Macedon Ranges Shire Council ShireLife March 2015

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter :: Issue 11 :: March 2015

Page 3

Stay local, play local

Page 10

Find your local Men’s Shed

Back cover

Purchase tickets for your chance to

WIN!

Page 6–7

2015 Arts and Culture program at the Kyneton Town Hall

Free entry vouchers to Hanging Rock and the Kyneton Museum

Page 8

2015 Business training program

Introducing Cr Ian Ellis East Ward

Celebrating our unsung heroes on Australia Day Congratulations to the recipients of the 2015 Macedon Ranges Australia Day Awards.

Individuals and community organisations were recognised for their dedication and contribution to community health and wellbeing at the annual Australia Day celebrations at the Kyneton Town Hall.

The recipients were: Citizen of the Year Adam Bourke Young Citizen of the Year Hayden Muir Community Event of the Year O’Pig Newham Sculptural Festival Arts Ambassador Stephen Brockman Community Achievement Shantelle Grant Tamara Wilson Fiona Le Nepveu

Welcoming our new citizens

17 new citizens were also welcomed to the Macedon Ranges during the annual Australia Day celebrations. Our new citizens originate from the United Kingdom, Turkey, Denmark, Vietnam, South Africa, India, Malta, Canada, Ukraine, Scotland and the United States.

Page 02

Cr Ian Ellis was sworn in on 24 November 2014 as a Councillor for the East Ward, following the resignation of Cr Joe Morabito for health reasons. Cr Ellis was appointed following a countback procedure by the Victorian Electoral Commission.

Occupation and qualifications: Victoria Police Officer and former business owner.

My Place Do you have a favourite place in the Macedon Ranges? Maybe it’s your favourite picnic spot, recreation facility or township?

You are invited to share your favourite place with us for a chance to see it published in a future edition of this newsletter and on our website.

All you have to do is send us 100-200 words about what draws you back to your favourite place. If you want to, you can also provide a photo.

How to submit your story • Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/my-place • Drop into any of Council’s service centres (see page 15 for location details) and pick up an entry form and a copy of the terms and conditions.

There are so many things to see and do in the Macedon Ranges. Help us uncover the many unique and exciting experiences the Macedon Ranges has to offer.

:: Australia Day • Our region

Lives: Romsey Favourite place, attraction or icon in the shire: All of the Macedon Ranges is beautiful and unique. Picking one place, icon or attraction is difficult, but if I had to single one out I would have to say Hanging Rock is my favourite.

Top four priorities over the next two years: • To maintain and promote the Macedon Ranges as a unique Australian environment.

• With an ageing population and issues with our youth regarding substance abuse, further development of current strategies to address both issues is vital for the future.

• Good communication is paramount for a strong bond between Council, residents and visitors. Any improvement that can be achieved, will make the Macedon Ranges an even more desirable place to live, work or visit.

• Keep costs in check, such as rates and expenditure, and aim to provide best value for money.

Rod Stewart returns to the Rock Saturday 28 March

International rock star, Rod Stewart, will wow large crowds at Hanging Rock later this month when he performs as part of his ‘The Hits’ tour.

The concert will generate increased traffic on roads from Woodend to Hanging Rock and around the reserve. Peak traffic times will be from 2pm–5pm and 10pm–12 midnight. If possible, try to avoid the area at these times.

Concert-goers are encouraged to carpool or use the free shuttle bus service from Woodend, which will have separate entry access to avoid car traffic.

If you are getting a lift to and from the event, for your safety you must use the designated drop off/pick up points. No stopping or parking on roads around Hanging Rock is permitted and fines may be issued. It may be easier to be dropped off or picked up at the free shuttle service in Woodend.

For more information about the concert and traffic plans, visit www.hangingrockconcerts.com

Stay local, play local

With so many fantastic things to see and do right here on our doorstep, why not get out and about and discover your own backyard?

It’s a perfect time of year to explore the Macedon Ranges, visit one of our villages and discover the beautiful place we live in.

Explore Take a stroll and have a picnic in the Macedon Regional Park, mountain bike through the Wombat State Forest or cycle the hills of Mount Macedon.

