, Costerfield, Derrinal, East Bendigo, Emu Creek, Eppalock, Flora Hill, Heathcote, Junortoun, Kennington, Kimbolton, Knowsley, Ladys Pass, Longlea, Lyal, Mia Mia, Mount Camel, Myrtle Creek, Redcastle, Redesdale, Strathdale, Strathfieldsaye, and Toolleen.

Cr Rod Campbell • Phone: 5434 6203 • Mobile: 0427 514 429 • Email: r.campbell@bendigocouncillors.org.au Cr Rod Campbell is a retired civil engineer, with post graduate qualifications in Municipal Engineering/Administration. He has an intimate knowledge of local government through his extensive past employment in senior engineering and planning roles with the former South Barwon, Myrtleford and Marong municipalities. He has worked with both urban and rural communities across Victoria in development and planning, design and road construction, buildings and sporting infrastructure. He has also conducted his own consulting business. Cr Campbell supports the use of renewable energies and striking a balance between sensible development and the environment. He believes the priorities for Greater Bendigo are public transport, prudent financial management, employment initiatives, tourism and industry, community facilities and realistic policies that reflect community aspirations. Rod considers that Council’s most important work in the near future involves the development of the Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy, waste management, the revised Residential Strategy and providing for population growth whilst maintaining the historic integrity and lifestyle choices associated with our City. Additionally, he is focused on social inclusion, providing for an ageing community and better provision for people with a disability. He was raised on the land and, along with his wife Alison, has spent the past 29 years living and raising his family in Bendigo. Cr Campbell is a past president of the Apex Club of Myrtleford. Included in his interests are history, heritage, the arts, collectables, all things mechanical and above all meeting people from all walks of life. He was first elected at the November 2008 election and was the Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo in 2009/2010. He was one of three Councillors elected to the newly formed Eppalock Ward in 2012.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 7

Council Profile

Cr Mark Weragoda • Phone: 5434 6192 • Mobile: 0400 363 586 • Email: m.weragoda@bendigocouncillors.org.au Cr Mark Weragoda was born in Sri-Lanka and migrated to Australia with his parents and siblings in 1975. He attended secondary school at Castlemaine High School before completing his education at the Bendigo College of Advanced Education (BCAE). In 1981 he married Leonie, a Bendigo local, and together they have two children, son Jake and daughter Selina. In 1989 he opened his own signwriting business, Mark Weragoda Signs, which he continues to operate to this day. Cr Weragoda joined the Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst in 1991 and as a committed Rotarian served as President for the 2000/2001 year. He also served as a Past Assistant Governor for Rotary Club District 9800 and Past International Director for District 9800. In 2005 he was the recipient of a Paul Harris Fellow – an award made to individual Rotarians who have given significantly through their involvement within their community or their Rotary Club in the spirit of “service above self”. He is also a member of the Bendigo Jockey Club and a Board Member of the Gallic Club which raises funds for many local charities. Cr Weragoda is passionate about Bendigo and as a local businessman for over 20 years has enjoyed watching Bendigo grow from a great town to the fabulous city it is today. He is specifically interested in seeing improved public transport, sensible urban development and high density inner-city living balanced with environmental sustainability, tourism and economic development. Cr Weragoda also has a strong commitment to support local service, sporting and recreational clubs. Cr Weragoda was elected to the Eppalock Ward at the 2012 City of Greater Bendigo Council elections.

Cr Helen Leach • Phone: 5434 6190 • 0419 549 574 • h.leach@bendigocouncillors.org.au Cr Helen Leach was elected as one of three Councillors for the Eppalock Ward for the City of Greater Bendigo on 27 October 2012. Cr Leach holds a Certificate in Aged Care and Disability, a Health and Community Care Certificate IV (HACC) and a Certificate III in Business. Cr Leach has almost completed an Advanced Diploma of Nursing. After four children and being a registered nurse for over 16 years, Cr Leach moved into hotel management with her husband as partners of a hotel in Mansfield for approximately 10 years. She then returned to being a care worker and held a part-time position with the City of Greater Bendigo in Aged and Disability Services.

8 • Annual Report 2012/13

Cr Leach is actively involved in the community through volunteering. She has worked for St Vincent de Paul for over 24 years as well as helping out at Bethlehem Home for the Aged and as a volunteer fundraising assistant for the Gianna Centre among other organisations. Outside of Council duties, Cr Leach enjoys walking her dog, swimming, music and spending time with her husband, four children and grandchildren.

Lockwood Ward Localities include: Big Hill, Golden Gully, Golden Square, Harcourt North, Kangaroo Flat, Leichardt, Lockwood, Lockwood South, Maiden Gully, Mandurang, Mandurang South, Marong, Myers Flat, Quarry Hill, Ravenswood, Sailors Gully, Sedgwick, Shelbourne, Spring Gully, West Bendigo, Wilsons Hill.

Cr Rod Fyffe • Phone: 5443 7673 • Mobile: 0419 874 015 • Email: r.fyffe@bendigocouncillors.org.au Cr Rod Fyffe was a Councillor with the former City of Bendigo from October 1983 until Council amalgamations in April 1994. He was first elected to represent Fortuna Ward in the 1996 Greater Bendigo Council elections and was successfully re-elected in 1999 and 2002. Cr Fyffe was returned unopposed as the Councillor for Golden Square Ward in both the November 2004 and 2008 elections. He was one of three Councillors elected to the newly formed Lockwood Ward in 2012. He has served three terms as Mayor in 2003, 2004 and 2010. Cr Fyffe has recently retired as a teacher of mathematics and in the past has taught economics, accounting, geology, industry and enterprise and classical societies at Bendigo Senior Secondary College. He maintains a broad interest in all aspects of local government including issues affecting the industry on a statewide basis and has been a long serving member of the Management Board of the Municipal Association of Victoria. Cr Fyffe is interested in economic development, arts, sport and recreation, aged services and youth development, environment and heritage issues.

Council Profile

Cr Barry Lyons • Phone: 5434 6215 • Mobile: 0429 292 084 • Email: b.lyons@bendigocouncillors.org.au Cr Barry Lyons is a retired businessman who moved to Kangaroo Flat in 1981 and established strong links to the local community. Cr Lyons was first elected to represent the City of Greater Bendigo as the Kangaroo Flat Ward Councillor in 2008. He was returned as one of three Councillors to represent the newly formed Lockwood Ward in 2012. He also served as a Councillor with the former Shire of Romsey in the 1970s. A family man, he is married to Betty and has five children and ten grandchildren. He is well known as the former licensee of Kangaroo Flat’s Windermere Hotel, a family business he owned and operated for 23 years. Cr Lyons is a long term supporter and sponsor of local sport, including Kangaroo Flat Football/Netball and Cricket Clubs. He served as President of the Kangaroo Flat Lions Club and as a board member of the Kangaroo Flat Community Health Centre.

With a strong desire to serve her community Cr Chapman decided to put her real estate career on hold to stand for Council in the newly created Lockwood Ward at the 2012 election. Cr Chapman is very passionate about the many local communities located within the Lockwood Ward and is keen to support local families, businesses, farmers, charities, groups and organisations. Cr Chapman has a strong desire to represent the needs of Greater Bendigo’s outer areas and she is also particularly interested in the areas of waste management, economic development including the development of the Marong Business Park, strategic planning for our municipality’s future transport and residential areas and getting the best financial value for the ratepayer dollar. She is keen to meet with and listen to residents’ concerns and roll up her sleeves and take on a challenge! Her personal interests include ballroom dancing, acting, charity work, renovating, cooking, gardening, photography, reading and writing.

He is interested in all areas of local government and his personal interests include breeding horses.

Cr Elise Chapman • Phone: 5434 6193 • Mobile: 0418 330 289 • Email: e.chapman@bendigocouncillors.org.au Born in Melbourne, Cr Elise Chapman grew up and attended school in Echuca before moving to Bendigo some 25 years ago to complete three trades as a qualified Baker, Pastry Cook and Cake Decorator with Gillies Bros. Cr Chapman is an experienced small businesses owner/ operator and a qualified real estate agent who up until recently ran her own, well known agency for over eight years. In 2005 she purchased a rural property in Marong where, along with her two children, son Royce and daughter Blayze she enjoys a rural lifestyle and farms a wide variety of farm animals including Grey Suri Alpacas.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 9

Governance

Governance Councillors’ Code of Conduct In accordance with the Local Government Act 1989, Council was required to review the Councillors’ Code of Conduct within six months of the election. A new Code of Conduct was adopted on 19 December 2012. Council expressed their commitment to working and leading together in a number of areas in this Code of Conduct based around core values such as honesty, openness, transparency, respect and being well informed.

Council Meetings Council meets every third week on Wednesday at 6pm at the Bendigo Town Hall. Council meetings are publicly advertised. The meeting schedule is publicly available; agendas are posted on the website www.bendigo.vic.gov.au on Monday before Wednesday Council meetings, and minutes can also be viewed on the website.

Committees Discussions have been held with many committees about their role and function with the view to establishing the most appropriate relationship with Council. Committees may be advisory committee, reference groups, incorporated associations, or other independent organisations with connection to Council through management agreement, funding and service agreement or Council established terms of reference. The number of committees established under Section 86 of the Local Government Act with delegated powers, duties and functions of the Council is reducing, as the most suitable arrangement is determined in consultation with the City of Greater Bendigo Committee Development Officer. As at the end of June 2012 committees were as follows: Section 86 Committee • Bendigo Maubisse Friendship Committee Advisory Committees • Bendigo Airport Advisory Committee • Bendigo Easter Festival Advisory Committee • Heritage Advisory Committee • Friends of Hustler’s Reef • Natural Environment Advisory Committee • Rural Farming Consultative Committee In addition to these committees there are others that have a licence agreement or committee of management arrangement for Crown Land and report directly to the Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI).

10 • Annual Report 2012/13

Council Committees Finance Committee The finance committee was established in 2004/2005 to monitor the long-term financial plan and budget strategies and advise Council on fiscal matters. The committee reviews monthly financial reports to Council and monitors financial and other arrangements with third parties. The committee has no delegated powers. Membership: 1 July 2012 – 26 October 2012: Crs Cox, Fyffe, Lyons and Reade (CEO, Director Organisation Support, Manager Finance). 5 November 2012 – 30 June 2013: Crs Weragoda, Fyffe, Cox, Lyons, Williams and Ruffell (CEO, Director Organisation Support, Manager Finance).

Audit Committee This committee provides an independent internal audit function for Council and operates according to a Ministerial Code of Practice. Three independent representatives and two Councillors meet quarterly, according to need. Membership: 1 July 2012 to 26 October 2012: Crs Lyons and Ruffell (CEO, Director Organisation Support, Manager Finance); Community Representatives – Kate Scarce (Chairperson), Graeme Bastian and Toni Riley. 5 November 2012 to 30 June 2013: Crs Lyons and Campbell (CEO, Director Organisation Support, Manager Finance); Community Representatives – Kate Scarce (Chairperson), Graeme Bastian and Ken Belfrage.

Major Policy Initiatives Undertaken by Council Major policy initiatives undertaken by Council include: Eaglehawk Township Plan, Golf Strategy, Procurement Policy (Revised), Revenue and Debt Collection (Revised and Amended), Major Capital Works Submission Policy, Councillor Support and Reimbursement of Expenses Policy and Pricing Policy.

Governance

Councillors’ Attendance Councillors

Ordinary Meetings Attendance

Councillor Forums

Special Council Meeting

Councillors’ attendance from 1 July 2012 to 26 October 2012 Total No. of Meetings

Cr Rod Campbell

Cr Peter Cox

Cr Rod Fyffe

Cr Barry Lyons

Cr Bruce Phillips

Cr James Reade

Cr Keith Reynard

Cr Lisa Ruffell

Cr Alec Sandner

Note: Council Elections were held on the 27 October 2012.

Councillors

Ordinary Meetings Attendance

Councillor Forums

Special Council Meeting

Councillors’ attendance from 5 November 2012 to 30 June 2013 Total No. of Meetings

Cr Rod Campbell

Cr Peter Cox

Cr Elise Chapman

Cr Rod Fyffe

Cr Helen Leach

Cr Barry Lyons

Cr Lisa Ruffell

Cr James Williams

Cr Mark Weragoda

Note: Council Elections were held on the 27 October 2012.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 11

Governance

Councillor Representation on Committees and Boards Committee/Board

Councillor/Officer Representative 1 July 2012 to 26 October 2012

Albert Roy Reserve User Groups

Cr Cox

Athletics Facility Committee

Cr Reynard

Audit Committee

Crs Lyons and Ruffell, Mr C Niemann

Australian Industry Group

Cr Lyons

Bendigo Airport Advisory Committee

Cr Sandner

Bendigo Art Gallery Board

Cr Fyffe

Bendigo Business Council

Mr S Liacos (elected position)

Bendigo Cemeteries Trust Community Advisory Committee

Cr Ruffell

Bendigo Easter Festival Committee

Cr Fyffe

Bendigo Exhibition Centre Committee

Cr Phillips

Bendigo Inventor Awards Committee

Crs Cox and Lyons

Bendigo Golden Dragon Museum Inc.

Cr Phillips & K Mackenzie

Bendigo Liquor Accord

Cr Reade

Bendigo Manufacturing Group

Cr Lyons

Bendigo Maubisse Friendship Committee

Cr Cox

Bendigo Regional Archive Centre

Cr Fyffe and Ms M Allan

Bendigo Safe Community Forum

Cr Reade

Bendigo Stadium Limited

Cr Lyons

Bendigo Tourism Board

Cr Lyons

Bendigo Trust

Cr Reade and Mr C Niemann

Bendigo Volunteer Resource Centre Board

Cr Campbell (sub Cr Phillips)

Building a Child Friendly Community Working Party

Cr Reynard and Ms R Rogers

Business and Community Network 3556

Cr Cox

Calder Highway Improvement Committee

Cr Campbell (sub. Cr Phillips)

Calder Regional Waste Management Group

Cr Lyons

Campaspe Run Board

Cr Phillips

Cathedral Precinct Incorporated

Cr Ruffell & Mr S Liacos

CBD Activation Group

Cr Reade

Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance

Cr Reynard

Costerfield Environmental Review Committee

Cr Campbell (sub. Cr Ruffell)

Discovery, Science and Technology Centre

Cr Reade

Eaglehawk Mechanics Institute Committee

Cr Cox

Eaglehawk Open Space Precinct Central Activity Area

Cr Cox

Eaglehawk Town Hall Precinct Advisory Committee

Cr Cox

Empowering Eaglehawk

Cr Cox

Environmental Taskforce

Crs Cox, Fyffe & Reynard

Farming Consultative Committee

Cr Phillips & Campbell

Finance Committee

Crs Cox, Fyffe, Reade & Lyons

Flora Hill Stadium Committee

Cr Reynard

Greater Bendigo Rural Response Network

Cr Campbell (sub. Cr Phillips)

Heritage Advisory Committee

Cr Cox

12 â&#x20AC;˘ Annual Report 2012/13

Governance

Committee/Board

Councillor/Officer Representative 1 July 2012 to 26 October 2012

Kangaroo Flat Art Inc. Committee

Cr Lyons

Kangaroo Flat Community Advisory Committee

Cr Lyons

La Trobe University Regional Advisory Board

Cr Reynard & Mr S Liacos

Loddon Bendigo Rural Women’s Network

Cr Ruffell

Loddon Campaspe Councils

Mayor-of-the-Day and Mr C Niemann

Maiden Gully Structure Plan

Cr Phillips

Municipal Association of Victoria

Cr Fyffe

Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee

Cr Campbell (sub. Cr Fyffe)

Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee

Cr Fyffe

Natural Environment Advisory Committee

Cr Reynard

New Year’s Eve Committee

Cr Ruffell

North Central Goldfields Library Corporation

Cr Fyffe & Ms M Allan

Northgate Fosterville Environmental Review Committee

Cr Campbell (sub. Cr Sandner)

Northgate Fosterville Grants Committee

Mayor-of-the-Day

Positive Ageing Advisory Committee

Cr Sandner

Regional Cities Victoria

Mayor-of-the-Day & Mr C Niemann

Sister Cities Committee

Cr Fyffe

Spring Gully Recreation Reserve Committee

Cr Lyons

Strathfieldsaye Community Centre Committee

Cr Reynard

The Marong Plan Steering Group

Cr Phillips

Unity Mining Community Advisory Board

Cr Fyffe

Unity Mining Environmental Review Committee

Cr Cox

Victorian Local Governance Association

Cr Fyffe

Waste Resource Management Advisory Committee

Crs Cox and Lyons

Wes Vine Relocation Project Control Group

Cr Cox

Workspace Australia Limited

Cr Lyons

45 Mundy Street Advisory Group

Cr Reade

Committee/Board

Councillor/Officer Representative 5 November 2012 to 30 June 2013

Albert Roy Reserve User Groups

Cr Cox

Audit Committee

Crs Campbell & Lyons, Mr C Niemann

Australian Industry Group

Cr Fyffe

Bendigo Airport Advisory Committee

Crs Williams & Weragoda

Bendigo Art Gallery Board

Cr Fyffe & Weragoda

Bendigo Inventor Awards Committee

Crs Cox & Lyons

Bendigo Easter Festival Committee

Cr Fyffe (Chair) & Cr Leach

Bendigo Exhibition Centre Advisory Committee

Cr Campbell

Bendigo Golden Dragon Museum Inc.

Cr Fyffe & Ms K Mackenzie

Bendigo Liquor Accord

Cr Williams

Bendigo Manufacturing Group

Cr Lyons

Annual Report 2012/13 • 13

Governance

Committee/Board

Councillor/Officer Representative 5 November 2012 to 30 June 2013

Bendigo Maubisse Friendship Committee

Cr Cox

Bendigo Regional Archive Centre

Cr Fyffe & Ms M Allan

Bendigo Stadium Limited

Cr Lyons

Bendigo Tourism Board

Cr Chapman

Bendigo Trust

Cr Chapman & Mr C Niemann

Bendigo Volunteer Resource Centre Board

Cr Campbell

Business and Community Network 3556

Cr Cox

Calder Highway Improvement Committee

Cr Williams

Calder Regional Waste Management Group

Cr Lyons

Campaspe Run Board

Cr Williams

Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance

Cr Fyffe

Costerfield Environmental Review Committee

Cr Leach

Crocodile Gold Fosterville Gold Mine Environmental Review Committee

Crs Campbell (Chair) & Williams

Discovery, Science and Technology Centre

Cr Weragoda

Eaglehawk Mechanics Institute Committee

Cr Cox

Empowering Eaglehawk

Cr Cox

Environmental Taskforce

Crs Cr Cox, Fyffe & Leach

Farming Consultative Committee

Crs Williams & Chapman

Finance Committee

Crs Weragoda, Fyffe, Cox, Lyons, Williams & Ruffell

Greater Bendigo Rural Support Network

Cr Williams & Leach

Heritage Advisory Committee

Crs Cox & Weragoda

Kangaroo Flat Aquatic Leisure Centre Community Reference Group

Crs Chapman, Fyffe & Lyons

Kangaroo Flat Art Inc. Committee

Cr Chapman

La Trobe University Regional Advisory Board

Cr Williams & Mr S Liacos

Loddon Bendigo Rural Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Network

Cr Leach

Loddon Campaspe Councils

Mayor-of-the-Day & Mr C Niemann

Maiden Gully Structure Plan

Crs Chapman, Fyffe & Lyons

Municipal Association of Victoria

Cr Fyffe, Cr Williams (Alternative)

Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee

Cr Campbell

Municipal Fire Management Planning Committee

Cr Campbell

Natural Environment Advisory Committee

Cr Fyffe

North Central Goldfields Library Corporation

Cr Fyffe & Ms M Allan

Regional Cities Victoria

Mayor-of-the-day & Mr C Niemann

Sister Cities Committee

Crs Williams & Leach

Unity Mining Community Advisory Board

Cr Ruffell

Unity Mining Environmental Review Committee

Cr Cox

Waste Resource Advisory Committee

Crs Chapman & Cox

Workspace Australia Limited

Cr Lyons

14 â&#x20AC;˘ Annual Report 2012/13

Freedom of Information

Freedom of Information The Freedom of Information Act (1982) provides individuals and organisations with a general right of access to information held by the City of Greater Bendigo. It also provides a right of appeal to the State FOI Commissioner to review decisions to refuse access to information. Requests for access to information under the Freedom of Information Act should be lodged on the FOI application form and sent to the Freedom of Information Officer, City of Greater Bendigo, PO Box 733, Bendigo Vic 3552.

