Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 20 February 2024
Published on 20 February 2024
Small Business Bus coming to Wedderburn
The Victorian Government’s Small Business Bus will be in Wedderburn on Tuesday 26 March. The bus will be located at the Council Office between 10am and 4pm on the corner of High and Kerr streets (adjacent to 41 High Street).
The Small Business Bus offers free 45-minute mentoring sessions to help you start or build your small business.
Business Recovery Advisers can provide support with small business coaching, continuity and resilience planning, mentorship and capability building. This assistance is aimed at helping businesses reactivate, develop sustainable business models and strengthen throughout the recovery period and beyond.
I recommend booking in advance to secure your session time. You can make an appointment by visiting the website.
For more information or any questions about the Small Business Bus, please call Business Victoria on 13 22 15.
Do you use the Inglewood Community Sports Centre?
Council is undertaking a 10-year master plan for the Inglewood Community Sports Centre and your input to this project is vital.
We are seeking community input into the strategy and invite you to participate in a survey, which will take around 10 to 15 minutes.
Share your ideas and thoughts before Monday 26 February here.
BlazeAid camp established in Boort
I am proud to see the establishment of the BlazeAid base camp in Boort, in response to the December/January storms and floods. This camp will provide much needed labour support to local primary producers in areas of need who have been unable to rebuild fences that were damaged during the floods.
BlazeAid are currently looking for anyone who has prior camp/fencing experience who would be able to support those with less experience.
To learn more about volunteering or to assist, please visit the website
Loddon Shire Council ward boundary review
The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is reviewing the ward boundaries of Loddon Shire Council at the request of the Minister for Local Government and is seeking your input.
The preliminary report will be available and response submissions for the Loddon Shire Council review open on Wednesday 21 February. Submissions close at 5pm Wednesday 13 March 2024.
In your submission, you can also ask to speak at a public hearing.
At the end of the review, the VEC will make a final recommendation to the Minister for Local Government. Any changes to the ward boundaries of Loddon Shire Council following this review are expected to apply at the next local council elections.
To find out more about the review process and how you can have your say, visit the VEC website.
Telstra switching off their 3G network on 30 June 2024
Back in 2019, Telstra announced they would be closing their 3G network, which you might also know as the Telstra Next G network. Doing so will allow Telstra to repurpose the 3G spectrum to offer better coverage and reliability on their 4G and 5G mobile network.
On 30 June 2024, Telstra will be switching off their 3G network. The 4G and 5G networks will be available instead and will offer an improved experience. This means if you have a 3G-compatible device, it will not work from 1 July 2024.
Please note: If you’re using a medical device to monitor health such as medical alarms, security or other remote safety situations, and they’re currently using the 3G 2100 MHz layer, please check for compatibility on accompanying paperwork from the manufacturer, and/or contact the provider of these devices to upgrade now.
For more information, including frequently asked questions visit the Telstra website.
Tiny Towns Fund
The Victorian Government has launched a new grant program to support local projects in the state’s smallest communities.
The Tiny Towns Fund aims to enhance the quality of life and attract more visitors to towns and communities with a population of up to 5,000 people.
Grants on offer are between $5,000 and $50,000 to deliver infrastructure, facilities, and capability-building projects for our small communities.
The fund is open to applications from incorporated not-for-profit community organisations and councils. The deadline for the first round of the funding is Sunday 25 February 2024.
For more information and to apply for the fund, visit the Regional Development Victoria website or call 1800 878 969.