ShireLife Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter
Issue 40
Spring 2021
What’s on at Kyneton Town Hall Pages 4–5
What you need to know about vaccinations Pages 2–3
School holiday fun Page 9 Calling all bird watchers Page 10 Preparing for fire season Page 12
Why get vaccinated?
By getting vaccinated, you are protecting your health, and also helping protect your family, friends and community. As more people get vaccinated, the more the community is protected. This also makes it harder for COVID-19 to spread.
About the vaccines
As at the time of print, two COVID-19 vaccines are currently in use in Australia – the AstraZeneca vaccine and the Pfizer vaccine. Both of these vaccines do not contain any live virus, and cannot give you COVID-19. The vaccines contain the genetic code for an important part of the SARSCoV-2 virus called the spike protein. After getting the vaccine, your body makes copies of the spike protein. Your immune system will then learn to recognise and fight against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines have been developed without compromising quality, safety and effectiveness. In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has been rigorously assessing the potential
ShireLife
Both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines have been studied in clinical trials, each having tens of thousands of people, and have been administered to many millions of people worldwide.
Side effects
The COVID-19 vaccines are free, safe and voluntary.
Page 2
COVID-19 vaccines for safety, quality and effectiveness. They will continue to do this with all vaccines before they will be approved and made available to Australians.
Most side effects of COVID-19 vaccines are mild. They include reactions at the injection site and some systemic reactions, like headaches, fever, chills and fatigue. These are common in the first 48 hours after vaccination. For further information on safety, quality and effectiveness of the vaccines visit tga.gov.au/covid-19-vaccines
Do people have to receive two doses?
Yes. Both Pfizer and AstraZeneca require two doses to provide the best immunity. When it’s your turn to get the COVID-19 vaccine, you will be able to make that equally important follow up appointment with your provider.
COVID-19 vaccine
Walk-ins are accepted at some centres. If you walk in, you should be prepared to wait until an immuniser is free to provide you with a vaccine. If you prefer to receive your vaccination at your GP clinic, contact your local GP regarding availability and booking.
How long does it take to have immunity after vaccination?
Whilst partial protection against COVID-19 may be as soon as 12 days after the first dose, individuals may not be fully protected until 7-14 days after their second dose of the vaccine.
How do I book for the COVID-19 vaccine? You can check to see if you can book a COVID-19 vaccination yet by visiting the Australian Government Eligibility Checker: covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility
For other ways to book your appointment at a Victorian Government vaccination centre: • use the online booking system at portal.cvms.vic.gov.au • call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398. For an interpreter, press 0. If you or the person that you are booking has a disability and needs additional support to get a COVID-19 vaccine, email DLOcoordinator@dhhs.vic.gov.au
Auslan (Australian Sign Language) resources
Access a collection of videos explaining Australia’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout: health.gov.au/resources/collections/covid-19vaccination-videos-auslan
Easy Read and translated resources
Factsheets in 63 languages and Easy Read resources are available at: health.gov.au/resources/collections/covid-19vaccination-easy-read-resources health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid19-vaccines/covid-19-vaccine-information-in-yourlanguage
Together, we can help keep our community safe
#KEEPINGMYCOMMUNITYSAFE Council is not a COVID-19 vaccination provider, however we will share information, so residents can make an informed decision around getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
Due to ongoing changes and developments, we encourage you to stay up-to-date with the latest COVID-19 vaccination information via official government websites. coronavirus.vic.gov.au/vaccine
health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/covid-19-vaccines
Page 3
What’s on Kyneton Town Hall—inspiring spring performances!
Kyneton Town Hall (KTH) plays host to some inspiring performances this season. Spring into action and secure your tickets now.
Daniel Champagne
Friday 17 September, 8pm Recently described as ‘the finest guitar player of his generation,’ Australianborn, Nashville-based Daniel Champagne brings his world tour back home. With more than a million streams on Spotify for his song ‘Indigo’ he has been praised for being naturally adept at techniques others can’t master. Daniel is regarded as a leading light in acoustic music, with a firm reputation for dropping jaws, making crowds buzz and breaking guitars wherever he goes.
KTH Kids presents: Electronic Music Adventure Tuesday 28 to Thursday 30 September, multiple sessions each day
The Electronic Music Adventure workshop is a highly immersive and interactive creative musicmaking experience for children. Participants will learn how to collect and manipulate sounds using intuitive apps on iPads/ tablets. After exploring their own unique sonic worlds, participants will be guided into a group performance/ improvisation session, which will be recorded and made available to them as downloadable finished work.