Freedom of Information Applications Total Applications

Granted in Full

Granted in Part

Denied

Withdrawn

2012/13

2011/12

2010/11

2009/10

2008/09

NB re. 2013 figures: Two transferred and one was withdrawn after 30 June hence the imbalance

Information Privacy Act 2000 (VIC) The Victorian Information Privacy Act 2000 requires that Council follow information and privacy principles when collecting, managing and using an individual’s personal information. During 2012/2013 no formal complaints were received. Copies of Council’s Information Privacy Policy can be obtained from the Customer Service Centre at the Lyttleton Terrace Office. Information requests and any questions regarding people’s rights under the privacy legislation and Council’s Information Privacy Policy can be discussed with the City’s Privacy Officer. Health Records Act The City of Greater Bendigo collects health data, particularly in the community service area, to be used solely for the primary purpose for which it is collected or directly related purposes. The City may disclose this information to other allied health professionals for continuity of care. If a referral to an allied health professional is required, consent is obtained unless exempted by other legislation. Protected Disclosure Act 2012 The Protected Disclosure Act commenced operation on 10 February 2013 and replaces the Whistleblowers Protection Act. The main objective of the Protected Disclosure Act 2012 (Act) is to encourage and facilitate the making of disclosures of improper conduct by public officers and public bodies and establish a system for matters to be investigated.

The Act provides protection from detrimental action to any person affected by a protected disclosure whether it is a person who makes a disclosure, a witness, or a person who is the subject of an investigation. The City of Greater Bendigo encourages and supports the disclosure of improper conduct by public officers or public bodies in accordance with the Act. Documents Available for Inspection The following information is available for public inspection at the Council Offices, Lyttleton Terrace, Bendigo: • Council Plan, Budget, Annual Report, Local Laws; • Agendas for and minutes of ordinary meetings and special meetings held in the previous 12 months; • A list of all special committees established by Council and the purpose for which each committee was established; • A list of all special committees established by Council, which were abolished or ceased to function during the financial year; • Minutes of meetings of special committees established under Section 86 of the Act and held in the previous 12 months; • Details of current allowances fixed for the Mayor and Councillors; • Details of all senior officers’ total salary packages for the current financial year and two previous financial years; • Details of overseas or interstate travel, with the exception of interstate travel to a neighbouring municipality, undertaken in an official capacity by Councillors or any member of the City’s staff in the previous 12 months; • Names of City Officers who were required to submit a return of interest during the financial year and the dates the returns were submitted; • Names of Councillors who submitted returns of interest during the financial year and the dates the returns were submitted; • Register of delegations to special committees; • Submissions received under Section 223 of the Act during the previous 12 months; • A list of donations and grants made by Council during the financial year; • Agreements to establish regional libraries; • Register of leases entered into by Council; • Register of Authorised Officers appointed by Council; • A list of names of the organisations of which Council was a member during the financial year and details of membership fees and services provided; • A list of contracts valued at $100,000 or more, which the Council entered into during the financial year without a competitive process; • Protected Disclosure Act 2012; • Councillor Code of Conduct; • Reimbursement Policy; • Procurement Policy and • Election Campaign returns.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 15

Senior Leadership Team

Senior Leadership Team The City of Greater Bendigo, through the Chief Executive Officer, reports to the Council on issues affecting Greater Bendigo. It is responsible for delivering a diverse range of services and projects to benefit the whole of our community. Five directors and approximately 1036 employees (full-time and part-time staff) and casual staff as required, support the Chief Executive Officer to achieve the Council Vision.

City of Greater Bendigo Organisation Structure Chief Executive Officer Craig Niemann

Manager Executive Services Peter Davies

Director City Futures Stan Liacos

Director Community Wellbeing Pauline Gordon

Director Planning & Development Prue Mansfield

Director Presentation & Assets Darren Fuzzard

Director Organisation Support Marg Allan

Manager Economic Development Brian Gould

Manager Community Partnerships Suzie Mansell

Manager Statutory Planning Ross Douglas

Manager Engineering & Public Space Brett Martini

Manager Finance Travis Harling

Director Bendigo Art Gallery Karen Quinlan

Manager Community Services Rod Flavell

Manager Building & Property Services Andy Walker

Manager Sustainable Environment Robyn Major

Manager Rating & Valuation Services Neal Wrigley

Manager The Capital David Lloyd

Manager Customer Support Debbie Thewlis

Manager Environmental Health & Local Laws Susannah Milne

Manager Presentation & Works Alex Malone

Manager Information Management Michael Smyth

Manager Tourism Kathryn Mackenzie

Manager Active & Healthy Communities Pat Jess

Manager Parking & Animal Control Neville Zimmer

Manager Parks & Natural Reserves Simon Harrison

Manager People & Performance Sam Stanton

Major Projects Manager Rachel Lee

Major Events Manager Terry Karamaloudis

16 â&#x20AC;˘ Annual Report 2012/13

Manager Strategy Nick Byrne

Manager Contract & Project Coordination Richard Morrison

Senior Leadership Team

Above (from left to right): Marg Allan, Darren Fuzzard, Pauline Gordon, Stan Liacos, Prue Mansfield and Craig Niemann.

Craig Niemann Chief Executive Officer Bachelor of Business (Local Govt), Master of Business Administration.

Craig joined the City of Greater Bendigo in October 2005 when he was appointed as Director of Organisation Support. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer in December 2007. Craig has 29 years of experience working in Local Government including roles at the Borough of Eaglehawk and the Shire of Loddon. Prior to joining the City of Greater Bendigo, Craig was the CEO at the Shire of Loddon from 1997 to 2005. Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, Craig was a Board Member of the North Central Regional Goldfields Library for 10 years and was a former Board Member of the Inglewood and District Health Service for over 13 years.

The work of Executive Services includes: • Support for CEO, Mayor and Councillors; • Coordination of Council business including Council meeting agendas and minutes; • Civic administration; • Governance; • Legal services and • Communications.

Craig is a Committee Member of the Loddon Mallee Regional Development Australia Group, a position he has held since the commencement of the initiative in 2009. In May 2011, Council appointed Craig as City of Greater Bendigo representative on the Board of The Bendigo Trust. Directors of the organisation report directly to the CEO as do members of the Executive Services Unit.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 17

Senior Leadership Team

Stan Liacos Director City Futures Bachelor of Applied Science (Planning), Graduate Diploma of Business Management, Master of Marketing

Stan joined the City of Greater Bendigo in January 2006. He has a background in local government both locally and internationally having held senior positions with West Sussex County Council in England and closer to home at the Cities of Essendon and Wyndham. More recently, Stan was the Director of Marketing, Events and Commercial Activities at Melbourne’s Federation Square. He was also Director of the Geelong Waterfront Development and Director of Marketing, Communications and Major Events for Melbourne Docklands. Stan also worked as an urban economist and town planner with Wilson Sayer Core Planning and Development Consultants.

This is achieved by enhancing opportunities in: • • • • • • • • • • •

Major Projects; Economic Development; Tourism and visitor services; Destination marketing; The Capital – Bendigo’s Performing Arts Centre; The Bendigo Art Gallery; Major Events; Bendigo Exhibition Centre; Bendigo Town Hall; Government advocacy and Bendigo Airport.

The City Futures Directorate establishes and maintains strong public and private relationships to position Bendigo as a great place to live, work and invest.

Marg Allan Director Organisation Support Bachelor of Business (Local Govt), Graduate Diploma of Public Policy, Master of Public Policy and Governance

Marg Allan commenced as Director Organisation Support in March 2008, after previously being the Manager Strategy for the City of Greater Bendigo. She has extensive experience in Local Government including governance practices, organisation development, financial management and strategic planning. The Organisation Support Directorate which Marg is responsible for provides the following services to the organisation:

• Financial services including rating and property valuations; • Information Management Systems; • People management services, and organisational development; • Risk Management and Emergency Management planning and • Centralised contract management and project coordination. Marg represents Council as a Board Member of the Goldfields Library Corporation and the Bendigo Regional Archive Centre Inc., and is also the Director responsible for the major redevelopment of the Bendigo Library.

Darren Fuzzard Director Presentation and Assets Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering), Graduate Diploma of Management

Darren was appointed as Director Presentation and Assets in January 2011 following almost five years as DirectorOperations at the Loddon Shire Council. Prior to this, Darren spent 11 years in the Victorian State Government road authority, VicRoads. Darren has extensive experience in managing large and complex infrastructure construction projects and programs, and has considerable experience in policy and strategy development.

18 • Annual Report 2012/13

The Presentation and Assets Directorate includes responsibility for: • Asset planning and engineering, urban and landscape design; • Constructing and maintaining key infrastructure networks such as roads, footpaths and drainage systems; • Development, protection and maintenance of parks and the natural environment areas under Council’s jurisdiction; • Management of waste and recycling collection, landfill sites, transfer stations and street cleaning; • Management of the Bendigo Livestock Exchange and • Policy and strategy development in the field of environmental sustainability.

Senior Leadership Team

Prue Mansfield Director Planning and Development Diploma of Occupational Therapy, Graduate Diploma of Organisation Behaviour.

Prue has worked in government, community and private sectors, although most of her career has been in local government. With extensive executive experience in social planning, economic development and land use planning at both the local and regional level, Prue has also served as a Board Member for professional associations and non-government organisations. The Planning and Development Directorate helps ensure a better quality of life for all members of the Greater Bendigo community by fostering sustainable development and enhancing public safety.

The work of the Directorate includes: • Development of integrated, long term strategies to guide the physical, social, environmental and cultural development of Greater Bendigo to create a better place for all; • Promoting development of a vibrant City by Place Management of CBD, Strathdale, Eaglehawk and Kangaroo Flat; • Assessing and approving planning applications to achieve quality development that maintains the City’s character and attributes valued by the community; • Contributing to public health and safety through building controls, food and water testing and animal management; • Making sure everyone can enjoy public space and activities by requiring minimum standards of civic and neighbourly behaviour; • Enhancing responsible pet ownership and control of animals; • Regulating parking; • Strategically managing the City’s property assets and • Project planning and managing the City of Greater Bendigo’s building projects.

Pauline Gordon Director Community Wellbeing Associate Diploma in Applied Social Science, Diploma Company Directors

Pauline returned to the City of Greater Bendigo in 2011 after many years in Queensland local government on the Sunshine Coast where she held the roles of Director Community Services (Programs) and Regional Manager Creative Communities. Prior to 2000, Pauline held positions in Bendigo across local and state government and the not-for-profit sector. Pauline has served as a board member for professional associations and non-government organisations and is currently a member of the Bendigo Community Health Services Board. During her career she has managed most service type functions with some of the more memorable being Oceanic Lifeguards, Recreation, Libraries, Quarries, Cemeteries, Alcohol and Drug Services, Performing Arts and Events, Galleries and Social Planning to name a few.

The Directorate aims to: • Support the community in building knowledge and skills to create positive outcomes; • Provide opportunities for the community to inform our planning and decision-making; • Plan for and connect people to services, people and places; • Advocate on behalf of our community to improve wellbeing; • Create an environment that contributes to healthy and happy lifestyles and • Work towards targeted and sustainable outcomes.

The Community Wellbeing Directorate will support people to live their lives fully and be active, creative, engaged and healthy.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 19

Our People

Our People Staff Profile Employees as at 30 June 2013 Male

Female

Total

FTE

Full time – ongoing

269

175

444

441

Part time – ongoing

282

336

166.89

Casual

133

187

20.12

Full time temporary

39.59

11.77

394

642

1036

679.37

Part time – temporary TOTALS

Recruitment

Staff Consultative Committee

20 • Annual Report 2012/13

Respecting Each Other at Work – Equal Opportunity Program

Our People

Workplace Diversity

Staff Recognition Scheme

The City recognises the value of a diverse and skilled workforce and is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture.

Staff members are recognised through our reward and recognition scheme, acknowledging outstanding work practices and highlighting the organisation’s commitment to ongoing improvement and provision of quality services. Staff members from all Directorates have been nominated as part of the annual Poppet Head Staff Awards program. Winners will be announced at a presentation dinner to be held in late 2013.

The City values diversity by recognising and respecting each individual’s unique attributes and manages diversity by creating and sustaining an environment where everyone can achieve their potential. We aim to do this by encouraging diversity in a number of ways: • A commitment to continue to reduce barriers to people with a disability obtaining and maintaining employment (specific actions are included in the City of Greater Bendigo’s Community Access and Inclusion Plan 2011-2014). • Maintaining a safe and inclusive working environment that is respectful of individual differences and attributes including family responsibilities. • Eliminating barriers to career progression by providing support and mentoring and flexible work practices. • Actively promoting employment opportunities and the work of the City to a broad range of people who reflect the diversity of the Australian population. • Ensuring that recruitment processes adhere to equal employment opportunity requirements. • Recruiting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce. • Maintaining a supportive workplace which allows employees to balance their work and personal life (including flexible working hours, part-time work, job share arrangements, home-based work and phased retirement options, where operationally feasible). • Promoting health, wellbeing and balance (The City of Greater Bendigo has a continued commitment in providing support and opportunities for all employees to establish healthier behaviours). • Creating an equitable environment for employees and their managers to encourage open, two-way communication about responsibilities, standards of performance, feedback and career planning. • Recognition of cultural diversity including celebration of cultural diversity events, involvement in cultural diversity programs, Aboriginal reconciliation and international relationships.

W.O.W (World of Work) The City of Greater Bendigo continues to take part in a program which enables local students to network with staff in the organisation. Each session involves six staff members and 12 students participating in a round robin discussion of 10 minutes with each staff member. Through the process students gain insights and knowledge about various areas of the organisation and are able to explore potential career paths. This year a 4th session was introduced consisting of 8 Karen students from a local secondary college.

Recognition of Long Serving and Retiring Employees Eligible staff will be recognised for their long standing employment milestones of 20, 25, 30, 35+ years during a ceremony to be held in late 2013. Long Service Recognised In November 2012, the City of Greater Bendigo recognized 27 staff who reached service milestones of 20, 25, and 30 years throughout 2012. Staff reaching 30 Years of service included: • Alice Winzar – Aged & Disability Services • Peter Bimpson – Engineering & Public Space • Alex Malone – Presentation & Works • John Rothenberger – Presentation & Works

Annual Report 2012/13 • 21

Our People

Staff reaching 25 Years of service included: • Suzanne Sandiford – Aged & Disability Services • Lyn Perry – Aged & Disability Services • Kayelene Nalder – Aged & Disability Services • Christine Austin – Aged & Disability Services • Julie Hilson – Aged & Disability Services • Kerry Angove – Children & Family Services • Sue Wild – Children & Family Services • Glen Kerr – Engineering & Public Space • Evelyn Gillies – Parking & Animal Control • Tony Austerberry – Parking & Animal Control • Julie Shepherd – Parks & Natural Reserves • Rob Lamond – Parks & Natural Reserves • Sandra Crump – Parks & Natural Reserves • Nigel Scarff – Presentation & Works Staff reaching 20 Years of service included: • Helen Townsend – Aged & Disability Services • Lee Campbell – Aged & Disability Services • Delina Anstee – Children & Family Services • Marian Holmes – Children & Family Services • Craig Hardiman – Engineering & Public Space • Kathy Constable – Information Management • Margaret Vanderlaan – Parking & Animal Control • Dianne Cheney – Parking & Animal Control • Gene West – Parks & Natural Reserves Long-serving staff that resigned or retired in 2012 The following long serving staff members resigned or retired from the City of Greater Bendigo in 2012. We acknowledge their long and dedicated service to the organisation. • • • •

Rosalie Rogers – Children & Family Services – 20 years Noel Rankin – Presentation & Works – 22 years Thomas Forman – Presentation & Works – 23 years Dave Bullen – Presentation & Works – 27 years

22 • Annual Report 2012/13

Training and Development In 2012/13 the City of Greater Bendigo launched its first 12 month Learning and Development Calendar. The calendar is designed to support staff in achieving corporate objectives and provide quality outcomes for the community. New programs on this calendar included: • • • • •

Introduction to coaching Managing everyday performance Career Management Introduction to Project Management Fair Process

In 2012/13 thirteen staff from across the organisation enrolled in a Certificate IV in Frontline Management delivered by Swinburne University in partnership with LGPro. Participants complete 8 units of study and undertake a workplace project, resulting in a formal presentation to Council CEOs from across the region on 1 August 2013.

Trainees and Apprentices In 2012/13 the City of Greater Bendigo continued to support the four apprentices in the Parks and Natural Reserves Unit that were recruited in 2011/12. 2012/13 also saw the recruitment of a School Based Trainee at The Capital.

Staff Values Our core values are aspiring to quality and achievement in everything we do by: • embracing challenges; • encouraging and respecting each other; • nurturing creativity and diversity, to make a difference in our community. During 2012/13 staff members have been consulted on the existing values and it is expected that any changes to the existing set of values will be introduced in 2013/14.

Financial Overview

Financial Overview Financial Position

Capital Expenditure

City of Greater Bendigo continues to be in a strong financial position. The balance sheet indicates that current assets are more than adequate to meet current liabilities, which is an important measure of liquidity. Debt levels continue to be closely managed despite debt levels increasing to $24.16 million at 30 June 2013. Debt levels remain modest when comparing to City of Greater Bendigo’s total asset base of $1.26 billion providing borrowing capacity for the future. The 2012/2013 operating result from continuing operations of $28.76 million was $14.42 million better than budget enabling the City of Greater Bendigo to sustain its day-to-day operations in the longer term. Growth in other revenue streams means that City of Greater Bendigo’s revenue base is expanding and the reliance on rate revenue remains at around 46%.

During the 2012/2013 year the City of Greater Bendigo invested $43.9 million in capital works. The extensive works program funds the ongoing renewal of the City of Greater Bendigo’s existing physical assets as well the construction of new community assets. Works in the following area included roads and bridges $16.7 million, drains $5.9 million, land improvements $1.4 million and buildings $14.6 million. Two key ratios that are monitored in the area of Capital Expenditure are Capital Replacement Ratio 1.61:1(Comparison of rate of spending on total infrastructure compared to depreciation) and Renewal Gap 1.10:1 (Comparison of rate of spending on renewing existing assets compared to depreciation). The current Renewal gap ratio indicates the City of Greater Bendigo is in fact reducing its backlog of renewal works. Both ratios report a positive result for 30 June 2013.

The strong financial position reflects sound financial management and City of Greater Bendigo’s commitment to financial sustainability. It also strengthens City of Greater Bendigo’s financial capacity to deliver on the objectives and strategies of the Council Plan and Strategic Resource Plan.

Net Result The City of Greater Bendigo achieved an operating result from operations of $28.76 million compared to a budget of $14.34 million. The favourable variance of $14.42 million was achieved through increased revenues including the early payment by the Federal Government of the 2014 Grants Commission funds of $7.43 million and funds relating to the Bendigo Art Gallery Extension which reached milestones during the year that weren’t budgeted for of $1.28 million. In addition to these favourable variances Council received higher than expected donated infrastructure assets from developers completing subdivisions of $5.87 million.

Borrowings Debt increased to $24.16 million at 30 June 2013 from $15.07 million at 30 June 2012. New debt funding totalling $11.3 million was drawn down during the 2013 year, this amount was included in the annual budget and included in the City of Greater Bendigo longer term financial planning. The City of Greater Bendigo uses debt funding where necessary to assist financing the capital works program. The City of Greater Bendigo has low levels of debt when comparing debt to borrowings to total non-current assets.

