Loddon Shire Mayoral Column
Published on 09 March 2020
Community Grants are open!
Council is currently accepting applications for its annual Community Grants Program, which closes 1 May 2020.
Community groups with projects that improve upon existing facilities, fund programs, purchase equipment that will increase accessibility and participation and meet a demonstrated community need are encouraged to apply.
Grants of up to $10,000 are provided to support local community organisations for projects that provide community benefit to the Loddon Shire, and are funded on a two-to-one basis. For every $2 provided by Council, the successful applicants contribute a minimum of $1 towards the cost of the project, and up to 50 per cent of this can be in-kind.
Remember, that if your community group received a grant in 2019, this will need to be fully acquitted to be eligible for the 2020 grant round.
Application guidelines and details on how to apply for the Community Grants Program can be found on Council’s website at https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/For-residents/Community-support/Council-grants#Community%20Grants
Community Satisfaction Survey
In early March, Loddon Shire residents may be contacted to participate in the annual community satisfaction survey.
Each year, Loddon Shire Council seeks to measure how satisfied residents are with its resources, facilities and services, so we can prioritise improvement opportunities that will be valued by residents.
The survey provides insights into how Council can best invest its resources to improve residents’ satisfaction with its overall performance.
The survey will be undertaken on behalf of Council by JWS Research and Council encourages selected households to take part in the survey.
Connecting Loddon businesses
Loddon business operators and producers are invited to attend the next Loddon Valley Business Networking Dinner.
On Tuesday 17 March at 6pm, participants will gather at the Inglewood Eucy Museum for food, a catch-up and to hear a range of thought provoking guest speakers including Food Fossickers, Salute Oliva, Bendigo Tourism, and Bosisto’s.
Join me to gain an insight into local food and local economies, hear about a successful local business, the expansion of eucalyptus plantations in the Loddon Valley, and learn about the benefits of online event ticketing on the new Bendigo Regional Tourism website.
Bookings cost $11, please RSVP by Wednesday 11 March by emailing shutchinson@loddon.vic.gov.au or call on 5494 1257.
New events in Loddon
Some exciting new events are coming up in Loddon during the next couple of weeks.
On Saturday 21 March, the East Loddon Historical Society is presenting the Serpentine Air Race, which commemorates Australia’s first official air race that raised funds for the repatriation and care of service personnel following World War One.
A specially created temporary ‘Serpentine Airfield’, 6km south of Serpentine will be the base for the 70-mile air race, historic and static displays, vintage aircraft and vehicles, aerobatics and street food.
For more information, and to purchase your tickets online, go to www.bendigoregion.com.au/visit-loddon-valley/whatson/serpentine-air-race-2020.
On the same day, the Pyramid Hill Fiesta will feature a Boodle Feast. This Filipino tradition involves an abundance of cultural delicacies placed on a long table for groups of people to enjoy at the one time. It is about connection, communication and togetherness fostered over food.
The Boodle Feast is an exciting addition to the fiesta, as well as helping the region celebrate being a part of the UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy. Bookings are essential, go to www.bendigoregion.com.au/visit-loddon-valley/whatson/pyramid-hill-fiesta-presents-boodle-feast.
Dairy Rural Skills Connect
For dairy farmers, their family members or employees within the Goulburn Murray Irrigation District who need to find off farm work or further training, the Rural Skills Connect program can help you find opportunities.
Rural Skills Connect is funded by Regional Development Victoria and delivered by Murray Dairy. There is no cost and they come to you.
The program can assist by looking at what skills and qualifications you have and matching to employment opportunities in the region, or it can help with resumes, job certificates or preparation for interviews.
To find out how Rural Skills Connect can help, contact linda.kelly@murraydairy.com.au or phone 0487 446 808.
Did you know
Did you know that a range of projects that increase accessibility and community participation can be considered for Community Grants?
Some examples of these are digitisation of community archives / records, community exhibitions, community art projects, recreation reserve equipment and cross generational projects.