Nagambie Grandmother's Mural Dream Unveiled at Library

On Tuesday, February 14, the Nagambie Library Mural was unveiled in front of a small crowd of locals. It was the culmination of hours of designing, preparing and painting the final project that began a few years ago.

On the Unveiling day CEO of GV Libraries Kevin Preece, Mural designer and artist Trudy Oldaker, Nagambie Librarian Catherine Langdon and President of the Community House Edna James told their various parts of the mural story.

The story went like this. In March 2019 local Nagambie Art Group member Trudy Oldaker visited the Nagambie Library. She was hanging some paintings by some of her Art Group members when she was approached by Nagambie Librarian Cath Langdon who said to her “Why don’t your artists paint a mural for the library?’

By the end of 2019 four artists of the group put in proposals to Cathy Langdon at the library who then passed them onto the regional Library Service in Shepparton, to which Nagambie Library comes under.

The artists did not hear from anyone involved with the library mural until March 2022. The Community Voice caught up with Trudy Oldaker’s whose design was accepted as the preferred mural and Trudy was very pleased that her creative presentation book showed the judges the creativeness of here talent for such a project.

The Nagambie Lakes Community House and Nagambie Lions supported the idea in principle and in funding for the community based project. This enabled Trudy’s created work at last to be sketched onto marine ply panels sawn by Peter Loughnane and to buy paint and brushes to start on the artwork.

When Grandmother Trudy learnt that her plan had been approved she enlisted local fellow artists Valma Crerar, Wendy Cook Art Group Leader, three of her grand children and some other local artists to take undertake this project for the library and community.

The design included local buildings, human figures, animals, and wineries, boats on the lake, skiers, and small items to highlight reading and the library. Trudy made it that every person in the mural is reading a book. The book is in the colour purple as is the library.

When Trudy was satisfied that the panels were ready for painting, fellow grandmothers Wendy Cook and Joan Loughnane rose to the occasion and have painted the mural panels for months.

On the Unveiling day Annabelle Cleeland MP, Shire Councillors David Andrews and Reg Dickinson attended the ceremony.

Kevin Preece CEO of GV Libraries welcomed everyone to the morning’s unveiling and congratulated the artists on a wonderful mural. Nagambie Librarian Catherine Langdon spoke on her involvement from the start and thanked everyone who supported the community project in anyway.

Edna James of the Community House spoke on the mural project from the House’s aspect but it was Grandmother Trudy Oldaker, who was supported by her family on the day that stole the show, when she spoke about her experience with the art work.

This is what Trudy said” It’s been quite an adventure creating the Nagambie Library Mural. Back in March 2019 when Librarian Cathy Langdon first suggested something to brighten the wall of the library, we had no idea that within 12 months we would face 2 years of Covid restrictions.

By the time restrictions had eased and the mural could proceed in earnest, Nagambie had changed. Which meant I had to add or alter items on the original art work. The Community House had moved premises, the Brewery, Ma Forbes café and the Information Centre had been built and a Water Park was proposed but not built.

My design tells the story that people of all abilities are welcome to use the Nagambie Library: pilots, swimmers, chefs, old and young, even cows, kangaroos and ghosts. The books are in purple representing that special moment when you read one and also laptops that link up online with the library. I drew Cathy welcoming everyone. The mural is a simple representation of our town. Not all buildings are shown; instead I’ve drawn people to represent them. eg. Line dancers to represent the Senior Citizens building. The mural took 711 hours to design, draw and paint and is painted with external house paint on marine ply. Wendy Cook who contributed 97 hours and Joan Loughnane 67 hours were my major support. Wendy’s eye for details, design and colour and Joan’s sheer dogged persistence with a paintbrush, meant that I had reliable, talented people helping me.

Valma Crerar put in 16 hours, Edna James, Beryl Dukes, Bob Eaton and my daughter Eve Sellars all put in between 7 and 4 hours each. Other people contributed an hour here and there. Thank you.