Cash and Other Financial Assets Cash and other financial assets at 30 June 2013 total $53 million. The City of Greater Bendigo’s liquidity position continues to be very strong with a ratio of 1.92:1. This ratio means that the City of Greater Bendigo has $1.91 of cash and current assets for every $1.00 of current liabilities. This ratio in 2013 is higher than 2012 (1.44:1), this is a result of increased cash at 30 June 2013 due to receiving a high number of grants in advance that will be spent in the 2013/14 financial year, and not expending the capital works program as expected in the 2013 financial year.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 23

Financial Overview

Legislative restrictions on City of Greater Bendigo’s cash at 30 June 2013 total $6.96 million. This statutory obligation means that the City of Greater Bendigo must set aside sufficient cash to fund amounts held in trust and developer levies. The City of Greater Bendigo also has restrictions on its cash from its discretionary reserves. Discretionary reserves at 30 June 2013 totalled $13.39 million. These reserves consist of a car park, land and building, and waste facility reserves. A discretionary reserve has also been created to include an amount for employees long service leave entitlements of $2.15 million. Cash assets are required to fund the 2013/2014 capital works program of $59.8 million as well as projects of $8.2 million carried over into the 2013/2014 year for completion.

Looking Ahead The City of Greater Bendigo is projecting an operating surplus of $9.1 million in 2013/2014 and continuation of its strong balance sheet position over the lifespan of the 2013/2017 Council Plan. The strong financial position ensures the City of Greater Bendigo has the capacity to deliver the objectives and strategies within the Council Plan. The generation of operating surpluses over the four years of the Council Plan provides a key source of funding for new initiatives. The City of Greater Bendigo’s 2013/2017 budget also allows for another significant investment in capital works – funded through internal cash sources and increased borrowings.

The graphs and table pictured indicate key financial trends over the past five years. 2009 $’000

2010 $’000

2011 $’000

2012 $’000

2013 $’000

1,049,337

1,079,713

1,129,733

1,185,045

1,257,400

31,580

30,312

34,186

53,077

55,697

1,017,757

1,049,401

1,095,547

1,131,968

1,201,703

Total revenue

127,433

131,878

147,573

158,303

169,687

Total expenditure

111,806

113,194

127,627

141,991

140,923

Operating Result before Comprehensive Income:

15,627

18,684

19,946

16,312

28,764

Working capital ratio

1.89:1

1.86:1

1.78:1

1.44:1

1.93:1

Debt commitment ratio

5.6%

4.4%

4.0%

3.6%

3.84%

Debt servicing ratio

0.5%

0.4%

0.25%

0.49%

Financial Summary for the year ended 30 June 2013 Total assets Total liabilities Ratepayers equity

24 • Annual Report 2012/13

Financial Overview

Capital Expenditure $M

Rates Revenue $M 100,000

60,000

90,000

40,000 30,000

79,910

73,809

68,773

63,759

59,814

50,000

55,692

60,000 50,376

43,942

70,000

45,943

29,518

20,000

24,574

24,916

30,000

80,000

29,783

39,503

40,000

33,727

51,472

50,000

20,000

10,000

10,000 0

0 2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Ratepayers Equity $M 1,300,000

1,131,968

600,000

1,095,547

700,000

1,049,401

801,822

800,000

848,108

900,000

928,003

1,000,000

1,017,757

1,100,000

2011

2012

1,201,703

1,200,000

500,000 400,000 300,000 200,000 100,000 0 2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2013

Annual Report 2012/13 â&#x20AC;˘ 25

Financial Overview

The following graphs indicate City of Greater Bendigo’s sources of income and expenditure by function for the 2012/2013 financial year. For further information, please refer to the Financial Statements and Standard Statements. Expenditure by Directorate

Sources of Revenue

Interest on investment 1% User charges & fines 15% Government grants 22% Rates 47% Contributions & Reimbursements 15% Total Operating Revenue $169,687,000

Planning & Development 12% City Futures 9% Executive 2% Organisation Support 13% Community Wellbeing 17% Presentation & Assets 47% Total Operating Expenditure $140,923,000

Victorian Local Government Indicators for Year Ending 30 June 2013 The Minister for Local Government has advised that a number of indicators have been developed by the Local Government Industry in relation to key areas of Council’s performance. It is therefore necessary to report on the following key performance indicators: Term

Description

Overall performance

Community satisfaction rating for overall performance generally of the council.

63%

Advocacy

Community satisfaction rating for Council’s making representations on behalf of the Community.

57%

Community consultation

Community satisfaction rating for Council’s community consultation and engagement.

57%

All rates

Average rates and charges per assessment.

$1,529

Residential rates

Average residential rates and charges per assessment.

$1,371

Operating costs

Average operating expenditure per assessment.

$2,697

Capital expenditure

Average capital expenditure per assessment.

26 • Annual Report 2012/13

Outcome Note

$840

The year at a glance

The year at a glance July 2012 • A synthetic ice skating rink was a temporary addition to the Hargreaves Mall to provide a fun and interesting activity for people to participate in over the winter school holidays and create some excitement within the CBD.

• The new Edward Street multi-storey car park was officially opened. Motorists could use the facility free for 90 minutes each day for an initial period. Over half of the available 100 reserved car parking spaces were taken up prior to the car park opening. • Two popular Melbourne artists, Owl Eyes and Stonefield, joined forces for a national, co-headline tour that included Bendigo. The aim of this tour was to support the Australian Government’s ‘The Line’ initiative, which promotes respectful relationships among young people and raises awareness about important issues including texting, cyber-bullying, sexting and inappropriate physical behaviour. • The announcement that Bendigo defence manufacturer Thales Australia had secured a new contract for a further 214 Bushmaster mobility vehicles was widely welcomed. • The City of Greater Bendigo in conjunction with Murray Mountain held a free forum and workshop for architects, designers, building practitioners, engineers, project managers and planners to discuss and define accessibility compliance requirements and their importance. • Tests revealed that a Washingtonia Palm that was removed from the Conservatory Gardens was affected by Fusarium Wilt, an aggressive fungal disease that affects some palm species. Residents with palm trees were advised to inspect them and seek advice regarding management if the species appeared diseased.

• Work commenced on the $8.4 million expansion of the Bendigo Art Gallery that includes construction of two new gallery spaces, an enhanced entrance and much needed storage and loading facilities. • Community members were encouraged to get involved in the ‘Heathcote, An Amazing Race’ which included participants visiting beautiful locations in and around Heathcote while completing fun activities and using multiple modes of transport to get around. • Fifteen up and coming local artists competed in the 2012 Push Over Bendigo Battle of the Bands. Local rockers Eater of the Sky won the award. • The City of Greater was forced to remove eleven deteriorating Sugar Gums located in Camp Street Kangaroo Flat adjacent to the Kangaroo Flat Uniting Church.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 27

The year at a glance

• The enhanced Life’s A Dish program designed to celebrate the region’s best food, wine and the arts, was launched. • Residents were invited to join the City of Greater Bendigo in planting over 5,000 native trees and shrubs in Maiden Gully to celebrate National Tree Day 2012.

• Community feedback was sought about a trial of two late-night food vans in Bull Street. Following consideration of the feedback, the City of Greater Bendigo issued 12 month permits for the vendors to operate in the Central Business District. • Bendigo’s youngest ever councillor, Cr James Reade, urged other young people to attend a forum offered by the Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) and the Youth of Victoria and to consider running for Council. • An exhibition titled Shuttle, Spin, Ravel and Roll was held in the Living Arts Space at the Bendigo Visitor Centre. • City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Alec Sandner and senior staff slept out to raise money for the 2012 Mayoral Charity, Bendigo Executive and Director Sleepout (BEDS). • The YO Bendigo website was revamped two and a half years after its initial launch. • Several activities to coincide with the 2012 Olympic Games were hosted by the City of Greater Bendigo in the Hargreaves Mall.

August 2012 • The City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Alec Sandner opened the Lens Art Exhibition at the Heathcote Art Space. The works resulted from a project where photographer Liz Fleming worked with students from Heathcote Primary School and Holy Rosary Heathcote using various methods of photography.

• Applications opened for 100 discounted house and land packages in the Viewpoint estate at Huntly which were made available as a result of an innovative collaboration between the City of Greater Bendigo, Integra and Ethan Housing and with Federal Government funding. • The Bendigo Easter Festival Advisory Board voted to retain same format for the 2013 Easter Festival with Good Friday, Saturday and Sunday continuing as the three main days of the Festival. • The City of Greater Bendigo’s third Annual Children’s Art Adventure project, The Dig, commenced at the Rosalind Park Conservatory. This interactive art and theatre display transformed the conservatory space into a dig site where children were guided to search for dinosaur bones.

• The City of Greater Bendigo and the Eaglehawk Heritage Society invited community members to join in the celebrations of 150 years of Local Government. The program included a performance from the Eaglehawk Brass Band, a reading from Bush Poet Geoffrey Graham and launch of the book “Rates, Roads and Rubbish – 150 Years of Local Government in Eaglehawk” by former Eaglehawk Mayor, Jack Taylor, OAM. • The City of Greater Bendigo received planning and heritage approval by Heritage Victoria to proceed with the construction of the Safe Transport Space at Howard Place at the end of July, 2012.

28 • Annual Report 2012/13

The year at a glance

• The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) held a candidate information session in Bendigo in preparation for the forthcoming Council Elections in October 2012. Residents were encouraged to make sure they were registered on the voters’ roll. • Bendigo Library closed its doors for three weeks to enable around 70,000 books, cds, DVDs and magazines to be relocated to the former Bendigo Advertiser building at 96-98 Pall Mall

• A series of events celebrating the bicentenary of the birth of Rev. Dr Henry Backhaus and his significant contribution to the community of Bendigo were hosted by the City of Greater Bendigo in partnership with the Trustees of the Estate of Rev. Dr. Henry Backhaus and the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst.

September 2012 • An historic sitting of the Legislative Council was held in Bendigo Town Hall on 6 September 2012. • The $7,557,280 contract was awarded for the construction of the Library Services Upgrade. • The draft Big Hill and Mandurang Valley Landscape Assessment Report was endorsed by the City of Greater Bendigo Council and made available for community viewing and comment. • In partnerships with the RSPCA, the City of Greater Bendigo offered discount vouchers to residents to save $40 on the cost of having their cat desexed.

• The new Visual Bus Timetables were launched. They provide a visual guide with an easy-to-read format that gives people with communication and orientation difficulties an easier way to communicate with bus drivers and other staff at transport hubs.

• Young people aged between 12-25 years were encouraged to complete a survey about what they think the opportunities and issues are regarding young people in Greater Bendigo as part of the development of the new City of Greater Bendigo Youth Strategy. A record-breaking 2,272 young people took part. • A new event, ‘Mall Madness 4 Cool Kids’ was hosted by the City of Greater Bendigo in Hargreaves Mall as part of this year’s Children’s Week celebrations. • The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) called a second hearing regarding additional electronic gaming machines for Bendigo Stadium. The outcome was that VCAT decided to allow the installation of 30 additional electronic gaming machines. • As part of the 6th annual Bendigo Fashion Festival, Down Town a special ‘Moving Models’ event was staged in the CBD which culminated with a feast of fashion, dance, music and song.

• Residents were warned to stay away from Deborah Mine at 9–11 Abel Street, Golden Square and not to enter the fenced off area, after part of the mine collapsed due to heavy rainfall. • The latest technology was used to create universal access maps that will make it easier for residents and visitors of all ages and abilities to get around different parts of the region. The project was assisted by students of La Trobe University’s Urban, Rural and Environmental Planning course, who used iPads and mapping technology to audit access and mobility issues in each area and identify accessible facilities, footpaths, streets and bicycle paths.

• Young people were encouraged to have their voices heard and make a positive change in the community by telling their own stories and those of the community in an entry in the ‘Change It Up’ event which is a pop-up event that gives youth the tools to be heard in the community and make a change for the better. ABC’s Heywire initiative, a space for conversation, stories, debate and ideas of young people from rural and regional Australia, and the Foundation of Young Australians teamed up to create this event. • The City of Greater Bendigo made the draft concept plans for a future regional play space at Eaglehawk’s Lake Neangar available for public comment. • A planning permit was issued for the construction of a new $25.8 million, 1,000 seat community theatre at the historic Bendigo Gaol site.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 29

The year at a glance

• Australian Citizenship Day was celebrated at a ceremony at the Town Hall with 28 people from Sri Lanka, England, United Kingdom, Philippines, India, Burma, Belgium, Myanmar, South Africa, New Zealand and Thailand becoming Australian Citizens. • The City of Greater Bendigo sold the former Bendigo Advertiser building, 96-98 Pall Mall and 202 Hargreaves Street to local developers. • Staff commenced planting 1,350 advanced trees in nature strips and road reserves throughout the municipality. • Applications were invited from local artists and musicians interested in holding an exhibition or performance at Dudley House or in The Capital’s Bendigo Bank Theatre. • The City of Greater Bendigo produced an updated brochure to highlight the annual tulip display in the Conservatory Gardens in Pall Mall.

• The City of Greater Bendigo commissioned a local artist to feature his photographic artwork on an empty shop front window in Allan’s Walk Arcade as part of the 2012 Temporary Public Art Program. • Residents were given the opportunity to dispose of their green waste free at the Eaglehawk Landfill in late October and November to encourage preparedness for the fire season. • Residents were invited to join celebrations to help mark 150 years of rail in Bendigo.

October 2012 • Some of Greater Bendigo’s best known organisations and groups joined forces to promote Ride2Work Day 2012. • To commence development of the new Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, residents were invited to register their interest in taking part in discussions about what makes Bendigo a healthy place to live and work. A number of opportunities to take part were provided across the municipality. • An exhibition of artworks bringing together elements of the outdoors titled Earthly Exotics opened in the Living Arts Space at the Bendigo Visitor Centre.

30 • Annual Report 2012/13

The year at a glance

• Tourism Research Australia released the regional Victoria visitation figures for the 2011/2012 financial year, which recorded strong visitation to the Bendigo Loddon region particularly in the categories of intrastate overnight visits, which had increased by 43.3% from the previous year and intrastate daytrips.

• Over 40, four-metre high, advanced palm trees were planted along Hamelin Street White Hills as part of the ongoing implementation of the City of Greater Bendigo’s award winning Bendigo Botanic Gardens Master Plan.

• Students from Drummartin, White Hills and Huntly Primary Schools learned about the value of our water resources during National Water Week activities at the Bendigo Botanic Gardens, White Hills. • The excavation works associated with the $8.4million expansion of Bendigo Art Gallery were completed.

• The annual Summer in the Parks Program was released.

• The City of Greater Bendigo hosted an All Roads Lead to Bendigo stand at the RACV Motorclassica Motor Show at the Royal Exhibition Buildings Melbourne to promote the region as a premier destination for major car club events. • City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Cr Alec Sandner hosted a reception at the Town Hall to recognise seven Greater Bendigo residents who received an Australian Honour. • Local industry and sub-contractors, service providers and suppliers were urged to lodge their registration of interest to take part in delivering the Bendigo Community Theatre following the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s decision to progress the construction of the new 1000-seat theatre project. • Peter ‘Spida’ Everitt visited Bendigo to film segments for his television show, The Great Australian Doorstep, which featured Bendigo landmarks.

• Elmore and Marong were temporarily renamed Elmo and Mo-rong during November in an effort to raise awareness and funds during Movember, which sees men around the world growing moustaches throughout November to raise awareness and support for prostate cancer and male mental health. A special Bendimo ‘Shave-Off’ Auction and Breakfast was held at Grill’d in Pall Mall to mark the end of Movember 2012. • Australia’s first Wiggle Super Series Cycling event – The Wiggle Bendigo Belter took place in Bendigo. The event is not a race but a number of friendly organised group-rides that friends, family or a group of fellow club riders can enjoy together. Entrants are timed and allocated a bronze, silver or gold finishing time. • In preparation for summer home owners were encouraged to ensure that their pool and spa barriers remained safe and secure.

November 2012 • Newly elected Councillors were sworn in. New Mayor Cr Lisa Ruffell identified community engagement as one of her top priorities for the year, and as part of this strategy she advised the Mayor’s Office would open to the public once a month.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 31

The year at a glance

• Bendigo Visitor Centre hosted a special ‘Meet the Maker’ session featuring two well-known local food producers – Chef Sonia and Rosie Bennett.

• Bendigo was chosen as the host of the prestigious International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Oceania Cup and Championships for the next three years.

• The Bendigo Bank was announced as the major sponsor for the 2013 festival which will be named the Bendigo Bank – Bendigo Easter Festival.

• Residents owning a dog or cat had the opportunity to have their pets microchipped for a greatly reduced price at a special Microchipping Day organised by the City of Greater Bendigo and the Lost Dogs Home.

• The Bendigo Visitor Centre’s Living Arts Space provided an opportunity for people to meet the artists of the Earthly Exotics exhibition. • Council approved the de-commissioning of the Long Gully and Golden Square swimming pools because of their ageing state and heavy maintenance costs. Following this, Council considered a report responding to a petition of 1,017 signatories from the Golden Square community regarding the closure of the Golden Square Swimming Pool. Council voted to proceed to close the pool. • Council voted to support a major expansion of Centro Lansell Plaza in Kangaroo Flat. • Two free Friday Night Live events, which featured predominantly young local artists performing acoustic music, were staged in the Civic Gardens. • A community waste survey was circulated to enable Bendigo residents to provide input to the development of the City’s Waste and Resource Management Strategy. Business and industry sectors were also encouraged to have input. • Over 1,800 students from more than 10 local primary schools, secondary colleges and dance schools performed on stage at The Capital – Bendigo’s Performing Arts Centre during November and December.

• The 2012/2013 swimming season commenced with the opening of outdoor swimming pools at Brennan Park and Kangaroo Flat. • First applications for the government backed house and land packages at Viewpoint estate in Huntly went to a public ballot. • New Gaudi-inspired ‘Barcelona gates’ were installed at the Pall Mall end of Chancery Lane. The gates were made by local metal sculptor Yvonne George who works out of a studio at Bendigo Pottery and were provided in a partnership between the City of Greater Bendigo and Jools for Jim.

32 • Annual Report 2012/13

December 2012 • The annual Summer in the Parks program commenced with a series of community organised Christmas Carols.

• Community members were invited to take part in helping to design a Splash Park to replace the decommissioned Long Gully Swimming Pool. • A free information session was held for local businesses to learn how to comply with new State and Federal Codes of Practice if the wished to supply goods and services to major Government funded projects such as the Bendigo Community Theatre and new Bendigo Hospital. • A community event was held to light the Christmas tree in central Bendigo. • The Victorian Government Mobile Business Centre was in Bendigo to provide advice, assistance and mentoring to businesses affected by the collapse of the Banksia Financial Group.

The year at a glance

• Bendigo’s first 20 Healthy Champs, a part of the Health Together Initiative funded by Federal and State Government, received recognition from City of Greater Bendigo for their ongoing efforts to create greater health and wellbeing in our community. • Operations at the Eaglehawk Library service were expanded to include an extension to the hours of operation and expansion from a single room to two rooms allowing for more seating, a newspaper area, shelving for the collection and an extended selection of children’s books, as well as room for ‘story time’ and other children’s programs. • A function was held at Long Gully Multipurpose Centre to celebrate the six volunteers who graduated with a Certificate II in Active Volunteering, undertaken as part of the Training for Volunteers to Work with Young People program.

• Bendigo won the right to host the Basketball Victoria Country Club Championships expected to attract up to 120 Under 12 to Under 18 teams from across Victoria. • As part of Greater Bendigo 2013 Australia Day celebrations young people were invited to a pool party at the Bendigo Aquatic Centre to chill out and listen to Triple J’s Hottest 100 countdown. • Local sound and video group UNDUE Noise presented a sound art and projection performance for the City of Greater Bendigo Summer in the Parks program. • Free active entertainment facilities were provided in Hargreaves Mall, including trampolines and a jumping castle for children.

