ShireLife Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter Issue 31 March 2019
Pages 2–3 What’s on
Sing along with The Sapphires Page 3
Page 4 Register for a Youth Mental Health First Aid course Page 7 Sir Elton John comes to Hanging Rock
What’s on
Explore animation magic in workshop
The secret is out! Our arts and culture events program for 2019 is huge, with comedy, family shows, live music, drama and more!
Monday 15 April to Tuesday 16 April
Artist and game designer Josh Salmon gets participants using art, craft, augmented reality and stopmotion to tell their story.
Celebrate diversity at Harmony Day
Get the giggles!
Friday 3 May, 7.30pm Kyneton Town Hall
Thursday 21 March, 6–8pm Woodend Children’s Park
The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is coming back to Kyneton with a line-up of artists sure to tickle your funny bone.
Come together for Harmony Day—a day of inclusiveness, respect and belonging with a performance from world music sensation, Jali Buba Kuyateh and band.
Revisit the music of Ray Charles
Create new worlds at Strange Garden
Friday 10 May, 11.30am Kyneton Town Hall
Wednesday 10 April to Friday 12 April Kyneton Town Hall
Melbourne band The Meltdown pay homage to the late, great rhythm and blues pioneer, Ray Charles in this hip-shaking performance.
Artist Eliza-Jane Gilchrist leads this unique workshop for children that will see them build stunning sculptural installations out of cardboard.
Buy tickets
mrsc.vic.gov.au/buytickets 1300 888 802 (8.30am–3pm, weekdays) Visit a Council service centre in Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey and Woodend (see page 15 for locations). To view the complete program of events for 2019, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/arts-events
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ShireLife
What’s on
Be inspired by The Sapphires Friday 17 May, 8pm Kyneton Town Hall
This heart-warming play charts the journey of four young women as they bring music and joy to the battlegrounds of the Vietnam War.
Don’t miss Swansong
Friday 24 May, 7.30pm Kyneton Town Hall Violent, tragic and hauntingly tender, Swansong is an award-winning drama set on the streets of Ireland.
New exhibitions at Kyneton Museum
Life on the Line Showing until Sunday 26 May
Wind back the clock and experience life on the railways in Queensland as part of this new photographic exhibition.
Wearable AG Art
See back page for discount.
Friday 31 May to Sunday 25 August
Fall in love with The Naked Cello
Kyneton Museum is located at 67 Piper Street, and open Friday to Sunday, 11am–4pm. Entry fees apply.
Friday 31 May, 8pm Kyneton Town Hall
The mystery and beauty of the cello is celebrated in this performance featuring original musical works by cellist Helen Mountfort. See back page for discount.
Experience stories of war in Hallowed Ground
Thursday 20 June, 7.30pm Kyneton Town Hall Catch this stunning performance, a faithful and moving tribute to the women who have served their nation for over a century in war.
This inspiring exhibition showcases fashion made from recycled materials
Upgrade for arts and culture facilities
Kyneton Town Hall has undergone a refresh recently, with the installation of a new heating and cooling system, and upgrades to stage lighting and equipment.
Upgrades to Kyneton Museum have also been completed, with the installation of new display cabinets, roof repairs and works to ensure the preservation of the building.
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Skill up in our mental health program Learn how to help young people experiencing mental health problems by participating in one of our awardwinning Youth Mental Health First Aid courses this year.
The course covers topics such as anxiety, depression, psychosis, alcohol abuse and other drug issues and eating disorders.
The 14-hour program teaches participants first aid skills to give initial help to young people who are in a mental health crisis situation or in the early stages of a mental illness.