My Granddaughter 13 yo Gabrielle traced my drawing onto panels for a couple of hours and her sister 8 yo Naomi and 10 yo Marion put in 10 hours each, tracing my drawings onto panels, and painting trees, buildings, clouds and water reeds.”

Trudy thanked the Community House, Lions Club, GV libraries and the Nagambie Art Group and Peter Loughnane and Cathy Langdon and her family and friends who gave her encouragement when she wanted to give up. She said “I had heaps of fun designing and drawing the pictures and I hope that you enjoy looking at them.”

The onlookers were pleased to see that Trudy Oldaker and Cathy Langdon had the honour of unveiling the mural then Edna James presented the artists with a sheath of flowers after the unveiling ceremony.

Morning tea was enjoyed by the folk who attended the mural opening and an invitation was issued to the community to go along and view the artwork on their own community library.

Join our Community Panel

If you haven’t already – now is the time to register to be part of our Community Panel.

It’s a great way to have your say on the projects, plans and strategies that matter to you.

You can contribute as little or as much as you like. Perhaps the best part is you also get to choose how you contribute. It can be all in person or all online – it’s up to you!

We want as broad a representation of people from right across Strathbogie Shire – so if you’re keen for genuine, meaningful and informed participation – sign up now. Registrations close on February 24.

To learn more, read the guidelines and apply, go to www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Pitch my Project – calls for ideas now open

Time is also running out to pitch your awesome ideas to Council. Our annual Pitch my Project initiative gives our community the chance to pitch ideas to include in the 2023/34 Budget.

This year we’ve released guidelines which include a clear assessment process, and the successful applications will be put to the community to decide which make it into the 2023/24 Budget. The pitch period will close at 5pm on Friday, March 3.

To pitch your ideas go to www.share. strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Kirwans Bridge Update

Kirwans Bridge is closed while we wait for a structural report from our insurance assessors. The inspection of Kirwans Bridge is taking longer than other bridges (despite our continued advocacy), but we are sure you understand the construction of this bridge is very different to other more modern structures.

The safety of our community is our priority. We will not reopen the bridge until we know it is safe to do so. Unfortunately, we cannot provide a timeline for this, as the assessment is outside our control.

Head to www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au for more info.

Nagambie Splash Park Update

The splash park will run from 12 noon to 6pm, 7 days a week, while we replace the water tank. While our aim is to open for 12 hours a day, unfortunately the water pressure does not allow us to fill the tank quickly enough to do this. We’re replacing the tank and aim to have this rectified ASAP.

Head to www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au for more info.

Share your ideas on activities to support flood recovery

Our Mobile Flood Recovery Hub has now visited Euroa, Avenel, Kirwans Bridge and Nagambie. We’ll be heading out for more faceto-face sessions in the new year, however you can share you ideas online.

We’re asking our community for ideas on the potential projects and activities that will support our region’s recovery.

Head to www.share.strathbogie.vic.gov.au to share your thoughts.

Feedback sought on Avenel LEAP project

If you missed the community meeting in Avenel on Sunday – don’t worry you can still share your thoughts on emergency management.

The LEAPing into Resilience project is a joint initiative between Mansfield, Strathbogie and Murrindindi Shire Councils and is funded by the Australian Government.

The LEAP (Local Emergency Action Plan) project will engage with 15 communities across the three municipalities, to develop a LEAP in each or five communities in each shire. Participating communities within Strathbogie Shire.

If you’re an Avenel resident and you want to contribute to emergency preparedness head to www.share.strathobgie.vic.gov.au

Tenders now advertised

We’re inviting expressions of interest for the following projects:

• Consultant to supply Goulburn Region Destination Management Plan (contract number 22/23-69). Closing 3 March 2023 at 4pm.

• Cleaning services at the Nagambie Regatta Centre (contract number 22/2371). Closing 8 March, 2023 at 4pm.

