Notes from Loddon Shire 5 October
Published on 04 October 2020
Fitted face masks
Council would like to remind the community that fitted face masks, that cover the nose and mouth, must now be worn when you are outside your home. Face coverings such as bandanas, scarves and face shields are no longer applicable.
This change became enforceable from yesterday (Sunday 4 October).
For more information, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website.
Loddon Project update
One hundred and eighty-six community members and Council staff have contributed to the first stage of the Loddon Community Vision.
Four strong themes emerged from the consultation. The first two were a strong sense of community intrinsically linked to the identity of the Council area, and drive for greater prosperity through attraction of industry, business, and population.
The two remaining themes were: natural environment that supports tourism, outdoor activities, agriculture, and a way life, and equity of access to infrastructure, services, and retail to support quality of life.
These themes will be explored in more detail during the next phase of the Community Vision engagement. This next phase will start after Council elections and will include the formation of the Community Reference Group, five community workshops (either in-person or online) and sending out reply paid postcards to seek further input from the community.
For more information visit The Loddon Project website.
Let’s Pivot
Loddon Shire has partnered with councils from around the region and the not-for-profit Make A Change Australia to bring a new program that supports community leaders, organisations, and individuals to change their strategy without changing their vision.
Community and professional development will be delivered free of charge and provided entirely online. This started from 1 October and continues until 31 March 2021.
It will deliver inspiration, information, digital connectivity, adaptation ideas, and real time support to wherever you work best.
All members of the community are invited to participate in any way that suits; info-mailers, Zoom discussions, online community, resource toolkit and more.
Click here to find out more and to subscribe.
A great time to Go Local First
With regional Victoria now on the Third Step of Victoria’s roadmap for reopening, it is now even easier to Go Local First.
This Third Step has included the easing of some restrictions for our local hospitality and tourism industries, making it an ideal time to explore our region and enjoy food and drink from local cafes and coffee shops, hotels and bakeries.
The Go Local First campaign encourages communities to back small businesses by buying goods or services from them either in person or online. This campaign is part of the response to the impacts of COVID-19 on our small business sector.
Click here to find out more.
The campaign is funded by the Federal Government and delivered by the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA).
COVID-19 business information and support is also available from Council’s website.
Seniors Festival reimagined
The Victorian Seniors Festival is an important Victorian Government initiative. Now in its 38th year, it celebrates older Victorians and the valuable contribution they make to our community.
In line with public health advice related to COVID-19, the 2020 Festival has been produced as an entirely online Festival, called the Victorian Seniors Festival reimagined. This year’s theme is In the groove!
Until 31 October 2020, the Festival will bring Australia's best entertainers in weekly video performances and interviews, and a mix of radio programs to stream.
For more information about events and activities, visit Seniors Online or call 1300 797 210 to have a Festival Reimagined or Radio Reimagined program list sent directly to you.
VicHealth grants open
Applications for VicHealth’s Reimagining Health grants are now open with $3,000, $10,000 or $50,000 grants available.
The grants will support new or existing ideas and help amplify projects already in place, in order to reach more members of the Victorian community and help them improve their health and wellbeing on the collective path to recovery.
VicHealth has made it easier to apply and successful applicants will be notified in a short timeframe, so they can get to work fast. Local organisations are encouraged to apply for the grants through the VicHealth website as soon as possible for the opportunity to be funded early.
Click here for further information or to apply.
Applications close 11.59pm Tuesday 27 October 2020.