Photo: Declan Davidson
Mayor’s message
It’s been a busy and productive few months for our Council. We’ve been focused on delivering essential services, meeting our legislative requirements and developing our Council Plan 2025-2029 with your invaluable input.
We continue to be impressed by how much everyone gets involved in local events and groups. From the monthly Golden Plains Farmers’ Market to the expansion of the Disc Golf Course at the Inverleigh Golf Club by volunteers, your spirit makes our Shire a truly special place to live, work and socialise.
We’re excited to welcome our new CEO, Adam McSwain. Adam will be instrumental in leading our work on the Council Plan, fostering business growth and enhancing overall organisational performance. His leadership will be a great asset to our community.
We’re also actively working with state and federal members, and strategic partners to secure vital investment for our Shire. We’re committed to advocating for a better deal for our residents and ensuring Golden Plains has a strong voice at the table. We are pleased to announce the launch of our newlook Community Awards. This is a fantastic opportunity to recognise the local heroes who do so much for our community here in Golden Plains. Find out how to nominate someone on page 5.
A huge thank you to all our Council staff, community groups, and volunteers. Your hard work is the reason our community is so great. Let’s keep working together to make Golden Plains the best place to live, work and socialise.
Yours in community,
Cr Owen Sharkey Mayor of Golden Plains Shire
Your Golden Plains Shire Councillors
Cr Owen Sharkey
Golden Plains Shire Mayor
03 5220 7330
cr.owen.sharkey@gplains.vic.gov.au
Cr Sarah Hayden
Golden Plains Shire Councillor
0438 277 337
cr.sarah.hayden@gplains.vic.gov.au
Cr Emma Robbins
Golden Plains Shire Councillor
0467 635 548
cr.emma.robbins@gplains.vic.gov.au
Cr Des Phelan
Golden Plains Shire Councillor
03 5220 7333
cr.des.phelan@gplains.vic.gov.au
Cr Gavin Gamble
Golden Plains Shire Councillor
03 5220 7332
cr.gavin.gamble@gplains.vic.gov.au
Cr Helena Kirby
Golden Plains Shire Councillor
03 5220 7331
cr.helena.kirby@gplains.vic.gov.au
Cr Dom Cook
Golden Plains Shire Councillor
0437 661 423
cr.dom.cook@gplains.vic.gov.au
Gumley Road Safety Improvements in Rokewood
Gumley Road in Rokewood has reopened for traffic after the completion of Blackspot funded works.
Federal Government funded Blackspot works address sections of roads where there have been fatalities and/ or casualty crashes and the road itself is identified as a major contributing factor to these accidents.
Thompson Road Works Complete
Major patches and road safety improvements were recently completed on Thompson Road, Maude.
Works included the construction of 28 patches along the 8.4km length of road. Additional safety improvements included line marking, installation of reflective pavement markings, extra signage, and a large number of guideposts.
The project was funded by the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery program and delivered collaboratively by Council’s Road and Drainage Maintenance and Engineering teams.
The works consisted of widening the shoulders through the S-bend section of the road to two-way traffic, guardrail and motorcyclist rub-rails and audible tactile line marking.
Road Grading Calendar 2025/26
Council’s annual Road Grading Calendar is available in the online events calendar on Council’s website.
Residents can visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events to see when Council’s graders will be in which areas of the Shire. The annual Road Grading Program allows for grading of Council’s unsealed road network in the Shire throughout the year. Learn more at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/resident/roads
COUNCIL NEWS
Council Plan 2025-2029
Shapes
the Future
The Golden Plains Council Plan 2025-2029 (the Plan) was developed in consultation with our community and details the vision, goals and strategies to guide Council’s priority activities, decision making and service delivery over the next four-year period.
Adopted by Council in June 2025, the Plan is the foundation for everything we do, providing a roadmap that will guide how we serve our community over the next four years.
