ShireLife—Spring 2020

ShireLife Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter

Working for Victoria and for the community Page 7

Issue 36

Spring 2020

Is your business in our new online directory?

Page 3 Preparing your property for summer Pages 8–9 Council elections— your vote counts Page 13

Budget 2020/21 in focus Pages 10–12

What’s on Coil weaving workshop Learn the techniques involved in Indigenous coil and open coil weaving from master weaver and Dja Dja Wurrung artist Marilyne Nicholls.

Spend an afternoon with ‘Aunty Marilyne’, hear her incredible stories and learn new skills in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Saturday 14 November, 1pm–3pm Woodend Community Centre Cost: $90 per person, limited to 15 participants For more information, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/arts-workshops

Sticker fun in an underwater world

Kyneton Town Hall’s school holiday program KTH Kids has gone online, offering a fun creative and crafty workshop for children during the September school holidays.

Working with local artist Joanne Mott, participants will create a mural that explores the colourful oceanic underwater world of corals, sponges and wonderful sea creatures using recycled sticker materials.

Children can join the workshop at any time during the September school holidays by signing up to receive their materials pack then tuning into the online workshop to learn how to create a mural.

For more information, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/arts-workshops

More room to learn and play

The $735,000 upgrade of Swinburne Avenue Children’s Centre has been completed with funding from Council ($235,000) and the Victorian Government’s Children’s Facilities Capital Program Early Learning Centre Grant ($500,000).

The works include increased indoor space, a multipurpose meeting space, new children’s toilets, and have addressed accessibility issues. They have improved the quality of the inside learning environment, and provided a contemporary and inclusive kindergarten to meet the needs of a growing community.

Please note that all information was correct at time of publication.

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ShireLife

What’s on and supporting local business

Complete our business impact survey Support local business

In order to identify trends and capture current data for businesses in the shire, a second Macedon Ranges COVID-19 Business Impact Survey has been created and is now open.

The first round survey was launched at the beginning of June and closed on Friday 31 July.

With three in four Australian businesses doing it incredibly tough this year, now more than ever we need to support our small local businesses.

Together, these businesses are something far more valuable than anything they do or sell—they help build local communities.

This second survey aims to capture what businesses need now and in the future as they continue to deal with the impacts of the pandemic.

So why not help out and ‘Go Local First’? The Go Local First campaign is coordinated by the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA), and funded by the Australian Government. It aims to encourage all of us to choose local small business.

The online survey will remain open until Friday 30 October 2020, and can be completed by visiting: mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay

With so many amazing options right on our doorstep in the Macedon Ranges, we truly are spoilt for choice.

Subject to government restrictions in place at this time, why not: • jump online, book yourself a cheeky getaway and be a visitor in your own backyard • visit one of our friendly country pubs or go wine or gin tasting • go for a hike or a bike ride and reward yourself at one of our delicious cafes • get a massage or enjoy some retail therapy • call a tradesman and get that job done you’ve been putting off • check out our amazing art scene.

By spending locally, you are supporting our economy and our workforce. Your contribution and support is a reminder that we’re all #InThisTogether.

For more information, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/buy-local visitmacedonranges.com

#InThisTogether

We again encourage all local businesses to provide feedback, including those who completed the first round survey.

Check out our new directories Would you like to:

• advertise your business or group for free • find local products and buy local • join a community club?

Council’s new business and community directories are now available online.

The directories are a one-stop shop where residents can find local services, products and activities.

We know that many local businesses and organisations have come up with innovative solutions during COVID-19 and the new directories are the perfect place where they can tell people about it.

It’s quick and easy to set up a free online account and create a ‘community’ or ‘business’ listing. Once the restrictions are lifted and you’re planning your next community event, you can also use your account to create an event on our online events calendar.

To create a free listing or browse the directories, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/directory

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Digital connect project calling all seniors Would you or someone you know like to learn how to use a digital device or access the internet? The Digital Connect for Seniors Project can help you to: • use a phone or tablet to connect with family and friends or complete tasks online • explore funding options to borrow or purchase a device, or to access the internet.

