Loddon Shire Mayoral Column
Published on 25 November 2019
Official opening of new dental clinic at Boort
Last Monday afternoon I was pleased to attend the official opening of the new dental clinic at Boort District Health. The existing dental clinic has been relocated into a refurbished area of the main hospital site, which will greatly enhance patient privacy and accessibility.
The new facility has two dental chairs which will improve access to oral health services for people living around Boort, as well as improve the efficiency of how the clinic can operate. It will also be part of an integrated health care hub which means that patients will no longer have to travel to Bendigo for detailed oral x-rays and related treatments.
This clinic will provide lasting benefits for the residents of Boort and the wider community, and was made possible by funding through the Victorian State Government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund, as well as additional funding from Dental Health Services Victoria, the BDH Ladies Auxiliary and the Charlton and District Community Bank (Bendigo Bank).
How well do you know fire?
By now most people would have seen something of the new Victorian Government safety campaign on television, radio and online, to reinforce awareness of the deadly risks of fire and the importance of planning and preparing for the fire season.
While bushfires continue to ravage our neighbours in NSW and QLD, and the risk of fires in Victoria builds as the heat increases, it’s time to do your part to reduce the risk to our community. Remember, it’s not just bushland that burns; fine fuels, like grass and leaf litter, are generally where fires start and spread rapidly.
Council’s Fire Prevention Officer has been inspecting properties and where vegetation poses a potential threat to life or property, notices have been issued to property owners to remove long grass and flammable materials. If you have received a notice, please act on this promptly.
If property owners do not comply, Council can enter the property and arrange for the risk reduction works to be done at the owner’s expense. This work will be taking place over coming weeks, but if you have any concerns regarding fire hazards on private land, contact Council and an inspection can be arranged.
Let’s all work together to reduce the risk this summer.
Honey bee health survey
The Australian Honey Bee Industry Council wants to find out how healthy Australian honey bees are and what pests and diseases might be causing problems for beekeepers.
In partnership with Plant Health Australia and AgriFutures Australia, they are asking Australian beekeepers to take part in a survey which will provide statistics for use by the industry.
The survey takes only about ten minutes to complete and is open until 31 December 2019. Follow this link for the survey www.surveymonkey.com/r/KJX69VV.
Wedderburn Korong Vale RSL celebrates 100 years
Congratulations to Wedderburn Korong Vale RSL who will celebrate their 100-year anniversary on Saturday. This is an amazing milestone and reflects on the value of the service they provide to support local veterans and their families.
The celebrations will include a service at 11am on Saturday at Wedderburn followed by a barbeque lunch with music by the blue grass band Hardrive. RSVP is essential for catering, please call the Secretary, Lyn Chapman on 0455 269 623 or 5494 7445, or email rmclmc15@aussiebb.com.au
Seniors Christmas celebration
Loddon Seniors are invited to join us at our 2019 Loddon Shire Seniors Christmas celebration at Serpentine Hall on Thursday 5 December. For just $10 per person, guests will enjoy a traditional two-course lunch while being entertained by Mantel.
Transport is available by bus from Tarnagulla, Inglewood, Wedderburn, Boort and Pyramid Hill to ensure that everyone is able to attend. However bookings are essential to ensure both catering and transport.
To make sure you don’t miss out; please call our Community Wellbeing Team on 5494 1201.
Feeding livestock website
Agriculture Victoria has a new website to help find resources for managing livestock during drought and dry conditions. The website includes downloadable Beef and Sheep Drought Feeding and Management resources as well as tools and calculators, climate information and tips for unusual feeds.
Visit the Feeding Livestock website at www.feedinglivestock.vic.gov.au/ or the Agriculture Victoria Dry Seasons Support site at agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farm-management/drought/dry-seasons-support.
Did you know
National Asbestos Awareness Week begins today and communities are urged not to be complacent about the dangers of harmful asbestos fibres in building material. If you suspect you have asbestos, have a qualified asbestos removalist inspect the material before commencing any work. The disposal of waste asbestos is controlled by the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) and they have a range of useful information and resources on their website ref.epa.vic.gov.au/your-environment/waste/asbestos.