The Plan directly addresses and aligns with the themes of the Golden Plains Community Vision 2040: Community; Liveability; Sustainability; and Prosperity; with the additional theme of Leadership added to represent the Council-specific regulatory, governance, leadership and advocacy activities required to achieve outcomes for the community and govern the organisation.
To read the Council Plan 2025-2029, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/council/strategies-budgetand-plans.
Have Your Say: Revised Budget 2025/26
Golden Plains Shire Council is updating its 2025/26 Budget to reflect important changes that have occurred since the Budget was first adopted in May 2025. This is a crucial step to ensure our financial reporting is accurate and transparent.
The revised 2025/26 Budget addresses three key areas: new asset valuations, budget roll-forwards, and a new $2 million overdraft facility. These changes are necessary to ensure Council can continue to deliver essential services and capital works for our community.
We invite the community to review the revised budget and provide comments.
Read Council’s Revised Budget 2025/26: Visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations or pick up a copy at Council’s Customer Hubs, 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn or The Well, 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.
Feedback on the revised Budget 2025/26 is invited from 9am, Wednesday 24 September to 5pm, Tuesday 7 October, and can be completed online at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations.
Nominate for the 2026 Golden Plains Shire Council Community Awards!
It’s time to celebrate our Community Heroes! Golden Plains Shire Council is thrilled to announce that nominations for the 2026 Community Awards open on Wednesday 1 October.
This is our chance to recognise the incredible people and groups who have contributed so much to our community – from organising local events and cleaning up local recreation parks to supporting neighbours in need. Learn more at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations.
Nominations are invited in the following categories:
• Community Hero of the Year
• Senior Community Hero of the Year
• Young Community Hero of the Year
• Community Group Award
Nominations open soon!
Nominations are invited from Wednesday 1 October until 5pm, Friday 28 November 2025 and can be completed at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations.
Do you know a local Hero?
A Community Hero is a person or group that goes above and beyond to make Golden Plains a better place to live, work and socialise. Have someone in mind? Nominate them for a Community Award today and help us celebrate their incredible contributions.
They could be involved in any field - from community service to arts and culture, environment, business, economic development, and sports. Whether they’re a volunteer or local club/group, we want to hear their story!
Nominations are essential to ensure that these remarkable contributors receive the recognition they truly deserve.
We’ve made some changes!
We’ve made some exciting changes to the Awards this Year. Now, every nominee from the three Community Hero categories will be eligible for the Community Hero of the Year Award. This is to ensure that all contributions from people of all ages are recognised and celebrated.
We’ve also welcomed previous Community Award winners to be part of the Community Awards Selection Panel, that will work together with Councillors and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to determine the 2026 Award winners.
An awards ceremony, scheduled for early February 2026, will provide an opportunity to recognise nominees and unveil the Community Award recipients.
For further information about the Golden Plains Shire Council Community Awards 2026, contact Council’s Communications and Engagement team at communityengagement@gplains.vic.gov.au or call 5220 7111.
Be Part of the Active Golden Plains Sport & Rec Fest!
Calling all sporting clubs, recreation organisations and community groups –Council is seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for you to take part in the Active Golden Plains Sport & Rec Fest (the Rec Fest)!
An initiative of Active Golden Plains, the Rec Fest aims to generate awareness of activities available in Golden Plains and empower residents to explore a variety of physical and recreational activities offered by local clubs, groups and providers.
Federation Bridge Reopens
Federation Bridge in Inverleigh reopened to pedestrians in August following works to repair the riverbank and bridge structure.
The riverbank at the base of Federation Bridge was heavily scoured from the October 2022 floods and repairing the riverbank was the first step to ensure the bridge is not damaged from further riverbank erosion.
Extensive works to the riverbank and the bridge have lengthened the life of the structure, which is now safe and accessible to all pedestrian users.
This is your chance to host a demonstration, interactive activity, ‘come and try’ session, display or other activity for residents of all ages, genders and abilities across the Shire.