For more information, call:

5422 0237

This project is a joint initiative of Central Victorian Primary Care Partnership, Cobaw Community Health, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Goldfields Libraries, Kyneton Community House, Lancefield Neighbourhood House, Gisborne Men’s Shed, Macedon Ranges Health and the Zonta Club of Kyneton.

Get in the groove

This year, the Victorian Seniors Festival has been reimagined with a wide range of performances, interviews and storytelling available online and on your radio, all from the comfort of your own home.

From comedians and country music legends, to Zumba and Bollywood dance classes, there’s an event to suit everyone.

Running until the end of October, events and activities can be found at: seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festivalsandawards

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ShireLife

Connecting seniors

What does a warm, safe home mean to you?

Our homes should be a place of refuge and safety, but this may not be the case for an older person experiencing elder abuse. The Warm Safe Home project aims to spread the message that everyone has the right to live free from fear and violence.

Initially developed by Dr Becky Nevin Berger, Elder Abuse Prevention Project Worker with the South West Carer and Respite Services Network, the project was implemented as a way to recognise World Elder Abuse Awareness Day via social media.

The Warm Safe Home project aims to raise awareness of elder abuse by prompting discussions about the rights of everyone, including older people, to live safely in their own homes Some beautiful Warm Safe Homes have been produced by Council staff and their families, volunteers and children from Woodend and Manna Gum kindergartens. These homes were photographed and shared on our Over 55s Connect Facebook page.

More meals for older residents

We’re supporting local food projects and exploring new community initiatives to boost availability of delicious meals for older people.

If you are, or you know someone aged over 65 who could use assistance in accessing meals, 5422 0333 contact: For other community groups and organisations who may be able to assist, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/community-meals

One community organisation, Romsey Neighbourhood House, is sharing food via a food bank with volunteers delivering to those who request it. This service is open to all ages for those in need.

For more information, contact Romsey 5429 6724 Neighbourhood House:

To get involved or to find out more about the project, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/warmsafehomes If you or someone you know needs support, 1300 368 821 contact Seniors Rights Victoria:

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#InThisTogether Are you looking for the latest information on our response to the COVID-19 pandemic? mrsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus for a range of Visit pandemic-related updates and resources including a list of local community support services that you or someone you know may need.

The #InThisTogether campaign is our way of helping support the wellbeing of the community at this challenging time.

Join the conversation by using the #InThisTogether on social media and help us spread the positive stories of residents, groups and businesses doing great things.

During these times of physical distancing, it’s important to consider ways to remain connected to others and to look after your mental health. Consider how you can maintain routines that include regular physical activity, healthy meals and connecting with others by phone or online.

Don’t forget, if you feel anxious, you are not alone—talk to a trusted friend or family member, or seek support from one of the services listed below.

Who else can help?

COVID-19 information and testing • National Coronavirus Helpline: 1800 020 080 • Translating or interpreting services: 131 450 National referral lines • Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service: 1800 512 348 • Carers Australia: 1800 242 636 • safe steps Family Violence Response: 1800 015 188 (24 hrs) • National Debt Helpline: 1800 007 007

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ShireLife

The ROC

The shire-wide Recovery Operations Centre (ROC) has been established as part of Council’s ongoing #InThisTogether community and business support campaign.

Council staff are working with local agencies to respond to requests for assistance or information.

They are coordinating and, where possible, activating offers of assistance from the community.

The ROC is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am–5pm: 5422 0237 recovery@mrsc.vic.gov.au

#InThisTogether and Working for Victoria

Working for Victoria and our community

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Lily Zhuang-Griffin (front cover) suddenly found herself out of work and facing an uncertain future.

Things are looking a lot brighter now as she’s found a new role through participation in the Victorian Government’s Working For Victoria initiative.

Lily joined us to perform park and roadside beautification work and says she is loving being out and about in the fresh air in our beautiful shire.

