Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 28 March 2023

Published on 21 March 2023

Reminder: Free Feed Quality Testing in March

Has your feed been flood or storm-affected? Do you know how good it is?

If you’re a farmer in a flood or storm-affected area, AgVic is offering a free feed quality test to check the quality of your feed sources. There are a limited number of tests available, so they’re encouraging farmers to register now.

After the results have been returned, a follow up webinar will be held on Tuesday 18 April to discuss test results and options for keeping your stock as productive as possible.

While you get one free test, AgVic encourage farmers to sample and test all the feed being offered to livestock. To register for a free test, complete the following online registration form at https://bit.ly/feedqualitytestrego

For more information, contact Agriculture Victoria Flood Recovery Officer on Toni Dakis 0428 975 728 (Mon, Tues and Thurs).

Game, Set and Match

Loddon Valley Tennis Association saw Calivil North and Mincha West face off in the tennis grand final last Saturday (25 March) in Dingee.

Congratulations to Mincha West players on winning the grand final.

Let the games begin

North Central Football League, Netball and Hockey Association had a season launch event last Sunday (26 March) in Charlton. Cr Beattie attended the night which saw community members come together to kick off this year’s season.

To see a copy of the NCFL fixtures timetable please visit https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=629643115626353&set=a.551004296823569

Loddon Valley Football Netball League round one starts this Saturday 1 April.

To see a copy of the Loddon Valley FNL fixtures please visit https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=147915461359573&set=a.107466415404478

Thank you to organisers, sponsors, volunteers and players for making this season possible and I am confident this season will be a success.

I wish the teams the best of luck, and I encourage all of you to come out and support your local teams.

Full Speed Ahead

Annual Eddington Vintage Sports Car Club Sprints occurred last Saturday (25 March) on Playfair Street in Eddington. This is a traditional quarter mile (402 metres) single car and motorbike sprint against the clock to set the fastest time. Many different types of historic, touring and racing cars & motorbikes compete in the event.

This event brings together car enthusiasts from all over the region to compete against each other in a series of races down the main strip of the town. From the roar of the engines to the cheers of the crowd, this event was one to remember.

Logan Pub also saw car enthusiasts showcase their vehicles and enjoy a day filled with music, food and entertainment. It was a great opportunity over the weekend to all come together, celebrate our shared love for cars and enjoy some great entertainment.

Project updates

Significant progress has been made in the development of Donaldson Park Community Hub project. Construction of the facility is progressing well, and a significant milestone has been reached with the recent pouring of the concrete slab.

Completion of the Donaldson Park Community Hub will also see Wedderburn be able to host more community and regional events, further highlighting our Shire and all its positive qualities.

The Pyramid Hill Streetscapes Revitalisation Project is well underway with the concrete footpaths being poured, install of fencing almost complete and the barbecue area at Kelly Park prepared and set for installation in the coming weeks. This project aims to revitalise Pyramid Hill township, and enhance the community’s overall look and feel.

To see more of the details of the Pyramid Hill Streetscapes please visit https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Current-projects/Pyramid-Hill-Streetscapes-Revitalisation-Project

Stop, Revive and Survive

Next Thursday (6 April), there will be a driver reviver station located at the Serpentine Bears Lagoon Truck Stop along the Loddon Valley Highway from 3.00pm onwards. East Loddon Lions Club are offering free tea and coffee, while Mitiamo Golf Club will be cooking a BBQ.

Wedderburn Lions Club will also be hosting a driver reviver station at Ryan’s Creek, Calder Highway Wedderburn next Thursday (6 April) from 9.00am to 6.00pm.

I encourage all drivers passing through to use these stops whenever they feel the need to rest. It only takes a few minutes to take a break, but it can make a significant difference by preventing accidents caused by fatigue.

To see more driver reviver stations please visit https://www.driverreviver.com.au/driver-reviver-sites/

Keep an eye out for local community group activities over the Easter long weekend.

Save Money and Energy with a $250 Rebate

On 24 March 2023, a new round of the Power Saving Bonus program commenced. This program is designed to provide financial assistance and advice on energy plans to eligible residents. Power Saving Bonus program provides a $250 rebate to residents who meet the criteria. I encourage all eligible residents to take advantage of this rebate.

Eligibility requirements:

You must be a residential energy consumer (i.e. have a residential electricity account)
You must be the account holder
Only one payment is available per household

Applications will take between five and ten minutes of your time and you will need a copy of your recent electricity bill on hand.

To apply, simply visit https://compare.energy.vic.gov.au/