The cost is $30 for Macedon Ranges’ residents and $100 for others. mrsc.vic.gov.au/ymhfa
5422 0275
The program of dates for 2019 are: When: 1 April, 6pm–10pm (Refresher session) Where: Newman Room, Kyneton Town Hall, 129 Mollison Street, Kyneton When: 3 and 10 May, 9am–5pm (School staff) Where: Newman Room, Kyneton Town Hall, 129 Mollison Street, Kyneton When: 7, 14, 21 and 28 May, 6.30pm–10pm (Men’s only course) Where: Leadlight Room, Holgates Brewhouse, 79 High Street,Woodend When: 15, 18 and 25 June, 9am–5pm and 6pm–9.30pm Where: Gisborne Administration Centre, 40 Robertson Street, Gisborne When: 3, 10, 17 and 24 September, 6pm–9.30pm Where: Newman Room, Kyneton Town Hall, 129 Mollison Street, Kyneton
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ShireLife
Community wellbeing
Sign your way into Lady Brooks Kindergarten Children at Lady Brooks Kindergarten will soon be learning Auslan as part of their learning journey this year. Recent funding provided by the Department of Education will enable an additional teacher to deliver the program for 3 hours per week until 2022. Existing staff at Lady Brooks will undergo Auslan training so they can take a team approach to the language program delivery. Auslan helps enhance children’s way to communicate with each other and in particular communicate with other children who have limited or no speech. 5 mrsc.vic.gov.au/kindergarten
Creating connections
For some older people, maintaining social connections, or re-establishing them after a setback such as an accident or period of poor health, can be challenging. Council is offering a new option for Commonwealth Home Support Programme clients that will enable them to participate more actively in community life. Clients are matched with a volunteer or worker who visits them for a chat and a cuppa. Over time the client will be supported to identify activities that they would like to participate in when they feel able to do so. This might mean returning to an activity they enjoyed previously or trying something completely new. To access this service, register with 1800 200 422 My Aged Care
Libraries Change Lives
Goldfields Libraries are excited to be part of the state-wide advocacy campaign Libraries Change Lives. Developed by Public Libraries Victoria and State Library Victoria, Libraries Change Lives is designed to build community support and attract national funding for Victoria’s 272 public libraries, which see more than 30 million visitors each year. Libraries Change Lives aims to demonstrate that libraries are continuing to evolve beyond their traditional role of housing books to offer vital community services, accessible in many forms. It aims to start a conversation about the value and impact of Victoria’s public libraries and the role they play in healthy communities. 5 librarieschangelives.org.au
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We’ve got a sports program to suit you and your child
Contact your local centre
The Stadium Gisborne Secondary College Melton Road, Gisborne Phone: 5428 1619 thestadium@mrsc.vic.gov.au
From basketball to indoor soccer competitions, below are just some of the programs on offer at our facilities:
Basketball Monday Gisborne Riddells Creek Romsey Tuesday Gisborne Riddells Creek Wednesday Gisborne Kyneton Riddells Creek Romsey Woodend Thursday Gisborne Kyneton Riddells Creek Woodend Friday Riddells Creek
Volleyball
Badminton
Tuesday Kyneton
Tuesday and Thursday Macedon
Monday Riddells Creek
Thursday Riddells Creek Romsey Woodend
Table tennis Wednesday Macedon
Monday Kyneton
Monday Romsey Woodend
Indoor soccer Wednesday Kyneton Thursday Gisborne Macedon Friday Gisborne Romsey Woodend Sunday Gisborne
Tuesday Riddells Creek Woodend Wednesday Gisborne Kyneton Romsey Thursday Riddells Creek Romsey
Gisborne Fitness Centre 8 Hamilton Street, Gisborne Phone: 5428 3318 gisgymcman@mrsc.vic.gov.au Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre 4 Victoria Street, Kyneton Phone: 5421 1477 ksacrec@mrsc.vic.gov.au Macedon Community Centre Waterfalls Road, Macedon Contact Buffalo Sports Stadium (see details above) Riddells Creek Leisure Centre Sutherlands Road, Riddells Creek Phone: 5428 7155 rclc@mrsc.vic.gov.au
For full details including start times and registration forms, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure or drop into your local centre.