Around 90 new temporary staff have joined Council for up to six months as part of the scheme. These additional short-term staff have formed a mainly remote workforce performing roles such as community support, providing food services and catering for vulnerable people, filming and photographing the region, and planting and environment works at Hanging Rock.

The $500 million Working for Victoria program is part of the Victorian Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and includes matching people who have lost their jobs due to the economic impacts of coronavirus with local councils. We’re providing these new temporary staff members with meaningful roles that add value to the work that the permanent workforce performs every day to support the community.

For more information, visit:

mrsc.vic.gov.au/WFV

I love working outdoors and my experience includes Green Army landscape projects, and operating tools and machinery so though I would be an ideal fit for the parks team.

I’m into my second week and so far have been involved in two projects—mulching at Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve and colour-coding stakes for tree planting season.

Lily Zhuang-Griffin

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Preparing your property for fire season

Spring is here and it’s time to shake off the winter cobwebs and venture outdoors to enjoy some sunshine. It’s also a great time to start preparing your property for the summer bushfire season.

You can reduce the risk to your home and property by cleaning up around your dwellings and clearing potential fire hazards before the fire danger period kicks in.

These jobs include: • removing any overhanging branches, and shrubs over one metre high next to or below windows • keeping grass short, and clearing other combustible materials from around your home • clearing roof gutters of any leaf litter • maintaining any defendable space around your home • ensuring any rainwater tanks are accessible and full • attending local CFA community meetings around fire preparedness • ensuring you have a bushfire survival plan in place and practise it regularly.

To assist with your emergency planning, you can download a bushfire survival planning template and other helpful publications from cfa.vic.gov.au For more information: mrsc.vic.gov.au/fire-ready

Grazing for fire prevention

Each year we receive several enquiries from residents who receive a fire prevention notice even though they have stock grazing on their property.

It is important to remember that properties with stock are still required to undertake the works requested on the notice unless they are able to demonstrate that the number of stock is sufficient in reducing the height of the grass, and the overall hazard. If this can’t be demonstrated, then additional work may be required to minimise risk.

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ShireLife

Preparing for summer

5422 0333

Roadside maintenance

Did you know that each year we slash around 800km of roadsides for fire prevention?

Fires can start on roadsides due to hot vehicle exhausts, mechanical failures and collisions. We slash high-use roadsides to reduce the chances of these incidents resulting in a fire. Typically 80 per cent of traffic uses 20 per cent of our roads, so it makes sense to slash those roads as a priority.

Even though roadsides are slashed, they should not be treated as effective firebreaks, particularly in extreme conditions and high winds. The best way to protect your home is to maintain your property and leave early, long before flames are visible.

Snakes in our backyard

Snakes in the country are a fact of life and they are a protected species.

They are attracted to our homes as they provide shelter and food such as frogs and mice.

It is important when preparing your property for summer, you ensure that you maintain a safe area around your house and outbuildings. Try to remove attractions for snakes from your property such as wood piles, stock feed and hay, and keep open areas where children play free of long grass.

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2020/21 Budget

The fourth year of our Council Plan continues to be supported with the 2020/21 budget delivering across all three themes of liveability, sustainability and efficiency.

Budget snapshot

There’s a particular focus on assisting the recovery from COVID-19 with a $1.1 million recovery fund supporting the community and local businesses impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. It includes measures to help the community and local business recover from the pandemic, including additional funding for our existing grant programs, waiver of footpath permit renewals for businesses with current permits, support for a business phone counselling service, and backing for programs supporting volunteers and vulnerable people.

Capital works continue to be a strong focus, and our flagship project—the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct in New Gisborne—moves ahead with continued funding.

Funding is proposed for further projects that will encourage the community to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle through initiatives such as the proposed improvements to the walking tracks at Black Hill Reserve and our commitment to continuing to implement Healthy Heart of Victoria infrastructure and activation projects.

