From the CEO
It’s momentous to have just turned the corner on another financial year, with a range of valuable initiatives progressed in 2023-24 and many more to come in 2024-25 through our Annual Budget and Council Plan actions.
Capping off 2023-24, one of our biggest achievements is certainly the completion of Stage One of the Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct (MRSP). This significant recreational project – Council’s biggest ever capital works investment – is the culmination of years of hard work and collaboration between the community, Council, contractors and our funding partners. I’d like to especially thank those community members and groups who helped this vision become a reality over the years. We look forward to progressing Stage Two of the project and advocating for the additional funding required for Stage Three.
There is simply not enough space here to name the countless other initiatives also progressed in that
Council elections
The 2024 Victorian local council elections will be held in October, and voting will be by postal ballot.
The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) will send ballot packs with instructions to all enrolled voters in Macedon Ranges to vote in early October. The VEC will manage the election, including advising candidates on the nomination process.
Please check the VEC website for important dates leading up to the election as the final dates will depend on pending changes to the Local Government Act.
For updates and information on the process or how to stand for Council, visit vec.vic.gov.au or call 131 832.
12-month period – finalising the Romsey Structure Plan, hosting a Youth Summit and implementing a new Community Local Law, just to name a few. Another key achievement that can often go unnoticed is the efforts of our community and our Council staff when it comes to recovering from our shire’s significant storm and flood events in recent years – we continue to deliver initiatives for recovery and resilience, which you can read about in this issue.
Despite financial pressures felt well beyond our own local government context, I am optimistic that there will be plenty more to celebrate in 2024-25 too. This edition of ShireLife outlines a range of projects to be progressed across our shire including the Woodend to Riddells Creek Shared Trail Project, tennis and netball resurfacing works in Romsey and the Kyneton Showgrounds netball development.
With Council Elections on the horizon, this will be the final edition of ShireLife in 2024 and we look forward to returning to your mailboxes in 2025. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank our current Councillors for their term, I wish all prospective candidates all the best in the upcoming elections and I encourage residents to vote in this important process.
Bernie O’Sullivan
Kerbside Collection Fees Unchanged
The kerbside collection charge on rates notices remains unchanged for all ratepayers. In the Budget 2024-25, Council implemented new fees for green waste and comingled recycling at local resource recovery facilities so users of these services will now contribute at the facility gates. These fees are deemed necessary to ensure the long-term viability of these services and help cover processing costs. The new green waste fee will be about $13.80 per standard trailer loadvisit mrsc.vic.gov.au/RRF-charges for more information.
See voucher on the back page of this edition.
Budget 2024–25 Highlights
The Budget 2024-25 aims to provide a good balance of works and services to our community, while keeping the rate increase low at 2.75%—down from 3.5% last year in line with the Victorian Government rate cap. More than 100 submissions and community feedback helped shape it, with a number of important community-driven ideas allocated funding. Here is a snapshot of some of the key projects and initiatives. Find out more at mrsc.vic.gov.au/budget
Project updates
New sports precinct open for use!
The much-anticipated Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct (MRSP) is now open for use following the recent completion of Stage 1 of the project.
The $29.7 million first stage consists of a three-court sports hub, a natural turf oval and sports pavilion, passive recreation facilities, landscaping and associated infrastructure.
User groups are already making good use of the new facilities.
Planning of Stage 2 of the project, which includes the extension of the sports hub with an additional three multisport courts, additional amenities, an additional AFL/ cricket oval, two outdoor sports courts, additional car parking and landscaping, is also continuing.
For updates, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/MRSP
Shared Trails construction underway
Work has recently commenced on the 24-kilometrelong Woodend to Riddells Creek Shared Trail.
The three-metre-wide walking and cycling trail will provide connections between Woodend and Macedon (8.5km), Macedon and New Gisborne (5.8km), and New Gisborne and Riddells Creek (9km), offering another way for residents and visitors to safely explore our naturally beautiful region.
The project is targeted for completion by the end of 2025, subject to weather conditions and finalising some remaining approvals.
For information and updates, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/shared-trails
Get involved at MRSP!
A range of competitive and socials are currently running at the newly opened Macedon Ranges Sports Precinct including netball, basketball, volleyball and futsal.
Local schools and day time competitions are being developed and expected to be in full swing at the facility by Term 4.
Feel free to come on down and check out the new outdoor facilities including the fitness loop, BBQs and playground.
