Mayoral Column 19 October 2015
Published on 19 October 2015
Inglewood Hall restoration underway
Work has begun on the redevelopment of Inglewood Hall which will return the iconic building to its former glory.
Federal Member for Murray Dr Sharman Stone, State Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards, and I joined a host of interested parties from business and the community for the turning of the first sod on Friday.
Having appealing public meeting spaces is so important for generating creative energy and building community spirit, and there was a definite buzz about this at the event.
It was wonderful to talk to members of the Inglewood community about the many and varied social and commercial opportunities they will have at their disposal when the new community centre, to be built alongside the hall, is complete.
Initial works to date have focused on clearing the site to set out the footprint of the building.
This has involved the removal of old footpaths and the rear section of the existing hall.
There will be much to look forward to in the following stages including gutting the old kitchen to make way for contemporary facilities which will complement the new supper room.
While there’s much painting, plastering, repair and electrical work ahead in the coming months, the project is on track to be completed no later than August next year.
Once we celebrate the completion of the first refurbishment of the Inglewood Hall in living memory, we can look forward to beginning landscaping works.
Privileged to launch inaugural fiesta
Families who’ve called Loddon Shire “their own” for generations, and Filipino immigrants who now proudly call the region home, celebrated the richness of their growing community at the inaugural Pyramid Hill Fiesta on Saturday.
Cultures melded together beautifully through a mix of traditional Filipino street dance and santacruzan parade incorporating local school students, followed by a shearing of the sheep and traditional Aussie barbecue.
All in all a great day was had, and it just goes to show what can be achieved when enthusiastic community led groups such as the Pyramid Progress Association and the local Lions Club work cooperatively together.
Solid Council support and state government backing through a multicultural grant also helped ensure the event got off on the right foot.
I also congratulate those responsible for the organisation of other Naturally Loddon events throughout the municipality, including the New Age Festival and Archery Open day.
While I can’t get to every event on the spring calendar in person, I would like to personally acknowledge and thank the individuals, groups and businesses who combine to make Naturally Loddon the success it is today.
It doesn’t really matter whether that support comes in the form of volunteering on a committee, or bringing the family along for a day out, what matters is that we come together to celebrate all our region has to offer.
Mobile library is a great place to connect
It came as some surprise to me to discover this week that just one in five residents within our municipality visit the wonderful mobile library which regularly rolls into town.
The Goldfields Library Corporation is considering ways to increase membership rates and inclusion opportunities with individuals and groups within our community.
A fantastic example of this model in action is the relationship building and resource sharing already taking place with Wedderburn Secondary College and community houses.
These partnerships see some of the youngest and oldest within our local towns and farming areas coming together to enjoy a host of recreational and learning opportunities.
If you’re not a big reader and presumed the mobile library service isn’t for you, think again because libraries have evolved.
A range of Elibrary services and community programs operate under the library umbrella and our mobile library is no exception.
Joining and regularly using the mobile library is a positive source of recreational activity and a good way to keep up to date with the ever changing world of technology.
If you’re already an avid mobile library user, why not consider taking a friend, neighbour or family member along next time. You never know where it will lead!
For further information on the mobile library and when it is scheduled to roll into a town near you, visit www.ncgrl.vic.gov.au or phone 5449 2790.
Hamish & Andy visit building community spirit
The Wedderburn Community Centre was overflowing with creative energy on Tuesday evening.
Community spirit was high, as around about 60 people gathered to brainstorm ideas to support Hamish and Andy’s Race that slows down the nation.
Catering possibilities, plans for kids games, market stalls and an emergency services combined raffle, were just a few of the possibilities raised by enthusiastic community members.
A sub-committee has been formed to start bringing ideas to life for the event which kicks off at Donaldson Park Racecourse on Monday November 2.
In the meantime prospective stall holders are being called to register their interest in the market planned to operate between 9am and 1pm on the big day.
For further information, or to book your stall directly, phone the Loddon Visitor Information Centre on 5494 1257.