We will continue to fund community climate change action planning projects, the second stage of the vegetation protection overlay review, and will undertake energy audits of Council buildings, all of which underline a continued commitment to the environment.

The budget provides more than $94 million towards delivering services and projects to local communities, and proposes a rate increase within the imposed two per cent rate cap.

Highlights

Funding has been allocated in the budget to the following projects: • • • • • •

• • • •

Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct New netball court in Woodend Oval lighting at Lancefield Park A contribution to the new kindergarten in Kyneton Upgrades to the walking tracks at Black Hill Reserve Pathway upgrades and environmental works at Pohlman Street that will contribute to the implementation of the Romsey Five Mile Creek Master Plan Construction of a shared walking and cycling trail between Woodend and Riddells Creek Continuing to implement Healthy Heart of Victoria infrastructure and activation projects that aim to get more people more active more often Second stage of a review of the Vegetation Protection Overlay Continued roll out of the Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) service.

To see the Budget Report 2020/21 and the complete list of projects and initiatives, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/budget

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ShireLife

Budget 2020/21

How is the budget spent?

Council’s services are funded by rates, grants and fees. In 2020/21 we will spend more than $94 million on delivering our services and projects to the community.

Maintenance of recreation and sports facilities

Planning and building services

Maintenance of parks, environment and open spaces

Kindergartens and maternal and child health

$ 11

$12 $6

$11

$8

How each $100 is spent in the shire

$9

$15

Garbage, recycling and garden waste collection

Aged and disability support services

$6

Arts, culture, libraries and youth services

$3 $19

Economic development and tourism

Maintenance of roads, drains, buildings and paths

Emergencies, local laws and public health

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Capital works program

A further $23 million will be spent on our annual capital works program to build new assets, and renew and improve existing assets.

The budget process aims to obtain feedback from the community on what they would like as their spending priorities.

Feedback received through the consultation process supported the lighting upgrade project for Lancefield, the Gisborne Fields landscape plan implementation, and the Hobbs Road Bushland Reserve security upgrade.

A number of suggestions centred around the further use of open space financial reserves to fund additional projects, and were responded to when the budget was adopted. This included the allocation of funding to complete stage two of works at Wyralla Reserve, Gisborne.

How are my rates calculated?

Your rates contribute to the various services, facilities and infrastructure provided by us, and how much you pay depends upon the value of your property.

Each year, through the annual budget process, we determine the rate revenue for the forthcoming financial year, taking into account the Victorian Government’s two per cent rate cap. This year, we will raise almost $53 million from rates and charges to continue to deliver quality services and community facilities.

This rate revenue is divided by the total value of all properties in the shire, which establishes what is called a ‘rate in the dollar’. The rate in the dollar is then multiplied by the value of your property to determine your rates.

Every property in the shire has been valued based on the amount it would have sold for in the open market as at 1 January 2020, and your property value is shown on your rate notice. Property valuations are now conducted annually and the process is managed by a contract valuer engaged by the Valuer General of Victoria. Ratepayers can still contact us in the first instance for queries on your property valuations, and we will refer your query to the contract valuer for a response.

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ShireLife

Preparing Budget and forCouncil summerelections

Council elections Your vote counts

General council elections are held every four years in Victoria, and in Macedon Ranges Shire, three councillors are elected for each of our three wards.

Our elections are held by postal voting and the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) will mail ballot packs out to all enrolled voters in early October. Your vote must be in the post by close of voting at 6pm, Friday 23 October.

Prior to the election, we will enter an ‘election period’ (or ‘caretaker period’). This will run from 12pm, Tuesday 22 September to 6pm, Saturday 24 October. During this period, Council business will continue in a responsible and transparent manner. To ensure this happens, Councillors and Council staff are guided by our Election Period (Caretaker) Policy which can be found at: mrsc.vic.gov.au/elections

Candidates—don’t forget!

If you wish to stand as a candidate for the coming council elections, you must complete a mandatory training session to be eligible to nominate by 12pm, Tuesday 22 September. The session will comprise an elearning module that will be available until midSeptember.

