Golden Plains Shire’s beautiful surrounds and unique flora and fauna are set to be the centrepiece of Council’s Spring in the Shire Photographic Essay competition, with entries open from Monday 2 October.
This year’s theme is Photo[synthesis] which supports visual storytellers to explore the beauty of the environment, as well as environmental issues and challenges. Amateur photographers of any skill level are encouraged to capture this theme through their lens.
A photographic essay is a form of visual storytelling. For this competition, entrants are required to submit up to 100 words to accompany their image.
In 2023, there are three categories, with 30 photographs to be selected for an exhibition and go in the running to win three cash prizes.
This year’s categories are:
• Major Prize (18 years and older)
• Young Adult Prize (13 to 17 years)
• Junior Prize (up to 12 years)
Cr Helena Kirby, RMIT’s Dr Li Ping Thong and Deakin University’s Dr Sean Loughrey will form the judging panel and select the winner of each category, with the announcement of winners to take place at Golden Plains Twilight Market on December 14 at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre.
Entry and competition details are available at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/springintheshire
Applications are now open for Round Two of Council's Community Strengthening Grants program 2023.
These grants provide a valuable opportunity for local community groups to secure funding for projects that enhance and strengthen our local communities. Applications opened on Friday 1 September and close 2pm, Monday 2 October 2023.
Community groups are invited to apply for grants of up to $10,000, available in four categories:
• Healthy Active Living – to support recreation, sport, health and wellbeing projects.
• Creative Community – to support arts and culture projects.
• Environment and Sustainability – to support projects that improve the environment.
• Community Safety – to support projects that equip communities to be safe and resilient. The Community Strengthening Grants program aims to assist community organisations and groups to undertake positive and beneficial projects which deliver on the Community Vision 2040 and Council’s priority actions.
Golden Plains Shire Council is dedicated to managing roadside weed and pest issues and is actively seeking input from the community for the creation of its Roadside Weeds and Pests Control Plan 2023-2026 (the Plan).
The Plan will assist Council to identify the prevalent weed and pest species along Council’s roadsides to enable the implementation of appropriate measures by Council officers. Community feedback is vital in shaping this Plan, ensuring that it aligns with local priorities and concerns.
The Roadside Weeds and Pests Control Plan is funded by a $49,128 grant from the Victorian Government’s Roadside Weeds and Pests Program.
The funding will be used to support Council’s Roadside Weed Control program and development of the Plan, targeting declared weeds including Serrated Tussock, Gorse,
Blackberry, Sweet Briar, Broom, Boxthorn and Hawthorn. Once the Plan has been finalised, it will be submitted by Council to Agriculture Victoria for endorsement.
The survey is now open and closes 5pm, Monday 25 September. Submissions can be made online at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations or hard copies can be collected from Council’s Customer Hubs, Golden Plains Civic Centre, 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn and The Well, 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.
For more information, contact Council’s Environment and Sustainability Team at environmentandsustainability@gplains.vic.gov.au or call 5220 7111.
Grants will be awarded to eligible community organisations, sporting clubs and not-for-profit groups that demonstrate innovative ideas, promote inclusivity and social connection, and contribute to the overall wellbeing of residents in Golden Plains Shire’s vibrant communities. Previous projects supported by these grants have included community events, community arts, environmental activities, cultural celebrations, and skill-building programs.
To support community groups with preparing grant applications and strengthening their capacity to develop and deliver community projects, Council is hosting an online webinar:
Cultural Education for Community Projects
Wednesday 13 September 2023, from 11.30am to 12.30pm. Presented by Corrina Eccles, Wadawurrung Traditional Owner
Registration is essential and community members can register for this online webinar at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events
For more info, contact Council’s Community Development & Grants Officer on 5220 7111 or email communitygrants@gplains.vic.gov.au