Golden Plains Shire Celebrates Another Year of Achievements
As our community winds down towards the Christmas holidays, Council reflects on a year of challenges and achievements as we prepare for another exciting 12 months ahead in 2026. This past year marked the final year of the Council Plan 2021-2025, and Council is proud to acknowledge the successful delivery of key projects against our key strategic pillars. This included our ongoing commitment to maintaining roads, extending our waste collection services
Annual Report 2024/25
Now Available
The Golden Plains Shire Council Annual Report 2024/25 was presented to Council at its meeting on Tuesday 28 October 2025. Council’s Annual Report 2024/25 provides a comprehensive overview of our achievements and performance in the 2024/25 financial year against the five community outcome areas as set out in the Council Plan 2021-2025.
From infrastructure improvements to environmental sustainability, community engagement to economic growth, major achievements to major changes, each chapter tells a story of our collective efforts and the positive impact we have had on the community.
To access a copy of the Annual Report, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au
to include glass, and supporting education, sports and recreation facilities across the Shire.
Council has remained firmly committed to balancing expectations by investing in the essential infrastructure that underpins community growth and wellbeing, while upholding our commitment to fiscal responsibility.
In this final edition of the Gazette for 2025, we encourage you to learn more about our ongoing roadworks, the Community Awards 2026, fire danger awareness in Golden Plains Shire, arts and recreation activities, the Summer Holiday Activity Program and updates on Council closures over the Christmas break.
Also, as you finalise your holiday purchases this festive season, Council encourages you to show your support for the local business community by encouraging residents, visitors and individuals passing through our Shire to prioritise shopping with local business. The economic impact of shopping and buying locally creates a cycle of community support that fosters a sense of belonging and connection.
We wish you a safe and happy festive season with family, friends, loved ones and those in your local communities.
Yours in community,
Golden Plains Shire Councillor Group
Cr Owen Sharkey and Cr Emma Robbins Lead Councillor Group
Golden Plains Shire Councillors re-elected Cr Owen Sharkey as Mayor of Golden Plains Shire for 2025/26 at a Council meeting held at the Golden Plains Civic Centre on Tuesday 11 November 2025.
Cr Sharkey will serve a second term as Mayor following his appointment as Mayor in May 2025. At the same meeting, Councillors elected Cr Emma Robbins as Deputy Mayor for the 2025/26 term.
Assuming the role as Mayor, Cr Sharkey expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by his fellow Councillors and acknowledged those closest to him. He pledged to ensure every decision made continues to strengthen Golden Plains for those who call it home today, and for generations to come.
The Council group includes Mayor Cr Sharkey, Deputy Mayor Cr Robbins, Cr Helena Kirby, Cr Gavin Gamble, Cr Sarah Hayden, Cr Des Phelan and Cr Dom Cook.
Read more at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/news.
Celebrating our Local Heroes at the Golden Plains Shire Community Awards 2026
Council is thrilled by the incredible response we received for the Golden Plains Shire Community Awards 2026.
Nominations were open from Wednesday 1 October until Friday 28 November 2025, with multiple nominations received across all categories. Nominations encompassed various fields from animal welfare and nature groups to local committee volunteers and event organisers.
Nominations were available across four categories:
• Community Hero of the Year
• Senior Community Hero of the Year
• Young Community Hero of the Year
• Community Group Award
Our community is full of upstanding individuals, groups and local heroes who have contributed so much to our community. We look forward to celebrating our nominees and crowning the winners of the Golden Plains Shire Community Awards at an awards ceremony in early 2026.
Read more about the Community Awards at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations.
Before
Resealing Program Completed
This year’s resealing program is now complete with the final seal on DereelRokewood Junction Road pushed back until February 2026.
Various lengths of the following roads are included in the program, with approximately 17.9km – 117,137m2 – of sealed roads included.
Junipers Road (379m), Russells Bridge Road (1454m),
Parker Road (580m), Harvey Road (238m), Nine Mile Road (685m), Moffats Road (1402m), Ferrers Road (2360m), Shelford-Mt Mercer Road (295m), HaddonWindermere Road (140m). Meredith-Shelford Road (4730m), Scotchmans Lead Road (1625m), Kopkes Road (1975m), and Shelford-Mt Mercer Road (577m).
A total of $780,200 of the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery funding was put towards the final sealing of previous capital improvement projects, and $496,000 of Council’s resealing budget to the resurfacing of roads across the municipality.
2025-26 Road Grading Schedule Now Available Online
Golden Plains Shire Council’s Roads and Drainage Team is busy working its way across the Shire to grade Council’s unsealed road network in line with the 2025/26 road grading calendar.