The Rec Fest will be held across two different locations on:
• Saturday 21 February 2026 from 10am to 1pm at the Woady Yaloak Recreation Reserve, Smythesdale
• Saturday 14 March 2026 from 10am to 1pm at the Recreation Precinct Soccer Pavilion, Bannockburn Sporting clubs and groups can participate in one or both days.
EOIs are invited until 5pm, Friday 31 October 2025, and can be submitted at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations Following the EOI period, Council will evaluate submissions and successful clubs and groups will be notified.
Join the Golden Plains Youth Council
The Golden Plains Youth Activation Committee (YAC) recently transitioned to the Golden Plains Shire Youth Council. This change formalises the group’s role as an advisory body to Council.
The YAC was formed in 2022 to give young people in the community a platform for leadership and training to help them shape future plans and advocate on youth issues.
In 2024, YAC members proposed the change to a formal Youth Council to better represent the collective voice of young people aged 12 to 25 years who live, study, work, access services or have a significant connection to Golden Plains Shire. The new Youth Council will function as an advisory group, providing a direct channel for young residents, workers and students to share their perspectives.
Council is inviting young people interested in joining the Youth Council to contact Council’s Youth Development team at youth@gplains.vic.gov.au or call 5220 7111 to learn more.
Celebrate Children’s Week 2025
Golden Plains Shire Council will host a range of activities for families, carers and children in celebration of Children’s Week 2025 from Monday 20 October to Friday 24 October 2025.
Activities include an Intergenerational Recycled Art and Craft Session that will provide families, carers and children with the opportunity to craft a windchime that sings for child rights.
Facilitated by Firefly Wellbeing, the session will be held from 10.30 to 11.30am on:
• Monday 20 October at the Inverleigh Public Hall
• Tuesday 21 October at the Bannockburn Library
Council’s Children’s Services team will also be running activities at the Golden Plains Mobile Library that will include story time, music and movement, craft and more.
To view the full list of Children’s Week activities, and to register to attend, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events or call 5220 7230.
Pictured top to bottom: Current Youth Council members Miranda Pisani, Declan Davidson, Lilie Knee-Pavis, Kenzie Dawber.
Container Deposit Bins Raising Money for the
Dereel Community
The Dereel Community Centre and the Dereel Men’s Shed have installed container deposit bins for donations, with all money raised going towards the Men’s Shed and the Community Centre.
Donating cans or bottles in these bins not only supports your local community but also benefits the recycling process.
The Container Deposit Scheme is a Victorian Government initiative which aims to increase the recycling of drink cans, bottles and cartons and reduce Victoria’s litter by up to half. Learn more by visiting cdsvic.org.au.
Barunah Park, Barunah Plains and Wingeel Community Planning Survey
Barunah Park, Barunah Plains and Wingeel Community Coordinators are currently surveying local residents to help shape and identify the needs and priority projects in their town.
The group is consulting with a broad range of community members to inform the development of their next Community Plan. The goal is to achieve positive and sustainable outcomes through equitable decisionmaking processes which help to strengthen relationships between community members.
Through community consultation, community members have the chance to share their opinions and ideas about what they think will make their community a better place to live, work or socialise. It’s a chance to establish agreement as to what you want to plan together.
If you live in, work in or visit Barunah Park, Barunah Plains and/or Wingeel, please share your ideas by completing the survey.
Complete the online survey: https://bit.ly/4gKJEYc.
The survey is open until Monday 13 October 2025.
Learn more about Golden Plains Shire Council’s Community Planning Program at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/community-planning.
Join the Community Engagement Register to receive Engage, Council’s monthly engagement e-newsletter.
Complete the simple web form at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/ community-engagement-register
Email communityengagement@gplains.vic.gov.au
Discover the New Online Home for the Golden Plains Farmers’ Market & Golden Plains Twilight Market
Council has launched a new section on its website dedicated to everything you need to know about the Golden Plains Farmers’ Market and Golden Plains Twilight Market.