To access the elearning module and for more information, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/elections vec.vic.gov.au knowyourcouncil.vic.gov.au

Please note that all information was correct at time of publication.

Becoming a councillor is a great opportunity to contribute to your community and influence the future direction of Macedon Ranges Shire. Councillors make decisions on a range of issues, including local roads and footpaths, waste, parks and recreation facilities, planning and building regulations, libraries and community centres.

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Your Councillors Cr Bill West East Ward

Cr Janet Pearce West Ward

I am writing this in mid-July, with high uncertainty about what direction the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic may take in our shire and elsewhere.

Councillors and staff have been strongly committed to supporting residents, businesses and our broader community, and the shire’s #InThisTogether campaign continues at this challenging time.

Hopefully the recovery phase will be well advanced by the time you are reading this ShireLife, the last before the election (caretaker) period begins.

In recent months, numerous examples of community togetherness have emerged, with both new and longterm residents often combining in a volunteer capacity to help those who may be battling due to COVID-19 consequences. I thank all who have contributed in any way in an overall team effort.

There have been some inspiring moments: one was to see the much-needed Romsey Men’s Shed project finally reach the stage where building can take place after a two-year battle. Well done to all involved.

Legendary musician Joe Camilleri provided a glowing endorsement of living in the Macedon Ranges after he officially became an Australian citizen after 70 years in the country.

We have so many people with so many talents moving here, appreciating what Macedon Ranges has to offer.

Annual budget considerations occupied many, many hours of staff and Councillors’ time, and the longawaited Lancefield Park oval lighting project and Romsey Golf Course improvements will proceed.

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ShireLife

Your Councillors

We have always known that people, groups, organisations and volunteers in our community are the heart of our shire and this has never been more evident than over the last months during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I have spoken to many people during this time and we have seen such kindness and support given to each other. We know this will continue for a longer period supporting vulnerable members and those struggling in our community and our local businesses, as we adapt and work together during this emergency phase and look towards social and economic recovery. Thank you to everyone.

We have also seen opportunities emerge, and progress made in the way we communicate, and we look to continue this. The introduction of virtual Ordinary Council meetings and Submitters Committee meetings via Council’s live streaming has worked well. We have received feedback from people experiencing challenges with telecommunications and digital connectivity in our shire and we continue our advocacy role to all levels of government.

Council’s work continues, and opportunities for feedback on a wide range of Council master plans, strategies and legislative requirements can be found on Council’s website at mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay You will be aware this is the end of the four-year term of Councillors. Thank you to everyone who has provided feedback to us over this time as this has assisted Council with its work and decision making.

Stay safe.

Cr Andrew Twaits South Ward I’ll start this column by thanking the CEO and the entire team at Council for the way they’ve adapted and responded to the disruption caused

by COVID-19 in order to continue the provision of essential services to the community and the execution of our capital works program.

Council itself has shifted its meetings (including Ordinary Council meetings and community Submitters Committee meetings on planning matters) to video conferencing. Council staff did an outstanding job getting the technology, processes and training in place quickly so that Council could continue to debate issues and make important decisions despite not being able to meet face to face.

We know that many people and businesses in the shire have been impacted financially by the pandemic. It’s important to know that Council’s hardship policy is there for you if you’re struggling to pay Council rates and other fees. And with the 2020/21 budget being adopted, I’m confident that Council is well placed to implement a range of additional support measures.

Most of our local sporting organisations have had their regular activities curtailed, but it’s been great to see a range of hybrid activities pop up over recent weeks to help our local athletes stay mentally and physically active. Thanks to all the volunteers who’ve made this happen.

Who knows what lays ahead, but take some comfort from the fact that your Council is in a very sound financial position and has a terrific bunch of staff committed to doing the best by current and future generations of our shire.

Your rates at work

We’re currently completing a number of works across the shire, with more planned for 2020/21.