• Provision Of Consultant to Develop ‘Active And Connected: Cycling And Walking’ Strategy (contract number 22/23-24). Tender closes 4pm on Wednesday February 22, 2023.

• Provision of Flood Damaged Rectification – Culvert Damage Removal - Panel of Suppliers. Lump sum Contract with Lump Sum breakdown (contract number 22/2336). Tender closes 4pm Wednesday February 22, 2023.

• Provision of Flood Damaged Rectification – Bridge Repairs. Package 1 (contract number 22/23-37) & Package 2 (contract number 22/23-38). Lump sum Contract with Lump Sum breakdown. Tender closes 4pm Wednesday February 22, 2023.

EOI documents can be viewed online at www. strathbogie.vic.gov.au or scan the QR code. Tenders and Expression of Interests can be only lodged online through the Tendersearch portal.

Work with us

Finance Officer. Full Time, 12 month contract. Band 6 - $78,902 annually + 10.5% super. Applications close 9am, 6 March 2023

• Waste Management Officer. Full Time, ongoing role. Band 6 - $78,902 annually + 10.5% super. Applications close 9am, 6 March 2023

Head to www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au for more information.

Northern Victorian Clubs Urged to apply for sporting club grants

Grassroots sports and active recreation clubs and organisations across northern Victoria are being urged to apply for funding to boost their equipment, skills and administration expertise.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced applications have opened for the Andrews Labor Government’s latest round of the Sporting Club Grants Program.

The program provides payments of up to $1,000 for new uniforms and equipment, up to $2,000 for training coaches, officials and volunteers and up to $5,000 to improve club operational effectiveness.

Jaclyn Symes said, “The Sporting Club Grants Program is giving grassroots sports clubs the support they need to come back better than ever from the recent restrictions, grow their ranks and help more people than ever play the sports they love.”

“I encourage all local clubs to grasp this opportunity and apply.”

Grassroots clubs and organisations in northern Victoria are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

The Sporting Club Grants Program is part of the Andrews Labor Government’s commitment to make community sport accessible and inclusive, stimulate local economies, build sustainable sport and recreation and volunteer opportunities, and increase local participation.

Its invested thousands of sporting club grants totalling more than $15.5 million to clubs across the state since 2015.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said, “Sport is the lifeblood of Victorian communities. That’s why we’re backing more clubs to help with uniforms and equipment, plus grants to invest in the future through training for coaches and volunteers.”

“This is about helping clubs get back in the game so more Victorians can join in the fun and tap into all the sport and career pathways that grassroots community sport offers.”

For more information and to apply for Sporting Club Grants Program visit sport.vic.gov.au/grants-andfunding

Healthy Land, Healthy Horses Workshop in Beveridge

Whether you own a property or agist land, horse owners of all experience levels are encouraged to attend the Healthy Land, Healthy Horses Workshop on Saturday 4 March at the Greater Beveridge Community Centre.

The aim of the workshop is to assist horse owners to learn more about planning and changes for both management of their horse and the land.

Designed with equine health, welfare and natural behaviour in mind, the course will cover horse property layout, pasture management techniques, manure and worming management.

The presenter is Stuart Meyers from Equiculture, who is highly regarded in the equine industry as an expert in teaching horse owners how to manage their Land.

Stuart has come out from England to tour Victoria and will be presenting numerous workshops throughout Victoria in March and April.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Fiona Stevens said, “There is a significant equine industry in the Hume, Whittlesea and Mitchell areas that we want to support,” she said. “This workshop is a great opportunity to learn from an industry expert about how you can improve the lifestyle and care for your horse and at the same time have a higher awareness of impacts on the environment.”

This workshop is funded via a partnership between Hume City Council, City of Whittlesea, Mitchell Shire Council and Melbourne Water. Tickets cost $25 and bookings are essential. For more information, visit the events calendar on Council’s website.