Saturday Riddells Creek
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Netball
Buffalo Sports Stadium 1–29 Forest Street, Woodend Phone: 5427 3411 buffalo@mrsc.vic.gov.au
ShireLife
Healthy living • Hanging Rock
Music legend comes to Hanging Rock
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Sir Elton John will perform at Hanging Rock on Saturday 25 January and Sunday 26 January 2020, as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. Sir Elton John will be the seventh artist to perform at Hanging Rock, following in the footstep of fellow legends
Events at the Rock Run the Rock
Saturday 30 March Run the Rock takes in the breathtaking scenery, gritty trails and undulating country roads of the Macedon Ranges. Choose to run 2km (kids), 5km, 13.5km or 22km. 5 solemotive.com.au 5 9285 0600
Leonard Cohen, Rod Stewart, Bruce Springsteen, Eagles, Cold Chisel and Midnight Oil. The venue has hosted an exclusive eight tours to date in partnership with Frontier Touring, with Rod Stewart and Bruce Springsteen returning twice to the picturesque location on different tours. 5 hangingrockconcerts.com
Camp at the Rock
Saturday 6 April Experience an exciting overnight camp out at the base of Hanging Rock. Campers can join the free guided night walk, or just sit back and relax with family and friends. Bookings essential. 5 5421 1468
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Environment events Be part of Earth Hour
Make your home energy efficient
Get involved in the global sustainability movement Earth Hour during March through a range of initiatives.
Did you know that most of the energy you use in your home goes in heating and cooling? Come along to a free workshop on retrofitting and find out how you can reduce your environmental footprint and save money.
Join the Solar Light Challenge
Stop by the Lancefield Market on Saturday 23 March and help Council staff assemble solar lights. The assembled solar lights will then be sent to schools, children and families living in remote areas of Papua New Guinea.
Switch off
On Saturday 30 March people in over 180 countries will switch off their lights for one hour from 8.30pm as a symbolic gesture to show the need for stronger climate action. 5 mrsc.vic.gov.au/environment-events
Thursday 28 March, 7.30pm–9pm Gisborne Administration Centre, 40 Robertson Street Saturday 30 March, 11am–12.30pm Kyneton Administration Centre, 129 Mollison Street mrsc.vic.gov.au/environment-events 5421 9660
Thanks for your feedback Thank you to everyone who provided feedback into our recent review of dog on and off leash areas in the shire and the potential introduction of a cat curfew as part of the Paws for Thought consultation.
Get snapping at photography workshop Saturday 18 May, 5–7pm 291 Pipers Creek Road, Kyneton
Learn techniques on how to photograph and shoot wildlife at night from wildlife photographer Jules Farquhar. Subjects include location scouting, equipment, speed light, composition and ethics. 5 mrsc.vic.gov.au/environment-events 5 5421 9660
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ShireLife
Nearly 800 residents got in touch to share their thoughts on the proposed changes via our online survey, discussion forum, social media sites and community information sessions. We are analysing your feedback, and in the process of preparing a final report, which will be considered by Council in March.
Environment events • Grants and funding
(Sarah Morrison pictured, second from left)
Find grants and funding Council’s Community Funding Scheme is all out making possibilities a reality, just ask Sarah Morrison. Thanks to a grant received last year for the Lauriston Hall Committee, Sarah now teaches a weekly dance exercise class specifically for mature residents in the region. “The money was used to fund the dance exercise classes at the hall so that the classes could be provided for free to the community”, said Sarah.
Events and Festivals Grant Program
Council’s annual Events and Festivals Grant Program is open for applications until Monday 1 April. The program is dedicated to supporting events and festivals in the Macedon Ranges Shire that benefit residents and business. 5npietruschka@mrsc.vic.gov.au 5421 9660
Community Funding Scheme
Each week local residents and people from neighbouring towns like Kyneton and Trentham get involved in the sessions, improving their strength, flexibility, memory, coordination and social skills in the process.
Community groups and organisations with a great idea for a project are invited to apply for financial assistance via Council’s new and improved Community Funding Scheme, opening on Monday 1 April.
“We are so glad that we applied for the grant”, said Sarah.
This year we’ve merge the timing of the Community Funding Scheme and the Places for People program so both programs will roll-out together, with more than $160,000 available.
