Hub hopes spur makeover bid Shire

CREATION of a new sports and entertainment hub will headline community conversations in Inglewood gathering ideas for the future of the town’s recreation reserve.

Committee of management president Andrew Nevins said conversations would centre around future uses of the reserve to make it “a centrepiece for the town”.

Mr Nevins said the reserve’s existing building was more than 50 years old and a planned feasibility study would look at projected use over the next decade.

“We need to talk to youngsters as well ... it will be their generation who will benefit the most,” Mr Nevins said.

“We already have the football and netball clubs using the reserve, the tennis clubs and Inglewood and Districts Health Services for their fitness programs.

“Who will be here in the future? A cricket club again? Perhaps it’s an outdoor entertainment venue showing movies.

“And we can certainly consider the growth the town can expect over the next 20 or 30 years.”

Mr Nevins said he had been on the reserve committee for the last decade.

He took over from Alan Last who has been part of the volunteer management team even longer.

Both hope the proposed feasibility study on development of the reserve will prompt a new breed of visionaries to take leadership of the committee at next month’s annual meeting.

Volunteer grants

Mr Last said the committee had basically just been maintaining the existing building and facilities.

“We can keep throwing money at an old building, playing catch up with maintenance or the community can look to move forward,” he said.

The Volunteer Grants program is an initiative of the Federal Government, continuing its commitment to assist volunteers and encourage volunteering.

Volunteer Grants support the work of local community organisations by enabling the inclusion of vulnerable people and providing supports to increase participation in volunteering.

Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to eligible not-for-pro t community organisations to support the e orts of Australia’s volunteers.

If you or your organisation’s sta are at least 40% volunteers and you are in the electorate of Mallee, complete the Expression of Interest form by Thursday 7th September 2023.

An Expression of Interest form and further information about the grant and eligibility are available from the Government’s GrantConnect website https://www.grants.gov.au/Fo/ Show?FoUuid=7b57b89b-ac76-4fc9-ac360cfa6523f0c3

Wants Safe Streets Cash Share

LODDON Mayor Dan Straub wants details on when the shire will be added to a new $210 million State Government safe local roads and streets program.

The Government last week announced Greater Bendigo, Brimbank, Central Goldfields, Monash, Casey, Yarra, Moira, Baw Baw, Murrindindi and Surf Coast councils as the first to be part of the program.

“All Victorian local governments will be progressively introduced to the program from late-2023,” the Government said.

The $210 million package will design and deliver safety upgrades for communities including raised crossings, intersection upgrades, speed cushions, kerbing upgrades, pedestrian islands, safer speeds, roundabouts and other vital safety improvements.

Loddon Shire representative on the committee, Wendy Murphy, said a strategic assessment of the precinct would be used for development of a master plan.

“We will be looking at the next 10 years but also a vision for a longer-term plan too,” she said.

Cr Murphy said that could in- clude multi-use courts at the reserve.

A report on community conversations was expected to be completed by January.

Mr Nevins said: “We want to gather the community’s ideas. It’s those ideas that can create a great hub into the future.”

Cr Straub said: “We will be seeking details and encouraging similar investment in our streets and roads. We don’t want to be left out.”

According to the Government, local government owns and operates 87 per cent of Victoria’s road network and around 33 per cent of road trauma happens on local council-managed roads.

Small business bus coming to town

Whether you’re starting, building or transforming your business, the Victorian Government’s Small Business Bus can help you to develop your business ideas and capabilities. Business advisors from Monarch Institute are o ering free 30-minute one-on-one tailored sessions.

Date: Monday 28 August 2023

Time: 10am to 4pm

Location: Near Bill’s Horse Trough, 57 Brook Street (Calder Highway), Inglewood Walk-ups are welcome

Your business adviser can help you to identify a clear direction for your business, discuss key issues and priorities, and develop a business action plan to achieve your goals. To register for the mentoring session visit visit calendly.com/businessvicsbb1 and click on the link for Inglewood sessions.

Community planning projects

The newly completed barbecue shelter at Newbridge Progress Park is now ready for public use. This project was identi ed by the Newbridge Arnold Llanelly Community Planning Committee Inc. in its Community Plan and funded through the Loddon Shire Council Community Planning Funding Program.

Contractors have commenced the Pyramid Hill barbecue shelter in Lions Park East. This project was identi ed as part of the community planning process with funds also allocated through Loddon Shire Council’s Community Planning funding program.

T: 5494 1200

F: 5494 3003

E: loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au

Monday to Friday 8.15am to 4.45pm