Page 4
ShireLife
What’s on
Two of Us: The Songs of Lennon & McCartney
Saturday 18 September, 7.30pm Renowned performers Damien Leith and Darren Coggan come together to celebrate the songbooks of two of the most inspiring songwriters of all time, John Lennon and Paul McCartney. Join Damien and Darren on a journey to hear the timeless songs of Lennon and McCartney as they would have sounded when they were freshly penned—just a guitar, a piano and two voices.
I have A Face: Jude Perl Friday 8 October, 8.00pm
An honest and hilarious show that uses humour and song to discuss mental health, with a theatrical twist. Jude Perl’s insight into her personal and relatable mental health struggles of being an adult, will make you want to sing along, cry and laugh all at once. She’ll talk about some tough stuff, make you laugh and make you feel truly human.
A Biodiversity Crisis:
John Safran: Puff Piece
Animals and plants of the Macedon Ranges
Join the ever-curious writer and filmmaker John Safran for a wild, hilarious and thought-provoking look into Big Tobacco and the vaping industry.
Launched during National Biodiversity Month, this interactive exhibition brings together a collection of historical accounts of local species and photographs. Get up close with a collection of animal specimens or take a peek inside some natural tree hollows to see who lives inside.
Wednesday 13 October, 7.30pm
Friday 3 September 2021–Sunday 27 February 2022 at Kyneton Museum, 67 Piper Street, Kyneton.
In his new book, ‘Puff Piece: How Philip Morris set vaping alight (and burned down the English language)’ Safran discovers Phillip Morris is up to brand new shenanigans, desperately trying to keep their tobacco business alive by pivoting to vaping and manipulating language to suit their needs. Prepare to be dazzled, or, at the very least, befuddled at this special in conversation event with writer and broadcaster Tony Wilson. Presented in partnership with the Wheeler Centre.
Sounds of Silent Friday 22 October, 11.30am
Travel back to the heyday of silent movies and experience the films of comic icons, Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin, accompanied by the hot jazz band The Sounds of Silent. The Sounds of Silent are a five-piece ensemble featuring some of Melbourne’s most versatile and accomplished musicians recreating the silent movie experience from the 1920s and 1930s.
Buy tickets
These event details were current at the time of printing. For the most up-to-date information, please check the website. mrsc.vic.gov.au/arts-events 1300 888 802 (8.30am–3pm, weekdays) kthtickets@mrsc.vic.gov.au
These improvised performances offer a vibrant and educational music and movie event for the whole family.
Page 5
Early Start Kindergarten
Early Start Kindergarten is free kindergarten for eligible three-year-old children. Children are eligible if they turn three before 30 April in the year they will start kindergarten, and meet one of the following criteria: • the child is Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander OR; • the family/carer has had contact with Child Protection OR; • are from a refugee or asylum seeker background. Early Start Kindergarten helps children learn and grow in a fun and supported environment. Up to 15 hours of free kindergarten is supported for eligible threeyear-old children in the two years before school. Early Start Kindergarten helps children develop foundational social skills, fine motor skills and prepares them for formal learning in a positive and fun way.
Kyneton Kinder Construction
Construction of a new kindergarten facility at Kyneton Primary School has started. The new facility will feature two rooms, expansive outdoor natural play space, and parking. The kindergarten will have environmentally sustainable design features such as solar panels and storm water runoff catchment, and will be located on the Kyneton Primary School site. The Victorian School Building Authority has worked closely with Council and the primary school on the planning, scope and design of the kindergarten, which will provide 66 places. Children attending Lady Brooks Kindergarten will move to the new kindergarten site in early 2022. Maternal and Child Health and Kyneton Toy Library services will remain at Hutton Street. Families currently enrolled in 2021 will not be impacted by the construction.
