Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 21 September
Published on 20 September 2020
Regional Victoria moves to Third Step
In some great news for our Shire and regional Victoria, last Wednesday from 11.59pm we moved onto the Third Step in the Victorian Government’s roadmap to reopening.
This move has been welcome news for our community, particularly for our hospitality industry with indoor and outdoor dining now permitted, subject to group and density limits.
For our local hospitality providers, now is the time to think about how you could explore new ideas or return to outdoor dining options as we reach step three in the roadmap.
Council staff are working on details to circulate to local businesses to assist with what you need to do to get set up and how the Council can help to make this as easy as possible for everyone.
Please contact Council on 5494 1200 to discuss your particular circumstances.
This move to the Third Step is also good news for local tourism, with regional Victorians now able to travel within regional Victoria and accommodation also open, subject to restrictions.
Outdoor contact and non-contact sport is allowed for people aged 18 and under, and outdoor non-contact sport for adults. This is subject to restrictions, including number of players and spectators.
For a full list of what is permitted under the Third Step in regional Victoria, please visit www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-reopening-roadmap-regional-victoria
Remember, that although restrictions in regional Victoria have eased, it is important to continue to protect yourself, your family and your community against COVID-19.
This includes keeping 1.5 metres away from others, wearing a mask when you leave home, practising good hand hygiene, staying at home if you’re unwell and getting tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
Healthy Minds Network Suicide Prevention Forum 2020
Registrations are now open for the Loddon Healthy Minds Network 2020 Suicide Prevention Forum (SPF20) on Thursday 22 October.
The forum, which will be held online from 9am to 3.30pm, will focus on suicide prevention strategies that work in rural areas.
The keynote speaker will be Ben Brooksby, who will discuss his journey that culminated in the establishment of the mental health awareness initiative the ‘Naked Farmer’. A range of guest presenters will also speak at the forum.
The SPF20 forum event is free, thanks to support from Carer Support Services and the Victorian Department Health and Human Services.
To register please visit www.loddonhealthyminds.com.au/suicide-prevention-forum
Registrations close at 5pm, 21 October 2020. Program information and participation links will be provided closer to the forum date.
Community Plan allocations 2020/21
At its Ordinary Meeting last week, Council approved $151,560 in project allocations under the 2020/21 Community Planning Program.
Each year Council commits funds from its annual budget towards the completion of a number of community planning projects. This funding is based on a $50,000 allocation per ward and a $500,000 Community Planning Strategic Fund allocation.
Under this funding, Inglewood Ward will receive $66,371, Tarnagulla Ward $32,196 and Terrick Ward $52,993 towards local projects.
Projects include Stage 3 of the Bridgewater Memorial Hall restoration project, Tractor Engine Annex Construction at the Inglewood Eucalyptus Distillery Museum, wall repairs and painting at Arnold Hall and seed funding for outdoor exercise equipment installation in Newbridge.
There is also funding towards the installation of a barbecue and shelter at the Calivil Recreation Reserve, redevelopment of toilet facilities at Dingee Hall and upgrading of electrical wiring at the East Loddon Community Centre.
In a separate agenda item, Council allocated $500,000 towards the Boort Foreshore Sporting Precinct Development, as part of the 2019/20 Community Planning Strategic Fund.
The funding will support the progress of the project, which will complement the recent installation of outdoor exercise equipment in Nolen’s Park, along with the planned installation of a section of foreshore walking path. This will provide an uninterrupted path around Little Lake Boort.
Community newsletters annual allocation
Local community newsletters throughout our Shire will receive annual funding towards their production following an allocation of $20,000 at Council’s September meeting.
This annual allocation means community-based newsletters will no longer have to apply for funding through Council’s Community Grants Program.
These newsletters provide a valuable source of local information and events for their communities. With the reduced availability of a local newspaper, there is even more reliance on community newsletters to provide information about community activities, available services, business advertising, event promotion and Council news.
Grounded thinking workshop
Farming families are invited to the free online workshop “Grounded Thinking – a healthy mindset for profitable and enjoyable farming”.
To be held next Tuesday 29 September from 10.30am to 12.00pm, the workshop will be facilitated by Dr Kate Burke, who has 30 years’ experience in agriculture consulting.
The workshop is tailored specifically for farming families to help them feel more in control of their destiny, worry less and capture the profit opportunity each farming season presents.
Registrations for the workshop close at 5pm on Thursday 24 September. To register go to www.trybooking.com/BLEIS
Thank you
As this is my last Mayoral Column before the Council election period, I would like to take this opportunity to thank my fellow Councillors for their support during my time as Mayor, as well as Council staff.
As my time on Council draws to a close, I’d also like to acknowledge our communities for their support and friendship throughout my time as Mayor, and as Terrick Ward Councillor. It has been a privilege to serve the communities of Loddon, and I wish you all well for the coming year.