Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 20 December
Published on 20 December 2022
Australian Citizenship ceremony
Last Tuesday I had the honour of presenting citizenship certificates to our newest Australian citizens: Jincy Mukalel (India), Cresilda Oversby (Philippines), Jhon-Denver Dula (Philippines) and Jeroen Van Veen (Netherlands).
It was fascinating to hear all the different stories from our new citizens, and find out what inspired them to become Australians. Congratulations to all our new residents and thank you for choosing to call Loddon Shire home.
Student Awards Night
I was fortunate enough to recently attend the Wedderburn College and East Loddon School’s presentation nights last week. It was great to see everyone come together to celebrate all the students achievements over the last 12 months. The evening also highlighted student’s work that was produced over the year, and a chance to listen to a number of musical performances.
Congratulations goes to Year 12 VCE students Olivia Lockhart (Wedderburn), Mitch Gunther (Boort) and Ciaran Gale (East Loddon) who were named duxes. Crystal Hardiman (Wedderburn) also received Year 12 VCAL Dux. This is an extraordinary achievement by all recipients, who no doubt will go on to achieve incredible things.
To the Year 12 students of 2022, congratulations! You faced a lot of challenges including school closures, quarantines and transition to virtual learning - yet you overcame, thrived and succeeded. Thirteen years of hard work has paid off, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.
Further congratulations goes to Kerry Walker from Wedderburn College who was awarded Teacher Aide of Australia on the night. I was able to hear all the different stories of how Kerry has had a positive impact on students, parents and staff over the last 20 years.
Australia Day
I am looking forward to Australia Day celebrations on January 26 which will be taking place across our Shire with towns and communities hosting events.
Australia Day is a time for us to come together, celebrate our community and show appreciation for the things we love about our country. It is also a time to share our many different cultures and embrace our nation’s uniqueness.
The day will also include the announcement of the Australia Day Awards for Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Community Services and Community Group/Event of the Year.
These awards celebrate the achievements and contributions made by outstanding members of our community who, through their efforts, make us feel proud to be Australian.
To keep up to date with times and locations of Australia Day celebrations, visit:
www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Ceremonies/Australia-Day
Day-Elder Truck Restoration
I would like to highlight the dedication and hard work of the Wedderburn Historical Engine and Machinery Society Inc who restored a 1918 Day-Elder truck. This restoration has recently been published in the Vintage Trucks Nov-Dec 2022 edition and Restored Cars Dec-Jan 2023 edition.
Along with the many vehicles and engines the Society owns it will be a major draw card to motor enthusiasts that visit Wedderburn, especially at the annual Engine Rally.
Pyramid Hill Streetscape
Earlier this financial year Council appointed a contractor to deliver the Pyramid Hill Streetscape Redevelopment. The project has experienced significant delays due to extended wet weather followed by the flood and also difficulty securing the necessary sub-contractors who are in high demand. Council is working with the contractor to see a resumption of work as soon as possible. I would like to thank the community for your patience as we seek to progress the project.
Reminder: Loddon Shire Council Christmas/New Year closure
The Council office in Wedderburn will be closed from 12pm on 23 December and reopen at 8.15am on Tuesday 3 January 2023.
The Loddon Visitor Information Centre will be closed on Christmas Day, Sunday 25 December 2022, but is otherwise open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and from 10am to 4pm on public holidays.
For enquiries phone (03) 5494 3489 or email loddonvisitorinformation@loddon.vic.gov.au
The Community Care service will provide limited services from Saturday 24 December and will recommence at 8.30am on Tuesday 3 January 2023. There will be no home care, respite care, social support or property maintenance services delivered during the closure period.
For urgent Community Care service assistance during this period, please call 5494 1200 and select option 3.
Kerbside waste and recycling collections during December 2022 and January 2023 will operate as scheduled, with no changes to collections.
Waste facilities across the Shire will be closed on Sunday 25 December, Tuesday 27 December 2022 and Sunday 1 January 2023.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
As we wave goodbye to what has been a challenging year, I look forward to working with Councillors, Council staff and our community in 2023.
Finally as this is the last column for 2022, I’d just like to take this opportunity to wish our community a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous and Happy New Year.