SHARE YOUR IDEAS: 2026/27 BUDGET ENGAGEMENT
Golden Plains Shire Council is seeking community feedback to inform the Council Budget 2026/27 through a range of engagement opportunities including Thinktank workshops, an online survey and lodging Budget Submissions.
An important part of Budget preparation is inviting the community to share their feedback on key elements of the Budget, including what services matter most to them, where Council should focus our resources and what is considered most important to the community.
Residents are invited to share their feedback to inform
the development of the 2026/27 Budget from 9am, Wednesday 25 November 2025 in following ways:
Lodge a Budget Submission, complete the online survey and/or attend a Community Thinktank Workshop. The Thinktank Workshops will be held on Wednesday 3 December at The Well in Smythesdale and Thursday 4 December at the Golden Plains Civic Centre in Bannockburn. The workshops will provide an opportunity for face-to-face discussion with Council’s Finance Team about Budget priorities.
Learn more at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations
Nominate Now for the Golden Plains Shire Council Community Awards 2026
Nominations for the Community Awards 2026 are closing soon but there’s still time to nominate a local community hero.
The Community Awards are an opportunity to formally acknowledge incredible people and community groups who have made noteworthy contributions to Golden Plains Shire – from organising local events and cleaning up local recreation parks to supporting neighbours in need.
Nominations are invited in the following categories:
• Community Hero of the Year (all age categories considered for this Award).
• Senior Community Hero of the Year (65 years of age and over).
• Young Community Hero of the Year (25 years of age and under).
• Community Group Award (recognising a community group or team).
Nominations close at 5pm, Friday 28 November 2025, and can be completed online at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations
Hard copy nomination forms are also available at Council’s Customer Hubs in Bannockburn and Smythesdale.
Never Bin E-Waste: Dispose Responsibly to Protect Our Community
Did you know that electronic waste (e-waste) includes any item with a plug, battery, or power cord?
In Victoria, it’s illegal to dispose of e-waste in household bins. This includes your general waste, recycling, and glass bins.
E-waste can contain hazardous materials that pose serious risks to human health and the environment. Improper disposal can also lead to garbage truck fires, endangering the safety of our community and waste collection contractors.
However, e-waste also contains valuable materials that can be recovered and reused—making proper disposal both safe and sustainable.
You can drop off e-waste at no cost at the following locations:
• Rokewood Transfer Station, 141 Meadows Road, Rokewood - Accepts all types of e-waste
• Golden Plains Civic Centre, 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn, and The Well, 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale - Accepts small e-waste items such as household batteries, mobile phones, mice, keyboards and cables)
To find other nearby drop-off points, use our new waste sorting tool available at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/waste-sortingguide.
Sign up to receive the Gazette
The Golden Plains Shire Council Gazette has gone digital! Each issue is full of important news and stories from all corners of the Shire, so make sure you sign up today.
To sign up for the Gazette, scan the QR Code or email enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au