The website now features detailed information on both markets, details on how to apply for and book a site at the markets including a site map, and a list of stallholders set to attend each market.
Check it out at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/community/ golden-plains-farmers-market.
From February to November, the monthly Golden Plains Farmers’ Market features a fantastic range of locally grown, farm-fresh and homemade foods as well as unique art, handmade homewares and eco-friendly products.
Scan the QR code to learn more about Golden Plains Farmers’ Market & Twilight Market
The Golden Plains Twilight Market returns on Thursday 4 December 2025!
Residents are invited to celebrate the season and join the festivities at the Bannockburn Heart on Thursday, 4 December from 4 to 8pm. Located at the corner of Milton, Byron and High Streets, the Heart will come alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of a vibrant festive market.
The event will showcase a wide array of stallholders offering delicious ready-to-eat food, alongside a full bar where you can enjoy a crafted beer, local wine or a cocktail. Visitors can also stock up on farm-fresh produce, quality meats, spices, sauces and other treats perfect for the holiday table.
Support growers and makers, and pick up those last-minute Christmas handcrafted gifts for your loved ones, all the while enjoying live music, a bite to eat and a fun evening out for the whole family.
For more information, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events See you there!
COMMUNITY NEWS
Keep glass out of your mixed recycling bin - avoid contamination and let’s not waste resources
Our community has been doing an excellent job using the designated glass bin (purple lid) correctly and thanks to your efforts, contamination levels in the glass bins remain low. However, a recent bin audit revealed that a significant amount of glass still ends up in the mixed recycling bin.
Currently, 11% of everything in the mixed recycling bins (yellow lid) across the shire is still glass - that’s more than 1 in 10 items.
Why it matters...
Glass in mixed recycling contaminates and reduces the value of other recyclables and increases processing costs. In fact, disposing of glass incorrectly costs significantly more than using the right bin.
• Every piece of glass you correctly recycle makes a difference.
• Put all glass bottles and jars into your glass bin (purple lid).
• And/or take eligible glass bottles to a Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) location for a 10¢ refund. Let’s work together to keep our environment clean and resources flowing!
Illegal Dumping Three Chains Road Reserve
Golden Plains Shire Council has recently been addressing cases of illegal dumping on the Three Chains Road Reserve. This is happening at the boundary between the City of Ballarat and Golden Plains Shire.
Illegal dumping not only harms the environment but also creates health and safety risks for the community and increases waste management costs for Council. We encourage residents to:
• Dispose of waste responsibly via kerbside collections or at Council’s Rokewood Transfer Station. For more information, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/resident/ waste-management-and-septic-systems
• Report illegal dumping immediately by contacting our Customer Experience Team on 5220 7111.
Illegal dumping is against the law, and penalties apply. By working together, we can prevent repeat offences and ensure Golden Plains Shire remains a clean, safe, and welcoming community.
Refresh your Recycling Knowledge with our Waste Sorting Guide
Need to refresh your recycling knowledge? We get it – recycling can be confusing at times, but we’ve got you covered!
Golden Plains Shire Council provides an online waste sorting guide to help residents know exactly what goes in each kerbside bin.
This guide makes it possible for residents to simply go to Council’s website, search the name of an item they would like to know what to do with and Recycle Mate will provide the best disposal option.
With over 7,000 items in the guide, sorting your recyclables has never been easier!
Access the sorting guide at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/waste-sorting-guide.
The search tool can also be downloaded in mobile app format on Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Connect, Create and Celebrate at the Victorian Seniors Festival 2025
The Victorian Seniors Festival is just around the corner with a range of free and lowcost events for older Victorians available throughout October across the State and in Golden Plains Shire.
Celebrate positive ageing and take part in events and activities close to home and right across Victoria. The Victorian Seniors Festival encourages everyone to get involved, share joy and have fun.
