Mayoral Column 4 June 2018
Published on 04 June 2018
Pyramid Hill in the news
Pyramid Hill has certainly been in the news a bit lately, following a policy paper and report released by the Regional Australia Institute (RAI).
The report highlighted Pyramid Hill as one of a handful of rural towns in Australia that have found a successful solution to population decline and workforce shortages.
The policy paper, and subsequent media stories, emphasised how the town’s Filipino population has helped turn around Pyramid Hill, bringing new life to the town, as well as great economic and social benefits.
As a Pyramid Hill resident, it is fantastic to see our multicultural population and the town overall the subject of a number of positive news articles as well as radio and television reports across Australian media. We even made international news, with a recent article published in The New York Times focusing on the success of our multicultural population.
You can view the RAI’s media release and subsequent policy paper regarding More migrants for small towns at www.regionalaustralia.org.au
Dingee Library wins award
Congratulations to the Dingee and District Country Women’s Association (CWA) and the Goldfields Library Corporation on winning an award from Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) for the Dingee Library.
The Dingee Library was a joint winner with Campaspe Regional Library for the RCV Innovation Competition in the library services category.
The library, which is jointly managed by the Dingee and District CWA and Goldfields Library Corporation, is housed in the former railway station building, which was restored and opened up to the community. This was made possible through $500,000 in funding from the State Government. The library provides educational resources, spaces for reading groups and a meeting room.
Feedback closing soon
Time is running out to have your say on a number of Council items currently out for comment.
Submissions to Council’s 2018/19 Draft Budget, which was released for public comment on 14 May, close this Friday (8 June) at 5pm.
Following the close of the comment period, Council will meet to consider submissions at the Council Forum on Tuesday 12 June. Council will then consider adoption of the Draft Budget at its Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday 26 June 2018.
Copies of the 2018/19 Draft Budget can be accessed from Council’s website at www.loddon.vic.gov.au/our-documents
Council is also keen to hear your thoughts to help develop two strategies – the Volunteer Strategy and the Open Space Strategy.
The Volunteer Strategy survey, which closes on 12 June, is asking for your opinion regarding volunteering in our Shire. Feedback from the surveys will be incorporated into the draft Volunteer Strategy, which is anticipated to go to November’s Ordinary Meeting of Council for consideration to release it for public comment.
A survey is also available until Monday 11 June to provide your thoughts around public open spaces used for recreation in the Shire. Public open spaces include parks, playgrounds, bushland, cycling and walking paths, rivers and lakes and shopping areas/streets.
To find out more about the Volunteer Strategy and the Open Space Strategy, including links to both surveys, visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au
Hard copies of both surveys, and Council’s 2018/19 Draft Budget, are available from Council’s offices in Wedderburn and Serpentine.
Local golf club celebrates 100 years
Congratulations to the Bridgewater on Loddon Golf Club which is celebrating its 100-year anniversary on Tuesday 5 June – a great achievement.
As part of the celebrations, the golf club will be holding its 100th Annual Tournament. The tournament is a great chance to celebrate 100 years of the Bridgewater on Loddon Golf Club (and enjoy a hit of golf at the same time), while supporting the club into the future.
Starting from 10am (with tee off at 10.30am), everyone is welcome to attend, with club handicaps on the day for novice golfers. Memorabilia and photos will be on display, and the cutting of the cake celebrating the day will take place for afternoon tea.
For more information contact Margaret on 5437 3327.