Share Your Feedback on the Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2026-2029
Golden Plains Shire Council endorsed the Draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 20262029 (the Draft Plan) for a period of public exhibition at the 22 July Council Meeting.
The Draft Plan promotes responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, outlines actions that Council will take to address impact of nuisance pets on the community and the environment and also establishes a framework to assess the adequacy of animal management services which are funded by registration fees from cats and dogs.
Under the Victorian Government’s Domestic Animals Act 1994, every Council in Victoria must prepare a domestic animal management plan every four years.
Feedback on the Draft Plan is invited from Monday 28 July to 5pm, Monday 25 August 2025, and can be completed online at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations
Hard copies of the survey are also available at Council’s Customer Hubs, 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn, and 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.
Apply for Community Strengthening Grants 2025
Council’s Community Strengthening Grants Program returns in 2025, with applications now open for local community groups.
Community groups are invited to apply for grants of up to $7,000, available in three categories: Environment and Sustainability, Healthy Connected Community and Community Inclusion.
Grants will be awarded to eligible community organisations, sporting clubs and not-for-profit groups that demonstrate innovative ideas, promote inclusivity and social connection while also contributing to the
overall wellbeing of residents in the shire’s vibrant communities.
Groups must match the amount of funding sought in cash and/or through in-kind contributions (such as in-kind volunteer support) and Council will support community groups through the grant application and acquittal process.
Applications are open from Friday 1 August and close at 2pm, Monday 1 September 2025. For more information about Community Strengthening Grants and to apply, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/grants.
Industry Nights Set to Inspire
Golden Plains Shire Council is thrilled to host two industry nights for secondary students and young people to assist in developing potential career prospects.
The Industry Nights feature two separate themes: Construction & Trades and Hair & Beauty. These themes aim to inspire and inform local secondary students and young people about various career pathways within these fields.
The Nights will feature local guest speakers from the relevant industries. Training and apprenticeship support providers will also be available to assist attendees in developing networking opportunities with relevant local businesses.
The Industry Nights will be held at Bannockburn P-12 College from 6 to 8pm on:
• Tue 19 August – Construction & Trades
• Tue 26 August – Hair & Beauty
To register, visit: goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events
Registrations available through Eventbrite and light refreshments will be provided.
Golden Plains Farmers’ Market Offers Something for everyone
The Golden Plains Farmers’ Market returns tomorrow and is full of amazing delights for visitors and regular market-goers.
Community members will be able to shop from 8.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday 1 March at the Bannockburn Heart, corner Milton and High Streets.
The monthly market features a fantastic range of locally grown, farm-fresh and homemade foods as well as unique art, handmade homewares and eco-friendly products.
With live music, family entertainment, espresso coffee and the aroma of fresh baking pastries adrift, the market offers a lively atmosphere for visitors of all ages.
To learn more and for market dates, visit goldenplainsfarmersmarket.com.au.