• Routine monitoring detected high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae at the Kennington Reservoir. • Bendigo was chosen to host the prestigious 2013 Australian Alpaca Association National Show & Sale at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre in late 2013. • A new $45,000 large, full colour LED scoreboard was installed at the Golden Square Oval in Wade Street. • The construction phase of the Bendigo Library redevelopment project was commenced.

• Local sculptors were invited to express their interest to exhibit their works as part of the 2013 Art in the Conservatory Program.

• Pioneering adventurer Linda Beilharz and young indigenous community leader Amethyst Downing were announced as the City of Greater Bendigo Citizen and Young Citizen of the Year.

January 2013 • Revellers welcomed in 2013 on New Year’s Eve with a spectacular midnight fireworks display in the Bendigo CBD courtesy of the City of Greater Bendigo. • The Music in the Parks series commenced in Rosalind Park. • As part of Healthy Together Bendigo, local residents welcomed Jamie’s Ministry of Food Mobile Kitchen which provided a range of opportunities for people to learn some healthy cooking tips at cooking demonstrations and other interactive activities.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 33

The year at a glance

• Entries opened for the RAW Arts Awards, an annual celebration of the creative talents of young artists living in the municipality. • Seed funding was made available to local young people and organisations wanting to plan, develop and deliver an event in Greater Bendigo to celebrate National Youth Week in April 2013. Creative young people were also invited to enter a competition to produce a calendar design to promote National Youth Week activities.

• Thirty six people from Nigeria, Sudan, Philippines, Fiji, Egypt, South Africa,Thailand, Pakistan, Czechoslovakia, Sri Lanka and New Zealand became Australian Citizens at a special Citizenship ceremony at Lake Weeroona on Australia Day.

• The Heathcote, Redesdale–Mia Mia and Raywood Primary Schools opened their school bus networks to community members, inviting them to access spare seats on services running each school day.

• The City of Greater Bendigo undertook to further explore issues around food security, sustainable production, nutritional values and access to healthy food, following the release of its A thought for food – Greater Bendigo Food Security Research Paper. • Nominations for the 2013 Greater Bendigo Heritage Awards were opened. The awards acknowledge those who have demonstrated excellence in conserving the municipality’s beautiful heritage.

February 2013

• The Bendigo Visitor Centre again hosted an exhibition of selected garments from the 2012 Elmore Field Days Ag Art Wear competition.

• The Summer in the Parks Program continued throughout February with outdoor cinema screenings each Saturday evening.

• The YO Bendigo Media team hosted a workshop for young people to learn how to make the most of capturing mates, gigs and good times in photography.

34 • Annual Report 2012/13

The year at a glance

• Stalls featuring jewellery, children’s toys and clothes, beauty items, visual arts and clever gift ideas were offered at the Twilight Makers Market in Hargreaves Mall.

• Expressions of interest were invited from local artists to create new artworks for the Pennyweight Lane Open Air Gallery.

March 2013 • Many local residents were active at one of eight public Clean Up Australia Day sites in Greater Bendigo

• Greater Bendigo will benefit from a VicHealth and Sport and Recreation Victoria program over three years designed to inspire residents to get more physical activity into their day. The program is particularly targeted at children, families, older people and volunteers. • Artists and performers seeking direction on how to mount an exhibition of their artwork or present a public performance were encouraged to attend a free talk presented by experts from the field and supported by the City of Greater Bendigo.

• Dog and cat owners registering pets for the first time had the opportunity to receive a registration discount for microchipping their animal.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 35

The year at a glance

• The Mayor Cr Lisa Ruffell joined a delegation to East Timor to assist with projects aimed at supporting the people of the Central Highlands region of Maubisse to improve their living standards and educational opportunities. She delivered letters from Grade 4 and 5 students from Holy Rosary Primary School at White Hills to students in East Timor.

• Members of the public were allowed entry into the old Bendigo Gaol for one day before work commenced on construction of the new Community Theatre. The City of Greater Bendigo and Bendigo Senior Secondary College called for submissions of an appropriate name for the facility.

• The 2013 Bendigo & Heathcote Region Official Visitor Guide was released for residents and visitors seeking information about what to see and do in the region. • Council supported the Bendigo Bank Spirit’s bid to host the Women’s National Basketball League Grand Final. Mayor Cr Lisa Ruffell and the City of Greater Bendigo hosted a Civic Reception for the team, who won the grand final. • FReeZA events team Mic Up Productions presented three performers at Rock Pride Music. The FReeZA events are for young people aged 12–25, are fully supervised and drug, alcohol, and smoke free. • Australia’s oldest ongoing festival – the Bendigo Bank, Bendigo Easter Festival embraced the latest technology by launching a new, free mobile phone app to provide festival patrons with a range of information about events.

36 • Annual Report 2012/13

• Council voted unanimously to hand over Golden Square Swimming Pool to the Golden Square Save Our Pool Group, following the Group’s commitment to raise funds to make the pool safe and compliant in time for the 2013/14 swimming season. • Community members were invited to participate in the Polaroid Project, a special photography exhibition celebrating young people, as part of National Youth Week 2013, and hosted by the City of Greater Bendigo Youth Development Team and the YO Bendigo Media Team. • National Playgroup Week was celebrated with a free community event at Cooinda Park in Mackenzie Street, Golden Square.

The year at a glance

• Eighty prep grade and pre-school groups across the municipality were provided with three design concepts for the new Play Space in Hargreaves Mall and invited to vote for their preferred design. Each design had its own story attached. Greater Bendigo children chose the ‘big red dragon’ design. The name FunLoong was chosen after entrants into a naming competition were inspired by Bendigo’s famous Imperial Dragon Sun Loong. Children took part in a colouring competition and nearly 1000 grade one students from across Greater Bendigo lined Hargreaves Mall to welcome FunLoong. • Three of Bendigo’s most spectacular heritage icons – the Hotel Shamrock, the Bendigo Visitor Centre (formerly the Bendigo Post Office) and the Basement Bar (previously part of the old Royal Bank building) hosted a unique underground progressive lunch as part of the regional 2013 Melbourne Food and Wine Festival.

• Mayor Cr Lisa Ruffell paid tribute to well-known Bendigo businessman, the late Phil Lazenby and acknowledged his significant contribution to the Greater Bendigo community. • Routine monitoring detected high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae at Lake Tom Thumb. • FReeZA group ‘Mic Up Productions,’ together with Hip Hop For Youth announced Australian hip hop pioneer Mantra would headline a local gig. • Local residents and City of Greater Bendigo staff worked together to develop and install a series of nine interpretive signs showcasing the history and buildings of one of Greater Bendigo’s most historic residential areas – Harvey Town.

• Young people who are fans of the famous animations of Harvey Crumpet, Wallace and Gromit, and Chicken Run were invited to a free workshop incorporating specialist tricks of clay-mation as part of Youth Week activities. • The Clay Masters exhibition featuring the work of six local ceramic artists was opened at the Living Arts Space at the Bendigo Visitor Centre by Dennis O’Hoy, a local resident who has had a long and active association with ceramics in the Bendigo region. • Bendigo Easter Festival favourite Hidden Creatures returned to its original home in the Rosalind Park Fernery.

April 2013 • Three more nocturnal animal walks were offered to the public and led by Council Rangers following the outstanding success and popularity of the earlier walks included in the 2013 Summer in the Parks Program.

• A free mobile phone app promoting the Bendigo region was launched to the public. • Fourteen local businesses have joined forces to form the Bendigo Manufacturing and Mining Equipment Group in a bid to win more work from Australia’s mining sector.

May 2013 • Nine Bendigo Tourism Businesses graduated from the “Grow Your Business” specialised planning and mentoring program supported by the Victorian Government Department of Business and Innovation.

• The Exemplar consortium was announced as the successful tenderer to build the new $630 million Bendigo Hospital. The City of Greater Bendigo initiated a precinct structure planning process for the precinct surrounding the redevelopment site.

• A series of free workshops designed to build the confidence and skills of parents and carers of people living with disability, will be provided throughout the year.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 37

The year at a glance

• Twelve new artworks were launched in Pennyweight Walk Open Air Gallery.

June 2013 • Recipients of the 2013 RAW Arts Awards were honoured at the opening of the RAW Arts Exhibition.

• Local animation and filmmakers were encouraged to enter the 2013 Clips and Flicks Youth Short Film Festival sponsored by Mic Up productions. • The Bendigo Visitor Centre is again leading visitor servicing in Victoria as one of the first visitor centres to become a Myki outlet. • The successful tenderer for the new $25.8 million community theatre project contract was Contract Control Services – a Victorian based, building design and construction company. • Terry Hunter, who was Inventor of the Year at the first Bendigo Inventor Awards in 2010 for his unique formula for gluten-free baking, opened the new Freedom Bakery in Bendigo selling an array of gluten free bread and baked goods. • Two of the first residents of the Viewpoint Huntly housing estate, who purchased a house and land package through the Federal Government’s Building Better Regional Cities Program, were ceremonially presented with their land title.

• Members of community groups and organisations wishing to develop the necessary skills to effectively engage and inspire their peers were invited to attend a training workshop. • World Environment Day was celebrated in Hargreaves Mall with an assortment of free vegetable seedlings and provision of answers to common gardening questions. • Artists and musicians wanting to learn how to successfully apply for an arts grant were encouraged to attend the public talk and one-on-one advice sessions offered by City of Greater Bendigo in partnership with Arts Victoria and Regional Arts Victoria. • Local young people had the opportunity to learn how to use torch-light to create exciting photographs in the technique of ‘painting with light’ and process their images in the Mac Lab in a program run by staff and students from La Trobe University’s Photography Department. • People were urged to stay away from the former Gillies/ Crystal Ice site after asbestos was found in the street, which was subsequently cleaned up. • Hundreds of people came to Bendigo to attend the Country Women’s Association of Victoria Creative Arts Exhibition at the Bendigo Exhibition Centre. • The Victorian Government Mobile Business Centre was in Hargreaves Mall to provide advice, assistance and mentoring to local businesses. • Mayor Cr Lisa Ruffell named the Glass Slipper Ball, to be run in partnership with the Community Foundation of Bendigo and Central Victoria, and to be held on 5 October as the Mayoral Charity for 2013.

• Local businesses are supporting City of Greater Bendigo efforts to attract major sporting events to Greater Bendigo through a specially designed Sporting Events Partnership Program.

38 • Annual Report 2012/13

Reporting Against Our Council Plan

The subsequent sections report against our Council Plan which is framed around the following four broad goal areas. The subheadings in each section represent the strategies contained in the Council Plan, and under each is described what the City has achieved. Goal Areas 1. Built and Natural Environment

Working with the community to ensure Greater Bendigo continues to be a great place to live.

2. Economic Development

Being a key contributor to the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic development.

3. Community and Culture

Working together to provide a diverse range of services that meet the needs of the community.

4. People and Performance

Providing high quality professional services.

Annual Report 2012/13 â&#x20AC;˘ 39

1. Built and Natural Environment

1. Built and Natural Environment This goal area relates to the built and natural environment including places that are: • directly provided and managed by the City (e.g. infrastructure and sporting facilities); • affected by Council powers, actions and policy (i.e. private land subject to planning approvals, land management support funding, carbon management plan, waste management etc.) and • it also covers Council actions that result in or have a direct impact upon the physical environment.

Plan and implement identified City projects • Extension of the Bendigo Art Gallery – Construction is on track for anticipated completion at the end of 2013. • Bendigo Library redevelopment – On-site construction works are progressing in accordance with schedule and are expected to be completed in late December 2013, following which the library operations will relocate from temporary premises into the refurbished building. A range of associated logistics is being undertaken including contracting a cafe tenant and the providers for self-serve technology and loose furniture. The redeveloped facility is expected to open in early 2014. • Indoor aquatic facility at Kangaroo Flat – Planning for this project is continuing with the concept design completed and the schematic design stage commenced, with the view to attracting the necessary external funds. A Community Reference Group for the proposed Aquatic and Leisure Centre was formed and endorsed by Council. They met with State and Federal parliamentarians to advocate for funding support. Concept plans were released to the public. • Airport redevelopment – The Planning Scheme amendment and permit application process are underway. • Edward Street multi-storey car park and office complex development – the site was fully operational early in the financial year with all tenancies finalised and landscaping undertaken. • Sandhurst Community Theatre project – Following completion of necessary documentation and approvals the construction work has commenced.

40 • Annual Report 2012/13

• Drainage works and flooding issues – A major drainage program was adopted by Council for 12/13 financial year based on cost benefit analysis of works. Significant works were undertaken on a number of major projects including Eaglehawk Road and Alliance Avenue in California Gully.

Adopt and promote environmentally sustainable practices • Review of the Domestic Wastewater Management Plan is progressing as planned and has included a community survey and other engagement. Discussions with key stakeholders are about to commence. • The City was a partner in a 12-month project titled ‘Framing Adaptation’ with the Victorian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation Research. This partnership assisted staff to develop an improved understanding of the potential implications of climate change on the organisation and the community, including how to assess and mitigate potential impacts. • A free “Detox Your Home” service was hosted to provide residents with an opportunity to safely dispose of stored items such as old cleaning products, left-over paint, dead batteries and weed killer. Residents from across Victoria diverted over 7.665 tonnes of potentially harmful chemicals from landfill. • Community members were sought to join the Natural Environmental Advisory Committee.

Address the local impacts of climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions • The Creating a Climate-Resilient Southern Loddon Mallee project is progressing with preparation of local government Climate Vulnerability Assessments, a Regional Climate Vulnerability Assessment and the development of a Regional Climate Adaptation Plan.

1. Built and Natural Environment

• The City of Greater Bendigo is partnering with 15 other local government partners to install energy-efficient street lights across almost 50% of the State. This Program has been jointly funded in a partnership between the Federal Government Community Energy Efficiency Program and the local government partners, costing almost $9 million and saving the partner Councils nearly $40 million over the next 20 years. • A $380,000 grant from the Federal Government Community Energy Efficiency Program has been received, which is to be matched by funds contributed by the City and in-kind support over the next 2 years will be used for an important project to improve the organisation’s energy efficiency performance in seven of its highest energy using buildings. This will involve upgrades to items such as heating, ventilation, cooling, lighting and pool pumps. • Tenders have been invited to implement energy efficiency works to contribute to the objective of reducing carbon emissions from City of Greater Bendigo operations. The successful tenderer will be announced in late September with works to be finished in the following seven months. Data on corporate energy related carbon emissions

Corporate Energy Related Carbon Emissions* (tonnes of CO2-e)

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

9,450

9,800

9,400

• A survey was sent to 300 residents as part of a partnership project with the University of Ballarat and La Trobe University to find out what they think are the big social and environmental issues in our community, and what actions have already been done to address these issues. The aim of the project is to build healthier and more resilient communities in Regional Victoria. • Residents were provided with the opportunity to dispose of green waste free of charge at the Eaglehawk and Heathcote landfill sites on two selected weekends.

* Emissions directly related to activities of the City of Greater Bendigo.

• The City has been able to arrest the upward trend from the previous year and managed to reduce its 2012/13 financial year’s carbon emissions by 400 tonnes of CO2-e, despite an increase in services. The emissions are now slightly lower than those of 2010/11. • The purchase of Green Power for a portion of the City’s street light operations saved emissions equivalent to removing 66 cars from the streets of Bendigo.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 41

1. Built and Natural Environment

Facts and Figures – Sustainable Water Use Plan Trend – 2009/10 – 2012/13 Year

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

Potable

178.7

154.1

223.9

272.6

Recycled

266.3

78.4

166.3

249.7

Rural Water Licence

58.1

26.7

91.9

99.6

Water Conservation Plan

80.5

N/A

583.6

259.2

482.1

621.9

Water Source (volume in mega litres)

Total Notes:

1. Due to an extended dry period during spring and summer increased irrigation was required across our network of assets to ensure they were safe and available for use for a range of recreational activities as well as maintaining our significant horticultural and arboriculture assets. 2. Where possible recycled water is utilised to reduce consumption of potable water with additional sites including Tom Flood Reserve added to the network this year. 3. Water levels in Lake Weeroona dropped very low requiring a large volume of recycled water to be added to ensure aquatic activities could continue, and to ensure a positive visitor experience. 4. Improvements to our irrigation infrastructure continue to improve the levels of efficiency and effectiveness with water use, with works undertaken at Bendigo Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Gardens, Truscott Reserve and Albert Roy Reserve.

Number of residential properties receiving garbage and recycling collection

• To inform development of the Waste and Resource Management Strategy, several engagement opportunities were provided during November and December 2012 including, listening posts, surveys, online postings combined with several communications actions such as project bulletins. The draft Waste and Resource Management Strategy was provided to Councillors in late June and this will be refined in coming months.

45,000

• Goornong drumMUSTER compound, which provides farmers with the opportunity to get rid of empty agvet chemical containers, was opened for extended hours to meet increased demand.

42 • Annual Report 2012/13

42,739

43,000

40,000 39,000

40,592

41,000

41,161

42,000

43,405

44,000

40,021

• As part of an ongoing effort to decrease the amount of food waste that goes to landfill, the City of Greater Bendigo joined forces with the Central Murray Regional Waste Management Group and its member Councils to participate in the Let’s Get Food Smart campaign.

44,489

Reduce waste to landfill and plan for improvements to waste disposal

38,000 37,000 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

1. Built and Natural Environment

Total tonnes of waste received at the Eaglehawk Landfill Complex

Tonnes of garbage collected from properties

140,000

30,000

25,000

98,761

98,595

121,177 102,740

80,000

112,807

100,000

104,388

120,000

20,000

15,000 60,000 10,000

40,000

5,000

20,000 0

0 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 Garbage from residential properties Recycling from residential properties* Garbage from commercial properties

* Due to declining newspapers and glass containers and the introduction of lighter plastic products.

Work to promote, protect, maintain and restore Greater Bendigo’s natural heritage • A final draft Landscape Assessment Report for the Mandurang, Big Hill and Axe Creek areas has been prepared that addresses the concerns raised by submitters, and will be presented to Councillors in July 2013. • A unique component of the Summer in the Parks Program was the opportunity for residents to participate in two great nocturnal animal walks in local Box Ironbark forests. They were designed to introduce the public to local nocturnal, or ‘of the night’ critters and were led by the City of Greater Bendigo Park Rangers.

Complete and progress local structure plans and development strategies to manage growth • New Urban Design Guidelines are being prepared for the public domain in Central Bendigo. • The Eaglehawk Structure Plan was developed as planned. The process has met timelines and included extensive community consultation activities. It was adopted by Council in August 2012, following which applications have been made to the State Government for planning scheme amendments. • The review of the Residential Development Strategy is well underway. An issues and options paper was circulated in the community for comment and feedback. Follow up engagement and specific reporting on issues raised by submitters is currently underway to guide the drafting of the Residential Review.