If you’d like to see what sports are on offer at MRSP and get involved, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure
Works across the shire
The following works are part of Council’s repair and maintenance projects for roads and footpaths in the shire:
Three Chain Rd (Newham)
Reconstruction works were completed, including 535 metres of road pavement reconstruction west of 1129 Three Chain Road in a westerly direction and roadside drainage improvements.
Mission Hill Rd and Martins Rd culvert works (Baynton)
Culvert upgrades were recently completed along Martins Road in Baynton, improving the water flow for Todd Creek and providing a safer experience for road users.
The works included culvert replacement, drainage improvements, road repairs, waterway enhancements, new guard rails and signs, with benefits including increased waterway capacity, better resilience against flood events and an improved, safer road user experience.
Part of Council’s 23-24 Bridge Program, similar upgrades were also completed nearby earlier this year, over Black Creek at Mission Hill Road.
Murphy St (Romsey)
Works have been completed from the Main Street intersection to the Pohlman Street intersection and include about 140 metres of road pavement reconstruction, construction of a 1.5-metre wide concrete footpath connection and pram crossing along the north side of Murphy Street and new kerb, channel and drainage improvements.
Sutherlands Rd (Clarkefield)
Road rehabilitation works for just over a kilometre of Sutherlands Road in Clarkefield have been completed.
The works, focused between the Melbourne-Lancefield Road intersection and 477 Sutherlands Road, also included roadside drainage improvements.
All projects listed here were delivered with funding support from the Australian Government.
For updates, visit mrsc.vic.gov au/works
Dogs on leash on all footpaths
New signs and decals are popping up near designated dog off leash areas in the shire, to remind dog owners that all footpaths in the shire are dog on leash, even those in designated off leash areas.
The only exception is Council’s two designated timed dog off leash walking tracks; Campaspe River walk in Kyneton and Five Mile Creek walk in Romsey. Dogs are allowed off leash on the path at these locations between 7.30am –10am daily.
Footpaths and walking tracks are shared spaces for dog and non-dog owners alike. Ensuring dogs are on leash increases safety for all users.
Delivering this important message are ‘For the Love of Paws’ campaign characters Piper the Kelpie, Wombat the Jack Russell (pictured below) along with some of their friends.
For information visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/pets
Fire, storm, flood Prepare for any emergency
Prepare your property
Maintaining your property throughout the year can minimise fire risk and ensure you are ready for the next Fire Danger Period. You can use your FOGO bin, green waste disposal at Council’s resource recovery facilities, or burn off.
Residents are reminded that under the new Community Local Law 2023:
• burning-off is now prohibited on land 2,000 square metres or less,
• a permit is required for burning off on land more than 2,000 square metres and equal to or less than 4,000 square metres.
For detailed information on burning off and permit requirements, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/burning-off or call 5422 0333
Stay informed in an emergency
In an emergency it’s important to be prepared, stay informed and monitor your local conditions. Check for updates, advice and warnings via:
• the VicEmergency app
• the VicEmergency hotline (1800 226 226)
• your local ABC emergency broadcaster (e.g. 91.1 FM Bendigo or 774 AM Melbourne).
Resilience and recovery for all ages
Council has recently undertaken a number of activities to support resilience in both children and adults:
• Resilience and recovery marquee: Designed as a children’s bedroom, children visit the marquee and undertake an activity to grab, imagine and discuss what they would take with them in an emergency. Keep an eye out for the marquee at upcoming events.
• Workshop: ‘repairing the forest after a natural disaster’ workshop:
Led by local artist Anna Parry, 100 children worked together to create a masterpiece during school holiday KTH Kids workshops, inspired by resilience, rebuilding the environment and working together.
• Community Conversation on extreme weather: Renowned psychologist David Younger spoke with residents about recovery challenges and navigating the complex and challenging effects of multiple recent events.
• Community-Led Emergency Resilience Plans
The ‘Resilient Riddell’ community group showcased their project to other councils, agencies and community groups, showing how they worked with Council and emergency agencies to create strategies for the first 72 hours after an emergency should the community be without support from external agencies. Council is working with the Kyneton, Woodend, Romsey and Lancefield communities to expand this initiative.
These initiatives would not be possible without funding and partnerships with the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH), Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) and the Victorian Government.
Prepare your your own plan
Consider what you, your family and pets or animals would do in an emergency. To assist you to prepare, Red Cross have a ‘Get Prepared’ app and a printable Redi Plan template.