Page 6
ShireLife
Early Years and Youth
Youth Awards 2021 Youth Mental Health First Aid
Learn how to help young people experiencing mental health problems by participating in one of our award-winning Youth Mental Health First Aid courses this year. This course is $37.50 for all Macedon Ranges residents. For all other individuals, the cost is $190 per person. The next course runs on 13, 16, and 23 November at the Gisborne Administration Centre, and is now open for registrations. To book or for more information, call Loren on 0429 466 207 or email youth@mrsc.vic.gov.au
The Macedon Ranges Youth Awards are about acknowledging and celebrating the achievements and success of young people in the Macedon Ranges. Hundreds of young people have been recognised by the Macedon Ranges Youth Awards since they began in 2006. The Awards recognise the significant contribution young people make to the life of the community and society more broadly, and are an encouragement for them to continue to strive for their best, doing what they love and enjoy. The 2021 Macedon Ranges Youth Awards presentation will be held on Wednesday 15 September at the Kyneton Town Hall. For a full list of this year’s nominees, or to book a seat for the Youth Awards, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/youthawards or call 5422 0333 Some of the 2020 winners (L-R): Monet Lewis, Kyle Hayes, Michael Smith, Shyla McPhail, Kirk Close
Page 7
Start your fitness journey No matter your age or fitness level Personal training
A wide range of cardio and strength equipment, suitable for all fitness levels, is available at Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre and Gisborne Fitness Centre. Our friendly qualified staff are here to assist you and provide tailored fitness advice. Our experienced team also provide personal training sessions to ensure you get the most out of your training. Our experienced trainers will be right by your side to provide motivation and personalised exercise advice for the duration of your session. If you’re thinking about improving your health and fitness, our team can customise an exercise program to suit your needs and encourage you to achieve your goals. Go to mrsc.vic.gov.au/fitness-centres or come in and see our friendly staff to discuss membership or casual entry options.
Group fitness classes
Group fitness sessions are a great way to start an exercise program or to challenge your current level of fitness in a supportive, motivating and fun environment. Get your heart and legs pumping with SPIN or EXPRESS SPIN—an energetic and fast paced cardio workout. CORE STRENGTH is a quick 30 minute workout focusing on engaging the core, glutes and pelvic floor. If swimming is more to your liking, join us for a low impact workout in one of our aquatic classes. Our Staying Strong classes for older adults are very popular as we assist the community in staying healthy, happy and strong. Staying Strong incorporates pinloaded machines, dumbbells, bands, balls and body weight to improve strength and balance and build confidence in everyday activities. For more information on fitness centres, personal training and the full Group Fitness timetable and class descriptions go to mrsc.vic.gov.au/fitness-centres
Page 8
ShireLife
Fitness and Leisure
Learn To Swim
Before you know it summer will be here! Give your children swimming skills for summer and enrol them in our Learn To Swim classes. Don’t miss out, secure your child’s spot for Term 4. School holiday intensives – build foundational skills in a week-long workshop Our centres also provide an intensive swim program over the school holidays. For 30 minutes each day over 4-5 days (Monday-Friday), children can improve their swim skills and confidence during an intensive Learn To Swim program. Classes are suitable for children aged three years and over. Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/learntoswim or call the Learn to Swim Administrator on 5421 1452 (Gisborne) or 5421 1490 (Kyneton) for further details and enrolment.
School holiday fun Bring the kids along to the Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre or Gisborne Aquatic Centre to play on our pool inflatables. Play on the inflatable is included in the cost of casual entry.
Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure or call 5421 1477 (Kyneton) or 5421 1452 (Gisborne) for session days and times.
Page 9
Calling all bird watchers
Help us survey birds in the shire as a part of our annual Bird Blitz. Held on Saturday the 23 October 2021, this event will help you discover the many woodland and forest birds in the region. Surveys are undertaken in small groups guided by experts across 96 sites. All skill levels are welcome to join in. The 2020 surveys recorded 94 species of bird including five threatened species such as the Brown Treecreeper, Pied Cormorant and Nankeen Night Heron. There was some 2,575 individual bird observations in total! The Crimson Rosella was the most commonly recorded species and a rare visitor to the shire, Scarlet Honeyeaters, were found to be abundant in the Lancefield district. Sign up at mrsc.vic.gov.au/environment-events or call 5422 0333
Farm Advisory Service extended Do you want assistance with how you manage your land? Are you interested in regenerative agriculture?
Council is offering a free advisory service to rural land owners in the Macedon Ranges to help you improve your soil health, reduce exposure to climate risk, enhance biodiversity and increase productivity. Previously known as the ‘Healthy’ Landscapes for Healthy Livestock’ program, now known as ‘Healthy Landscapes: Practical Regenerative Agricultural Communities’, this program extends the farm advisory service and other sustainable land management and regenerative agricultural programs. This program is delivered in collaboration with a range of partners and is open to landholders in the Macedon Ranges Shire, Hepburn Shire and City of Greater Bendigo. Fill out an Expression of Interest form at mrsc.vic.gov.au/healthylandscapes or call 5422 0333 for more information.