Council’s annual Road Grading Program allows for grading of Council’s unsealed road network in the Shire throughout the year. Council has committed to grading every unsealed road in the Shire’s 705km unsealed Council road network
at least once a year through its Unsealed Road Grading Maintenance Charter.
Residents can visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events to see when Council’s graders will be in which areas of the Shire to easily track when maintenance will be done on unsealed roads. Residents can either put their town in the search box or click the calendar link to view all listings.
Instructions on how to search for road grading listings is available at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/roads
Ferrers Road
Scotchmans Lead Road
Keeping Our Community Safe This Fire Season
As the warmer weather approaches, it’s a critical time to focus on fire safety. Community members are encouraged to take some time to review their fire emergency plan and stay informed throughout the season. Your preparedness is key to keeping yourselves and our community safe.
Council will be providing fire safety information on its website and through social media over the coming months, so make sure you stay up to date.
To help prepare and familiarise yourself, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/community/ fire-flood-and-emergencies.
Fire Danger Rating System
The Fire Danger Rating System consists of four categories ranging from moderate to catastrophic.
Fire Danger Ratings provide information so people in affected areas can take action to protect themselves and others. The higher the fire danger, the more dangerous conditions and the greater the impact will be if a fire starts.
Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on the Fire Danger Rating signs across the Shire this fire season and have a plan in place for fire events. Fire danger ratings are shown in the same way across all of Australia, so whether you’re at home or travelling, you will see the same rating system.
Fire Danger Period in Golden Plains
Golden Plains Shire entered the Fire Danger Period (FDP) on Monday 24 November 2025, with fire restrictions in force until the Country Fire Authority (CFA) announces the end of the season.
During the FDP, there are a number of restrictions that residents must adhere to and landowners are required to maintain the levels of fine fuels on their properties.
Landowners in Golden Plains are required to keep grass on their residential properties cut so it is no higher than 100mm during the FDP. On properties more than two hectares, grass must be kept below 100mm, up to a minimum of 20 metres from a house or outbuilding. Council frequently also requests a fire break along the property boundary where assessed as appropriate, to protect neighbouring properties.
Council’s Fire Prevention Officers completed the first round of fire hazard inspections in early November and were pleased to see an increase in properties already maintained to the standards required under the Country Fire Authority Act during the Fire Danger Period.
This year, 244 Fire Prevention Notices were issued - a decrease compared to previous years.
Residents who have been issued with a Fire Prevention Notice are required to complete necessary works to limit hazards by 4 weeks after the date of issue.
For the most up to date information about the fire season, head to goldenplains.vic.gov.au
2025 Year In Review
This past year has been a period of significant change and growth, with the conclusion of the previous Council term and the induction of our newly elected Council. Whilst the Council group and organisation have navigated some challenges, Council continued to deliver more than 70 essential services for our community to positively impact the lives of residents, visitors and local businesses.
As we look back on the successes, challenges and growth we’ve shared this year, we look forward to 2026 and thank our community for working with us as we look towards a bright and exciting future for everyone in Golden Plains Shire.
Moorabool River Playspace Concept Design
The Moorabool River Reserve Masterplan 2023-2033 was developed following community consultation and adopted by Golden Plains Shire Council in 2023 to guide the future development and management of the Moorabool River Reserve as a public open space and conservation reserve.
Two key priorities within the masterplan included: The establishment of a small picnic/resting/story place with shelters, seating, and a nature-based play space incorporating Wadawurrung design and story elements; and the establishment of anabranch pedestrian crossings featuring Wadawurrung designs.
A concept plan has been developed for the playspace and anabranch crossings, and this concept plan has been endorsed by Wadawurrung Traditional Owners. The playspace is proposed to be named ‘Perridak Ngubiyt’ to recognise the platypus and natural waterways.
You can view the concept plan at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations and provide feedback by emailing enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au. Feedback is invited until Thursday 18 December 2025.
For further information, scan the QR Code to view the concept design.
Bannockburn Heart Splash Park Now
open for Summer Fun!
The Bannockburn Heart Splash Park has officially opened for the Summer season.
An exciting part of the Bannockburn Heart, the Splash Park gives people a chance to stay cool in warm weather with an array of water-based play features.
From 1 December, residents, community members and visitors can enjoy summer fun at the Splash Park. The Bannockburn Heart also features adventure equipment, BBQs, public amenities and shared seating.
Smythesdale Public Gardens Upgrade Officially Opens
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey met with Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett MP on Tuesday 25 November 2025 to officially open the Smythesdale Public Gardens Upgrade. Ms Haylett attended on behalf of the Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Regional Development, The Hon. Jaclyn Symes MP.
Features of the upgrade include drainage improvements which aim to mitigate flooding and support natural water movement, street and park furniture upgrades including the replacement of existing park benches and picnic tables which were at end of life, and the installation of signage to help promote the Gardens and provide important information to visitors.
