Just briefly...

The Macedon Ranges-based lunch group Birds of a Feather is spreading its wings this month and heading to Melbourne to the Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda on Thursday, February 23 for a 12pm lunch on the rooftop terrace.

Organised by Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health’s Country LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Program, the event is free with meals and drinks at bar prices. RSVPs essential at www.surveymonkey.com/r/BOAF-RSVP-Feb2023. Transport from Kyneton is available, email nathan.allwood@scchc.org.au or call 5421 1666.

An e-waste recovery pilot has been launched at Daylesford Transfer Station. Electronic items received through transfer station e-waste collections that pass safety inspections and testing will be made available to the community through the Hepburn Shire Council Tip Shop. The council will review the results of the pilot within six months, with the intention of extending the program to Creswick and Trentham Transfer Stations.

Residents are invited to collaborate on a new plan that will guide the Macedon Ranges community on managing the impacts of climate change. Cool-ER Changes takes a broader look at the future of the environment in creating a shared, shire-wide Climate Emergency Response Plan for the council and community. The launch of Cool-ER Changes will be held at the Kyneton Town Hall on Thursday, March 2, 7pm to 8.30pm. Link: mrsc.vic.gov.au/Cool-ER-Changes

Creative professionals with big ideas to transform their practice and build their skills and careers can apply for the latest round of the state government's Creators Fund.

Applications are open to individuals and collectives working in any creative field including digital games, literature, craft, theatre, music, screen, dance, visual art,

Daylesford’s February Repair Café will be at the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre on Sunday, February 19 from 1pm to 4pm.

More repairers are always needed. Contact Veronica on 0428 180 200 or Danny on 0488 604 231, or pop in to the Creswick Neighbourhood Centre on the day. The cafe will be back at the Victoria Park Pavilion, Daylesford, on Sunday, March 19.

Hepburn Shire Council has replaced a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II with King Charles III in the Daylesford Town Hall.

CEO Bradley Thomas said while displaying the portrait of the king was not a requirement for council meetings, it is a requirement under the Australian Citizenship Ceremonies Code to display the official portrait of Australia’s Head of State at citizenship ceremonies. Council meetings are held in the town hall.

Applications for the 2022-23 round of the Change Our Game Community Activation Grants Program are now open.

Grants of up to $10,000 are available to eligible clubs and community groups across Victoria to help them create more opportunities for women and girls at the grassroots level. Link: www.changeourgame.vic.gov.au

Hepburn Shire Council, in partnership with Business Victoria, are providing the free face-to-face workshops for 2023. The workshops are being facilitated by Monarch Institute and are being held in Daylesford and Creswick. The workshops provide an opportunity for business operators to participate and network with other small business owners. There are also a host of free online webinars for businesses.

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Message From The Mayor

I met with Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development last week and we discussed funding for urgently needed works to repair the Shire’s numerous flood-damaged roads. The Federal Government’s recent announcement that it will conduct a comprehensive review of disaster recovery funding nationwide is most welcome.

While Council’s program of works to repair roads is well underway there is no doubt the scope of works is significant and places enormous strain on our financial and human resources. Our discussions also included the Creswick Trails project, site of the 2026 Commonwealth Games mountain bike events, and reviewing progress on other Council projects such as the Trentham Community Centre. Council is very appreciative of the ongoing support we receive from federal and state governments and is heavily reliant on grant funding for major capital works.

A reminder that the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is currently conducting a review of 39 Councils across the state, of which Hepburn Shire is one. The review will consider how communities are represented at Council level.

Currently Hepburn Shire has seven councillors spread across five wards. The new structure contemplates either seven councillors from seven wards, which would necessitate drawing new lines on the map to create such wards, or no wards at all and seven councillors coming from anywhere across the Shire.

The existing structure is unlikely to continue. Importantly, community members can have their say and make a submission. For more information go to www.vec.vic.gov.au/hepburn

Finally, we are fortunate to have many wonderful community events over the next few months. Some of these are listed to the right. I encourage you to head along and make the most of these events throughout our Shire.

Cr Brian Hood

Community Grants Open

If you’re a member of a community group or not-for-profit organisation, our latest round of Community Grants is now open. Check out the guidelines and apply at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/grants

Council Plan Focus Areas

Upcoming Events

For car enthusiasts, Daylesford Motorfest is on at Victoria Park on Sunday 19 February. https://daylesfordmotorfest.com/ On Saturday 25 February, the 50th Lyonville Woodchop will be held at Lyonville Hall. Proceeds go to hall maintenance.

The annual Heather Mutimer International Women’s Day event is on at 6pm on Wednesday 8 March at Daylesford Town Hall, acknowledging women who have made a difference in our Shire. RSVP at www.trybooking.com/CFVON

One of our region’s biggest and most colourful events is ChillOut Festival, which runs from Thursday 9 to Monday 13 March. This year ‘Find Your Wings’ is the theme. https://chilloutfestival.com.au/

On Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March, it’s Clunes Booktown Festival featuring author and artist talks, workshops and live entertainment. www.clunesbooktown.com.au

The Creswick folk and roots festival CresFest is on from Friday 31 March to Sunday 2 April, with a weekend of music and dance for all ages. www.cresfest.com.au/

Second Hand Electrical Items

Council has launched a six-month trial to sell low-cost and safe electrical items at the Daylesford Transfer Station. The electrical items have been disposed of as e-waste (which was banned from landfill in 2019). E-waste is any item with a plug, battery or cord that is no longer wanted. Collect a bargain from the Daylesford Transfer Station or drop off your e-waste to transfer stations in Creswick, Daylesford or Trentham.

Small Business Workshops

Small business operators have the opportunity to build skills and expertise over the coming months, with multiple face to face and online workshops, along with a visit from the Small Business Bus. Workshop topics include how to boost your social media and online presence, tips on cyber security and ways to generate cash flow. Find out more and secure your place at www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/events

Free Covid Tests

We continue to partner with the Victorian Government to provide free Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) to community members. Due to a change in eligibility requirements, we can now supply free RATs to anyone in the community. You can collect your free tests from our friendly customer service teams in Clunes, Creswick, Daylesford and Trentham. Please pop in and collect the tests when you are feeling well rather than when you’re sick. Find the opening hours of your closest Council hub on our website.