“If anyone else has an idea that would benefit their community, just do it and apply”. “It provides the ability to get your idea up and running, and once people are connected to the initiative it is likely that it will continue, just like our program did!”. For more information on our grants and funding opportunities: 5 mrsc.vic.gov.au/grants 5 5422 0333
mrsc.vic.gov.au/grants
Grant writing workshop
Thursday 28 March, 6.30pm–9pm Kyneton Mechanics Institute, 81 Mollison Street Come along to our free workshop on grant writing skills. 5grants@mrsc.vic.gov.au 5 5422 0206
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Your Councillors Cr Henry Bleeck East Ward
Cr Mandi Mees South Ward
Thanks to everyone who participated in the recent Romsey Issues and Opportunities Paper. It’s the first step in our work towards understanding what the future of Romsey might look like, and planning for its long term future. There was a great response, with significant support from the community for Romsey to have a secondary school and also a need for greater housing diversity within the town. The paper and consultation report is on our website, mrsc.vic.gov.au/Romsey-Futures, and I’d encourage you to have a read of it. The next steps will see the development of an options paper and a new township structure plan, and Council will be looking for your input throughout the entire process, so please get involved. Council was fortunate to recently receive some federal funding for new and community-based activities for older residents in the shire as part of their Better Ageing Grant Program. The program is a great initiative in that it implements activities to get older people moving, and increase their health and wellbeing. Council made the application in partnership with nine other councils, with the Federal Government receiving more than 2000 applications for funding. We were lucky to be one of the 27 successful applicants, so that’s great news. Stay tuned for more details on that as we work with our project partners to implement activities. Its budget time with the draft budget out next month, and Council is keen to hear what you think about our plans and ideas for the third year of our term. Get in touch and tell us what you think. We’re looking forward to getting lots of feedback as we finalise the budget in June.
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ShireLife
I hope the New Year has started well for you, your family and friends. To start 2019, Council has been reviewing all the great ideas community members have submitted to the upcoming draft budget which will be ready for your review and feedback after the April Council Meeting. Throughout the year, we will continue to progress both state and local planning requirements to protect the Macedon Ranges, delivering initiatives on biodiversity, climate change and environment. We continue to pursue the feasibility of shared trails with both government and community partners across our region. Building and expanding footpath and cycling networks in our towns remains a priority as per the Council Plan, as is completing the necessary heritage studies across the shire. Gisborne Futures continues as a major planning initiative to protect local town character, revitalise the town centre and guide sustainable growth. A focus on greater support for local enterprise is gaining momentum. The development of the visitor economy and economic development strategies will offer clarity about how best the community can support and sustain local businesses, of which a significant proportion are home-based. The Macedon Ranges attracts 1.67 million visitors and $465 million annually. It’s an important contributor to our quality of life, as it supports many local producers of products and services to deliver for our community. I look forward to working with you, in partnership, as we continue to nurture this incredibly beautiful and vibrant place in which we live.
Your Councillors
Cr Jennifer Anderson West Ward Autumn in the Macedon Ranges is perhaps my favourite season. The hot weather draws to a close, and the trees turn the multitude of colours that attract more and more people to visit each year. It is one of our busier tourist seasons where a midweek overnight stay in one of Macedon Ranges wide choice of accomodation options is one of the most beautiful experiences you could wish for. I often think we take what we have for granted and am proud to be part of a Council that works collaboratively to both protect our natural environment, whilst encouraging local businesses who embrace the very nature of their surroundings to thrive. This was a strong theme in the revised Visitor Economy Strategy and I am sure will be carried though to the Economic Development Strategy, which continues to need your input. It is important to reflect half way through Councillors’ four year term, on what we have achieved as a shire together. This includes The Hanging Rock Strategic Plan, a new Arts and Culture Strategy, Sport and Active Recreation Strategy, Biodiversity Strategy, and one of my favourites, a brand new Youth Strategy, developed by the young people of our shire. Once again, the only way Council can perform at its best is by working together and gathering input from everyone as early as possible. Thank you to the staff, Councillors and community members who make the effort to keep on talking to each other and sharing ideas to improve the health and wellbeing of all who live and work in the Macedon Ranges.