This $120,000 project has been delivered with $100,000 from the Victorian Government’s Council Support Package and $20,000 from Golden Plains Shire Council.
The Park is open from 9am to 9pm, 7 days a week, and is free to use for all residents and visitors. The Park will be closed on Christmas Day, Thursday 25 December.
Come Along to the Active Golden Plains Sport & Rec Fest!
The Active Golden Plains Sport & Rec Fest (the Rec Fest) will be held in February and March 2026!
An initiative of the Active Golden Plains program, 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.
The Rec Fest is an opportunity for local clubs and groups 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 For more information, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au.
Golden Plains Farmers’ Market Returns in 2026
The community favourite Golden Plains’ Farmers Market will return in 2026 for all your local needs.
With live music, food stalls, great coffee, and a laid-back country vibe, the Market is a much-loved event for both locals and visitors. The Golden Plains Farmers’ Market is held on the first Saturday of each month (excluding January & December) from 9am to 1pm.
Mark the 2026 calendar dates: 7 February, 7 March, 4 April, 2 May, 6 June, 4 July, 1 August, 5 September, 3 October and 7 November.
Don’t forget that 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.
Check it out at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/community/ golden-plains-farmers-market.
Summer Holiday Fun in Golden Plains Shire
Council is hosting a series of free activities for young people aged 12 to 25 years throughout the upcoming Summer School Holidays, with exciting activities running from Tuesday 13 January to Thursday 22 January 2026.
The free school holiday activities held across the Shire have been designed to support the needs and interests of young people, while also providing opportunities to learn new skills and connect with other young people.
The full list of school holiday activities is available at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/holiday-activity-program.
Golden Spaces 2025 Summer Exhibition Now on Display!
The Golden Spaces 2025 Summer Exhibition officially launched at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre on Thursday 4 December 2025.
The Summer Exhibition features a catalogue of over 20 artists showcasing a vibrant array of artworks, which will travel throughout the Shire over a 12-month period.
The aim of Golden Spaces is to encourage the broader community’s participation in, and access to, the arts in a local setting while providing professional development opportunities for emerging and established artists within the Shire.
The Golden Spaces 2025 Winter Exhibition is currently on display at The Well in Smythesdale and will move to the Golden Plains Civic Centre in early 2026.
There are two opportunities to apply to exhibit at Golden Spaces throughout the calendar year, with Expressions of Interest for the next intake to open in early 2026 for the 2026 Winter Exhibition.
For more information, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/goldenspaces
Show Your Support by Buying Local This Festive Season
Council is proud to support the local business community this festive season by encouraging residents, visitors and individuals passing through our Shire to prioritise shopping with local business. Every dollar spent locally helps keep jobs and our investment in our Shire.
This festive season, consider supporting local businesses that make our Shire unique and discover what hidden treasures are hiding right on your doorstep.
To learn more about how you can Buy, Gift and Celebrate Local this festive season, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au.
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
Food Organics Garden Organics Survey Results
Golden Plains Shire Council is actively working towards introducing a Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) bin (lime green lid). This initiative will help Council comply with the Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021, which requires Councils to provide a four-bin system to households.
In June 2025, Council invited residents to have their say on the future FOGO service through an online survey which attracted 870 responses. The results of this survey provided
Council wishes you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
Golden Plains Shire Councillors and Council staff wish all residents and visitors a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year filled with family, friends and loved ones.
Golden Plains Shire Council will have altered hours during the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
Friday 19 December 2025
The Smythesdale Customer Hub (19 Heales Street, Smythesdale) will be closed all day.
The Bannockburn Customer Hub (2 Pope Street, Bannockburn) will close at 12pm.
The Customer Experience Team will be available by phone until 12pm and will close for the remainder of the day.
Monday 22 December 2025
Council’s offices and the Smythesdale and Bannockburn Customer Hubs will be open 8.30am – 5pm.
Tuesday 23 December 2025
Council’s offices and the Smythesdale and Bannockburn Customer Hubs will be open 8.30am – 5pm.
Wednesday 24 December 2025
Council’s offices and the Smythesdale and Bannockburn Customer Hub will be open from 8.30am – 12pm. Council will close at 12pm for the Holiday Period.
valuable insights into how residents currently manage food and garden waste, identified challenges, and will inform strategies for effective communication and education. You can download and read the survey report by visiting goldenplains.vic.gov.au/food-organics-garden-organicsgolden-plains-shire
Thank you to everyone who provided a response to the survey. The information you shared will help shape this important new service.