• A planning scheme amendment to facilitate the development of two new Catholic Schools and an Early Childhood Education and Care Centre in Maiden Gully was developed. This included a two day workshop convened by the City of Greater Bendigo to give residents a chance to have direct input into the development of a Precinct Structure Plan for the area. The Plan is being finalised ready for presentation to Council. • Funding was received for preparation of a Structure Plan for the Hospital Precinct. Following scoping of the project and setup of project governance, the project is now well progressed with a comprehensive program of community and stakeholder consultation having been undertaken. Structure Plan preparation is expected to be completed by the end of October 2013. • A planning scheme amendment to implement the CBD Parking Policy was adopted and later, approved by the Minister for Planning. • Following the collapse of a brick wall in Melbourne CBD, the City of Greater Bendigo reminded residents, local businesses and organisations that any building or structure belonging to them must be safe and fit for use. • Council considered a proposal to develop a 560–600 lot housing estate in Strathfieldsaye, which would see the town grow by roughly a third over the next ten years. • News that the State Budget included funds to build and operate a new train station at Epsom was welcomed.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 43

1. Built and Natural Environment

Develop and enhance public places, open spaces and recreation facilities to meet community needs • The new pavilion at the Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve which was jointly funded by the City of Greater Bendigo and the State Government was opened. • Evidence-based planning for the provision of Recreation Services has continued, including preparation of the Golf Strategy which is in final draft; the recreation census to be distributed in October; the North Bendigo Concept Plan is well progressed; Spring Gully Recreation Plan is at final the draft stage and the Dower Park Master Plan has been drafted for public release. • The new Curator of Bendigo Botanic Gardens commenced employment with the City. The Botanic Gardens Master Plan was awarded an Australian Landscape Architecture Award for Planning from the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects. The City of Greater Bendigo and Friends of Bendigo Botanic Gardens produced a new Gardens Map and Visitor Guide. • A range of works have been completed to implement the Master Plans and Strategies for the Botanical Gardens at White Hills, Canterbury Gardens and Lake Weeroona. At the Botanical Gardens this included construction of path networks, dead tree removal, upgrades of selected garden bed areas, tree and shrub planting, removal of old infrastructure and improving public access to the bushland area around the Native Bird Aviary, removal of old animal enclosures, installation of edging around garden beds and modifications to waste stations. Also a temporary Play-Space has been installed due to the need to remove the old playground infrastructure as it had reached the end of its operational life. • At Lake Weeroona the areas around the Napier Street Public Amenities and Playground have been upgraded, including tree planting, restoration of areas along the lake edge and around the picnic shelter. Canterbury Gardens works have included tree planting and maintenance, infrastructure maintenance and the replanting of garden beds. Works completed on these projects continue to receive positive feedback from the local community and park users. • A new 12-seat spa was installed at the Peter Krenz Leisure Centre in Eaglehawk. • The City of Greater Bendigo won a Planning Institute of Australia National Award for Planning Excellence for the implementation of the Bendigo CBD Plan. • Staff completed the construction or upgrade of six playgrounds across the municipality. • A landscaping project was undertaken on the Williamson/ Queen Street/Lyttleton Terrace roundabout. • Work commenced on the development of the Long Gully Water Play Park site.

44 • Annual Report 2012/13

• Works were undertaken to transform the former Bendigo Advertiser building in Pall Mall into a functional, temporary library space, while the major upgrade of the existing Bendigo Library was undertaken. • The upgraded Kennington Reserve multipurpose training facility, new storage shed and lighting was opened. The facility allows players of multiple sports to train all year round and enables more than one sport to be played at any given time. • Construction of the Heathcote BMX jumps track commenced.

Undertake activities to protect and enhance amenity assets and urban design • As one of the strategies to promote infill and high density residential development in and near the CBD which are congruent with the heritage values and neighbourhood character of the area, a Planning Scheme Amendment C186 was recently approved and gazetted which seeks to ensure the protection of identified heritage assets (Crystal Ice & Gillies), while enabling additional commercial floor space to support increased residential yield on Precinct D of the CBD Plan. • External funding was not received to support the review of planning and design for Bendigo Station Precinct for current and expected growth in demand, so the project did not progress. • The City of Greater Bendigo’s Parks and Natural Reserves Unit installed new rubberised tree bases that look like asphalt but are made of recycled rubber in some of the central business district’s popular open space areas. The bases are porous so the trees can receive water and other nutrients and help improve management practices by protecting the root systems of each tree. • Property owners and tenants were reminded to ensure the pedestrian pathways outside their properties are free from hazards. • Staff members removed and relocated several semi-mature trees from the Bendigo Central Business District to Lake Weeroona and the Bendigo Botanic Gardens because they were unsuitably located.

Continue to implement initiatives to identify, conserve and restore heritage places. • Works have been completed to restore the façade of the Beehive building, one of Pall Mall’s most important and historic buildings. • Development Plan drawings for the Beehive/Bendigo Mining Exchange Complex have also been completed to support further engagement with the private sector and foster development interest. Completed drawings will also enable Council to further de-risk the site by preparing necessary planning and heritage approvals.

1. Built and Natural Environment

• Council approved a planning scheme amendment designed to give heritage protection to five places in Eaglehawk, Kangaroo Flat, Axedale and California Gully.

• Preparation of a Heritage Plan that prioritises the strategic goals, objectives and resource allocation for promotion, programs and heritage protection strategies has commenced with project scoping activities. The Plan, will inform priorities of the City of Greater Bendigo’s work program to support heritage matters, and will be completed prior to December 2013.

• Restoration works on the Eaglehawk Town Hall internal balcony were completed. • Members of the public were invited to attend the 2013 Greater Bendigo Heritage Awards and celebrate those who have worked hard to preserve and promote Greater Bendigo’s historic buildings. Winners were announced at an event sponsored by the City of Greater Bendigo, together with the National Trust of Australia (Vic) Bendigo District Branch.

• A Heritage Study for East Bendigo/White Hills is being finalised. It will inform preparation of citations and inclusion of selected properties in the future Heritage Overlay in the area. A community information session was held, which will be used to guide more detailed citations and planning scheme recommendations. • Upgrade works were completed at the Queen Elizabeth Oval Grandstand and time keeper’s/press box. • The City has facilitated the lease of the 157 year-old Specimen Cottage in Hargreaves Street for the use of the Historical Society, which will have access to it for at least the next three years for research and public display of historical artefacts.

Number of residential, farm, commercial/industrial and vacant properties in Greater Bendigo 50,000

43,736

42,678

41,663

40,849

35,000

39,460

40,000

39,984

45,000

30,000 25,000 20,000

4,587

4,739

4,799

4,912

4,744

4,906

3,308

3,276

3,240

3,195

1,251

1,268

1,283

1,311

5,000

1,332

1,349

10,000

3,128

3,133

15,000

0 Residential 2007/08

2008/09

Farm 2009/10

Commercial 2010/11

2011/12

Vacant 2012/13

Provide clear planning policy direction and work to improve systems so that sound decisions are made promptly for land use and sustainable development • A Housing Policy that establishes Council’s role and approach to the broad range of housing issues, including diversity, availability, housing stress and affordability is currently being developed and recommendations will be integrated into the Residential Development Strategy review. Preliminary workshops have been undertaken.

• The Strategy Unit has successfully obtained the support of the Department of Transport, Planning and Local Infrastructure through the ‘Flying Squad’ to prepare and progress Planning Scheme Amendments to implement the Marong Plan, Eaglehawk Precinct Structure Plan, CBD Parking Policy and Airport redevelopment.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 45

1. Built and Natural Environment

Number of planning enquiries and property information requests received, and number of planning permits issued 1,400

1,173

927

824

971

1,103

1,191

432

400

777

714

686

664

709

729

600

674

800

797

917

1,000

1,053

1,081

1,200

200 0 Planning enquiries 2007/08

2008/09

Property information requested 2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

Planning permits issued 2012/13

Continue to implement initiatives to maintain and provide physical assets and infrastructure to meet community and organisational needs • Action has been taken to reduce waiting times for required work on trees in the public domain. The Arboriculture Team is continuing to focus on undertaking tree maintenance requests and all available funds for the 2012-13 financial year were spent on the provision of this service. In the 2013-14 financial year, the purchase of an additional wood chipper unit will improve operations and efficiency. • The program of property audits on all City of Greater Bendigo owned and managed buildings has not progressed as planned, but staff changes have been implemented to ensure that the revised target of 100% completion by December 2013 is met. • A strategic assets sales program was adopted and implementation started with sale of the former Bendigo Advertiser property in September 2012. The first report relating to surplus property was presented to Council on 17 April 2013 and all recommendations were unanimously accepted. A process has been undertaken to engage a Real Estate agency and 2-28 High Street Axedale was marketed for sale in the last week of June. Community engagement has been undertaken for one property with a Council report being drafted which takes account of community feedback. • In partnership between Council and the State Government two sports facilities, the Strauch Reserve multi-purpose netball and tennis courts and Raywood Recreation Reserve netball courts received lighting upgrades to meet Netball Victoria and Tennis Australia standards.

46 • Annual Report 2012/13

• A State Government grant of $650,000 was received for a new synthetic bowling green, two new netball courts and a synthetic, multi-purpose cricket facility at Eaglehawk’s Canterbury Park Sports Hub. • Work has commenced on an $840,000 project to restore retaining walls along the Bendigo Creek between Maple and Laurel Streets. • The animal services and animal pound contracts were reviewed; new service specifications were developed, and tendering processes specified. Community feedback was sought to inform the preparation of the Domestic Animal Management Plan for 2012 – 2016. • The City of Greater Bendigo, together with the National Pet Register, held microchipping days for local dogs and cats where residents were able to get their dog or cat microchipped at a greatly reduced rate. • Processes have been implemented to deal with new State Government dog legislation including breeding and dangerous dogs. • Residents were reminded that the sale of cars on roadways and reserves is banned in the City of Greater Bendigo. • Builders were reminded of their responsibility to keep their worksites clear of rubbish. • Construction of a new asphalt path from Camp Street Heathcote to the RSL’s Lone Pine memorial site was completed.

1. Built and Natural Environment

Number of street trees, exotic trees, native trees planted

990

1,104

1,200

778 674 424

480

500

511

632

640

837

1,000

1,161

1,201

1,584

1,501

1,500

1,511

1,793

1,840

2,000

0 Street trees planted 2007/08

Exotic trees planted

2008/09

2009/10

2010/11

Total number of trees, shrubs and grasses planted and number of spring bulbs planted (including tulips, jonquils, daffodils, crocus and hyacinth) 125,000

102,501

100,000

23,174

53,275

50,000

60,000

39,800

25,000

28,496

40,238

57,831

50,000

57,690

75,000

0 Trees, grasses and shrubs planted 2007/08

2008/09

2009/10

Spring bulbs planted

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

• A Major Drainage Program was adopted for the 2012/13 financial year based on cost benefit analysis of works. Works have been completed on a number of major projects including Eaglehawk Road and Alliance Avenue in California Gully.

Native trees planted 2011/12

2012/13

Develop a sustainable integrated transport network • The Senior Integrated Transport and Land Use Planner has been appointed for a 3 year fixed term, to undertake, in partnership with key transport agencies, the development and preparation of an Integrated Transport Strategy for Greater Bendigo. Stage 1 of the project is complete, including establishment of key project governance arrangements and project scoping. Stage 2 is underway including preparation of a State of Land Use and Transport Report and Visioning Workshops. • New pedestrian-focused signs and a new and improved Bendigo City Centre map were installed at the Bendigo Railway Station to help visitors orientate themselves to explore the CBD by foot.

Maintain and enhance the effectiveness of existing roads, including developing mechanisms to improve truck routes outside the city centre • As part of the City’s ongoing commitment to rural areas and to ensure that City-owned roads, drains and footpaths are kept well maintained and upgraded as needed, staff are using improved methods to repair and maintain the more than 1,400km of unsealed roads throughout the municipality. • Construction of a new $1.05 million bridge across the Bendigo Creek in Wesley Street, Kangaroo Flat was completed.

• Construction of new public toilet facilities at Axedale was completed. • Construction of a new footbridge across the Campaspe River at Axedale commenced as part of a major $3.2 million upgrade and extension of the O’Keefe Rail Trail.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 47

1. Built and Natural Environment

Asset construction and maintenance (kilometres) 65

56.3

42.5

16.1

17.5

15.4

14.4

23.4

19.3

17.2

7.7

12.9

18.1

16.2

15.6

13.9

19.6

16.4

26.5

0 New roads 2007/08

New kerb and channel 2008/09

2009/10

New footpaths 2010/11

• Road works were undertaken in White Hills to complete Stage 1 of the East Bendigo Link road project which will eventually connect Rohs Road to the Midland Highway and serve one of the city’s largest industrial areas. • Major $1.43M reconstruction works at Mackenzie Street West from Alder Street to Olympic Parade Kangaroo Flat were completed. Plant & Equipment The outdoor operations area of the City of Greater Bendigo runs a large and varied fleet of plant and equipment valued at approximately $15 million to enable it to carry out works for the construction and maintenance of Council’s assets. The City’s plant & equipment fleet includes: 4 backhoes, 1 bulldozer, 1 elevating work platform, 4 excavators, 14 garbage compactor trucks, 7 graders, 2 landfill compactors, 22 light trucks, 11 loaders (inc. skid steers), 14 ride on mowers, 5 patrol trucks, 9 rollers, 5 sweepers, 14 tip trucks, 5 tractors and roller combinations and 6 tractors. Infrastructure Maintenance The City of Greater Bendigo is responsible for looking after:• 290 bridges valued at over $74.5M • 1,438 kms of sealed roads valued at over $425.6M

Roads resealed 2011/12

New drains

2012/13

• 1,400 kms of unsealed (gravel) roads valued at over $40.9M • 728 kms of footpaths (includes bike paths and paths within reserves) valued at over $76.9M • 1,082 kms of kerb and channel valued at over $95.2M • 890 kms of underground drains valued at over $181.8M • 39,592 drainage pits valued at over $37.0M • 38 gross pollutant traps valued at over $1.7M • Some 280,040 square metres of paved areas valued at over $4.5M • Over 800 public buildings and structures valued at over $333.2M • Public furniture valued at over $24.3M • Statues and monuments valued at over $8.8M • Over 80 toilet blocks • Over 70 sporting reserves • Over 20 heritage and formal gardens • Over 310 passive recreation reserves (including 120 playgrounds) • 170 natural reserves • Over 100,000 nature strip trees • 13 swimming pools including one indoor heated pool • Over 6,500 restricted car parking spaces (patrolled by parking officers) • Over 9,500 street lights funded by the City

Total value of road & associated infrastructure (bridges, roads, footpaths, kerb & channel, all drainage etc.) 2007/2008

2008/2009

2009/2010

2010/2011

2011/2012

2012/2013

$727,300,308

$782,432,581

$816,963,654

$844,542,903

$889,252,448

$939,805,344

48 • Annual Report 2012/13

1. Built and Natural Environment

Reporting against agreed performance indicators and benchmarks This section reports firstly against the organisational performance indicators that relate to the Built and Natural Environmental Goal area, set out in the Council Plan 2012-2013, and secondly against the and Victorian statewide survey indicators relevant to this goal area.

Statewide Customer Satisfaction Survey results

100

55 54 55 54

Performance of Council’s general Town Planning policy

75 72 73 72

Importance of Council’s general Town Planning policy

71 69 71 71

Performance on the appearance of public areas

74 72 74 73

Importance of the appearance of public areas

70 73

Performance of recreational facilities

70 70 73 74 72 72

Importance of recreational facilities 68 68 65 65

Performance of enforcement of local laws

75 73 71 70

Importance of enforcement of local laws 62 62 60 58

Performance on traffic management

Importance of traffic management as Council responsibility

58 73 59 57 58 57

Performance on the maintenance of local streets and footpaths

79 77 78 77

Importance of well-maintained local streets and footpaths

2012/13 Bendigo 2011/12 Bendigo 2012/13 Victoria 2011/12 Victoria

Annual Report 2012/13 • 49

1. Built and Natural Environment

Strategic Indicator

“How well do we do it?” measure

Target for 2012/2013

Report against benchmark

Built and Natural Environment Complete and progress urban development strategies

Proportion CoGB tasks completed within agreed timeframes

90%

~ 90%

Waste management effectiveness

Reduction in kilograms of domestic waste per household to landfill (SV);

2011/12 620kg

The per household volume of domestic waste to landfill in 2012/13 was 603kg (CoGB figures)

Reduced volume of recyclables disposed of in the household waste bin, compared to previous years’ bin audits. Includes paper, organics (green and kitchen), textiles/clothing and clean glass, plastic and metal.

September 2011 = 80%, May 2012 = 71% (CoGB figures).

The per household proportion of recyclable material in waste bins in 2012/13 was not available from Sustainability Victoria at the time of reporting

Complete the Integrated Sustainable Transport Plan

Aim for completion June 2013 (now revised to 2016)

Council resolved to broaden the scope of the plan. A designated senior transport planner was appointed, and a revised 3-year project plan has been approved

Increase in share of all modes of public transport use compared to private vehicle use

Increase public transport

The public transport figure for the 2011 census was 72 journeys which was a 50% increase from the previous census, but is still a very low base, and car journeys, as a proportion of the total increased slightly to 89% (DOT 2011)

Level of investment in all transport planning and infrastructure development.

Maintain in real dollar terms

The level of investment and expenditure increased in real terms in 2012/13 compared with 2011/12. This is in accordance with the Audited Financial statements and the Roads to Recovery Annual Report

MAV and ESC indicator IA-01: Condition based renewal gap (roads, bridges and pathways; buildings).

MAV STEP Program

$6.9M

MAV and ESC indicator IA-02: percentage of Council assets at intervention level (roads, bridges and pathways; buildings).

MAV STEP Program

1.05%

Develop a sustainable integrated transport network

Provide, manage and maintain physical infrastructure

50 • Annual Report 2012/13

* Figures in STEP Program are based on planned expenditures; the 2011/12 figures are based on budget not actual expenditure.

2. Economic Development

2. Economic Development This goal area relates to the activities, programs and services undertaken by Council to contribute to the municipality’s economic prosperity, including encouragement of innovation, skilled migration, tourism, and undertaking strategic work to foster innovation and industrial development. Continue to promote Greater Bendigo as a place to live, work and invest • The Loddon Mallee Regional Strategic Plan was reviewed. • The Chief Executive Officer and other staff have been involved in the development of the Regional Growth Plan, a key initiative of the Loddon Mallee Regional Strategic Plan. • There has been strong advocacy for the region in a number of areas. Of importance, the City of Greater Bendigo took a regional lead in issues relating to financing of Local Government, in particular, highlighting the impact of the Defined Benefits Superannuation liability. The City was advised that they needed to find $10.3M to help top up a $450M shortfall. Council voted to step up efforts to challenge this ruling, arguing that State and Federal Government inaction to date had forced it to reduce services and defer capital works projects to pay for unfair superannuation costs. • The City of Greater Bendigo was successful in attracting funding to deliver a ground breaking project to provide affordable housing for key workers and take the pressure off Bendigo’s acute rental housing shortage from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regional Cities (BBRC) Program. Under the Viewpoint Huntly Residential Project, 100 new house and land packages were made available to approved buyers at a $38,800 discount. The discounts are provided in return for Federal funding of

key infrastructure works needed to bring the residential development on stream earlier than would otherwise be expected. Metricon and JG King Homes were selected to build the houses. • Advocacy has been undertaken to support the region to address planning issues associated with development in potable water supply catchments. • The Mayor and Chief Executive Officer also advocated for the region through Loddon Campaspe Councils and Regional Cities Victoria. • The City of Greater Bendigo applied for funding through the State Government’s Regional Infrastructure Development Fund to implement a significant portion of the award winning Bendigo Botanic Gardens Master Plan. • Economic Development Unit staff provided an information booth at the 2013 Regional Victoria Living Expo in a bid to attract Melbournians to relocate to the Greater Bendigo region. • A grant of $300,000 was provided by the State Government for development of a Regional Cities Growth Strategy. • The Economic Development Unit updated and reprinted two key documents – Navigating the Business Networks and A Profile of Business in Bendigo to assist local and prospective businesses.

Economic Development Unit

2011/2012

2012/2013

Business performance and improvement workshops delivered

Business development events conducted

Other engagement activities requiring Economic Development Unit representation

588

840

TOTAL

650

951

Business and advisory engagement activities facilitated

Annual Report 2012/13 • 51

2. Economic Development

Promote Bendigo as a place to visit • As a result of collaborations with the private sector designed to attract new events, the following new events have been presented in Bendigo: the Festival of Light at the Great Stupa, Softball Victoria Ladies Masters Championships, National Beef Show, Bowls Australia National Sides and Super Sixers Championships, Bowls Australia Annual Awards Night, Australian Ultimate Frisbee Championships, Craft Alive and International Table Tennis Federation Oceania Championships. A number of cycling events have provided Bendigo with excellent media exposure in recent months. • Mayors and CEOs from the City of Greater Bendigo, Loddon, Mt Alexander and Central Goldfields Shire Councils met in Bendigo to create a new tourism region called Bendigo Regional Tourism. • The Major Events Unit has successfully completed its first major sporting events partners program with the private sector which has resulted in 16 private sector businesses committing to donate a total of $75,000 to the City of Greater Bendigo Major Events Unit to be used to secure more significant sporting events into Bendigo. • Bendigo Art Gallery has continued to grow and cement its reputation as a national leader through innovative and diverse programming that includes exhibitions of national significance. The success of the Grace Kelly: Style Icon exhibition was a highlight. The exhibition, which was one of the largest and most ambitious ever staged by the City attracted 152,706 people and injected in the order of $15M+ into the regional economy – or more than seven times what it cost to stage.