Experience Visit a boutique winery, relax with a coffee at a cosy cafe, browse our vibrant shopping villages or enjoy a delicious meal using local produce at a quality restaurant.

Entertain Hanging Rock is the place to be in March, hosting an array of events like the Hanging Rock night walk, the Craft Market, Camp Out at the Rock and the Rod Stewart Concert.

Find out more at www.visitmacedonranges.com or call 1800 244 711.

Visit facebook.com/MacedonRangesNaturallyCool

Hosting visitors to our region?

If you are looking for things for visiting friends and relatives to do, then make sure you pick up a copy of the 2015 Daylesford Macedon Ranges Visitor Guide.

The guide covers eating and drinking locally, markets, festivals and events, retail therapy, walking and hiking, cycling, wineries and general information on how to best explore our region.

Produced by the Daylesford & Macedon Ranges Regional Tourism Board, the new guide covers the Macedon Ranges and Daylesford in the north, Creswick and Clunes in the west and Melton and Sunbury in the south.

Copies are available from our Visitor Information Centres in Woodend or Kyneton, online at www.dmrtourism.com.au, or by calling 1800 244 711.

Page 03

Make a

splash for your chance

to win

There is still time to register for the Kyneton Aquathon on 15 March and the Gisborne Aquathon on 12 April.

Both events are open to all age groups and abilities, with mini, short and long courses, and the option to enter individually or as part of a team.

The events are the final two stages in the inaugural Macedon Ranges Aquathon series, which kicked off in February with the Lancefield and Woodend aquathons. Competitors who participate in three of the four series events will go into the running to be the first Macedon Ranges Aquathon Series Champion.

For more information or to register: Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/Aquathon2015 Phone Gisborne Aquatic Centre on 5421 1452 or Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre on 5421 1477.

Page 04

Register your dog or cat Dog and cat registrations are due on 10 April 2015, with almost 14,000 renewal notices being sent to mailboxes this month.

Dog and cat registration supports the quick return of your pet by our rangers if he or she becomes lost.

This minimises distress caused to you and your pet—especially when your pet has to be held temporarily in a strange environment.

Registration fees also cover lost animal holding facilities, dog attack prevention programs and other responsible pet ownership programs for the safety of our community.

Pet registration is a legal requirement.

Dog and cat owners must register their animals with their local Council from three months of age, and must renew their registration by 10 April each year.

Renewal payment options include: • Online via Council’s website, mrsc.vic.gov.au • BPAY • Mail • In person at one of Council’s customer service centres.

For information on how to register your pet with Council, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/pet-registration or call 5422 0333.

Did you know?

10,780 dogs and 3,131 cats are registered in the Macedon Ranges and, on average, Council returns 360 lost pets to their owners every year.

:: Aquathon • Pets • Youth

The benefits of attending

a Council kindergarten Council’s four-year old kindergarten programs and threeyear old pre-kinder activity groups employ qualified and experienced teachers, have wonderful natural outdoor play spaces and an exciting play-based curriculum.

Our kindergarten programs are designed to improve your child’s learning, health and wellbeing by developing and encouraging: • self-awareness and respect for others • social and emotional skills, such as how to play with other children in a calm, sharing and rewarding way • the ability to make new friends • language, literacy and numeracy skills, such as reading stories and counting objects • a joy for learning and group activities, such as talking, drawing and making things together with other children their own age • exposure to new ideas and concepts.

Our programs also provide families with access to resources and community services, plus support and assistance for children with special needs.

Enrol today!

Enrol now to secure your place for next year. Kindergarten and pre-kinder enrolments for 2016 must be lodged by 30 June 2015.

For more information about our kindergarten programs, vacancies, fees and enrolments, contact our Early Years unit on 5422 0333 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/children

Youth Mental Health First Aid training Youth Mental Health First Aid courses will once again be available this year to parents, guardians and teachers in the shire.

This free, award-winning course teaches adults how to assist a young person that may be developing a mental illness or in a mental health crisis.

Become a Youth Mental Health First Aider and you will be joining over 450 residents that have already been trained, creating a safer, healthier and more open-minded community for our young people.