Visit redcross.org.au/ prepare
Healthy Landscapes
Healthy Landscapes continues to build on its positive impact here in the shire and the Central Victorian region more broadly.
In May, the program hosted a ‘Growing the Community’ event at the Kyneton Town Hall that saw over 120 rural landholders come together to share their knowledge, strengthen connections, and shape the future of the program offerings.
The program was also thrilled to receive a High Commendation at the LGPro Awards for Excellence 2024. This is largely due to the hard work and efforts of our rural landowner community in implementing such positive change.
Upcoming events:
Building and Repairing Fences workshop
27 September and 5 October
This practical workshop is designed to cater to both beginners and those needing a refresher and is hosted in partnership with Stock Sense (Victorian Farmers Federation).
For more information about this workshop and other events and courses, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/healthy-landscapes
Regional carbon offsetting pilot
Council will continue its involvement in a pilot that aims to establish a regional carbon offsets project with local landholders.
Led by the North Central Catchment Management Authority, and joined by Hepburn Shire Council, Mount Alexander Shire Council and City of Greater Bendigo, the project recognises that local carbon offsets projects, such as widespread tree planting, can also bring local benefit to biodiversity and communities.
The carbon ‘credits’ that will be generated by this project will be used to assist Council in achieving its target to reach net zero emissions on Council operations by 2030.
Join the Climate Emergency Working Group
Macedon Ranges’ first Climate Emergency Working Group will soon kick off. Comprising community advocates and key Council staff, this advisory group will oversee the roll out of Council’s Climate Emergency Plan, provide climate action leadership within Council and the community, and inspire everyone to take action to address climate change.
If you would like to find out more or get involved, call 5422 0333 or email environment@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Environment events
Council is always hosting fun and educational events for all the family.
To see our event calendar, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/environment-events
Aquatics and Fitness
Casual stadium membership
New online member portal
Our new membership portal is now live, offering a convenient self-serve option for Learn to Swim and Aquatics and Fitness members.
With your online account you can update your information, purchase memberships and passcards, book group fitness classes and more.
You can also enrol your children into the Learn to Swim program and track their progress.
Speak with the friendly staff at your local centre to set up your account.
Fun activities for preschoolers!
• Kindagym (ages 1-5 years): a structured class with free play option for children to explore the array of equipment while developing gross motor skills, confidence, balance and social skills. Weekly at Buffalo Sports Stadium, Woodend.
• Active Kids (ages 3-5 years): children learn a variety of ball games to improve motor skills and techniques to play sports, while interacting with other children in a fun environment. Weekly at Buffalo Sports Stadium, Woodend.
• Tiny Tackers Dance (ages 2-5 years): this dance class includes three styles; ballet, tap and jazz with Miss Anita. Weekly at Buffalo Sports Stadium Woodend, and Gisborne Community Centre.
To enrol in the above activities, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/preschool-program
Did you know you can purchase a casual membership which gives you access to the stadiums during off-peak and unused times?
A timetable is provided so you can easily check court availability. Family and single memberships are available at Riddells Creek Leisure Centre, Romsey Recreation Centre and Buffalo Sports Stadium in Woodend.
For information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure
Interested in membership?
We have a range of options for our aquatics and fitness centres including gym, swim, combined gym/swim, and aqua aerobics memberships.
For a limited time if you join on any direct debit membership between 19 August and 2 September, you’ll receive four weeks of membership free. Terms and conditions apply. Valid at Gisborne Aquatic Centre, Gisborne Fitness Centre and Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre.
For information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/memberships-passes
Dance classes
We offer a range of classes for older kids including:
• Studio 2 MIX: a ballet tap and jazz program for primary age kids.
• Studio 2 Hip Hop: for ages 8-18 years with the latest music and choreography.
• Tap dancing: for ages 8-12 years. Tap shoes are available for hire.
For information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/dance
Older residents
Staying Strong for over 55s
Staying Strong is a circuit-based class for over 55s designed to improve muscular strength, aerobic fitness, flexibility, balance, and coordination in a safe, social setting. Our skilled instructors tailor exercises for all abilities.
Sessions are currently held at Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre, Gisborne Fitness Centre, Buffalo Sports Stadium in Woodend, and Romsey Recreation Centre.
Contact your local centre or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure for details.
Village Connect to continue
We are excited to announce that the Village Connect program for over 55s, which was due to end in June 2024, will continue as part of Council’s Community Connections program.