Number of visitors to Bendigo Art Gallery

314,978

250,000

75,426

95,924

158,934

111,685

50,000

111,263

100,000

0 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

• 2008/09 – Due to outstanding success of the blockbuster Golden Age of Couture exhibition. • 2011/12 – Due to outstanding success of White Wedding Dress and Grace Kelly: Style Icon exhibitions • 2012/13 – Due to commencement of major Art Gallery Expansion on 12 July 2012

52 • Annual Report 2012/13

Continue to promote innovation and export within Greater Bendigo • The Bendigo Inventor Awards 2012 took place and were once again a great success. Preparations and publicity have commenced and entries are open for the 2013 Bendigo Inventor Awards. The awards won the 2012 Economic Development Australia (EDA) Community Award. EDA is the peak body for economic development practitioners. • The inaugural Bendigo Writers Festival was very successfully staged in August 2012 in partnership with the Bendigo Weekly and La Trobe University. Attendance far exceeded expectations and it was voted a great success. Council subsequently gave in-principle support to make this an annual event.

Continue to develop, support and encourage industry liaison and growth assistance • Industry and post-secondary student linkages for work experience and possible work placements are being supported through the Goldfields Career Horizons project. Several hundred opportunities have been lodged by local businesses. Most secondary schools in the municipality will begin to take up these opportunities in terms two and three in 2013.

• The Livestock Exchange was successful in attracting a Federal Government grant administered through Meat and Livestock Australia for Stage 2 of the trial electronic sheep tagging process and development of an implementation plan. The next stage of the project will be to install the scanners and run live trials of the system. Additional funding is required for the next stage.

200,000 150,000

• Partnership arrangements have been agreed with Macedon Ranges Shire in relation to programming of Phee Broadway Theatre, Castlemaine and the Engine Room season at The Capital in Bendigo.

• The Goldfields Career Horizons (www.careerhorizons.com.au) website was launched, being the first web site of its kind in Australia to promote work experience opportunities to students within the region.

350,000 300,000

• Bendigo Art Gallery announced a new exhibition titled Modern Love featuring more than thirty of the world’s most influential designers from the past 40 years.

• Discussions have been held with State Government representatives and those from the successful tenderer about ways to maximise the positive regional impacts of the Bendigo Hospital development. State Government funding support was welcomed to leverage the local benefits of the development.

2. Economic Development

Bendigo Livestock Exchange Number of sheep & lambs, cattle, and pigs sold

24,724

Cattle sold

Sheep & lambs sold 2007/08

Continue to support the municipality’s diverse business and rural sector • Planning for the Marong Business Park for manufacturing and associated activities is now almost complete in preparation for lodgement for a Planning Scheme amendment. Ongoing analysis of bores continues. • The City of Greater Bendigo in conjunction with the Loddon Shire Council supported The Loddon Bendigo Rural Women’s Network to host the Second Annual Farm Diversification Expo at Campbells Forest Hall. Over 150 women attended the event, and evaluation indicated that the Expo was valued. • Expressions of interest were sought from community members wishing to join the Farming Advisory Committee. • Consultation sessions with local business, industry and community leaders have now been completed in order to develop key themes to inform the revised Economic Development Strategy. The new strategy will cover the period to 2017.

2008/09

2009/10

5,176

3,862

5,961

7,995

5,000

250,000

5,329

15,399

500,000

7,460

10,000

14,828

13,765

15,000

15,024

20,363

1,119,952

1,042,457

1,065,668

750,000

20,000 1,070,113

1,000,000

1,416,821

1,250,000

25,000 1,437,445

1,500,000

Pigs sold 2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

Conduct successful marketing strategies which promote the Greater Bendigo and City of Greater Bendigo brands • A review of the most effective Centre Management structure for the CBD was undertaken which included extensive stakeholder engagement. The preferred model is being implemented. • In partnership with the CBD traders and community a number of activities and events were held in the CBD. During the year Hargreaves Mall hosted twilight markets, Cultural Diversity Week, the launch of the FunLoong Playspace, and a range of family activities during the school holidays. Planning has also commenced for events and activities in the upcoming spring and summer months. • A smart phone application and digital applications that can be used for visitors to access Greater Bendigo information is now complete and has been submitted to the licensing stores for approval. • The Capital Theatre Season for 2013 was successfully offered, with related publicity including use of a new design palette for marketing purposes and launch of a new website. • The City of Greater Bendigo’s Visitor Information Centre took out the Outstanding Contribution by Volunteers Award and The Bendigo Trust’s Central Deborah Gold Mine won the Heritage and Cultural Tourism Category at the 2012 RACV Victorian State Tourism Awards.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 53

2. Economic Development

Summary of major events supported by the City of Greater Bendigo and their economic impact (as estimated by REMPLAN) Financial year

Events

Participants

Economic impact â&#x20AC;&#x201C; REMPLAN

2008/09

39,734

$4,425,855

2009/10

63,650

$7,151,083

2010/11

77,867

$11,115,646

2011/12

110,714

$21,078,600

2012/13

114,558

$20,183,880

Reporting against agreed performance indicators and benchmarks This section reports firstly against the organisational performance indicators that relate to the Economic Development Goal area, set out in the Council Plan 2012-2013, and secondly against the Victorian statewide survey indicators relevant to this goal area.

Statewide Customer Satisfaction Survey results

100

73 73

Performance of community and cultural activities

69 70 65 62 62 62

Importance of community and cultural activities

79 73 73

Performance of arts centres and libraries

77 66 63 66 66

Importance of arts centres and libraries

2012/13 Bendigo 2011/12 Bendigo 2012/13 Victoria 2011/12 Victoria

54 â&#x20AC;˘ Annual Report 2012/13

2. Economic Development

Strategic Indicator

“How well do we do it?” measure

Target for 2012/2013

Report against benchmark

Increased number of visits to the Visitor Information Centres

Bendigo increase from 2011/12 =109,606

Bendigo 99,023

Heathcote increase from 2011/12 =16,224

Heathcote 13,892

Economic Development People live, work, invest in and visit Bendigo

Does not include the large number of visitors accessing the sites on-line and through the self-serve portals located outside the Information centre. Delivery of the Bendigo Inventor Awards in partnership with industry and business

Economic Development effectiveness

The Bendigo Inventor Awards were successfully offered with increased applicants in a wider range of categories.

Increased value of planning permits issued

2011/12 = $241.3

2012/2013 = $270,1M

Unemployment rate

Lower than regional average

5% for first 2 quarters (DEET) compared to Victoria 5%

% of actions completed by target date in Economic Development Strategy

90%

83% A small number of actions were deemed no longer relevant or appropriate. The Economic Development Strategy 2008 is under review.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 55

3. Community and Culture

3. Community and Culture This Goal Area relates to Council programs, actions and services, including advocacy that have a direct and indirect community cultural benefit. Advocate effectively to government to further the interests and needs of Greater Bendigo and its communities • Greater Bendigo has a very strong advocacy focus to State Government through the Loddon-Mallee Regional Strategic Plan. • The Chief Executive Officer is currently a committee member of Loddon Mallee Regional Development Australia, an active member of Regional Managers’ Forum and on the steering committee for the Regional Growth Plan. • The City of Greater Bendigo also works well with Members of Parliament and regional staff. Outcomes are not always immediate but the needs of Greater Bendigo are at the forefront and there is a high level of support for Greater Bendigo in terms of grants and economic development. • Councillors from the City of Greater Bendigo and the Shire of Campaspe met to discuss how both municipalities can work together on special projects that hold mutual benefits for both local government areas. • Expressions of interest were sought from local sporting and recreation community organisations interested in obtaining funding from the State Government’s Community Facilities Funding Program – Minor Facilities. Three proposals for the 2013/2014 program were endorsed and submitted to Sport and Recreation Victoria for assessment. • Council wrote to the Prime Minister, Minister for Defence, Premier and Deputy Premier seeking their support to reignite talks aimed at finding an appropriate outcome for the future of the historic Fortuna Villa site. Following discussions Council endorsed a plan to keep the Villa in private hands, and it was later sold to a private investor.

56 • Annual Report 2012/13

Identify and work in partnership with National and State governments and other service providers to represent and further the interests of Greater Bendigo and its Communities, and to support planning for future needs • Ongoing advocacy to develop a local strategy for Greater Bendigo’s inclusion in early roll out of the National Broadband Network has included the City of Greater Bendigo contributing to a number of workshops with business and community representatives. • The first batch of eleven planning applications for the construction of telecommunications towers to provide fixed wireless broadband for residents of areas where the population density does not allow for cabling, as part of the NBN rollout, were received by the City of Greater Bendigo. • The Greater Bendigo Golf Strategy was prepared in partnership with State Government and adopted by Council.

Use meaningful and effective communication and engagement with all sectors of the community as an input to decision-making • External support has been provided to undertake a project to identify current and anticipated future needs for community facilities in and around Eaglehawk, evaluate existing facilities fit-for-purpose and prioritise action. Work to align the project with City of Greater Bendigo Asset Management Planning and avoid any duplication of roles is underway. The project is scheduled for completion in March 2014. • With the benefit of funding from Regional Development Victoria and other sources, the Thinking Community Group was formed to achieve the aims of the Greater Bendigo 2036 Community Plan. Fifty participants were recruited and they have commenced a year-long, guided, critical thinking process to explore major challenges for the future. The participants are now mid-way through their training and engagement with Action Foresight consultants. Participants have further advanced both skills and potential project ideas. Further media, thought leadership and involvement of community and reference group members is scheduled from July onwards.

3. Community and Culture

• Ongoing support is being provided for the preparation and review of District and Neighbourhood Community Plans, including at Marong, Redesdale, and Mia Mia. During the year a new Community Plan was launched in Junortoun and revised Community Plans were celebrated at Heathcote, Woodvale, Goornong and Axedale. These plans were later endorsed by Council. • The review of Council’s role in child care and preschool to ascertain where it should best allocate its resources is nearing completion and will be considered by Council.

• After extensive consultation and the consideration of submissions the Greater Bendigo City Council adopted a concept design for the Mitchell Street Bus Stop and Streetscape redevelopment.

Community engagement specifically for new strategy development Residents who were mailed surveys Project information bulletins mailed to residents

Number of residents who attended community consultation sessions, workshops and information sessions and number of project bulletins, draft strategies and amendment information mailed out to residents.

Residents who attended information sessions and workshops

4,210 22,657 939

Note: In addition every project was publicised via media release, advertising newspaper items, Council website with Facebook and Twitter links and email bulletins.

70,000 62,616

60,000 50,000 40,000

7,240

6,420

9,190

771

1,662

1,050

620

593

10,000

1,225

5,184

20,000

21,860

30,000

0 Residents who attended community sessions 2007/08

2008/09

2009/10

Information mailed out to residents 2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

Note: People are also making use of Facebook and Twitter to communicate with City of Greater Bendigo about general issues and to provide feedback about specific issues and draft documents.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 57

3. Community and Culture

52,381

46,608

40,000

48,163

50,000 43,446

22,499

16,508

10,000

18,245

22,516

20,000

19,765

30,000

19,523

• The process to review the current Arts and Cultural Strategy and also to prepare objectives for new Arts and Cultural Diversity Strategy has commenced.

60,000

44,806

• A community development officer has commenced employment who works with local communities that have been the focus of the State Government’s Neighbourhood Renewal Program to develop a Community Plan to guide their ongoing community engagement and development.

Number of attendances at performances held in The Capital Theatre, and number of attendances at other events held at The Capital Performing Arts Centre

46,326

Develop the cultural and creative aspirations of the community to make a significant contribution to the City’s social and economic prosperity and quality of life for all

0 Attendances in the Capital Theatre 2007/08

2008/09

Attendances at the Performing Arts Centre

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

Library Services

500,000 358,591

400,000 300,000

400,000 300,000 200,000 100,000

35,164

34,865

54,269

49,304

45,756

39,475

200,000 100,000

704,722

600,000

867,009

700,000

579,279

581,983

562,393

521,964

500,000

602,761

800,000

600,000

886,631

900,000 828,762

700,000

879,923

Number of items borrowed from Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat, Heathcote & Outreach Library Services

808,012

Number of library members and number of residents visiting libraries in Greater Bendigo

0 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13

0 Members 2007/08

2008/09

Visits

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

Amount spent per resident to provide library services 2007/2008

2008/2009

2009/2010

2010/2011

2011/2012

2012/2013

$18.09

$18.96

$19.33

$19.71

$20.50

$21.11

58 • Annual Report 2012/13

3. Community and Culture

Recognise, support and celebrate cultural and ethnic diversity • Ongoing collaboration is continuing with indigenous and other community stakeholders to support Aboriginal Reconciliation and encourage respect. A local program of activities was convened as part of National Reconciliation Week, an important event that provides an opportunity to acknowledge the enormous contributions Australia’s First Peoples have made to our nation.

• The pilot Multicultural Ambassadors Program designed to promote stronger linkages between the City of Greater Bendigo and local Cultural and Linguistically Diverse communities was deferred until further notice when external stakeholder consultation can be undertaken.

Number of local community events supported 2007/2008

2008/2009

2009/2010

2010/2011

2011/2012

2012/2013

100

157

133

147

190

165

Number of community groups to benefit from City’s grants programs (community, small towns & allocated grants, Dudley House hire subsidy) 2007/2008

2008/2009

2009/2010

2010/2011

2011/2012

2012/2013

133

202

301

218

190

212

Number of free events provided through the annual Summer in the Parks Festival Events Attendees

2007/2008

2008/2009

2009/2010

2010/2011

2011/2012

2012/2013

2,000

3,000

3,600

4,560

4,000

5,870

Address social disadvantage and discrimination • The B-Line Transport Connections Project brokered a Summer Season Community Transport Service, which provided transport between Heathcote and Bendigo on Saturdays over the summer break. • The network of scooter and electric wheelchair recharge points across the municipality was expanded, taking the total number to 14. • Council agreed to a proposal to adjust the implementation of fees and charges for junior sporting clubs. Clubs will now be charged a fee for either seasonal or occasional ground usage, depending on their needs, which will equate to a discount of 50 per cent of the fees charged to senior clubs and other users. • Healthy Together Bendigo offered in a partnership between the City of Greater Bendigo and Bendigo Community Health Services, hosted a free country fair style Community Day for Long Gully residents. • The Community Access and Inclusion Plan was adopted by Council and the implementation phase is progressing.

Work collaboratively to promote community safety and healthy living • The Violence Prevention Plan is being implemented as planned. • The Healthy Communities Initiative is one of 14 pilot programs in local government areas by the Victorian Government to improve population health, particularly through reduction of obesity and increase in physical activity. Greater Bendigo was fortunate to receive $4.3M over three years to implement this population wide initiative, in partnership with Bendigo Community Health Services. It uses the Prevention Community Model (PCM), which is based on international best-practice, and will be thoroughly evaluated. The Unit will focus on: • Offering a range of programs that provide skills and support for achieving better health; • Supporting prevention partnerships within the Greater Bendigo community; • Supporting community engagement and participation in determining local solutions; • Supporting health promoting policies and programs in schools and workplaces; • Tailoring health messages to local circumstances and needs and • Contributing to research and evaluation.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 59

3. Community and Culture

• The City of Greater Bendigo extended the operating hours of three swimming pools because of high summer temperatures.

• The Healthy Communities Team works with schools, workplaces and the broader community to improve people’s health where they live, learn, work and play. An increasing number of schools and early childhood settings and a number of medium-large workplaces registered for the Victorian Prevention and Health Promotion Achievement Program (VPHPAP). The Jamie’s Ministry of Food initiative was delivered early in 2013.

• A playground at the Bendigo Aquatic Centre was decommissioned for safety reasons and was removed. • As evidence of the effectiveness of Local Laws education and enforcement, just one of 49 outlets sold tobacco to a minor during a test purchasing exercise undertaken by the City of Greater Bendigo.

• Preparation of the new Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan (2013-2017) is well under way. The process has included extensive staff, stakeholder and community engagement, informed by a series of Fact Sheets that identify the health status and health determinants of the Greater Bendigo population. These facts sheets are available on the website.

• A local food business was prosecuted for breaches of the Food Act 1984 and Food Standards Code. • Development of Safe Transport Space project at Howard Place was completed, including landscaping, prior to the launch in February 2013. It is now operating effectively.

• Detailed findings of the City of Greater Bendigo Wellbeing Survey revealed 83.9 per cent of those surveyed believe Greater Bendigo is a great place to live and work, with a majority reporting pride in their city and good access to health services and recreation areas.

• Council adopted and signed the “Achieving respect and gender equality in Greater Bendigo” position statement in support of the City’s 2012-2015 Violence Prevention Plan.

Health & Local Laws 2007/2008

2008/2009

2009/2010

2010/2011

2011/2012

2012/2013

Food premises inspections

942

1,227

980

776

1,107

892

Inspections of septic tanks

415

405

456

552

370

Food samples taken

245

249

310

168

174

187

Water samples from urban lakes

Water samples from swimming pools

218

231

183

155

119

149

Tobacco education visits

1,767

1,800 1,600 1,400

907 645

687

660

600

754

800

600

1,023

1,000

1,023

1,200

388

344

379

304

201

195

298

200

298

303

400

0 Local law permits issued 2007/08

60 • Annual Report 2012/13

2008/09

Septic tank permits issued 2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

Temporary food permits issued 2012/13

3. Community and Culture

• State Government funding assistance for seventeen local sporting clubs was welcomed to purchase sports injury prevention and management equipment, other essential sporting items, portable sun shade and train volunteers.

• To help rural residents dispose of their empty chemical containers, the City of Greater Bendigo held drumMUSTER collections at Raywood, Goornong and Elmore.

Number of dogs and cats taken to the pound DOGS

2,417

2,204

2,000

2,216

2,250

2,344

2,500

2,542

2,750

1,461

180

250

294

374

433 465

648

694

538

500

581

750

797

1,119

1,000

1,440

1,245

1,250

1,554

1,500

1,389

1,663

1,750

0 Taken to pound 2007/08

Reclaimed

2008/09

Rehoused

2009/10

2010/11

Euthanised

2011/12

2012/13

CATS 2,000

1,106

1,102

1,000

1,133

1,200

1,150

1,303

1,696

1,771 1,500

1,400

1,676

1,600

1,629

1,800

613

566

463

446

373

154

165

131

200

125

105

400

418

600

703

722

800

0 Taken to pound 2007/08

2008/09

Reclaimed 2009/10

Rehoused 2010/11

2011/12

Euthanised 2012/13

Annual Report 2012/13 • 61

3. Community and Culture

Parking 2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 2010/2011 2011/2012 2012/2013 School crossings manned Abandoned vehicle complaints

126

135

100

129

145

169

12,934

12,644

13,264

14,234

14,687

14,236

405

600

634

708

819

851

Parking ticket machines installed Parking infringement tickets issued Parking enforcement service requested

Encourage, recognise and support active and informed engagement in civic life • A new interactive online discussion format was made available from the City of Greater Bendigo website to allow people to have their say in the development of the new Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. • A public information session was held to assist people wanting to make a submission to the Independent Review of the City of Greater Bendigo. Multi-national consulting firm Aurecon was appointed to undertake the review. • The Emergency Management Coordinator has developed guidelines for volunteer based groups / organisations to complement existing emergency management structures and play a more active role in emergency preparedness and recovery.

Support and strengthen Community resilience and build social capital • Efforts to support and build the management capacity of community organisations to become more self-sufficient in their operations have been ongoing. This included free advocacy training and grant writing sessions that were offered in July 2012 and the work of the Committee Development Worker in supporting committees to review their governance structures and processes.