This year’s Victorian Seniors Festival theme – Connect, Create, Celebrate – invites older Victorians to come together, discover new interests and celebrate.
Connect or re-connect with your interests, skills and hobbies. Join in events and meet new people in-person and online. Create your own path and remain curious as you age. Join in events to build practical skills, make friendships and new social connections.
To learn more about Victorian Seniors Festival events in Golden Plains Shire, contact 5220 7111 or email enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au
GET IN TOUCH
If you have any suggestions for future editions or comments you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact us on the following details:
GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE COUNCIL SENIORS FESTIVAL CALENDAR
Golden Plains Shire Council has a range of activities on offer during the Seniors Festival including:
Glenn Starr ‘Forever Classic - Hits of the 60’s’ – Civic Hall, Mair Street Ballarat, Wed 1 Oct at 11am.
Geelong Gallery Archibald Prize 2025 Exhibition – Geelong Gallery Tour, Tues 7 Oct at 11am.
Ambulance Victoria Information session – Bannockburn Cultural Centre, Wed 25 Oct from 11.15am to 12.15pm.
Intergenerational recycled art and craft session – Inverleigh Hall, Mon 20 Oct at 10.30am and Bannockburn Library, Tues 21 Oct at 10.30am
Wise Up! Live Smart, Stay Safe & Age Strong – Golden Plains Civic Centre, Bannockburn, Tues 28 Oct at 10am.
Inverleigh Flower Show – Inverleigh Hotel, Fri 31 Oct from 6pm and Sat 1 Nov from 9am.
Event capacity and transport limited. Bookings are essential for all Golden Plains Shire Council events.
Please contact our Community Inclusion Team on 5220 7111 or email customerhub@gplains.vic.gov.au.
Scan QR Code for the Seniors Festival 2025 Calendar
Golden Plains Shire Council’s Community Inclusion Team: Phone: 5220 7111
Email: enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au
Customer Hubs
BANNOCKBURN
8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn Victoria, 3331.
SMYTHESDALE
8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale Victoria, 3351.
PHONE
P: 5220 7111
POSTAL ADDRESS
Golden Plains Shire Council PO Box 111, Bannockburn, Victoria 3331.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
P: 1300 363 036 P: 5220 7111 (24 Hours)
Cover Photo: Declan Davidson
Rates 2025/26
All Golden Plains Shire ratepayers received their 2025/26 Rates Notices in August.
There are three options for paying your Rates and Charges in 2025/26:
1. One full payment – due by 15 February 2026.
2. Four instalments
Due: 30 September, 30 November, 28 February and 31 May. Direct debit is available and notices are mailed out for each instalment with a range of payment options.
3. 10 monthly direct debit payments
Due: 15th of the month from September 2025 to June 2026. You must register for direct debit by contacting Council.
For residents who sign up to pay their rates by instalments, the first instalment payment is due on 30 September 2025. How do I sign up for Direct Debit?
To sign up for direct debit, you must complete the Direct Debit Request form online or contact Council’s Rates team.
Hardship Support
If these options aren’t possible for you, please contact Council’s Rates team for a confidential discussion about payment plan alternatives.
Ready to Pay?
Your Rates Notices details all the payment options including online, post, phone, in person, direct debit, Post Billpay and BPay.
For more information or any questions about rates, please call Council’s Rates team on 5220 7111.
Scan the QR code to learn more, by visiting Council’s website goldenplains.vic.gov.au/rates.
State Government’s Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund
From 1 July 2025, the Fire Services Property Levy (FSPL) has been replaced by the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF).
The ESVF is collected with Council rates and passed directly to the State Government to fund Victoria’s emergency services. The Levy is made up of a fixed charge and a variable charge based on the property’s capital improved value.
For more information, contact the ESVF support line on 1300 819 033 or visit sro.vic.gov.au/emergency-services-and-volunteers-fund for general ESVF information and calculator or visit service.vic.gov.au/evrs for volunteers’ rebate details.