The program was introduced in 2021 and funded by the Australian Government’s Seniors Connect Program for a three-year period. It provides monthly coffee catch-ups, regular information sessions, and opportunities for older residents to meet and connect with others in the shire.
Village Connect helps to build social connections and aims to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of our over 55s community.
To become involved and find out about upcoming events, call 5422 0333 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/village-connect
Visitors for older residents
With the colder months upon us it can be harder to get out and about. If you are an older resident wanting a bit more company and a friendly visitor, the Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme may be for you.
Our volunteers visit people living in their own homes or aged care facilities across the shire. Residents are eligible for the program if they are on a Home Care Package (HCP) or live in government-subsidised residential aged care homes (RACH), or are waitlisted for either of these services.
Volunteers undergo interviews, training and security checks to ensure we have the right people for the role. New volunteers over the age of 18 are always welcome too!
If you would like a visitor or know someone who might, or if you’re interested in volunteering, call 5422 0333 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/ACVVS
A Day at a Time in Rhyme
7:30pm, Friday 30 August
An immersive new piece of hybrid theatre written and performed by industry veteran Jane Clifton, comprising spoken word, soundscape, image and music, with source material drawn from her 2019 published poetry diary of the same name.
Hello Red Planet
7:30pm, Saturday 14
September
Take a family trip with us to Mars! Join renowned storytellers Bunk Puppets for a satirical information session laying out their daring escape plan from Earth. Learn what’s
coming along, (and who’s not). Great family fun for ages 7+.
Creative Kids Junk Journals
24-25 September, Kyneton Town Hall, various workshops
An immersive school holiday workshop for kids involving printmaking, personal image making and a discovery of the role of journals. Young artists will be guided through the art of Gelli Plate printmaking to build a collection of richly personal and vibrant papers, then transforming them into a personal journal for future use. Facilitated by artist and art educator Edwina Mintern, each workshop goes for 2.5 hours.
Kyneton Museum: Nurses, Medicine and Caring in the Macedon Ranges
Kyneton Museum and the historical societies of the Macedon Ranges present an informative new exhibition which focuses on the history of nursing in the shire using local stories and objects from our social history collections.
The exhibition explores themes such as nurses training, nurses at war, uniforms, local medical identities, bush nursing and shire hospitals, maternal and child health services, midwifery and pharmacy, as well as an extensive collection from the old Kyneton Hospital.
Located at 67 Piper Street Kyneton the museum is open Friday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm.
The exhibition will be running until 28 February 2025.
mrsc.vic.gov.au/arts-events
Youth Lighting up for school
Youth Awards 2024
Join us to celebrate our inspirational young people at the 2024 Youth Awards on Wednesday 4 September at Kyneton Town Hall.
For information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/ youth-awards
holiday s
Looking for something fun and creative to do these school holidays? Join the Music In The Sticks (MITS) school holiday workshop and dive into the fascinating world of event lighting!
This one-day crash course is perfect for young people aged 12-25 in the Macedon Ranges. During the workshop you’ll get an introduction to event lighting, learn about the technology and terminology used in the industry, and try your hand at programming and using a lighting desk with a professional.
To book, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/MITS
‘This Girl Can’
Introducing an exciting new collaboration between Council and VicHealth that brings the empowering initiative ‘This Girl Can’ to our community this October.
This Girl Can is a movement that celebrates and supports women and girls of all ages and abilities to get active and embrace physical activities in a fun, inclusive, and non-judgmental environment. Whether you’re trying a new sport, hitting the gym, or simply taking a walk, it’s all about encouraging you to get moving and feel good.
To see what is on offer throughout October, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/this-girl-can
Save the date!
Join the Music In The Sticks team at the Kyneton Show on 15 November for a night of great music, community spirit, and fun.
Featuring the MITS Youth Stage, experience an evening of fantastic performances by local youth bands. This is a wonderful opportunity to support and enjoy the incredible musical talent of young people from the Macedon Ranges.
For more details on these events and other exciting programs, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/MITS or follow Macedon Ranges Youth on Facebook and Instagram
School holiday program
Council’s youth team run school holiday programs centred around creativity, art and music, with the goal of showcasing the talents of our young community. To see what’s offer this September school holidays, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/youth-events
Early Years
Breastfeeding support service
Council’s Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Service offers breastfeeding support to all mothers in the shire, offering a safe space for new parents to learn the skills to breastfeed or formula feed their baby safely, or even a combination of both.
