Mayoral Column 3 December 2018
Published on 03 December 2018
Community planning funding allocated
Thirteen projects across the Shire have been provided with funding following Council’s approval of Community Planning allocations at its November meeting.
Projects include $25,000 for shade sail installation at Korong Vale’s Borella Park playground, $50,000 to replace the timber light tower at the Bridgewater Recreation Reserve and $26,746 to replace the shed at the Tarnagulla Public Hall. The staged redevelopment of the Lions Park in Pyramid Hill was allocated $32,000 while $25,000 was provided to support redevelopment works at the Wedderburn Caravan Park.
Other projects allocated funding include the Rheola Hall verandah and flood lighting, installation of a barbecue and shade structure in Newbridge and repairs at the Newbridge Public Hall, solar panels at Dingee Hall and outdoor exercise equipment at Wedderburn’s Soldiers’ Memorial Park. In total $255,908 was allocated by Council to the community.
Dingee CWA 90th anniversary celebrations
Congratulations to the Dingee and District branch of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) on their wonderful 90th birthday celebrations.
To celebrate this significant milestone, the CWA organised a “Mystery History Country Train Trip” which saw 65 members from various CWA branches in Melbourne travel via V/Line from Southern Cross Station to Dingee.
Upon arrival at Dingee Station, guests were greeted by CWA Dingee members and library volunteers, and enjoyed a wonderful morning tea (complete with a cake to celebrate the anniversary).
Guests then enjoyed a tour of the region’s sights, including the Dingee Bush Nursing Centre, East Loddon P-12 College (and the World War One Memorial site), Terrick Terrick National Park, Mitiamo Golf Club and the historic Prairie Park homestead. The day ended with a dust storm to help send off the visitors as they boarded the train to return to Melbourne.
The day, which was supported by V/Line, Loddon Transit and Bendigo Bank Inglewood and Districts Community Bank Branch, saw plenty of positive feedback. Many of the visitors taking part in the tour are now looking forward to returning to our region to explore it further.
Regional Roads Victoria
This year saw a change by the State Government in how the Victorian road network is managed with the introduction of Regional Roads Victoria (RRV).
According to RRV, the organisation will provide a coordinated, consistent and integrated approach to improving the regional road network. It has also set up a dedicated hotline for regional Victorians to ask questions about the network, report hazards, enquire about works and provide feedback.
To contact the RRV hotline call 133 778 (133 RRV) you can also visit the RRV website at https://regionalroads.vic.gov.au where you can also submit an enquiry.
Simply Tomatoes congratulations
Congratulations to Simply Tomatoes for taking out the Silver Award for Excellence in Food Tourism at the 2018 RACV Victorian Tourism Awards – another great achievement.
Business owners Ian and Marilyn Lanyon previously won gold at last year’s awards (in the same category) as well as silver in 2015.
It’s always fantastic to see our local Loddon Shire businesses in the spotlight and receiving much-deserved recognition.
Did you know?
Since Council’s Community Planning Program was introduced 16 years ago, Council and Loddon communities continue to attract significant external funding through the community planning process.
Projects attracting significant funding include the Wedderburn Streetscape Improvement Project, Serpentine Janiember Park upgrade, Pyramid Hill Memorial Hall Precinct, Boort Park upgrade, Tarnagulla Community Centre and Inglewood Town Hall Hub development.