Young people leading the way On a sunny weekend in February, at a spot not far from Kyneton, 31 young people from the Macedon Ranges Youth Ambassadors program and Live4Life and Music In The Sticks teams embarked on a three day Leadership Camp.

Activities on the weekend included canoeing, a giant swing, a flying fox, archery, rock climbing and a range of team challenges.

Youth Ambassador, Mel, said “The activities provided us with an opportunity to work our way through a set of testing activities as a team and I’m pretty proud to say that we gained the trust and support of one another very quickly."

The camp is designed to prepare participants for the year ahead as they step into their roles as community leaders. The activities encouraged participants to explore leadership as a concept, to build

a sense of team and to participate in a range of experiences that were both personally and collectively challenging.

"On day one, some of us were essentially meeting as strangers and after three days we had made such strong friendships and amazing memories. It has been such a rewarding and valuable experience that has taught us so much," said Mel. Claudia Pearce, a member of the Live4Life crew, couldn't agree more, saying, "Over the course of the weekend I made so many new friends who share the same passions that I have.

“We would all like to thank Annie, Lauren and Nat for making this amazing camp happen,” she said.

By Mel Steward, a Macedon Ranges Youth Ambassador; and Claudia Pearce, a member of the Live4Life crew.

To book your place or for more information, contact Emilie on 5422 0337.

Dates

Location

Times

18 and 19 March

Kyneton Secondary College

9am–4.30pm

21, 28 April and 5, 12 May

Gisborne Secondary College

6pm–9.30pm

27 Aug and 3, 10, 17 Sept

Sacred Heart College, Kyneton 6pm–9.30pm

7, 14, 21 and 28 October

Romsey Community Hub

6pm–9.30pm Page 05

2015 Arts and Culture program at the Kyneton Town Hall This year, several outstanding performers are heading our way to entertain us with their skills in music, dance, drama, comedy, circus arts, and burlesque cabaret.

Don’t miss out, book your tickets today!

Tahir—Who Stole My Donkey?

The women of the ‘60s

Saturday 21 March at 8pm Come and see one of Australia’s best comedians perform a hilarious blockbuster stage show, packed with stand-up, sketch, music, dance and laughs.

Friday 24 April at 11.30am This high-class show will take you back in time to the fabulous music of the 1960s, featuring songs by Dusty Springfield, Dionne Warwick, Shirley Bassey, The Supremes, Petula Clarke, Lulu and more.

$35 or $30 for concession/groups of eight or more.

Pants Down Circus Rock!

$18 or $15 for groups of eight or more.

Thursday 2 April at 1.30pm and 7.30pm It’s AC/DC with acrobats. Set to a pumping classic rock soundtrack with a wide range of circus acts including acrobatics, juggling and hula hoops.

Suitable for all ages.

The Paris Underground Cabaret Friday 8 May at 8pm A variety show that brings together magicians, dancers, singers, and circus and burlesque artists.

$17 each, $60 per family or $15 for groups of eight or more.

$45 or $40 for concession/groups of eight or more.

Purchase tickets Phone 1300 888 802 Online mrsc.vic.gov.au/arts/buytickets Visit a Council service centre in Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey and Woodend (see page 15 for locations).

Page 06

:: 2015 Arts and Culture program

For a copy of the complete performance season program, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/arts-program or call 1300 888 802.

Purchase our special $85 dance package and see all three!

Luminous Flux Wednesday 29 April at 8pm A sensational double-bill by Tasmania’s premier dance company, Tasdance. $35 or $30 for concession/ groups of eight or more.

First Things First Wednesday 6 May at 7.30pm A one-man show featuring technically brilliant dance and hilarious physical theatre that explores the art of “getting used to it.” $25 or $20 for concession/groups of eight or more.

Carmen Sweet Wednesday 21 October at 7pm Spend the night with Carmen, the definitive seductress of the stage, as she weaves through this full-length, original 60-minute version of one of Natalie Weir’s most loved productions. $45 or $40 for concession/groups of eight and more.

WIN WIN a dance package for two!