Works recently completed Outdoor exercise equipment stations • • • •

Campaspe River Trail, St Agnes Place, Kyneton Five Mile Creek, off Drovers Retreat, Romsey Five Mile Creek Precinct, Woodend Aitken Reserve, Gisborne.

Road reconstruction and widening • Kyneton-Metcalfe Road, Kyneton • Lauriston Road, Kyneton • Lauriston Reservoir Road, Kyneton Pedestrian crossing upgrades • High Street, Woodend

Upcoming works

Road reconstruction works • Beauchamp Street, Kyneton • Metcalfe Drive, Romsey • Urquhart and Schaw streets, Woodend Footpath construction works • • • • • • •

Edgecombe and Begg streets, Kyneton Brodie Street to Cameron Street, Malmsbury Main and Murphy streets, Romsey High and Forest streets, Woodend Bolithos Road and Sutton Street, Riddells Creek Chauncey and High streets, Lancefield Fersfield Road and Fisher Street, Gisborne

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Environment events Tips for creating a biodiverse native garden

You can contribute to local biodiversity by using plants that are native to the local area in your garden. Native gardens create important habitat, assist in natural pest control, and are more water efficient.

A good native garden will include: • • • • • • • • •

a variety of fruit, seed and nectar plants flowering trees that are native to your local area dense and prickly shrubs for bird shelter local nectar plants for butteries local daisy species for caterpillars mulched areas for worm and beetle habitat water in a pond or birdbath a sunny spot with a rock surface for lizards mature trees with hollows for nesting or install nesting boxes.

To find out what plants are native to the Macedon Ranges, check out our new native flora guide which can be downloaded from mrsc.vic.gov.au

Nature pod now launched

We’ve launched a new podcast series—Macedon Ranges Nature Pod—about some of the animals that call the Macedon Ranges home. Three short podcasts are available to download which focus on frog calls, night birds and backyard birds.

Listen to our podcasts in the car, while you’re cooking dinner, going for a walk, or just over a cuppa at home.

Listen to the podcast by visiting: mrsc.vic.gov.au/nature-pod

Wildlife photography: William Terry

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ShireLife

Environment

Free farming advice

Are you interested in how you can increase soil carbon, reduce your vulnerability to the changing climate and improve on-farm productivity? Do you need assistance with your grazing program or managing your pastures?

If you are new to farming or have been doing it for generations, you are welcome to access our free one-onone advisory service which includes an on-farm visit by our private land conservation officer.

This service is supported with funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

To book an appointment, contact the Environment unit: environment@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Join the annual Bird Blitz

Bird watchers and nature lovers are invited to participate in our annual Bird Blitz event. Beginner and expert bird watchers are welcome.

Saturday 17 October 9am-2pm The event will be held at various sites around the shire.

For meeting sites and more information, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/environment-events

Have you seen our nesting boxes?

Our environment team have installed nest boxes on 48 roadsides in our shire.

The nest boxes were constructed by local men’s sheds and Malmsbury Youth Justice Centre, and will be used to collect data about the distribution of the threatened Brush-tailed Phascogale which, when present in the local environment, is a good indicator of ecosystem health.

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Major projects Shared trails success

The Victorian Government recently announced funding of $8.75 million from its Building Works package for the Macedon Ranges Shared Trails project. The funding will contribute to the development and construction of shared trails from Woodend to Macedon to New Gisborne, and on to Riddells Creek.

This is great news and we would again like to thank all those who expressed their interest and provided feedback during the feasibility study process. The result shows how important it is for the community to provide feedback.

We’re now working with the Victorian Government to finalise the funding agreement, preparing the plan to deliver the trails, with construction expecting to commence later this year.

To review the feasibility study, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/shared-trails

Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct update Work on the new Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct is underway following the awarding of the design services tender. We will now work with the successful design services team to develop concept plans.

You will be given the opportunity to provide feedback on the upcoming design process that will progress in four stages over the next year. This will build on the information already gathered through two feasibility studies—New Gisborne Regional Sports Fields (2017) and Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Hub (2018).