Encourage and facilitate opportunities for active and incidental sport and leisure activity for all ages and abilities • Health and Active Lifestyles Framework is complete and will be implemented over the next 10 years.

62 • Annual Report 2012/13

Plan for and support residents in each life stage: as children, young people, older people, and individual and in family and social groups • Discussions are ongoing with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, Loddon Mallee PreSchool Association and Pre-Schools to progress models that support universal access for eligible pre-school children. • A community survey was circulated seeking input on its future role in the planning, delivery and support of early childhood services including preschools, childcare and playgroups. • Extensions to the Kennington pre-school were opened. • A decision was made by Council to implement changed childcare fees for the 2013/14 financial year in two stages to allow families more time to factor the change into household budgets. • Further support for all children aged 0-12 years within the City of Greater Bendigo has been made available through external funding for the Off to an Early Start Program, Early Years Governance Model and the Pilot Breast Feeding Support Strategy. • The review of the Aged & Disability Services Unit was undertaken and the report is being finalised and Council will consider the findings July 2013. • More than 2,300 young people provided input into the development of the Youth Strategy. A discussion paper was prepared, and building on the feedback a number of strategies have been proposed to Council. • After positive evaluation of the short term case management pilot program designed to assist high needs aged care clients to become more self-reliant and independent, the Department of Health extended the funding to continue the project until December 2013 and further evaluate the outcomes.

3. Community and Culture

Number of consultations provided through Council’s 14 Maternal & Child Health Centres

Number of vaccines administered through immunisation program

7,178

10,000

6,000

2008/09

In centre

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12 2012/13

By telephone

5,842 4,477

2007/08

4,260

4,000

4,648

5,894

5,000

8,877

8,000

8,530

8,860

15,000

8,292

10,000

8,581

20,000

10,545

12,000

25,000

2,000 0 Public sessions 2007/08

2008/09

School sessions

2009/10

2010/11

2011/12

2012/13

Total hours of HACC Services and total hours of Veterans Home Care (general home, personal & respite care, transport and property maintenance,) provided, number of planned activity group program sessions & staff hours, and total number of meals provided.

40,271

47,979

42,690

37,344

42,430

39,952

39,663

36,725

35,476

37,490

12,818

14,794

16,476

20,000

16,676

18,647

40,000

17,552

32,202

60,000

37,500

80,000

103,168

118,503

120,033

111,436

100,000

123,510

120,000

123,165

140,000

0 HACC Service Hours 2007/08

Veterans Home Care Hours

2008/09

2009/10

Program Session Staff Hours 2010/11

2011/12

Meals on Wheels 2012/13

Home and Community Care (HACC) services – Total number of client assessments 2007/2008

2008/2009

2009/2010

2010/2011

2011/2012

2012/2013

2,069

2,258

1,532

2,221

2,251

2,126

Annual Report 2012/13 • 63

3. Community and Culture

Youth Development 2007/2008

2008/2009

2009/2010

2010/2011

2011/2012

2012/2013

1,450

385

3,091

3,603

2,841

269

819

358

1,562

1,209

983

FReeZA events FReeZA attendees Youth Programs accessed

Number of unique visitors to the Yo Bendigo youth website www.yobendigo.com.au 2010/2011

2011/2012

2012/2013

19,986

11,315

10,341

Note: Fall in numbers due to increased usage of Facebook and Twitter

• National Youth Week commenced with a full events calendar packed with great local entertainment for young people aged 12–25 years. Bendigo TAFE student Maddy Maud won the local National Youth Week events calendar competition.

64 • Annual Report 2012/13

• The 30th Annual Victorian Seniors’ Festival was presented with a full program of 35 events designed to encourage participation by exposing older people to a range of recreational activities and interests that they may not have had the opportunity to try in the past.

3. Community and Culture

Reporting against agreed performance indicators and benchmarks This section reports firstly against the organisational performance indicators that relate to the Community and Culture Goal area, set out in the Council Plan 2012-2013, and secondly against the and Victorian statewide survey indicators relevant to this goal area.

Results of the Statewide Customer Satisfaction Survey

100

73 73

Performance of community and cultural activities

69 70 65 62 62 62

Importance of community and cultural activities

79 73 73

Performance of arts centres and libraries

77 66 63 66 66

Importance of arts centres and libraries

2012/13 Bendigo 2011/12 Bendigo 2012/13 Victoria 2011/12 Victoria

Strategic Indicator

“How well do we do it?” measure

Target for 2012/2013

Report against benchmark

90%

The Positive Ageing Strategy is being implemented as planned, with the assistance of a project worker who is overseeing each action.

Community and Culture Work collaboratively to promote community safety and healthy living throughout life stages

Proportion of CoGB tasks completed within agreed timeframes in: Positive Ageing Strategy;

Community Access and Inclusion Plan;

Not reported specifically, except where actions are identified in the Council Plan.

Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan

90% of actions that remain current have been implemented. – The renewed 2013/17 Plan is in the final stages of preparation.

Performance targets set under The Food Act (1984)

Meet or exceed targets

Performance targets set in the Food Act have been met or exceeded.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 65

4. People and Performance

4. People and Performance This Goal Area relates to the actual process and systems we use to keep the organisation running efficiently. Delivery of responsible financial management and business planning practices to ensure long term sustainability • A policy was adopted by Council which outlines how user fees and charges are to be set. • Planning for property revaluations in accordance with Valuer General Best Practice Guidelines has been included in the 2012/2013 budget.

Provide appropriate information technology services to staff that enable them to work effectively • The tender for upgrade of the City of Greater Bendigo information server and storage facility was been awarded and the changes implemented as planned.

Provide quality customer services that respond to the needs of the whole community • The recommendations of the Customer Service Review are being implemented, and follow-up discussions with some staff groups have been conducted. • In light of the multi-representational Ward structures that have now come into effect, a new format was used for Ward and Small Township meetings to provide opportunities for Councillors and community members to exchange information of interest and relevance. Meetings in Knowsley and Sedgwick were added to the program this year. • A weekly YouTube news bulletin was launched to provide residents with news highlights for the week as part of a commitment to keeping the Greater Bendigo community informed.

• Microsoft Office 2010 has been successfully installed across the organisation. Number of media releases prepared and issued

Maintain an effective and committed workforce and provide a supportive, safe and progressive workplace

463

500

2009/10

316

2008/09

304

• The Bendigo Regional Archives Centre was recognised for innovation and leadership for developing a new model for managing archives in regional Victoria.

363

• A program of sessions in the INSIGHT: Managing for Success program have been offered to staff.

300 279

• Detailed planning was undertaken in five directorate workshops to develop strategies to build the capabilities of our workforce, in line with the corporate planning and budgeting cycle.

329

400

2010/11

2011/12

200 100 0 2007/08

2012/13

• Council reappointed Craig Niemann as the Chief Executive Officer for another five years.

Number of visitors to www.bendigo.vic.gov.au 2007/2008

2008/2009

2009/2010

2010/2011

2011/2012

2012/2013

199,354

307,967

209,695

412,905

366,784

402,125

66 • Annual Report 2012/13

4. People and Performance

• Those wishing to become more informed about the population of the municipality, including students, community groups, the general public, business and investors were advised to access a new website located at hosted by the City of Greater Bendigo located at www.profile.id.com.au/bendigo/home that allows people to look at the demographic profiles of 19 areas within Greater Bendigo.

• The draft of the updated Project Management Manual has been completed and it is being distributed for comment. It features focus on improved project management methodology, including preparation of a business case prior to funding capital projects and demonstrating community need (Best Value reporting requirements). Following the review process the manual and associated training will be rolled out to the organisation.

• The latest community satisfaction survey found the City of Greater Bendigo continues to perform at or better than its peers.

Provide emergency management coordination and response as required

Demonstrate strong corporate governance • The review of Council’s Section 86 Committees was completed with a significant reduction in the number of such committees now being supported. • Council voted to support an independent review into the City of Greater Bendigo’s operations. A Chair and two community members to help oversee the Independent Review were sought through advertisement. Council endorsed the timeline, tender process and detailed scope for the project. The external review of City of Greater Bendigo operations was completed at the end of the financial year, in accordance with the Council Resolution to undertake this review. • Council backed calls for Constitutional recognition of local government in Australia. • Council confirmed that the Victorian Fire Services Property Levy will be included on City of Greater Bendigo 2013-2014 rates notices when they are sent out.

Strengthen project management capacity, planning and delivery

• The final Municipal Fire Management Plan (MFMP) has been adopted by Council. • The City of Greater Bendigo matched State Government contributions to provide a total of $68,880 for State Emergency Service units at Bendigo, Heathcote and Marong. • City of Greater Bendigo Airport management and staff had their annual meeting with representatives from Victoria Police, SES, CFA, Ambulance, Parks Victoria and DSE to ensure the airport has the ability to cope with an emergency situation at, or in the vicinity of the airport. • Residents were urged to seriously consider their emergency safety plans, and help those in need to make their safety plans in anticipation of severe fire risk weather conditions. • Fire Prevention Officers from the City undertook their annual inspection program to encourage preparedness for the fire season. • Home owners, especially those in rural areas were reminded to clearly number their properties to ensure they can be easily located in an emergency.

• The Major Capital Works Budget Policy was approved by Council. • Social procurement has been included in the selection criteria of the tender for Recyclable Collection. Following closure of the tender and evaluation process, the effectiveness of the new schedule will be reviewed with the plan to adopt its use as needed in future.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 67

4. People and Performance

Reporting against agreed performance indicators and benchmarks This section reports firstly against the organisational performance indicators that relate to the people and Processes Goal area, set out in the Council Plan 2012-2013, and secondly against the and Victorian statewide survey indicators relevant to this goal area.

Statewide Customer Satisfaction Survey results

100

56 60

Performance in planning for local population growth

54 52 81 79

Importance of planning for local population growth

75 75 72 73

Performance of emergency and disaster management

70 70 83 81 80 80

Importance of emergency and disaster management 60 63 64 64

Performance on environmental sustainability

Importance of environmental sustainability (not measured) 60 59 61 60

Performance of keeping the community informed

76 78

Importance of keeping the community informed

75 75 57 55 55 55

Performance of lobbying on behalf of the community

70 70 70 69

Importance of lobbying on behalf of the community 57 55 57 57

Performance of community consultation and engagement

76 76 73

Importance of community consultation and engagement

Overall satisfaction

60 60

2012/13 Bendigo 2011/12 Bendigo 2012/13 Victoria 2011/12 Victoria

68 â&#x20AC;˘ Annual Report 2012/13

63 63

4. People and Performance

Strategic Indicator

“How well do we do it?” measure

Target or 2012/2013

Report against benchmark

Increased use of YO Bendigo website

Unique Users 2011/12 = 11,315

2012/2013 = 10,341 (due to increased usage of Facebook and Twitter)

People and Processes Effectiveness of community engagement framework

Implement the Community Engagement Strategy

Increased number of media releases Provide effective customer service in dealing with the public

Financial Sustainability

Use of the Community Engagement Strategy has been positive, with an increased breadth of engagement strategies being used, including social media. The plan is to be reviewed and further staff training undertaken. 2011/12 = 316

2012/13 = 463

Customer Service telephone enquiry aims for: a service level where 85% of all calls 2011/2012 are answered within 20 seconds = 88.4%

2012/2013 = 88.67%

70% of telephone calls resolved at point of contact

2011/2012 = 66%

2012/2013 = 64.17%

A call abandonment rate of = or <5%

2011/12 = 2.9%

2012/2013 = 2.54%

Underlying result % – A positive result indicates a surplus. The larger the percentage, the stronger the result. A negative result indicates a deficit.

Ensure a low or medium risk rating on all financial sustainability measures issued by the Victorian Auditor General.

Underlying Result – 0.75%, medium risk.

Liquidity – Measures the ability to pay existing liabilities in the next 12 months.

Liquidity 1.91:1, low risk.

Self financing – Measures the ability to replace assets using cash generated by the entity’s operations.

Self Financing 25.38%, low risk.

Indebtedness – Comparison of non-current liabilities (mainly comprised of borrowings) to own-sourced revenue. The higher the percentage, the less able to cover non-current liabilities from the revenues the entity generates itself.

Indebtedness 20.07%, low risk.

Capital Replacement – Comparison of the rate of spending on infrastructure with its depreciation.

Capital Replacement 1.10:1, medium risk.

Renewal gap – comparison of the rate of spending on existing assets through renewing, restoring, and replacing existing assets with depreciation.

Renewal Gap – 1.24:1, low risk

Annual Report 2012/13 • 69

4. People and Performance

Strategic Indicator

“How well do we do it?” measure

Target or 2012/2013

Report against benchmark

Percentage of actions commenced that are listed in the “What we will do in 2012/13” column for each goal area.

100

100% reported against

Percentage of actions completed that are listed in the “What we will do in 2012/13” column for each goal area.

People and Processes Strong Corporate Governance

70 • Annual Report 2012/13

Local Laws in Force in Greater Bendigo

Local Laws in Force in Greater Bendigo Local Law

Description

Function

Number 1

Revocation

Revoking previous Local Laws so that they do not run concurrently with new laws adopted as of 01/01/2000.

Number 2

Keeping of Animals

To regulate and control activities associated with the keeping of animals so as to provide for the welfare of animals and to protect the general amenity.

Number 3

Environment

Regulates and controls activities to protect and conserve the environment such as domestic/trade waste; open air burning and incinerators; European wasps and unsightly land.

Number 4

Streets and Roads

The objective is to control certain secondary uses of streets and roads including street parties, processions and the display of advertising signs. The Local Law also requires that properties display their property number and regulates the construction of vehicle crossings.

Number 5

Municipal Places

Regulates and controls activities in public places, such as consumption of liquor; cigarette vending machines; activities in trading areas: outdoor eating areas and camping to ensure peace, order and good governance.

Number 8

Process of Municipal Municipal Government processes. Government

Number 9

Bendigo Livestock Exchange

Management and administration of the Bendigo Livestock Exchange

Number 10

Administration

Sets out the procedures for administering local laws.

Number 11

Protection of Public Assets & Control of Building Sites

Protecting public assets vested in Council and setting standards for the management of building sites (being reviewed).

Number 12

Itinerant Trading

Regulation of itinerant traders on Council owned or controlled land. (being reviewed)

These local laws aim to protect public safety and the environment by regulating or prohibiting activities that may adversely affect the general amenity (air, noise and general use) of the municipality. This includes the review of the Outdoor Dining and Street Trading Code of Practice which regulates commercial trade on/in public places to ensure pedestrian access and safety is not compromised.

Annual Report 2012/13 â&#x20AC;˘ 71

Risk Management / Staff Health and Wellbeing / Occupational Health and Safety / Best Value

Risk Management

Best Value

The City of Greater Bendigo has now adopted a revised risk management framework. This includes policy, plans and tools. This set of resources provides service units with a clear and consistent approach to review, manage and report on their risks. In doing so, it better supports the achievement of corporate objectives.

In December 1999, the Victorian Government passed the Local Government (Best Value Victoria) Act. This legislation identified six Best Value Principles that every Council in Victoria must comply with when providing services to the community.

Staff Health and Wellbeing Central to the philosophy underpinning the City of Greater Bendigo’s health and wellbeing framework and program, is the principle that employees take responsibility for their own health and wellbeing. The organisation commits to providing access to opportunities and support to assist employees to become more self-aware and adopt healthier behaviours to enhance prevention and protection against health risk factors evident in our workforce. The organisation has continued to provide health checks for the sixth consecutive year with 251 checks being undertaken in 2013. Building on City of Greater Bendigo’s long-standing commitment, an internal health and wellbeing network will be established to assist in the coordination and development of the structured program which aims to address a wide range of risk factors.

Occupational Health and Safety Compliance with the Victorian Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004 is a continuing priority for the organisation. The organisation maintains certification across all its operations to Australian Standard AS 4801 – Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems. In 2013/14 our focus is on strengthening the integration of our systems to ensure they are aligned with the recently adopted risk management framework.

The Best Value Principles are set out in section 208B of the Local Government Act as follows: a) All services provided by a Council must meet quality and cost standards; b) All services provided by a Council must be responsive to the needs of the community; c) Each service provided by a Council must be accessible to those members of the community for whom the service is intended; d) A Council must achieve continuous improvement in its provision of services for its community; e) A Council must develop a program of regular consultation with its community in relation to the services it provides; f) A Council must report regularly to its community on its achievements in relation to the Best Value Principles. In applying the Best Value Principles, a Council may take into account (in accordance with 208C), among other factors: a) The need to review services against the best on offer in both the public and private sectors; and b) An assessment of value for money in service delivery; and c) Community expectations and values; and d) The balance of affordability and accessibility of services to the community; and e) Opportunities for local employment growth or retention; and f) The value of potential partnerships with other Councils and State and the Commonwealth governments; and g) Potential environmental advantages for the Council’s municipal district.

Best Value at City of Greater Bendigo The City of Greater Bendigo has continued to strengthen its approach to business planning and reporting to fulfil its promise to the community in Actions 4.1 and 4.5 of the Council Plan 2009-2013 (updated 2011). This has resulted in the adoption and implementation of a new framework which incorporates the requirements of the Local Government Act to achieve Best Value in the delivery of Council services. The framework is set out in the “Integrated Business Planning and Reporting” section of the Annual Report.

72 • Annual Report 2012/13

Best Value

Meeting Principle (a): Quality and Cost Standards A Council must develop quality and cost standards for the provision of any service it provides for its community. However, a Council may develop different quality and cost standards for different classes of services. The standards must set out the performance outcomes determined by the Council in relation to each service; and take into account the factors listed in sections 208C(a), (b), (c), (d) and (e). The City of Greater Bendigo has a hierarchy of indicators which monitor performance outcomes. They are: • Strategic Indicators in the Council Plan and Annual Report; • Budget Actuals and Variances;

Meeting Principle (d): Consultation The Best Value requirement of consultation is just one component of the engagement element in the framework which is central to planning, delivery and reporting. Council has adopted a Community Engagement Framework which aims to establish effective and relevant community engagement to improve decision making processes through inclusive, accessible and responsive community participation. Meeting Principle (e): Reporting Council reports regularly to its community on its achievements in relation to the Best Value Principles through the Annual Report.

• Key Strategic Activities with Performance Measures and Targets in the budget and Annual Report; and • Key Performance Indicators in service plans, which, together, monitor the quality (%) and cost ($) of Council’s services. In addition, Council conducts a number of annual internal audits which consider the quality and cost of the services provided by various units.

Strategic Indicators

Key Strategic Activity Measures & Targets

Unit/Service Plan Key Performance Indicators

Meeting Principle (b): Responsiveness An integrated hierarchy of plans in the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework ensures that services are responsive to community needs which have been identified through a variety of community engagement processes such as community forums, small township meetings, questionnaires, meetings, surveys and customer requests. Meeting Principle (c): Accessibility Accessibility of services is ensured by the preparation of businesses cases (in accordance with the City of Greater Bendigo’s budget principles) to justify financial support for new positions or services. In addition, a rating strategy helps to ensure that services are accessible financially to members of our community. The Community Engagement Framework mentioned in Principle (d) assists the City of Greater Bendigo to respond to accessibility from a social perspective, and the preparation of a number of strategies such as the Health and Wellbeing Strategy and the Community Access and Inclusion Plan also help to ensure that Council services are accessible to those members of the community for whom the service is intended.

Annual Report 2012/13 • 73

Continuous Improvement

Continuous Improvement Section 208B(d) of the Act states that a Council must achieve continuous improvement in its provision of services for its community. This is done through both formal processes that can be assessed and measured, such as audits, and informal initiatives that improve the way we do things such as incorporating ideas from staff and residents into our practices. Local government is continually being asked to do more with the same or less resources. In order to maintain services at a quality and cost which is responsive to the needs of the community and accessible financially and physically to those members of the community for whom the service is intended, organisational improvements are an essential part of “business as usual”.

