Mayoral Column 17 September 2018
Published on 17 September 2018
Seniors Festival starts soon
Kicking off on Tuesday 25 September, this year’s Loddon Victorian Seniors Festival has many fantastic opportunities for our older citizens to get out and about with a range of activities up until Wednesday 10 October.
One of the feature events for this year’s festival will be the free Gala Day on Monday 8 October at the Boort Memorial Hall from 1pm to 3pm. The day will include the official launch of the Loddon Seniors Festival, a free afternoon tea and entertainment by The Substitutes, with British music of the 60s.
Other activities include two mystery trips on 26 September and 4 October, a visit to Kyneton RSL (10 October) to see Brendan Scott and the Dance Man, and lunches at locations across the Shire.
With the festival running in conjunction with the Naturally Loddon Spring Festival there are plenty of activities to enjoy and complement the Loddon Seniors Festival.
To find out more, call Council on 5437 7999. Copies of the Loddon Seniors Festival guide are available from Council’s Wedderburn and Serpentine offices, local resource centres, supermarkets, post offices, Inglewood and Districts Health Service and Boort District Health. Copies are also available from Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au.
The Loddon Seniors Festival is brought to our residents with support from Victorian Seniors Festival funding.
Support for farmers experiencing dry conditions
Agriculture Victoria is reminding Victorian farmers of the information and support available to assist them in managing dry seasonal conditions which are being experienced across much of the state.
The Department is hosting workshops across the state, with one in Wedderburn on 20 September for farm water and seasonal conditions planning, and in Charlton on 26 September focussing on decision making for dry seasonal conditions (separate sessions for cropping and livestock).
The Victorian Government recognises that the coming weeks are critical for farmers and that rainfall is needed for crop and pasture growth and to replenish dams coming into spring. It is encouraging farmers to access the information that is available, develop a plan for the possible scenarios and make timely decisions relevant to their own circumstances.
Agriculture Victoria and industry groups are available to assist farmers interpret information to make informed decisions.
Agriculture Victoria also provides regular updates on seasonal conditions and outlooks, including the Very Fast Break updates.
Online resources are available on the Agriculture Victoria website including the Drought Feeding and Management of Sheep and Cattle Guides and farmer case studies. The farm water calculator can also be found at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/farmwater.
The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) is available to assist farmers experiencing or at risk of financial stress. They offer free, independent and confidential assistance to farmers, including help to access financial assistance.
Available financial assistance includes the Farm Household Allowance and Commonwealth concessional loans. Farmers should contact the RFCS on 1800 686 175 or Centrelink to check their eligibility.
For general information and details about upcoming workshops, visit http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call the Department of Economic Development Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR) Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
Ethical Enterprise Conference this October
"Future proofing business with purpose to ensure sustainable growth and impact” is the theme for this year’s Ethical Enterprise Conference, to be held 25 to 26 October at the University of Melbourne.
Organised by Moral Fairground, a social enterprise operating in the ethical sector since 2009, the Ethical Enterprise Conference aims to bring together a diverse group of people passionate about ethical enterprise and purpose-driven business.
The conference will provide for-purpose businesses the tools to predict and manage future trends, explore new possibilities, expand boundaries and ensure successful businesses of today transition seamlessly into the thriving enterprises of tomorrow.
It will include a range of speakers exploring topics such as preparing for the evolving economy, adapting ideas, driving innovation and creativity, unique platforms to do business and much more.
For more information, including the conference program and list of speakers, visit https://moralfairground.com.au/the-2018-ethical-enterprise-conference/
Did you know?
In addition to Loddon Seniors Festival Week, Council’s Aged and Disability Services provide a range of group activities throughout the year for older residents.
This includes Club 5 to 8, which aims to broaden members’ social experience, develop new interests and friendships. Club 5 to 8 offers a range of trips including the latest musicals, week-long adventures, day trips and overnight trips.