Page 10
ShireLife
Environment and Land
Keen to plant native species on your property?
There are many benefits to planting native plants on your property. Native plants will: • Provide habitat for wildlife • Attract native pollinators • Provide natural pest control • Reduce soil erosion • Improve waterways and water quality • Provide shelter and shade to livestock Council’s new map and revegetation lists will help you decide what native plants to use for your planting projects. For more details visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/native-revegetation
Protect native vegetation at home
A Trust For Nature conservation covenant allows you to permanently protect remnant native vegetation on your property and help conserve some of Victoria’s most threatened species of flora and fauna. The agreement is voluntary and negotiated between Trust for Nature and the individual landholder. As an incentive, Council offers a 100 per cent rate rebate on land protected by a Trust For Nature conservation covenant. Trust for Nature is keen to hear from landholders in the Macedon Ranges Shire who are interested in a conservation covenant on their property. Find out more at
trustfornature.org.au
Page 11
Preparing your property for the fire season
Spring is here and it’s time to shake off the winter cobwebs and venture outdoors to enjoy some sunshine. It’s also a great time to start preparing your property for the summer fire season. You can reduce the risk to your home and property by cleaning up around your dwellings and clearing potential fire hazards before the fire danger period kicks in. These jobs include: • removing any overhanging tree branches, and shrubs over one metre high next to or below windows • keeping grass short, and clearing other fine fuels from around your home • clearing roof gutters of any leaf litter • maintaining any defendable space around your home • ensuring any rainwater tanks are accessible and full • attending local CFA community meetings around fire preparedness
To assist with your emergency planning, you can download a bushfire survival planning template and other helpful publications from cfa.vic.gov.au
For more information: • ensuring you have a bushfire survival plan that includes mrsc.vic.gov.au/fire-ready you, your family and pets in place and practise it regularly.
Roadside maintenance
Did you know that each year we slash around 800km of roadsides for fire prevention? Fires can start on roadsides due to hot vehicle exhausts, mechanical failures and collisions. We slash high-use roadsides to reduce the chances of these incidents resulting in a fire. Typically 80 per cent of traffic uses 20 per cent of our roads, so it makes sense to slash those roads as a priority. Slashed roadsides are not effective firebreaks, particularly in extreme conditions and high winds. The best way to protect your home is to maintain your property and leave early, long before flames are visible. Slashing your roadside is not an effective way to reduce fire risk to your property.
Page 12
ShireLife
Preparing for Fire Season and Annual Budget
5422 0333
Annual Budget 2021/22 Budget summary
Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Annual Budget for 2021/22 is $107 million. The budget aims to provide a high level of works and services to our community while keeping rates as low as possible. The Annual Budget 2021/22 describes the proposed revenue, expenditure and resources required to maintain and deliver a range of services, facilities and projects to the community for the coming financial year. The Revenue and Rating Plan provide information on our Rating Strategy. A rate rise of 1.5 per cent was approved, in line with the Victorian Government’s rate cap. This will support efforts to maintain critical community infrastructure while continuing to provide quality services. Recreational, leisure and community facilities
$6.8 million
Roads
$9.2 million
Buildings and property
$6.5 million
Plant and equipment
$2.6 million
Footpaths and cycleways
$7.7 million
Parks, open space and streetscapes Drainage
$957,000 $581,000
Highlights
Allocation of rates
This summary outlines how your rates benefit you and everyone in the community by helping Council to: • maintain an extensive network of roads, bridges and footpaths • provide community infrastructure such as play spaces, public gardens and community facilities • deliver services including waste and recycling, maternal child and health, kindergartens, aged care, environment, youth, emergency relief and recovery • and many more.
Council spending per $100
$11.01
Maintenance of recreation and sports facilities
$10.13
Planning and building services
$11.27
Maintenance of parks, environment and open spaces
$11.23
Children, youth and families Garbage, recycling and garden waste collection
$19.25 $6.11 $16.63
Emergencies, local laws and public health Maintenance of roads, drains, buildings and paths
and support $4.59 Aged services
$9.78
Economic development, tourism, arts, culture and libraries
$5.2 million
Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct
New entrance landscaping for Gisborne Botanical Gardens
$685,000
$98,000
Towards the final stages of the Romsey Ecotherapy Park
Roof works at Kyneton Museum
$348,000
Macedon Ranges Shared Trails Project
$6.3 million
Woodend to Riddells Creek Project Page 13
Working with the community
Your Customer Request Number
Meet David
Community Connection Worker Thinking about a job in caring? We sat down with David to find out what he enjoys about his work. Tell us what your usual day as a Community Connection Worker with Council looks like?