Each unit at the City of Greater Bendigo strives to deliver services in the most efficient and effective way to ensure that revenue is expended in a fiscally responsible manner which leads to both the achievement of strategic objectives and the financial sustainability of the City of Greater Bendigo. Listed below are some of the productivity improvements implemented or initiated in the past 12 months.

Continuous Improvement Examples for 2012/2013 Section 208A of the Local Government Act 1989 requires Councils to comply with the Best Value Principles. Section 208B(d) states that one of the Best Value Principles is that a Council must achieve continuous improvement in the provision of services for its community and must .report to the community at least once every year on what it has done to ensure that it has given effect to the Best Value Principles. In addition, the Budget Principles for 2012/13 adopted in January 2012 called for efficiencies by achieving a 1% reduction in costs related to contract payments, materials and services across the operating budget (“the efficiency principle”).This report captures the City of Greater Bendigo’s response to the Best Value Principle related to continuous improvement and the response to the efficiency principle. Initiated by

Initiative

Service Improvement

Savings

Building and Property Services

Service Contracts

These are being rolled out to incorporate property services, including cleaning, lifts & hoists, Automatic doors, back flows, septic tanks, grease traps, security, mechanical & fire services and gutter cleaning.

Service Improvement

Building and Property Services

Access to CoGB facilities

Streamlined key access requests to facilities.

Service Improvement

Building and Property Services

Essential Services manuals

Consolidation of Essential Service manuals.

Est. $5,000

Building and Property Services

Allocated responsibilities for certain areas

Clarification of units responsibility with regard to sports & park lighting, monuments etc.

Service Improvement

Building and Property Services

Developed ‘panel of contractors’ criteria

Panel of contractors documentation developed: glazing, plumbing, electrical, handyman, and painting.

Service Improvement

Building and Property Services

Insurance audit

Adoption of insurance audit recommendations.

Service Improvement

74 • Annual Report 2012/13

Continuous Improvement

Initiated by

Initiative

Service Improvement

Savings

Building and Property Services

Rationalisation of electricity & gas services

Auditing and abolishment of unrequired connections.

Est. $5,000

Building and Property Services

Accessibility forum held

Resulting in improved communication and understanding of regulations.

Service Improvement

Community Partnerships

Section 86 Committees

Supported committees to transition to alternative governance/administrative arrangements.

Improved level of compliance

Community Services

Senior Citizens Centre

Review of Senior Citizens Centre Administration.

Est. $3,000

Community Services

Food Services Program

Discontinued the community luncheon at the Bendigo Retirement Village as residents had alternative options available through the village.

Actual $3,500

Community Services

Transport Program

Program has been scaled back and alternative options have been promoted to clients.

Actual $3,000

Community Services

Planned Activity Group

Have changed an evening activity program to day which has saved on staff costs.

Est. $2,000

Community Services

Seniors Clubs

2 clubs are no longer operating which has reduced maintenance costs.

Est. $6,000

Community Services

Community Care Workers staff meetings

Have reduced number of meetings and have Est. $3,000 identified another venue (which has reduced travel for CCWs & venue hire is less).

Community Services

HACC Respite Care service

A review of Respite Care guidelines resulted in reduced costs for staff and travel costs (i.e. changed late evening bookings to earlier to avoid overtime costs and reduced travel maximum kilometres for out of home care which is paid as an allowance per kilometre to CCWs).

Est. $8,000

Community Wellbeing

Fuel usage

Review of fuel usage.

Actual $10,637

Environmental Health and Local Laws

Fire Plug Maintenance

Utilised Fire Prevention Driver to undertake fire plug maintenance in small townships Heathcote, Elmore, Goornong & Raywood. Resulted in approximate savings and fast tracking the maintenance program in these townships.

Actual $7,897

Annual Report 2012/13 â&#x20AC;˘ 75

Continuous Improvement

Initiated by

Initiative

Service Improvement

Savings

Environmental Health and Local Laws

Fire Prevention Works on private property

This year we revised the approach to reminding property owners about their responsibilities with respect to undertaking fuel reduction works on their property and worked with Communications team to promote this message in conjunction with free green waste tipping days. As a result this year we saw the number of Fire Prevention Notices issued reduce from 2,255 in 2011 season to 1,147 in the 2012 season. Furthermore the City only had to undertake works on 100 properties compared with 200 in the previous year.

Actual $25,000

Executive Services

Communications service delivery

A new approach to service delivery was established through allocation of Communication staff to Directorates, which has enabled staff to build-up expertise across all forms of communication, to assist Directorate staff inform the community.

Service Improvement

Executive Services

Major Events Media Template

A template was developed and is being used by organisations and community groups to promote their events more effectively.

Service Improvement

Executive Services

Social Media

New forms for media have been used to communicate with the community, including YouTube and Pinterest.

Service Improvement

Executive Services

Independent Review facilitation

Utilise existing resources to respond in a timely manner to Aurecon and the Independent Review Committee to explore opportunities for greater efficiency as part of the Independent Review.

Service Improvement

Finance

Car Branding

Review of car branding policy.

Actual $7,000

Finance

Armaguard Contract

Review of Armaguard contract.

Actual $7,000

Finance

Procurement Panels

Increased use of supplier panels has reduced administration related to procurement.

Increased efficiency

Information Management

Mobile Phone Contracts

Review of mobile phone contract.

Actual $43,597

Information Management

Printing Practices

Review of printing practices.

Actual $55,050

Information Management

Computer Network

Review of Computer Network Information Services.

Actual $21,000

Information Management

Botanic Gardens Website

The Botanic Gardens website was developed by a staff member instead of outsourcing the task.

Est. $40,000

Information Management

Intranet

Delivery of an internal communication mechanism for staff to communicate and find relevant policies.

Increased efficiency

76 â&#x20AC;˘ Annual Report 2012/13

Continuous Improvement

Initiated by

Initiative

Service Improvement

Savings

Information Management

Office 2010 upgrade

Upgrade of Office suite throughout CoGB providing more up to date software with more functions available.

Increased efficiency

Information Management

iPad usage for Councillors & Executive

iPads are now used in Council Forums & Meetings as well as EMT. More efficient document management saving significant printing and document distribution costs.

Est. $5,000

Information Management

Upgrade of Internet Links

Consolidation of internet links for use in CoGB has reduced costs and provided improved speed and reliability to staff.

Est. $15,000

Information Management

Writers Festival Website

Writers Festival website was developed in-house.

Est. $40,000

Information Management

Art Gallery Website Redevelopment

Effective information and marketing of the Galleryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new exhibitions.

Est. $15,000

Information Management

The Capital Website Redevelopment

The Capital launched their website and shortly after was rebranded due to the new performance cycle. Upgrading the branding was done in-house saving time and money.

Est. $5,000

Information Management

GENCON

ECM System Administrator has tested and had significant input into the new and improved integration between ECM (Electronic Document Management System) and other systems.

Increased Efficiency

Information Management

Upgrade of Intranet

Following the launch of the Intranet in December 2012 some immediate changes were implemented to provide staff with greater information, control and ownership of the information.

Est. $15,000

Information Management

CoGB Website

Minor enhancements to CoGB website in-house instead of outsourced.

Est. $4,000

Information Management

Bendigo Renault Fashion Week mini website

Development of website in-house instead of outsourced.

Est. $1,000

Parking/Animal Animal management Services service provision

Changed animal management from outsourced model to in-house service provision, which has reduced risk exposure with authorisation issues and increased ability to respond to issues in a timely manner.

Service Improvement

Parking/Animal Return of dogs Services & cats

Implemented processes to return more dogs & cats home instead of taking to pound.

Service Improvement

Parking/Animal GPS Locators Services

Implemented GPS Locators and associated software.

Increased safety and reduced risk exposure

Parking/Animal After hours Services response

Streamlined processes for after-hours response to reduce non-essential call outs.

Est. $30,000

Parking/Animal Management of Services wandering livestock

Negotiated new contract with VicRoads for stock control on their roads.

Est. $6,000

Annual Report 2012/13 â&#x20AC;˘ 77

Continuous Improvement

Initiated by

Initiative

Service Improvement

Savings

Parking/Animal Domestic Animal Services Management Plan

Developed plan in-house

Est. $14,000

Parks and Natural Reserves

Parks and Natural Reserves Unit Service Delivery Plan

The development and implementation of the Parks and Natural Reserves Unit Service Delivery Plan which provides clear guidance on maintenance levels across all assets managed by the Unit. Whilst it is difficult to place an exact financial and time saving on this, it will be significant as team members and our customers are clear about what works are to be undertaken and the level of service that is to be provided across our network of Parks and Natural Reserves.

Service Improvement

Parks and Natural Reserves

Maintenance Improvements

The use of a range of materials including recycled plastic bollards, synthetic turf and rubberised surfaces in a range of locations including traffic devices, around trees and within our network of Parks in order to reduce and even stop the need to provide maintenance at a variety of locations across Bendigo. The eventual cost saving through the implementation of these initiatives will be significant over time both from a cost and time saving perspective.

Increased Efficiency

Parks and Natural Reserves

Nursery stock

Increased use of nursery stock to reduce the price per unit for trees.

Actual $20,686

Planning and Development Directorate

Consulting and Professional Services

Review of consulting and professional services.

Actual $40,000

Presentation and Works

Shoulder re-sheeting

Review of shoulder re-sheeting program.

Actual $163,618

Presentation and Works

Vehicle Maintenance

Passenger and light commercial vehicles can be serviced at the depot saving approximately $130 per service.

Increased Efficiency

Presentation and Works

Diesel Fuel

Ability to refuel fleet vehicles at depot at reduced cost to Council.

Service Improvement

Various

Restructures

Review of directorate/unit structures to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Service Improvement

Visitor Information Centre

Volunteer People Management

Est. $5,000 Volunteers have previously been managed through excel spreadsheets, these are now managed through a TechnologyOne solution to manage the monitoring of hours, learning opportunities, skills and qualifications, etc. TOTAL $634,985

78 â&#x20AC;˘ Annual Report 2012/13

Integrated Business Planning and Reporting / Grants

Integrated Business Planning and Reporting In 2012/13 the City of Greater Bendigo continued to implement the Corporate Planning and Reporting Framework which was developed in 2010/11 to improve the integration of a range of decision-making and reporting processes, which are designed to ensure the long term sustainability of the City of Greater Bendigo.

Grants Community Grants Funding Program The following lists reflect the Community Grant recipients for the 2012/13 financial year. Total funds provided as grants allocation for community benefit during this period were $290,000 (although the total below adds up to $213,618 which does not include newsletters. Plus 10% of total funds are kept aside for Quick Response Grants – we allocated $34,950 to quick response and $15,130 to newsletters).

Community Assistance Grants A total of $76,396 was provided by the City of Greater Bendigo for Community Assistance Grants. The Community Assistance Grant aims to assist groups undertaking a wide range of projects and activities that contribute to strengthening communities within the City of Greater Bendigo, and create new opportunities for community participation in social, learning, and civic activities. The following groups received a Community Assistance grant: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Bendigo Access Employment Bendigo Animal Welfare & Community Services Inc. Bendigo Bonsai Club Inc. Bendigo Community Farmers Market Bendigo Community Health Services Bendigo Multiple Birth Association Bendigo Special Development School Bendigo Writers Council California Gully Connections Playgroup Circus WOW Dr Harry Little Preschool Eaglehawk Anglican Parish Eaglehawk Citizens’ Brass Band Eaglehawk Community House Eaglehawk North Primary School Elmore Cemetery Trust Family Drug Support Bendigo Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail Girl Guides Goldfields Community Radio Cooperative Heathcote AP&H Society Heathcote Region Farmers Market Heathcote Senior Citizens Huntly & Districts Historical Society Kangaroo Flat Anglican Parish Kangaroo Flat Baptist Church Playgroup Little Legends Playgroup Long Gully Community Centre Marong Community Action Group

• • • • • • • • • • •

Melody Makers Redesdale Recreation Reserve Salvation Army Seeds Bendigo St Andrews Parish Bendigo/Axedale Strathdale Senior Citizens Inc. University of the Third Age (U3A) Bendigo Vic SES Vision Australia Woodvale Public Hall COM Y Services Club Eaglehawk

Cultural Grants A total of $42, 490 was provided by the City of Greater Bendigo for Cultural Grants. The Cultural Grants Program was created to support the development of arts and cultural initiatives within the City of Greater Bendigo that engage the broader community in arts and cultural related activities. The following groups received a Cultural Grant: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Bendigo Blues & Roots Festival Bendigo Chamber Choir Bendigo Chorale Bendigo Dance Eisteddfod Inc. Bendigo Neighbourhood House Bendigo Symphony Orchestra CWA Inc. (VIC) Golden City Pipe Band Golden City Support Services Golden Square Primary School Heathcote and District Uniting Church Heathcote Festivals and Events Association Karen Organisation of Bendigo Inc. New Horizons Welfare Services Undue Noise

Annual Report 2012/13 • 79

Grants

Recreation Grants A total of $46,958 was provided by the City of Greater Bendigo for Recreation Grants. The Recreation Grants category encourages local sporting and recreation organisations to implement activities, programs and minor capital works for community facilities that contribute to the club increasing community activity and participation. The following groups received a Recreation Grant; • Axedale Golf Club • Axedale Recreation Reserve • Bendigo and District Off Road Radio Controlled Car Cub Inc. • Bendigo Canoe Club • Bendigo Gliding Club • Bendigo Pony Club • Bendigo Woodturners • Bendigo Yacht Club • Cheer n Dance Parents Committee • Dragons Afloat • Eaglehawk Croquet Club • Eaglehawk Hockey Club • Eaglehawk Junior Football Club • Elmore Tennis Association • Golden Square Croquet/Bowling Club Inc. • Golden Square Football/Netball Club • Goornong Community Swimming Pool • Neangar Park Pony Club • Quarry Hill Golf Club • Quarry Hill Junior Football Club • Riding for the Disabled Association Bendigo • Strathfieldsaye Cricket Club • Vic Country Stickfighting Association

Community Events Grants A total of $31,700 was provided by the City of Greater Bendigo for Community Events Grants. The Community Events Grant encourages and assists the development and implementation of community events that promote and encourage community participation, strengthen and develop community event skills, celebrate diversity, are innovative, creative and inclusive celebrations of community and are inclusive and accessible to all members of the community. The following groups received a Community Events Grant: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Axedale Primary School Bendigo Garden Club Inc. Bendigo Goldfields Chrysanthemum Association Bendigo Health Bendigo Jailhouse Rockers Club Bendigo Mother’s Day Classic Bendigo Social Little Butterflies Inc. Bendigo Society of Model Engineers CWA Axedale Branch Eaglehawk Kennel Club Goornong Guide Heathcote Health

80 • Annual Report 2012/13

• • • • •

Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre Maiden Gully Progress Association Inc. Mia Mia Mechanics Institute Motor Neurone Disease Association Spring in the Bendigo Bush Association

Environmental Sustainability Grants A total of $16,074 was provided by the City of Greater Bendigo for Environmental Sustainability Grants. • • • • • •

Bendigo Sustainability Group Big Hill Primary School Kangaroo Flat Primary School Loddon Mallee Preschool Association Sebastian Progress Association St Francis of the Fields Primary School

Small Township Grants Council provided Small Township Grants totalling $84,913 to be utilised in the 2012/2013 financial year, assisting community groups and agencies to undertake activities strengthening communities. The following groups received a Small Township Grant: • Axedale: $13,000 for Project Platypus, promoting history and significance in Axedale River Reserve through public art signage on bench seats. • Elmore: $7,500 for improvements to Campaspe River Walking Track. • Goornong: $12,200 for community consultation workshop & Heritage & Tourism project. • Heathcote: $10,000 for installation of outdoor gym equipment in community spaces. • Lockwood & District: $9,000 for energy efficiencies at the Community Hall. • Marong: $9,613 for purchase of laptop, projector screen, gas hot water at the Hall & newsletter. • Redesdale: $3,600 for community engagement including newsletter and website. • Sebastian: $7,500 for bench seating & tables at barbeque, plus energy efficiency initiatives. • Woodvale: $12,500 for Recreation Reserve improvements.

Grants

Dudley House Community Arts Subsidy The City received seven applications from individual artists and community groups, with six proposals supported for two-week exhibitions. The program supported the following applications: • “Here, there and within” by BendArts. A group exhibition including 2D and 3D work in a diverse range of media and styles. • “Two Points of View (Looking from Sandhurst)” by Geoff Sayer and Ray Pearce. Artworks in assorted media which examine the impact of life-long associations with the Bendigo region for both artists. • “Greek Fantasia” by Claire McKellar, Helen Liddell and Pamela Vine. A celebration of three weeks of painting in the Greek Isles. • “My Cancer Journey” coordinated by Christine Arnott. An opportunity for cancer survivors to express their experiences of living with cancer in a personal visual manner. • “create20thirteen” by CreateAbility Events Network. 2D and 3D works produced in workshops run by the Saturday Morning Visual Arts Group.

Performance Subsidy The Performance Subsidy supports emerging musical groups within the City of Greater Bendigo. This year five applications were received, with four performances supported: • Norm Gray Jazztet “The American Songbook”: A 5 piece Jazz ensemble playing the popular standards that were written by the great song-craftsmen and wordsmiths of the “American Songbook” era.

Violee Myers-Davey Easter Parade Grants Program Easter Parade Grants Program, in memory of Violee MyersDavey, who was a long term, dedicated volunteer and life member of the Bendigo Easter Fair Society. This grants program was funded by the Bendigo Easter Fair Society. The 2013 Parade Theme, ‘Embrace Your Senses’ was specially chosen to celebrate our vibrant community. Twelve groups were successful in sharing $5,000 in the Violee Myers-Davey Easter Parade Grants Program, consisting of twelve community groups. • • • • • • • • • • • •

Australian Breastfeeding Association Bendigo and District Concert Band Bendigo and District Table Tennis Association Bendigo Community Farmers Market Bendigo Epilepsy Support Group Bendigo Highland Pipe Band Bendigo Trust – Bendigo Tramways Circus Wow – Loddon Mallee Women’s Health Goornong Rural Fire Brigade ISKCON Hare Krishna Melbourne The Gianna Centre Volks Club Bendigo

An additional grant of $5,000 was used to host the artist-inresidence, Bridget Robertson, who assisted grant recipients with the float making. This year’s Torchlight Procession attracted 53 entries and the Gala Parade attracted 62 entries, the most entries we have ever received.

• Brenda Kinsella “Viva la Diva”: This performance aims to bring the wonderful art form of opera to an audience in an intimate, informative, interactive and engaging manner. • 37 Degrees South “37 Degrees South”: Contemporary classical vocal music from the 20th & 21st centuries – both a capella and with piano accompaniment. • Bendigo Symphony Orchestra “Brandenburg in Bendigo 2013”: Workshops for musicians within the community on Baroque music, culminating in a performance of a Bach Brandenburg Concerto, along with other smaller works from the period.

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Financial Statements 2012/2013

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City of Greater Bendigo Office Locations and Service Points MAIN OFFICE • Customer Support, Executive Office, Mayor’s Office, Children and Family Services, Active & Health Communities, Community and Cultural Development, Media & Communications Address 195-229 Lyttleton Terrace, Bendigo Postal Address PO Box 733, Bendigo Vic 3552 T: (03) 5434 6000 F: (03) 5434 6200 E: requests@bendigo.vic.gov.au W: www.bendigo.vic.gov.au

Heathcote Service Centre 125 High Street, Heathcote T: (03) 5433 3211 Bendigo Art Gallery 42 View Street, Bendigo T: (03) 5434 6088 E: bendigoartgallery@bendigo.vic.gov.au W: www.bendigoartgallery.com.au The Capital – Bendigo’s Performing Arts Centre 50 View Street, Bendigo T: (03) 5434 6100 E: thecapital@bendigo.vic.gov.au W: www.thecapital.com.au Bendigo Livestock Exchange Wallenjoe Road, Huntly T: (03) 5448 8111 E: livestockexchange@bendigo.vic.gov.au 45 Mundy Street, Bendigo Youth Development T: (03) 5434 6000 E: requests@bendigo.vic.gov.au

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