Mayoral Column 21 August 2017
Published on 21 August 2017
Farm Security Expo
Farmers are encouraged by Victoria Police to get along to the second Farm Security Expo in Bendigo on this Thursday and Friday.
The free expo aims to educate rural communities about risks and issues affecting the farming community – including crimes such as thefts and burglaries.
Held by Victoria Police in conjunction with Crime Stoppers, the Victorian Farmers Federation and insurance company WFI, the expo will include presentations from Crime Stoppers, Victoria Police, Beyond Blue and farm security specialists.
Police believe many incidents of livestock and farm theft are often under reported, and as a community we know the impact this can have on productivity, income and livelihoods.
The expo is an opportunity for farmers and police to work together to minimise risks when managing rural properties and encourage farmers who might be a victim of farm crime or livestock theft to report it.
The Farm Security Expo will be held at the Bendigo Stadium on Marong Road, West Bendigo on Thursday, 24 and Friday, 25 August from 9am to 3pm.
For more information, please contact Leading Senior Constable Dan O’Bree on 5433 3711 or Inspector Paul Gardiner on 5460 3301.
Families encouraged to Walk to School
Loddon Shire kids and families are encouraged to get active this October by taking part in VicHealth’s Walk to School program.
Council will work with local primary schools to deliver a range of activities encouraging more families to walk, ride or scoot to school this October thanks to a $10,000 grant from VicHealth.
The program is a free, easy and fun way for kids to get active and learn healthy habits for life and provides local families with a range of activities during the month of October.
Last year nine local schools participated in this VicHealth initiative, and I encourage primary schools to get involved again this year to make Walk to School bigger and better.
Local schools which participate in Walk to School will receive certificates to celebrate their students’ achievements and will be in the running for a series of prizes provided by VicHealth.
To find out more about Walk to School month, visit www.walktoschool.vic.gov.au.
Adult Learners Week starts 1 September
Adult Learners Week, which will be held from the 1 to 8 September, is encouraging people to rediscover learning.
Whether it’s taking part in training through one of our community houses or resource centres, visiting one of the Shire’s library agencies or even joining a community group – you’re encouraged to take the leap.
The week, which is celebrated at the beginning of spring, suggests hundreds of events and activities which are designed to promote the benefits of learning.
To find out more, visit www.adultlearnersweek.org.