If you’ve ever made an enquiry with Council, you’ll know that you’re given a Customer Request Number.
I attend my client’s homes and perform a variety of tasks such as home care, personal care and respite. I talk with my clients and build trusting relationships.
What you may not know is that this number is shared with you so that any further communications between yourself and Council can be grouped together and easily referenced by the next team member helping you.
What do you like most about working as a community connection worker?
When contacting Council
When residents call Council, each enquiry is lodged in our internal Customer Request Management system, and it allocates you a Customer Request Number (CRN). 1. All updates on our system relating to your request are tracked against this number. 2. It is important that you keep track of this CRN if you call-back or contact us to check the status of your enquiry. 3. This assists our staff with getting back to you in a timely manner, regarding any updates, and to see the status of the request.
Page 14
ShireLife
Our work helps people maintain their independence and stay at home longer. We provide support and help in a variety of ways to assist our clients do this.
I love the people aspect. Knowing I am making a difference and helping my clients to stay independent is rewarding. What would you say to someone thinking of a career as a community connection worker? If you are people oriented, and have a genuine passion to help support older people in our community, then this is the job for you. Does this sound like you? If you think a position as a community connection worker could be the perfect fit for you, Council is currently accepting applications. To find out more, mrsc.vic.gov.au/ccw-jobs or to apply visit
Customer Service and Community Connection
Subscribe to eNews
Receive updates on Council projects and services direct to your inbox. Subscribe to one or more of the following enewsletters: Aquatics and Leisure: get the latest on fitness classes, sports programs, swimming and more. Arts and Culture: find out about festivals, exhibitions, arts events and opportunities. Business: discover events, support and other opportunities for local business. Environment: find out more about local environmental projects and events. Family: information for local families with children aged up to eight years. Healthy Landscapes: information and events about sustainable land management and regenerative agriculture. Over 55s: regular updates about local events and opportunities for over 55s. ShireLife: seasonal newsletter featuring 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
Rates instalments
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. To support our community during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have developed a COVID-19 financial hardship policy to support individuals and businesses who have been impacted financially. For more information, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus The instalment dates for 2021/22 are: 30 September 2021 30 November 2021 28 February 2022 31 May 2022 You can pay your rates via BPay View®, online with Visa or Mastercard via mrsc.vic.gov.au/payments or in person at a Council customer service centre during opening hours. If you have any questions about rates payment methods, or if you have difficulty paying your rates on time, contact the Rates department: 5422 0322
Contact Council 5422 0333 or 1300 656 577 mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au mrsc.vic.gov.au
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 us 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: 5422 0302 comms@mrsc.vic.gov.au
ShireLife is produced on 100% recycled paper from post consumer waste, and printed by a printer who operates and is certified under the ISO14001 Environmental Management System standards and ISO9001 Quality Management System.
Page 15
Replacement FOGO liners and additional caddies are available for purchase from your local transfer station and our customer service centres. Rolls of 150 liners are available at cost price of $9.50. These liners are made of cornstarch and vegetable oils and will break down in around 30 days when commercially composted.
Cr Annette Death Mobile: 0427 956 117 adeath@mrsc.vic.gov.au Cr Geoff Neil Mobile: 0419 244 776 gneil@mrsc.vic.gov.au Cr Bill West Mobile: 0400 025 455 bwest@mrsc.vic.gov.au
South Ward Cr Dominic Bonanno Mobile: 0419 829 867 dbonanno@mrsc.vic.gov.au Cr Rob Guthrie Mobile: 0419 309 953 rguthrie@mrsc.vic.gov.au Cr Anne Moore Mobile: 0419 917 278 anmoore@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Never forget bin day with the new MSRC waste app
The new MRSC Waste App will enable you to quickly find the most up-to-date information on what bins go out on what night, and help guide people on what goes in each bin. For more information on how to download the app mrsc.vic.gov.au/bin-days
West Ward
Your Councillors
Need FOGO bin-liners?
East Ward
Cr Jennifer Anderson (Mayor) Mobile: 0408 273 670 janderson@mrsc.vic.gov.au Cr Janet Pearce Mobile: 0437 282 096 jpearce@mrsc.vic.gov.au Cr Mark Ridgeway (Deputy Mayor) Mobile: 0437 938 766 mridgeway@mrsc.vic.gov.au