Benefits of breastfeeding include lower incidence of gastrointestinal and respiratory tract infections, protection against ear infections, dental caries, obesity and type 2 diabetes.
We understand there can often be challenges with breastfeeding and our MCH team is here to help and support mothers with this. We can also assist in returning to work plans and when babies might show intolerances or any allergies to breastmilk, formula or solid foods.
For enquiries or to book an appointment with a qualified lactation consultant call 5422 0281.
Indigenous Artwork at Kyneton Kinder
Earlier this year, Taungurung Artist Aimee McCartney created three special murals at Kyneton Kindergarten titled ‘Coming Together’, containing elements of the local environment and symbolising family, community and learning.
Linked to Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan, this project was also part of the Early Years Celebration and Recognition of Indigenous Culture project, which aims to showcase First Nations culture at our kindergartens, and for children to learn about the culture through the artwork.
Fun at Manna Gum Kinder
A new outdoor play space was completed at Gisborne’s Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre earlier this year, providing more outdoor learning and fun for kindergarteners.
The new playground extends the existing play spaces and features nature-based play elements, a sculpture of ‘Bunjil the Creator’ (a wedge-tailed eagle), a stage for performances, and a yarning circle, alongside traditional play equipment.
The new playground was funded by a Victorian School Building Authority Building Blocks Refurbishment and Minor Works grant.
Library update
Two green thumbs up for seed libraries
Did you know you can borrow seeds from Kyneton, Romsey and Woodend libraries?
If you’re thinking about starting or updating your veggie patch, pop into your local library to see what’s on offer. Gardening is not only good for your health, but it can also help ease the financial crunch, providing a cost-effective way to enjoy delicious, home-grown produce. Plus, we all know home-grown produce is much tastier.
Just as you would borrow books, CDs and magazines from the library, you can now ‘borrow’ seeds. Each packet includes instructions on how, when and where to plant the seeds. Once you’ve enjoyed the fruits of your labour, simply allow the plants to flower, collect the seeds, and return them to the library for others to borrow.
The program is supported by Macedon Ranges Seed Savers, who meet regularly to help sort, package and label seeds. Anyone is welcome to help out. For more details, visit ncgrl.vic.gov.au/seedlibraries
School holidays at the library
Pop into the library for loads of fun during the school holidays. Craft sessions, movies, musical performances and more will be on offer. Visit ncgrl.vic.gov.au/holidayprogram for details, or pick up a program from Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey or Woodend libraries.
Stay connected with the library
Want to stay up to date with the latest library news, updates, events and highlights? Sign up for the Goldfields Libraries eNewsletter, or follow us on socials.
eNews: ncgrl.vic.gov.au/newsletter
@MacedonRangesLibraries or @GoldfieldsLibraries
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 Fitness: 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.
Disability and Inclusion: find out about events, opportunities and information for people with a disability, carers and families.
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. 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 Naturally Cool
Macedon Ranges Youth
@MacedonRangesSC
@MacedonRangessc and
@VisitMacedonRanges
@macedonrangesyouthservices
Macedon-Ranges-Shire-Council
Rates instalments
Rates and charges can be paid in four instalments by no later than the due date, or for the 2024-25 financial year as a single payment by 30 September 2024. Instalment reminder notices will be sent prior to each instalment date.
The instalment dates for 2024-25 are:
30 September 2024 30 November 2024
28 February 2025 31 May 2025
You can pay your rates via BPay View®, online with Visa or Mastercard at mrsc.vic.gov.au/payments, direct debit, Australia Post, mail, centrepay 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, call customer service on 5422 0333.
Contact Council
5422 0333
mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au
mrsc.vic.gov.au
PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444
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.
• Translating and Interpreting Service: call TIS National on 131 450.
If you or someone you know may benefit from receiving a large print version of this newsletter: 5422 0333
comms@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Macedon Ranges Shire Council acknowledges the Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of this land and waterways. Council recognises their living cultures and ongoing connection to Country and pays respect to their Elders past, and present. Council also acknowledges local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander residents of Macedon Ranges for their ongoing contribution to the diverse culture of our community.
Present this voucher to attend one group fitness class in Kyneton, Gisborne, Romsey or Woodend for FREE. Valid until 30 September 2024. *excludes aqua aerobics classes
FREE Group Fitness class