Big ideas for budget plans
Thanks to all those residents who recently shared their thoughts on how we could make our shire a better place. Late last year we asked residents to send us their ‘big ideas’ on how we can improve our area in the lead-up to the annual budget process. Almost 100 residents took us up on the invitation to ‘think big’ and help to identify gaps in current services as well as future opportunities. Ideas included installation of additional drinking fountains throughout the shire and extra walking and cycling paths. The ideas are now being considered as part of the development of the 2019/20 draft budget. Council will meet on Wednesday 24 April to adopt the draft budget, which will go on public display in May. In June, Councillors will hear submissions and, later in the month, adopt the final budget. 5 mrsc.vic.gov.au/plan-and-budget 5 5422 0333
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Give your enterprise a boost with our 2019 Business Program Are you a local business looking to become a social media whizz? Council is offering a range of training and development opportunities as part of its 2019 Business Program, including workshops, mentoring, information sessions, events, and more. This year’s program also incorporates a new initiative that aims to enhance social media skills for small business owners/operators. Participants in this initiative will have access to workshops, tailored mentoring, webinars and an online learning portal throughout the year that explore social media marketing, digital marketing, Facebook advertising and Instagram. The cost is $55, and the initiative is run by the Australian
Small Business Advisory Services (ASBAS) and facilitated by the Melbourne Innovation Centre. Places are limited, so we encourage participants to book their spot early. Many of the events on offer are being held in partnership with the Australian Small Business Advisory Service, Melbourne Innovation Centre, Australian Taxation Office, Macedon Ranges Women in Business, Small Business Victoria and the Kyneton Community and Learning Centre. 5mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-events 5 5421 9616
Upcoming workshops include: 26 March, Six steps to a better business 26 March, Six steps to a better business 4 April, Facebook simplified (ASBAS) 6 April, Advanced business Facebook 8 and 15 May, Australian Taxation Office workshops 16 May, Boost Facebook advertising (ASBAS) 18 May, Advanced business Instagram 21 May, Building your business profits 13 June, Engage followers with Instagram (ASBAS) 18 June, Increase sales in your business
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ShireLife
Business Program • Election
Artist impression of Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct
Election promises: what’s next?
Council’s recent advocacy efforts have resulted in millions of dollars in funding from the re-elected Victorian Government. The government made several major pre-election commitments to Macedon Ranges Shire in the lead-up to the poll, including:
We look forward to working with the government to deliver these projects and initiatives and improving our shire for our residents and visitors.
• A $5.6 million contribution toward the outdoor facilities component of the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct
Keep an eye on future editions of ShireLife for further details and updates.
• A $6 million contribution towards the indoor courts component of the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct • $718,000 to complete the final stage of the redevelopment at the Romsey Ecotherapy Park • $11.7 million to install traffic lights, improve traffic flow, reduce queuing and making the intersection of Station and Saunders roads in Gisborne safer • $12.5 million to upgrade the intersection of GisborneKilmore Road and Melbourne Road • $3 million to implement the Hanging Rock Strategic Plan.
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A win for Woodend Kindergarten
A dry creek bed, outdoor classroom and sandpit kitchen are a few of the new features children will enjoy this year as part of the upgrades to the Woodend Kindergarten playground. The upgrades will also include new equipment, nature-based play elements and landscaping that increase play-based learning. The works will create an outdoor environment that supports and promotes inclusion, participation and a sense of belonging for children of all abilities. The project is made possible through several funding streams, including Pick my Project ($198,000), Council ($120,000), Department of Education and Training ($152,000) and the Woodend Parent Committee ($5,000), totalling $475,000 to complete the project in full. Construction is anticipated to begin in Term 3.
Council is currently completing a number of works across the shire, with more planned. These include: Footpath improvements
Upgrade of Willowbank Road, Gisborne which will include culvert pipe extensions, widening of the footpath and the installation of a guard rail
Road upgrades
Upgrades to Martins Road, Nulla Vale to increase the height and width of the road surface, and the installation of a new culvert.
