Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 12 October

Published on 12 October 2021

Loddon Shire returns to border bubble

Last Friday, the Victorian Chief Health Officer announced that a number of local government areas would return to the “border bubble” for cross-border communities between Victoria and New South Wales – including Loddon Shire.

This means that if you live in a local government area in the Victoria-NSW cross-border area, you can cross the border and return home to Victoria without a permit, provided that:

You have not been in an extreme risk zone or red zone outside of the cross-border area after the relevant zone commencement time in the last 14 days.
You have not been to an exposure site.
If you have been in an orange zone outside of the cross-border area after the relevant zone commencement time in the last 14 days, you have been tested for COVID-19 and received a negative result since leaving the orange zone.
You don’t have COVID-19 or have any symptoms, and you are not a close contact of a confirmed COVID-19 case.
You carry proof of address (such as a driver licence).

For more information regarding the border bubble and conditions, visit the website.

Loddon Valley Arts Trail postponed

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions, the Loddon Valley Arts Trail has been postponed, with new dates in 2022 yet to be determined.

For the latest updates regarding the Loddon Valley Arts Trail, including an announcement of new dates, visit their Facebook page.

Australia Day Committee seeking Boort representative

The Loddon Australia Day Committee is seeking a representative from Boort to join the committee.

The Australia Day Committee comprises a Councillor as chairperson, a representative from each of the five wards within Loddon Shire and an Administration Officer.

The Committee normally meets twice a year in November to judge the Australia Day award nominations, and competition entries submitted by school students. Both meetings are held during the daytime for a duration of about two hours each.

The representative positions are voluntary and are kept anonymous.

If you reside within the Boort Ward and enjoy volunteering in the community, this position may be of interest to you.

If you are interested in finding out more about the position and what would be expected of you, please send some details of your volunteering experience to: australiaday@loddon.vic.gov.au or by mail to Australia Day, PO Box 21, Wedderburn, VIC 3518.

For further information, please call the Australia Day Administration Officer on 5494 1200.

Virtual morning tea event for International Day of Rural Women

GRO Events Group and Rural Aid will hold a virtual morning tea event with Chief Executive Officer of Riverine Plains Catherine Marriott, this Friday 15 October at 10.30am for International Day of Rural Women.

The most recent statistics from the Australian Government census in 2016 indicated that 32 per cent of the Australian agriculture workforce are women. Australian women across the rural and agricultural landscape act as pillars of strength in challenging times, contribute to on and off farm income, manage households, support friends and family, juggle kids and work, and contribute to their communities.

The virtual event will also hear from Rural Aid’s Manager Mental Health and Wellbeing Lauren Stracey and Counsellor and Community Representative – Northern New South Wales Heidi Gray about projects and support they are rolling out across the country for rural communities.

EOIs open for 2022 Young Farmer and New Entrant Mentoring Program

Expressions of Interest are now open for the 2022 Young Farmer and New Entrant Mentoring Program.

Eight positions are available in the 2022 program, which pairs young farmers with experienced farmers in a mentorship, overseen by a skilled farm business consultant.

Program participants are matched to ensure the mentor’s experience aligns with the mentee’s enterprise and personal development goals.

The Program is open to farmers aged 18 to 35 years to develop the skills they need to better manage their farm businesses, identify risks and develop strategies to build resilience and achieve their business goals.

The program, which is funded by the Victorian Government’s $20 million Smarter, Safer Farms initiative, will run until 30 November 2022.

Expressions of Interest applications close at midnight Sunday 24 October 2021. For more information and to apply visit the website.

Healthy Minds Network 2021 Art Competition

The Loddon Healthy Minds Network 2021 Art Competition has now closed, with a total of 104 artwork entries – the largest number ever received, with artists capturing the mental health themes with imagination, understanding and artistic flair.

Prize winners will be announced soon. In the meantime, you can view all the entries at the Loddon Healthy Minds Network website.