Purchase two tickets to any of our shows before 31 March 2015 for a chance to win a special dance package for two people valued at $170.

Page 07

Business seminars,

networking and training calendar Council’s annual Business Seminars, Networking and Training Calendar provides many networking and learning opportunities that feature a range of topics relevant to local businesses.

Event

Date

Time

Cost

Location

Macedon Ranges home business morning tea

24 March

10am– 12pm

$10 (members free)

Dromkeen Homestead, 1012 Kilmore Rd, Riddells Creek

Introduction to apprenticeships and traineeships

30 April

5.30pm– 7.30pm

Free

Gisborne Administration Centre, 40 Robertson St, Gisborne

Smart Business Conference

19–20 May

Over 2 days

To be advised

Town Hall, 129 Mollison Street, Kyneton

Weed management 13 June

10am– 2pm

Free

The Grange Cleveland Winery, 55 Shannons Rd, Lancefield

Event planning

22 June

6.30pm– 8.30pm

Free

Gisborne Administration Centre, 40 Robertson St, Gisborne

Working with Council

14 July

5pm–7pm

Free

Gisborne Administration Centre, 40 Robertson St, Gisborne

Regional business networking night

4 August

6.30pm– 10pm

$35

Royal George Hotel, 24 Piper St, Kyneton

Romsey Region Business & Tourism Association business breakfast

28 August

7am– 9.30am

$40

Cope-Williams Winery, 160 Glenfern Rd, Romsey

Tourism business networking night

1 September

6pm–8pm

Free

Visitor Information Centre, High St, Woodend

Macedon Ranges home business morning tea

15 September

10am– 12pm

$10 (members free)

Mad Gallery, 19 High Street, Lancefield

Social business networking night

30 November

6.30pm– 9.30pm

$35

Piper Street Food Co, 89A Piper Street, Kyneton

Online bookings now available Page 8

You can find out more information, book your space or purchase tickets: Online: mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-events By phone: 5421 9616 In person: visit a Council service centre (see page 15 for locations).

:: Business • Equine

Facebook for horse owners in the Macedon Ranges Equine Centre feasibility report

The findings of a feasibility study into establishing a regional equine centre capable of hosting world-class events is now on public exhibition.

The study is now available on Council’s website and in Council service centres. It looks at a range of facilities options including indoor and outdoor arenas, stabling, yards, exhibition and entertainment facilities that will cater for educational experiences, competitions and other equine-related activities in the shire.

It has included extensive consultation with the equine industry, including state and national stakeholders, the Macedon Ranges Equine Industry Network (REIN), and local horse-riding clubs and business owners.

The Macedon Ranges Equine Industry Network (REIN) has galloped onto Facebook with an exciting concept to engage with the local equine industry.

The page provides equine-related news and events happening in the Macedon Ranges.

It also includes regular tips for horse owners about health and veterinary matters.

Everyone is invited to share and post their own horse experiences, handy tips, photos and competition results on the page. Local equine businesses are also encouraged to share information on the page about their products and services available in the Macedon Ranges.

The Facebook page is an outcome of the five-year Macedon Ranges Equine Industry Strategy and is a joint project with Council and REIN volunteers.

The Victorian Government provided $60,000 in funding, with Council providing the balance of the $95,000 project.

To view the study and have your say, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay or contact Leanne on 5421 9617.

Visit facebook.com/MacedonREIN

For more information about the ongoing work Council is doing to support our local equine industry: Phone Leanne on 5421 9617 Email ldavey@mrsc.vic.gov.au Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/industries-strategies

PAGE 09

Men’s sheds

Find your local

Men’s Shed Kyneton The Kyneton Men’s Shed one of the oldest Men’s Sheds in Victoria. They meet every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am–4pm.

They are currently located at 8 Mollison Place until they find a location to build a new shed for their members. If you know of a suitable location or are interested in supporting the members to find a new home, contact John Mitchell on 0429 149 317 or email jmpr04@bigpond.com

Gisborne

Who goes there, what happens and where are they located?

Community-based Men’s Sheds are an updated version of the shed in the backyard that has long been a part of Australian culture.

