Council news

Future Hepburn

Have you signed up for the Future Hepburn Engagement Pool? We are looking for people from across the Shire to get involved. By joining, you'll have the opportunity to share what’s important to you on a variety of topics, join online webinars, receive project updates and even participate in a township panel made up of 21 community members. This is a great way to have your say on the future of your town and Shire. Find out more and register to be involved at https://participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/future-hepburn

Rates Notices

The 2023/24 rates notices will soon arrive in your mailbox or inbox. Rates and charges make up over half of Council’s annual budgeted revenue and are vital to enable us to provide the services and facilities that our community values, including parks, libraries, maternal and child health, planning, roads and many more.

Property rates are based on:

• The valuation of your property at 1 January 2023 (which is determined independently each year by the Valuer-General Victoria)

• The differential rate in the dollar for your type of property (e.g. residential, farming, commercial, industrial, etc.).

Rate increases have been capped at 3.5 percent in line with the Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rates system. This compares to a seven percent CPI increase in the year to March 2023.

Our website has more information on how rates are calculated, pensioner concessions, how to object to your property valuation or apply for rates hardship support. Find out more at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/rates

Tip Vouchers

You are eligible for transfer station vouchers if you have a fortnightly landfill (general waste) collection or do not have a kerbside collection at your residence. If you didn’t collect your vouchers for 2022/23 you can still collect them from your local customer service centre or transfer station. Vouchers are eligible until the end of September 2023. Don’t forget to bring proof of your address for collection. Vouchers for the next 12 months will be available soon.

TECH-TIPS AND TEA

Are you interested in learning some technology basics? Come to your local library for Hepburn Libraries’ Digital Literacy Program, Tech-talk and Tea. These weekly sessions run for two hours, which includes a workshop and time for general IT problem-solving. Bring your device, phone or tablet for tech troubleshooting and enjoy a cuppa with other participants. Sessions are:

Trentham Hub - Tuesdays from 10am to 12pm

Daylesford Library - Tuesdays from 1pm to 3pm

The Warehouse - Clunes - Thursdays from 10am to 12pm

Creswick Hub - Thursdays from 1pm to 3pm.

Celebrate Local Women

Honour roll - Do you know an inspiring woman from Hepburn Shire? Every year we recognise women who make a difference in our community through the Heather Mutimer Honour Roll. Read about past inductees, make a nomination or learn more at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/Womens-Honour-Roll

Nominations close on Monday 25 September. Inductees are announced every year on International Women’s Day in March. Join the committee - Council is looking for community members to join the Heather Mutimer International Women’s Day Advisory Committee. The aim of the committee is to provide Council with advice on who should be inducted onto the Heather Mutimer International Women’s Day Honour Roll.

Applications are open until Monday 21 August at 5.00pm. Visit the above website for more information.

Care For Your Pets

Pet registration is key to keeping your pets safe. There are many unregistered dogs and cats in our Shire. If your cat or dog goes missing or wanders away from home, you have a much better chance of them being returned home if they are registered.

Pet registration is due for renewal in April each year. The first period of registration is free for microchipped and desexed pets.

Council introduced a cat curfew from 1 July. Cats must be confined to their owner’s property from dusk until dawn. Find out more at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/pets

Report An Issue

You can report issues or make service requests relating to Council services or assets via our website. This means you will be issued a reference number so you can track progress on your request. Visit our website and click on ‘Report an issue’ on the homepage or head straight to our online service request page at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/Request

The Council Plan 2021-2025 describes how Council will strive towards our vision, where to focus efforts, and how to measure progress. Each Focus Area has a series of priority statements, with actions against each item.