Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 27 July
Published on 27 July 2021
Lockdown to finish tonight
In some welcome news, the current lockdown is due to finish at 11.59pm tonight. This includes the removal of the stay-at-home requirement and five-kilometre travel limit.
Schools will resume face-to-face learning, while hospitality businesses, retail, gyms, hairdressers, beauticians and personal care services can open – with density limits in place.
Private gatherings in homes are not allowed, except for intimate partner or single social bubble. Public gatherings are permitted for up to 10 people.
Face masks are still required indoors and outdoors whenever you leave your home.
Workers will be able to return to the office at a maximum 25 per cent of capacity or up to 10 people (whichever is greater), however if you can work from home you should continue to do so.
Full details regarding current restrictions are available from the Coronavirus Victoria website.
Australia Day committee EOIs – Boort and Tarnagulla wards
Council is calling for nominations from residents of Boort Ward and Tarnagulla Ward to fill a vacancy on the Loddon Australia Day Committee.
The Loddon Australia Day Committee comprises a community representative from each ward of the Loddon Shire, a Council representative and a Council-appointed administration officer. The position is voluntary.
The committee meets twice each year to select winners of the Loddon Australia Day Awards and judge entries into the Shire-wide Australia Day competitions.
Applicants will require a passion for their community, demonstrated experience as a volunteer, good communication skills and an interest in Australia Day in the Loddon Shire.
Applicants must reside in either the Boort Ward or the Tarnagulla Ward of the Loddon Shire and have time available in November and December to critically assess nominations and award entries.
Please forward expressions of interest to Loddon Australia Day Committee, PO Box 21, Wedderburn, 3518 by 20 August 2021.
For further information please contact Robina Little, Administration Officer Australia Day, on 5494 1200 or email australiaday@loddon.vic.gov.au
Rural Financial Counselling Service expands
Rural Financial Counselling Service has expanded its service from Wimmera South West to include North West Victoria.
This new local Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) is called RFCS Victoria West (formerly RFCS Wimmera South West) and includes all of Victoria’s west, including Loddon Shire.
RFCS provides counselling, support and information on financial and legal matters for rural farms, businesses and families in need of assistance. They come to you and work with you as long as needed to get you and your business back on track.
They have a highly qualified team with extensive experience in financial matters relating to rural farming businesses and financial counselling. Counsellors will make phone contact within 24 hours for counselling service that is confidential, discreet, impartial, one-on-one support.
You can contact RFCS Victoria West on 1300 735 578 or visit their website.
Census night is on 10 August
Census night is Tuesday 10 August 2021 – and it’s important that everyone is ready for the Census so that we’re all counted.
Every five years, the Census counts every person and home in Australia. The Census asks questions about things like your age, country of birth, ancestry, language used at home, work and education.
The Census data helps to understand community needs and plan programs and services like health, education and transport.
Most households will get instructions in the mail to complete the Census online. This will have your unique Census number and temporary password. Go to www.census.abs.gov.au when you receive your instructions in early August 2021.
Some households will receive a paper form. This also applies to international students and visitors staying in venues such as hotels, camping grounds or student accommodation. Once completed, you can return using the reply-paid envelope that will be provided. There are instructions on the form if you prefer to complete online.
You can start as soon as you get instructions, if you know where you will be on Census night, Tuesday 10 August.
It’s important that everyone staying in your home on Census night is included on the form – including visiting family or friends, international visitors and babies.
To find out more, visit the Census website or call 1800 512 441.
Citizenship ceremony
This morning I had the honour of presiding over a virtual citizenship ceremony. I’d like to congratulate our newest Australian citizens Mr Herbert Apostol and Mrs Karen Apostol, who are originally from the Philippines.