Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 21 December
Published on 21 December 2021
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year
As this is my last column for 2021, I’d just like to take this opportunity to wish all our community a Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year.
It’s been another challenging year in terms of COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns, but once again, we have shown our strengths as a community, and continued to help support each other in any way we can.
This community spirit, community involvement and the ability of people to lean on each other in tough times (including as we go into the Christmas/New Year period, which can be a difficult time for some), is one of the great things about living in our Loddon Shire.
Citizenship ceremony
It was a great honour last week to conduct a Citizenship Ceremony and to congratulate our newest Australian citizens.
Taking the citizenship pledge were Vincy Jacob and Robert Smith. Vincy is originally from India and Robert from Ireland.
Congratulations again to Vincy and Robert.
Nominations open for Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll
Nominations are now open for the inaugural Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll 2022.
The first ever Victorian Multicultural Honour Roll will recognise the efforts of people who have made exceptional and lasting contributions to multiculturalism in Victoria.
It will focus on local champions of diversity, recognising the vital role that multicultural individuals have played to keep communities safe and connected.
Nominations are open until 16 January 2022, and self-nominations are welcome.
To find out more and to nominate someone, visit the website.
Business Victoria virtual mentor sessions
If you’re thinking of starting or growing your small business in 2022, then Business Victoria can help through their free online mentoring sessions.
A business expert will help to identify a clear direction for your business, discuss key issues and priorities, and develop a business action plan to achieve your goals, all for free.
Available Monday to Friday, the sessions last 45-minutes and bookings are essential.
Please note that only one session is available for each business.
For more information visit Business Victoria or call 13 22 15.
Rural Financial Counselling Service Small Business Support Program
The Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) Regional Small Business Support Program pilot provides free and independent financial counselling for eligible small businesses.
RFCS has provided rural financial counselling for primary producers nationwide for over 35 years.
It provides confidential, independent, local and free business and well-being support and advocacy for rural and regional primary producers and small business experiencing or at risk of hardship, or navigating the challenges of financial stress, economic downturn or disaster.
Local counsellors understand local conditions and communities, and can meet at your place of business, reducing disruption to your day.
Primary producers and small business owners can contact the service directly on 1300 735 578 or go to RFCS Victoria West.
Christmas/New Year closure
The Council office in Wedderburn will be closed from 4.45pm on Thursday 23 December and reopen at 8.15am on Tuesday 4 January 2022.
The Loddon Visitor Information Centre will be closed on Christmas Day, Sunday 26 December and Sunday 2 January, but is otherwise open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm and from 10am to 4pm on public holidays.
For enquiries phone (03) 5494 3489 or email loddonvisitorinformation@loddon.vic.gov.au
The Community Care service will provide limited services from Friday 24 December and will recommence at 8.30am on Tuesday 4 January 2022. Personal care and meals on wheels will be provided and clients will be contacted to discuss their service needs for this period.
There will be no home care, respite care, social support or property maintenance services delivered during this period.
For urgent Community Care service assistance during this period, please call 5494 1200 and select option 3, or the after hours service on 0427 908 736.
Kerbside waste and recycling collections during December 2021 and January 2022 will operate as scheduled, with no changes to collections.
All waste facilities across the Shire will be closed on public holidays.