NOTES FROM LODDON 7 November 2016

Published on 07 November 2016

Neil Beattie poised for top job

Neil Beattie is expected to accept a second term as Mayor after being named Loddon Shire Council Mayor elect.

The decision was made by re-elected councillors following the public declaration of the poll at Serpentine Council Chambers last Wednesday (2 November).

At Friday’s statutory meeting, if all goes ahead as expected, incoming councillors will sign the oath of office, make a declaration to abide by the code of conduct and formally elect Neil Beattie as Mayor.

If this is the case, the new Council will effectively be unaltered.

At the close of nominations, Boort, Inglewood and Terrick wards were uncontested so all eyes were on Wedderburn and Tarnagulla.

As the vote count got underway it was anyone’s guess who would claim a seat at the Council table.

With the last votes counted, the effectively unchanged shape of Loddon Shire’s Council was cast.

Gavan Holt was returned to office with 645 (56.18 per cent) of first preference votes in Wedderburn Ward, while Geoff Curnow held his seat after claiming 671 (59.96 per cent) of first preference votes in Tarnagulla Ward.

Upon declaration of the poll, Geoff Curnow said he was delighted to be back as a councillor.

“We have worked well as a council over the last four years and I hope we can make things happen in the future,” he said.

Neil Beattie congratulated his fellow returning councillors indicating the public had given them the seal of approval to continue the work they had begun.

Calling all photographers

Are you an amateur or professional photographer with a secret stash of photos showing Loddon in its best light?

If so, you have an opportunity to share your images in a bid to increase Loddon’s share of the tourism pie.

Council’s marketing and tourism team are preparing a fresh edition of the Loddon Valley Official Visitor Guide and would like to highlight any hidden gems.

Successful contributions will capture experience driven attractions such as antiques and collectables, food and wine, farm gate tourism, history and heritage, nature and the natural environment, water, gold and events.

Photos making the final cut will be credited to the photographer, who will also receive an invitation to the official launch of the Loddon Valley Official Visitor Guide.

Submissions should be sent to loddonvisitorinformation@loddon.vic.gov.au before Friday 2 December.

A completed photo permission slip must accompany submissions capturing members of the public. For further information, or to request a permission form, phone 5494 1257.

Distillery Museum volunteers needed

Whether you’re interested in contributing to a fabulous community asset or would benefit from learning new job skills, volunteering at the Eucalyptus Distillery Museum could fit the bill.
Felton Grimwade & Bosisto’s and Loddon Shire Council have committed to contributing funds to support extended opening hours of the museum for a further six months – through to May 2017.

With the facility to remain open between 10am and 4pm Thursdays to Mondays, volunteers are needed for a range of hospitality, tour guide, eucalyptus distilling model demonstrations and general operational duties.

Whether you live in Inglewood or beyond and can volunteer an hour or a day, Council’s Marketing and Tourism Officer Robyn Vella would like to hear from you.

To make contact email loddonvisitorinformation@loddon.vic.gov.au or phone 5494 1257.

Helping hand for arts events

Arts events could reach a new level in Loddon through the development of The Small Regional Presenters program.

The new state government program has been designed to help regional not for profit arts groups and societies, venues and local councils to present professional arts events and experiences in their communities.

Grants of up to $15,000 will be available to support the presentation of a single show or live event, a series of shows or an annual program.

Funding will be offered through three grant rounds in 2016-2017.

Applications for the first round of funding closes at 5pm on Wednesday 16 November, for shows taking place from 31 January 2017 onwards.

Community presenters seeking to apply must be members of Regional Arts Victoria. For program details visit www.creative.vic.gov.au