You can learn more about the Victorian Government’s statewide approach to introducing a four-bin system by visiting vic.gov.au/Standardising-household-recyclingacross-Victoria
Thursday 25 December 2025 – Sunday 4 January 2026
Council’s Offices and Customer Hubs will be closed for the holiday period. Essential services will be available in this period. If you need urgent assistance, please call 5220 7111 and follow the prompts.
Monday 5 January 2026
Council’s offices and Customer Hubs will reopen at 8.30am.
RUBBISH AND RECYCLE COLLECTION
From Wednesday 25 December, all collections will be completed one day later than usual.
Thursday 25 December Friday 26 December Friday 26 December Saturday 27 December
Collection services will resume the usual schedule from Monday 29 December 2025.
For further information, scan the QR Code to view the collection calendar.
ROKEWOOD TRANSFER STATION
The Rokewood Resource Recovery Centre will be closed on Sunday 28 December 2025. It will re-open on Sunday 4 January 2026 from 10am to 3pm.
Plains WHAT’S HAPPENING
Seniors Festival 2025
Golden Plains Shire Council celebrated older people across the Shire in October for Seniors Festival 2025. The theme for this year was Connect, Create and Celebrate.
The Community Inclusion team partnered with internal and external stakeholders promoting 40 different events ranging from come and try community activities, special local business and community events (such as information sessions and open days) to organised outings and workshops delivered by Council. Some highlights included:
• 19 residents received free hearing checks from Hearing Australia.
• 17 people attended a live show and lunch in Ballarat starring internationally acclaimed singer Glenn Starr and band presented by the City of Ballarat. A fun-filled trip down memory lane with classic hits of the 60s.
• Community Inclusion team and Children’s Services celebrated Children’s Week with two intergenerational recycled art and craft sessions delivered by Firefly Wellbeing.
• Five new participants joined BurnFit in Bannockburn’s
Upcoming Events
Beaut Ukes, the Shire’s newly formed ukulele group are getting together on Thursday 18 December for a Christmas performance. All are welcome to join at the Bannockburn Library from 11am to 12.30pm to enjoy some music and light refreshments. Please contact the Community Inclusion team with any enquiries on 5220 7111.
Stay tuned for 2026 Events:
• Climate Ready Summer Workshop 2026 – more details to come.
• Wiser Driver Course in April 2026 – more details to come.
12-week Senior Strength program after a free senior’s strength information session during the Seniors Festival.
• Ambulance Australia gave a very informative engagement session to 12 people on subjects such as Stroke Awareness, Victorian Virtual Emergency Department and CALL PUSH SHOCK/AED familiarisation.
• The Community Wellbeing and Community Inclusion team collaborated in partnership with Cafs (Child and Family Services Ballarat) to offer an empowering and informative event designed to help you live smarter, stay safe, and age strong.
• 25 guests visited the Geelong Art Gallery to view the most prestigious portrait prize, The Archibald Prize. Together they viewed an impressive collection of 57 finalist works from across the country and enjoyed lunch afterwards.
A jam-packed month connecting with old and new friends, learning and celebrating life through fun and meaningful ways.
“Thank you so much for the outings you offered the seniors this month. My husband and I attended the Glenn Starr concert in Ballarat, which was fantastic. The outing and subsequent lunch were great fun, and beautifully organised.” Annette
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’s Community and Inclusion Team (during business hours): Phone: 5220 7111 Email: enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au
COMMUNITY NOTICEBOARD
Rates Notices 2025/26
All Golden Plains Shire ratepayers received their 2025/26 Rates Notices in August.
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: Golden Plains Twilight Market
Photo: Pam Hutchinson
Gazette
Thank you to all ratepayers who have signed up to the monthly payment programs, with those payments due on the 15th of the month through to June 2026.
For residents who signed up to pay their rates by instalments, the third payment is due by 28 February 2026. Full payment of your Rates Notice is due on 15 February 2026.
To discuss your rates payment, please call our Rates team for a confidential conversation at 5220 7111.
Online Community Directory
Council’s ever-growing Online Community Directory provides easy-to-find information and assists residents and visitors in engaging with the many local community groups, clubs, services, associations and facilities based in the Shire.
The Online Community Directory features a range of categories and listings for people to search. Eligible groups can also add their own free listing by creating an account at Golden Plains Shire Council’s website.
To learn more, visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au/online-community-directory
Beyond the Valley Music Festival
Beyond the Valley will be held from Sunday 28 December 2025 to Thursday 1 January 2026 at Barunah Plains in Hesse.
Residents are advised that there will be increased traffic along the Hamilton Highway on the days of the festival, with traffic management in place to assist traffic flow. Traffic will be heaviest on Sunday 28 December.
Patrons exiting the festival will be able to travel via Bannockburn, Winchelsea and Inverleigh to return home.
For more information regarding the festival, visit beyondthevalley.com.au/information