Men’s Sheds are usually equipped with tools and are a place for men to work on their own projects, and community projects. If you looked inside one you might see men restoring furniture, working on a project for a local school, making Myna bird traps or fixing lawn mowers. You might also see young men working with the older men to learn new skills.

However, it’s not all about the tools. Many men who attend their local men’s shed simply do so to have a chat, talk about their lives, meet new people and feel connected to other people in their community.

There are always tea-bags, coffee cups and a comfortable area to sit and talk. Some sheds have cooking facilities where men can prepare and share meals, while others have computers with internet access where men can learn how to contact their families and friends using digital tools.

Everyone is always welcome at your local men’s shed.

Page 10

The Gisborne Men’s Shed is in the process of relocating to a new shed that will be located in Neal Street, Gisborne. They are still meeting regularly during this time.

For more information, contact Gunther on 0400 994 937 or email gisbornemensshed@live.com

Riddells Creek Located at the rear of the Riddells Creek Neighbourhood House, 59 Main Road, Riddells Creek, the Shed is open Tuesdays from 10am–3pm and Thursdays from 7pm–10pm.

For more information, contact Don on 0409 334 551 or email kmdc2@bigpond.com.

Lancefield Located at 76 High Street, Lancefield, the Shed is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am–3pm.

For more information, contact Graham on 0400 321 131 or email lancefieldshed@tpg.com.au

Woodend Located at 2 Sullivans Road, Woodend, the Shed is open on Mondays from 10am–3pm.

For more information, contact Bill on 0438 292 355 or email info@woodendmensshed.org

:: Men’s sheds • Panning and building

Building decks, verandahs or pergolas Fire recovery efforts underway Black Hill Reserve

Initial assessments of Black Hill Reserve indicate early signs of recovery, after fire struck the popular reserve in January.

An environmental committee of landowners, Landcare and Friends Group members has been established to coordinate the recovery effort and monitor natural regeneration of the reserve.

Council also plans to introduce erosion control programs at the reserve and install more nestboxes to replace the natural and man-made nesting places lost during the fire. Weed control programs will also be planned for the near future. Voluntary labour will assist with some of these activities.

An environmental management plan will also be developed for the reserve over the next 6-12 months.

The reserve will remain closed until further notice and a growing list of works has been developed to make the reserve accessible to the public again.

The works, some of which are yet to be funded, may include new signage, remarking of the pathway network, clearing the vehicle access track, and pruning or removing dangerous trees.

Supporting landowners

Thirty landowners affected by fires over December and January are receiving support with fire recovery.

This includes rehabilitation of access tracks created on private land to fight fires, water replacement for dams, feed and fodder for livestock, cleaning of contaminated water tanks, tree safety assessments, and general property clean-up.

To speak to someone about fire recovery needs, call Council’s recovery officer, David Marnie, on (03) 5422 0217.

Decks, verandahs and pergolas can improve the liveability of your dwelling and add value to your property.

If you want to build a deck, verandah or pergola, you may need to apply for a building permit to ensure that the works meet the required safety and construction standards.

Is a building permit required?

Decks

Permit Required

Construction of a raised timber or steel deck attached to any building or around a swimming pool.

Verandahs and pergolas The difference between a verandah and a pergola is that a pergola does not have walls or a roof other than rafters, battens or shade cloth. A pergola may be attached to a dwelling.

Permit Required No Permit Required

Permit Required

Construction of a verandah attached to any building on your property.

Construction of a stand-alone verandah that: • is not attached to another building

• is less than 10m2 in floor area • is no more than 3m in height • is no more than 2.4m in height within 1m of your boundary • is located no further forward than the front wall of your dwelling • is not over an easement.

Construction of a pergola associated with a house that: • exceeds 20m2 and 3.6m in height • is located more than 2.5m from the front of your dwelling • is over an easement.

A planning permit may also be required in some cases.

For more information, contact Council on 5422 0333.

Page 11

Major projects Community Park concepts a step closer

Following consultation with members of Kyneton Community Park Inc, local artists and nearby residents, the final touches are being made to the concept plan for the Kyneton Community Park, which will be located at the Kyneton Botanic Gardens.

