Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 11 October 2023

Published on 11 October 2023

Mayor-Dan Straub

New drumMUSTER cages at Boort Landfill

The DrumMUSTER program is industry-funded by participating companies and allows for the recycling of chemical drums. By removing chemical drums from our landfills, we dramatically decrease the landfill wastage and extend the life of Loddon Shire Council’s waste management facilities.

John Knight from drumMUSTER was successful with getting Agsafe to supply new drumMUSTER cages for Boort Landfill at no cost to the Council.

Some statistics regarding Loddon Shire and their involvement in the drumMUSTER Program:

  • Loddon Shire Council joined the drumMUSTER Program in September 1999. (The program only started May 1999, so we were one of the first councils to join)
  • Loddon Shire has collected 376,014 drums since September 1999 within the whole of the Loddon Shire, across six sites.
  • Have had 3,820 people deliver their drums to any of the six Council-operated drumMUSTER cages

To view Council’s waste facility timetable and fees visit https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/For-residents/Your-home/Garbage-and-recycling/Waste-facility-timetable-and-fees

To find out more about drumMUSTER program visit https://www.drummuster.org.au/

Elmore Field Days celebrates 60 years

Last week (3 to 5 October), I dropped by the Elmore Field Days, a staple in the community’s calendar. This event started back in 1964 and has gained recognition as one of Australia’s premier agricultural field days.

As a community owned and run, not-for-profit organisation, Elmore Field Days is focused on providing service to agriculture and community with flow on economic benefit to regional areas.

There were more than 600 exhibitors at this year’s field days - showcasing everything from tools and hardware, farming equipment, through to pools and tractors, kids activities, machinery, plants, arts and crafts, steel yards, fashion, cattle crushes and everything in between. There was plenty to keep the whole family entertained.

It was great to see the Loddon Shire flood recovery team’s stall, ready to support the community and share news about upcoming events and activities in the area.

I look forward to next year’s event and hope to see even more of you there.

AFL legend visits Loddon Shire for travel show

Hawthorn Football Club legend Robert `Dipper' DiPierdomenico and his filming crew visited Loddon Shire last week (4 to 8 October). They toured local tourism businesses and destinations throughout the Shire, filming content for “Dipper's Destinations,” set to be aired in early 2024.

This visit offered significant exposure for our local businesses and serves as an excellent way to promote our wonderful Shire and its diverse tourism experiences and product.

I attended a dinner at the Dingee Railway Hotel last Friday night (6 October), where we auctioned off two signed Hawthorn jerseys (total of $1,000 raised) which contributed towards local community initiatives. There was a great turn out from the community and everyone enjoyed the night having a chat with the jovial and friendly football icon.

Thank you to the Loddon Shire Tourism team for their tremendous efforts in coordinating this promotional opportunity.

Whole Loddon Love and Loddon Valley Arts Trail

Last weekend (7 to 8 October), Loddon Shire hosted another series of fantastic events with Mother Nature treating us to beautiful weather once again.

“Whole Loddon Love” is a music event series that took place in Boort, Pyramid Hill and Newbridge. Featured artists included Dan Kelly, Felicity Cripps Band, Queenie, Jess Parker and other local talents. While I couldn’t attend, I’ve heard it was an outstanding evening. Over 300 enthusiastic attendees attended the event. Proceeds from the events will benefit local community groups, including the Country Fire Authority and Boort Primary School.

Remember, there’s other events scheduled for this Saturday (14 October) at Bridgewater on Loddon Hotel, starting from 7pm and one in Baringhup at the Baringhup Hall on Sunday, 15 October starting from 12:30pm. To purchase tickets visit https://wholeloddonlove.com/tickets-1

The Loddon Valley Arts Trail was a success, drawing numerous visitors to the local townships. With 42 artists showcased across 22 venues, there was much to see and appreciate. This was a great opportunity for visitors to discover the region's creative flair and uncover some of Loddon Valley's hidden creative gems.

One year on from the 2022 floods

This Saturday (14 October) marks the one-year anniversary when Laanecoorie Reservoir spilled and the Loddon River valley flooded our Shire from Newbridge to Appin South, and Pyramid Hill across to Boort and beyond.

Our community has shown tremendous resilience during the recovery phase and

I commend everyone who pitched in with sandbagging, building temporary levees, moving equipment to high ground and cleaning up those businesses and facilities that could not be spared from the floodwaters.

Most importantly, I want to congratulate the Loddon community on how you have looked out for each other and remained connected after such a difficult time. October being Mental Health Awareness Month is a timely reminder to look after your own mental health and avail yourself of the wonderful health and wellbeing support services that we are so fortunate to have throughout the Shire.

May this year’s harvest help get all our farmers back on their feet.

For more information on flood recovery visit https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/For-residents/Community-Flood-Recovery

  

 

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