Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 15 February

Published on 15 February 2021

Goldfields Libraries free iPad loan for residents

Goldfields Libraries have partnered with Loddon Shire Council to offer a small number of internet-connected Apple iPad tablets for a free six-month loan.

The scheme is for socially isolated residents of the Loddon Shire who wish to improve their digital connectivity. Recipients will be empowered with digital skills training to improve their connection to family, friends and the community during this challenging time.

After the initial training, ongoing support and advice will be provided to assist with learning.

The iPads will come with an in-built internet connection, useful apps installed, and links to handy websites.

If you, a family member, or a friend would benefit from a loan of one of these devices, the Community Based Services team at Goldfield Libraries would love to hear from you.

For more information and to register your interest, please contact the team at Goldfields Libraries by emailing helpdesk@ncgrl.vic.gov.au or call 5449 2790.

This scheme is proudly sponsored by the Community Activation and Social Isolation (CASI) initiative (DHHS) and Loddon Shire Council.

Community Grants Scheme applications open 1 March

Applications for Council’s Community Grants Scheme open on 1 March 2021.

Up to $10,000 is available for not-for-profit clubs and organisations based in the Loddon Shire to deliver projects that directly benefit residents.

This includes enhancing the provision of activities, facilities or delivery of services to people in our community.

Successful grant applications are funded on a two-to-one basis. This means for every $2 provided by Council, the successful applicants must contribute a minimum of $1 towards the cost of the project. Up to 50 per cent of an applicant’s contribution can be in-kind.

Last year the scheme allocated over $187,000 in funding across the Shire, with 33 groups receiving full or partial funding.

Applications for Council’s Community Grants Scheme close at 5pm, Saturday 1 May 2021.

Please note, applications must be submitted online through Council’s SmartyGrants program.

Support is also available to assist with the Smarty Grants process.

To find out more, call Council’s Community Support Team on 5494 1200.

Customer Service Workshop next month

A Customer Service Workshop aimed at local businesses in the Loddon Shire will see operators come away inspired to take action to drive their business forward.

To be held 16 March at 9am at the Wedderburn Goldseeker Motel, the theme of the workshop is Visitor Service Mastery: how to deliver excellence and delight every customer post COVID-19.

Topics to be covered in the workshop include your customer journey, your tourism business and your digital service.

The workshop will be hosted by Institute of Excellence founder Despina Karatzias, who has around 20 years of business and digital marketing experience.

The workshop is free to attend and includes a light morning tea and lunch.

For more information and to RSVP contact the Loddon Visitor Information Centre on 5494 1257 or email loddonvisitorinformation@loddon.vic.gov.au

Understanding and managing water price variability on farm – webinar

Agriculture Victoria will be holding a webinar to discuss ways of better managing water price variability and reducing farm business shocks in years with high water prices. Information provided will assist irrigators to better prepare for the future.

The Understanding and managing water price variability on farm webinar will be held Thursday 25 February from 1pm to 2pm.

Loddon Healthy Minds Network seeking community representative members

The Loddon Healthy Minds Network is seeking expressions of interest from residents across the Loddon Shire Council area to represent the community on the Loddon Healthy Minds Network.

If you have an interest in improving mental health and wellbeing in the wider Loddon Shire community, the Network is interested in hearing from you.

For more information, including viewing the Network’s Terms of Reference and Expression of Interest form, visit the Loddon Healthy Minds Network website.

You can also contact Vicki Andrew via email at healthyminds@loddon.vic.gov.au or by calling 5494 1230.

Applications close at 5pm, Friday 5 March 2021