Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 1 February
Published on 01 February 2021
Australia Day awards congratulations
Last Tuesday we celebrated Australia Day with events taking place across our Shire. Following a tough 2020 – the day was a time to reflect, respect and celebrate.
The day was also an opportunity to recognise the hard work of those in our community who selflessly contribute so much, through award ceremonies held across the Loddon Shire.
I’d like to congratulate this year’s Loddon Shire Australia Day awardees, including our Citizen of the Year Howard Matthews and Young Citizen of the Year Hugh Cartwright.
Congratulations also go to the awardees for Community Group of the Year – Wedderburn Patchwork Group (Christmas Tree Festival) and Community Event of the Year – Bridgewater Bowling Club (Twilight Bowls). A Special Recognition of COVID-19 2020 was awarded to Susan Lockhart (The Front Door Project).
I’d also like to acknowledge and congratulate recipients of the Community Service Awards (these are for each ward of the Shire): Tracey Webb and Rae Broadbent (Inglewood), Robyn Brown (Terrick), Roger Terrill (Tarnagulla) and Susan Lockhart (Wedderburn). There were no nominations received for Boort.
Local Australia Day celebrations
Having made mention of Australia Day celebrations, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank community groups and volunteers for once again organising local celebrations for Australia Day. Celebrations were held at Boort, Bridgewater, Calivil, Eddington, Inglewood, Newbridge, Tarnagulla and Wedderburn.
It was a great honour to attend the Boort Australia Day celebrations, which had around 100 people in attendance – including bowlers from 20 towns who were visiting for the Boort Two Bowl Triples event.
The Australia Day event featured guest speaker Mubarak Meera Sahib who is the Nurse Unit Manager at Boort District Health. Mubarak discussed his journey from India to Australia, and then to Boort, and highlighted how much he loves living in a country town.
Mubarak was an excellent speaker and his speech really made this year’s Australia Day celebrations something special.
Community Engagement Policy out for comment
The draft Community Engagement Policy is now out for public comment, following its presentation at the Council meeting last Wednesday.
The purpose of the policy is to build Council’s relationship with communities and stakeholders, promote transparent and informed decision making and increase the community’s understand of the roles and responsibilities of Council.
You can read the draft policy and comment online via www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Documents-for-public-comment
A copy of the document for viewing is also available from Council’s Wedderburn office.
Comments can be submitted by mail to: Chief Executive Officer, Loddon Shire Council, PO Box 21, Wedderburn VIC 3518
You can also submit your comment via email to loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au
Comments must be in writing and submitted by 4pm on 12 February 2021.
Online Meditative Drawing program
Council has successfully secured funding from the Victorian Government’s Let’s Stay Connected Fund to enable 30 Shire residents free access to an online meditative drawing program to help reduce stress related to COVID-19.
The Artly – Let’s Stay Connected Program will start on Wednesday 24 February with a live Zoom session. The program runs for 12 weeks and finishes with a final live Zoom session on 12 May. It can be accessed online any time during the 12 weeks.
Participants will receive an art materials pack posted to their door with everything they need for the program, and will be guided through simple pencil and paper-based drawing exercises designed to create feelings of relaxation and increased wellbeing. No prior drawing skills are required.
To find out more or to register go to www.artlytherapy.com/online-courses
Add the Loddon program to the Cart and Checkout for free. Registration requires a postal address for delivery of the art materials pack.
Free places are available to Loddon Shire residents on a “first-in-best-dressed” basis, so make sure you register before 10 February 2021 before they run out.
For more information about the program, call Gretchen Hillhouse from Art in Architecture on 0410 062 846 or email gretchen@artinarchitecture.com.au
Let’s Pivot starts this week
A reminder that the Let’s Pivot Zoom Discussion series starts from this Wednesday 3 February.
The series comprises of eight sessions running every Wednesday from 10.30am to 12pm, with the final session on 24 March.
These facilitated discussions are for not-for-profits, community groups, leaders, and anyone who wants to be more effective or make a positive impact.
To find out more and to register your attendance for the eight sessions, visit https://makeachange.org.au/events