The four stages will be delivered in alignment with the amount of funding available. Currently $21.7 million has been committed to the project by Council, the Victorian Government and AFL Victoria which will allow completion of the design and the first stage of construction.

We will continue to advocate for funding as the project progresses. The design consultant team will work with us and the community to further engage with the Victorian and Australian governments.

The Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct will be spread across two interconnected sites at the corner of Barringo and Hamilton roads, New Gisborne, providing facilities for important sport, health, fitness, and community activities and events.

For updates on the project, visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/sports-precinct

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ShireLife

Major projects

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Get regular updates about our services, projects, events and activities via our social media channels.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council Gisborne Fitness & Aquatic Centres Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre Macedon Ranges Over 55s Connect Macedon Ranges Arts & Culture Macedon Ranges Emergency Alerts Macedon Ranges Naturally Cool Macedon Ranges Youth @MacedonRangesSC @MacedonRangessc Macedon-Ranges-Shire-Council

Rates instalments

Rates and charges must be paid in four instalments by no later than the due date. Instalment reminder notices will be sent prior to each instalment date.

Please note: During the current coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, interest is not being charged for overdue rates or other payments through to 30 September 2020.

The instalment dates for 2020/21 are: 30 September 2020 30 November 2020 28 February 2021 31 May 2021 You can pay your rates via BPay View®, online with Visa or Mastercard via Council’s website, mrsc.vic.gov.au/payments or in person at a Council customer service centre.

If you have any questions about rates payment methods, or if you have difficulty paying your rates on time, contact 5422 0322 the Rates department:

Contact Council 5422 0333 or 1300 656 577 mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au mrsc.vic.gov.au PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444

* Our 1300 number offers residents living in the south of the shire the ability to contact us without incurring an STD call rate.

Visit one of our service centres: 40 Robertson Street, Gisborne 129 Mollison Street, Kyneton 96−100 Main Street, Romsey Cnr High and Forest streets, Woodend.

Residents who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment can contact Council through the National Relay Service: • TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 03 5422 0333 • Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) users phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 03 5422 0333 • Internet relay users connect to the NRS (see relayservice. com.au for details) and then ask for 03 5422 0333.

If you or someone you know may benefit from receiving a large print version of this newsletter: 5422 0302 comms@mrsc.vic.gov.au

ShireLife is produced on 100% recycled paper from post consumer waste, and printed by a printer who operates and is certified under the ISO14001 Environmental Management System standards and ISO9001 Quality Management System.

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East Ward Cr Henry Bleeck Mobile: 0400 028 507 hbleeck@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Keep up to date with the latest news from Council including media releases, public notices and consultations. mrsc.vic.gov.au/latest-news

Cr Bill West Mobile: 0400 025 455 bwest@mrsc.vic.gov.au

South Ward Cr Mandi Mees (Deputy Mayor) Mobile: 0448 814 442 mmees@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Registered for kindergarten yet?

Places are still available at some of our kindergarten and three year old activity groups for 2021.

Register and pay online mrsc.vic.gov.au/kinder-rego Be quick!

Cr Helen Radnedge Mobile: 0437 386 922 hradnedge@mrsc.vic.gov.au Cr Andrew Twaits Mobile: 0429 066 000 atwaits@mrsc.vic.gov.au

West Ward Cr Jennifer Anderson Mobile: 0408 273 670 janderson@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Council elections

The current term of Councillors ends at 6am, Saturday 24 October.

Council will enter into election (caretaker) period from 12pm, 22 September to 6pm, 24 October.

For more details, see page 13.

Cr Roger Jukes Mobile: 0400 647 445 rjukes@mrsc.vic.gov.au Cr Janet Pearce (Mayor) Mobile: 0437 282 096 jpearce@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Your Councillors

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Cr Natasha Gayfer Mobile: 0436 407 401 ngayfer@mrsc.vic.gov.au