Your rates at work Page 14
Improvements to Park Lane in Romsey to manage drainage issues. Works will include adjusting the levels and grade of road. Improvements to Romsey Road in Hesket to address drainage issues and improve the road surface. Reconstruction of part of Sidonia Road in Pastoria (from KynetonBaynton Road for one kilometre). 5mrsc.vic.gov.au/works 5 5422 0333
ShireLife
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Rates and charges must be paid in four instalments by no later than the due date. Instalment reminder notices will be sent prior to each instalment date. If an instalment is not paid by the due date it will be charged with penalty interest. The final instalment date for 2018/19 is 31 May 2019 You can pay your rates via BPay View®, online with Visa or Mastercard via Council’s website, mrsc.vic.gov.au/payments or in person at a Council customer service centre. If you have any questions about rates payment methods, or if you have difficulty paying your rates on time, contact the Rates department on 5422 0322.
Disability: news on local programs and services that cater to people with a disability. Environment: find out more about local environmental projects and events. Family: information for local families with children aged up to eight years. ShireLife: bi-monthly newsletter on Council projects, activities, opportunities and more. 5 mrsc.vic.gov.au/newsletters
Find us on social media
Get regular updates about our services, projects, events and activities via our social media channels. Macedon Ranges Shire Council Gisborne Fitness & Aquatic Centres Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre Macedon Ranges Over 55s Connect Macedon Ranges Arts & Culture Macedon Ranges Emergency Alerts Macedon Ranges Naturally Cool Macedon Ranges Youth @MacedonRangesSC @MacedonRangessc Macedon-Ranges-Shire-Council
Contact Council 5422 0333 or 1300 656 577 mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au mrsc.vic.gov.au Post PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444 * Our 1300 number offers residents living in the south of the shire the ability to contact us without incurring an STD call rate. Visit one of our service centres: 40 Robertson Street, Gisborne 129 Mollison Street, Kyneton 96−100 Main Street, Romsey Cnr High and Forest streets, Woodend. Residents who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment can contact Council through the National Relay Service: • TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 03 5422 0333 • Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 03 5422 0333 • Internet relay users connect to the NRS (see relayservice. com.au for details) and then ask for 03 5422 0333. If you or someone you know may benefit from receiving a large print version of this newsletter, contact us on 5422 0302 or email comms@mrsc.vic.gov.au
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East Ward Cr Henry Bleeck Mobile: 0400 028 507 hbleeck@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Purchase a ticket online to see either Swansong or The Naked Cello at Kyneton Town Hall in May and enter promo code shirelife15 to receive 15% off tickets. mrsc.vic.gov.au/buytickets Offer valid for full price tickets only. Maximum of 2 tickets per purchase.
Sustainable design fact sheets Go green with sustainable design fact sheets
Pick up one of our sustainable design fact sheets, and get the latest on the basics of passive design principles. Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/sustainable-design or call 5422 0333 for more information.
Cr Natasha Gayfer Mobile: 0436 407 401 ngayfer@mrsc.vic.gov.au Cr Bill West Mobile: 0400 025 455 bwest@mrsc.vic.gov.au
South Ward Cr Mandi Mees (Deputy Mayor) Mobile: 0448 814 442 mmees@mrsc.vic.gov.au Cr Helen Radnedge Mobile: 0437 386 922 hradnedge@mrsc.vic.gov.au Cr Andrew Twaits Mobile: 0429 066 000 atwaits@mrsc.vic.gov.au
West Ward Cr Jennifer Anderson Mobile: 0408 273 670 janderson@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Want a free bin collection calendar?
Call us on 5422 0333 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/bin-dates to request a 2019 bin calendar. You will need to provide your residential address, as bin collection days vary on your location.
Cr Roger Jukes Mobile: 0400 647 445 rjukes@mrsc.vic.gov.au Cr Janet Pearce (Mayor) Mobile: 0437 282 096 jpearce@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Your Councillors
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