Find out more about this interactive park’s unique design by attending a community event at the Kyneton Botanic Gardens on Saturday 21 March from 1pm.

It is anticipated that Stage 1 works, which includes the preparation of the grounds, construction of underground infrastructure and pathways will commence in April. Stage 2 works, which includes the construction of park equipment, will occur later in the year, funding permitting.

Kyneton Botanic Gardens

Irrigation works at Kyneton Botanic Gardens The heritage-listed trees and lawn areas of the Kyneton Botanic Gardens are now connected to the town’s recycled water pipeline.

Until recently the garden beds were the only area of the Botanic Gardens that could be connected to the recycled water pipeline through existing irrigation systems. This meant that the town’s drinking water supply was used to irrigate trees and lawns at the site.

Council hopes to extend the irrigation system to incorporate the whole of the Kyneton Botanic Gardens in future years, budget permitting.

Gisborne Indoor Sports Stadium nearing completion Construction of a two court indoor sports stadium at Gisborne Secondary College is on track to be completed in the coming weeks, with the official opening of the facility likely to be held mid-year.

In the meantime, Council is working with local user groups to finalise usage agreements so that competitions can begin as soon as possible after the opening.

Gardiner reserve lighting and court upgrades User groups at Gardiner Reserve in Gisborne will soon enjoy the use of new oval lighting that meets Australian standards for training and competition purposes, and a resurfaced netball court to cater for increasing demand across junior and senior levels.

Funding for the project includes $100,000 from the Victorian Government, $179,000 from Macedon Ranges Shire Council and $70,000 from the Gardiner Reserve Community Project Committee.

Page 12

Major p

:: Major projects

Improving pedestrian safety Council continues to expand the network of footpaths and pedestrian crossings across the shire, with the following works recently completed.

• 275 metres of new footpath on Howey Street, between Worcester and Keily roads in Gisborne.

• 90 metres of new footpath along Owen Street in Woodend.

• Construction of a dual pedestrian crossing on Wedge Street, Kyneton to improve pedestrian safety at the intersection of Wedge and Mitchell streets.

• 100 metres of new footpath on McIntosh Terrace, Romsey.

• 208 metres of new footpath on Main Road, Riddells Creek that extends from the primary school to Filmer Place.

• 95 metres of new footpath along Caroline Chisholm Drive, Kyneton.

• 140 metres of new footpath along the service road on Main Road, Lancefield.

Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve works Works on the construction of new change room facilities at the Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve are underway.

The $135,000 project includes upgrades to existing change room facilities, plus new female change rooms for players and umpires.

The works are set to improve facilities for both junior and senior football and netball user groups.

Your rates at work

Road resealing program

Since January, more than 25 kilometres of Council’s roads have been upgraded as part of Council’s $1.2 million road resealing program.

The annual program is part of Council’s commitment to maintaining and enhancing more than 830 kilometres of sealed roads in the shire. Sections of roads are identified to be resealed through regular road inspections and Council’s Road Asset Management Plan, which aims to reseal roads every 10 years.

Completed works Baynton–Pastoria • Burke & Wills Track • Kyneton-Baynton Road Carlsruhe • Carlsruhe-Central Road • Cheveley Road • Garth Road • Three Chain Road Gisborne • Aitken Street • Brady Road • Dalrymple Road • Emmeline Drive • Fersfield Road • Fisher Street • Greenvale Drive • Markham Road • Mount Gisborne Road • Panorama Drive • Willowbank Road

projects

Lancefield • Pyalong Road

Macedon and Mt Macedon • Bailey Road • Barringo Road • Carrington Street • Straws Lane Malmsbury • Malmsbury-East Road New Gisborne • Ferrier Road • Kemp Road Riddells Creek • Flour Mill Lane • Sandy Creek Road • Somerville Lane Romsey and Kerrie • Bowkett Close • Dowie Court • Mount Eliza Road • Roger Street • Romsey Road Woodend • Anslow Street • Morris Road PAGE 13 Page

Your say Council welcomes feedback on the services we provide, and on issues that are important to our residents.

Here are just a few comments we have received recently.

Strengthening friendships

Our sincere thanks to you for your involvement and support in welcoming our visitors on arrival on Monday 14 July, and in making it possible for us to have the most valuable support of Community Partnerships project officer Stephen Hiley during the weeks leading up to, and during the visit. His coordination of our visits to the many Shire facilities and friendly interaction with them made for a seamlessly easy partnership between MRSC and MRFOET. We know that this Study Tour, where we met with so many local residents and community groups and visited several educational facilities, was a very valuable shared experience for us all, and that our friendship will grow as a result.

Fran, Macedon Ranges Friends of East Timor

Supporting local businesses

Just a quick email to say thank you to you and your team for the support that you have given us thus far. We have been getting many visitors via your recommendations and it has definitely been helping us a great deal.

Alan, Susie and Jacquie, owners of Cloud 9 Farm vineyard Send us your feedback to mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au or PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444.

Page 14

Residents put health and wellbeing first A new, community-based committee is gearing up for its first year in promoting positive health and wellbeing across the shire.

The committee, which met for the first time in late 2014, has already provided feedback on Council’s Community Consultation Framework and started discussions about offleash areas for dogs in the shire.

The committee will meet quarterly and is made up of 14 community representatives and three Councillors.

Local New Gisborne resident and committee member, Nicole Laurie, said the committee includes residents of different ages and backgrounds from most towns across the shire, which provides a range of views on the issues raised.

“The committee demonstrates a genuine interest from Council to formally consult with members of its community, and helps to ensure the lifestyle, health and wellbeing opportunities provided by Council best meet the needs of our diverse and growing community.

“There is a real opportunity for Council to become a leader in promoting liveability, wellbeing and healthy lifestyles in our region and I hope in some small way my volunteer role on the committee will help shape that positive future,” she said.

:: Your say • Subscribe to eNews

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• Arts and Culture: arts and cultural events, festivals, exhibitions, and funding opportunities in the Macedon Ranges.

• Business: events, support and other opportunities for businesses in the Macedon Ranges.

• Disability: Council programs and local service providers that cater to people with a disability.

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Macedon Ranges Emergency Alerts

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Contact Council

You can contact Council by: Phone 5422 0333 or 1300 656 577* Email mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au Website 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 www.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, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/newsletters or call 5422 0302.

ShireLife is produced on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified material which is 60% recycled from post consumer waste and printed by an FSCcertified printer who operates and is certified under the ISO14001 Environmental Management System standards and ISO9001 Quality Management System.

Page 15

Voucher Voucher Voucher

Free entry

Complete and present this coupon at the Hanging Rock CafĂŠ to receive an exit ticket.

Name Address

Offer valid until 31 Jan 2016. Not valid on event days and not to be used for commercial purposes.

Limit one coupon per household, per annum.

Bin collection

East Ward Cr Ian Ellis Mobile: 0400 025 455 iellis@mrsc.vic.gov.au Cr Graham Hackett Mobile: 0408 287 788 ghackett@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Cr Henry McLaughlin Mobile: 0400 028 507 hmclaughlin@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter :: Issue 11 :: March 2015

South Ward Cr John Letchford Mobile: 0401 682 364 jletchford@mrsc.vic.gov.au

calendars

You will need to provide your residential address, as bin collection days vary depending on your location.

Discover your local history

with a free family entry to the Kyneton Museum

For current exhibitions and opening hours, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/museum Valid until 1 March 2016.

Cr Russell Mowatt (Deputy Mayor) Mobile: 0418 531 281 rmowatt@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Cr Sally Piper Mobile: 0400 865 543 spiper@mrsc.vic.gov.au

West Ward

Your Councillors

Call us on 5422 0333 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/bin-dates to request a 2015 bin collection calendar.

Cr Jennifer Anderson (Mayor) Mobile: 0408 273 670 janderson@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Cr John Connor Mobile: 0412 870 500 jconnor@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Cr Roger Jukes Mobile: 0400 647 445 rjukes@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Purchase tickets for your chance to

WIN!

Page 6–7

2015 Arts and Culture program

at the Kyneton Town Hall