ShireLife
Council grants opening soon
Page 2
Project updates
Pages 4–5
Live & Local
Page 9
Early Years
Page 11
Issue 48 Autumn
Macedon Ranges Shire Council Newsletter
2024
From the CEO
This year is set to be another big one for us at Council, and we’ve already hit the ground running to start 2024 with work progressing on numerous capital works projects, Council-led initiatives and public consultations.
We are looking forward to completing Stage 1 of the Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct, which will see three new indoor multi-sport courts, a natural grass AFL/cricket oval and sports pavilion, a playground and BBQ facilities opening to the public in the coming months.
We’re working to finalise the Budget 2024-25 and Council Plan 2021-2031 (Year Four), including considering community feedback invited last year, while we’ll also be getting the ball rolling on a number of important reviews of long-term plans such as the Asset Plan and Financial Plan.
This year, residents will have the opportunity to run for Council as a Councillor, and vote for their preferred Ward Councillors, through Council elections set to be held in October. We’ll seek to provide more information and put measures in place as the year progresses to support a transparent, robust election process.
I’m looking forward to the year ahead and as always, we hope you’ll continue engaging with Council as we work hard to deliver services and projects that benefit you and the shire.
Bernie O’Sullivan
Council elections
Council elections are due to be held in October 2024. In the Macedon Ranges, nine councillors are elected in total (three for each of the three wards –East Ward, West Ward and South Ward).
Elections are conducted by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) in accordance with strict legislation. For updates and information on the process or how to stand for Council, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/elections
Autumn Festival
Gather friends and family and experience autumn in your own backyard from 5-28 April.
This year’s exciting program features live music, curated trails, workshops, itineraries, foodie experiences, leafy picnic locations, farmers markets, and events, right across the shire.
Step up to the challenge of the Scavenger Hunt, or feast your way across a mouth-watering Autumn Pie & Tart Trail. Tune in for Live and Local in Community Halls, or vote for your favourite plant-based dish on the Macedon Ranges Edgy Veg Trail. Wet your whistle on a variety of Tipple Trails, where you’ll get a taste of local wine, craft beer, gin and cider served up in our country pubs, distillery doors and breweries. There will be so much to see and do across the shire in April.
Discover more:
visitmacedonranges.com/autumn-festival
Council grants
The next round of Community Funding Scheme and Events and Festivals grants to support the community will open in May.
If you have an idea for an event or project that will benefit the community, we would love to hear from you. Information sessions and workshops will be held to assist you with your application.
For information or to speak to a Council officer about your idea, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/grants or call 5422 0333.
ShireLife Page 2 Welcome / General news
Cover photo: Newham Mechanics Institute’s wood-fired oven - purchased through a 2021/22 Community Funding Scheme grant - was in full swing at the 2023/24 grant celebration in November 2023.
Business Excellence Awards 2024
The biennial Josh’s Rainbow Eggs Macedon Ranges Business Excellence Awards recognise and acknowledge deserving businesses for their outstanding service, innovation, products and professionalism. Nominations for this year’s awards close Friday 15 March (with final submissions due 24 April).
Following the judging process, all finalists will be eligible for the People’s Choice Award, which will open for voting on 23 July.
Award winners will be announced at a gala dinner on 30 August.
For information and updates, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-awards
Responsible pet ownership
Cats and dogs make great pets and owning one can be very rewarding. However it also brings with it certain responsibilities. As a community, you told us you want to see more support for Council initiatives to encourage responsible pet ownership, and we’re listening.
Over the coming months, you’ll notice some cute characters popping up around the Macedon Ranges to remind cat and dog owners what it takes to be a pawsome pet owner.
For information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/pets
Your Say
Council is continuing to progress important plans, strategies and other initiatives in 2024, including seeking community feedback where relevant. We’ve launched a new online hub to enable a clearer, more engaging way of informing and obtaining valuable feedback from the community on key Council policies or initiatives.
People will be able to view current public consultations and have their say in new ways through the new Your Say hub, which has the capacity to host surveys, interactive maps, Q&As, forums and more.
The launch of Your Say supports a strategic priority in the Council Plan 2021-2031 to ‘Enhance customer experience through the transformation of our services, to ensure they are easy to access and provide user-friendly experiences’.
To find out more about current or upcoming consultations, visit our new online engagement hub at yoursay.mrsc.vic.gov.au
Pet registration renewal
Pet registration renewals are due by 10 April 2024. Dogs and cats must be registered annually with Council. This is a legal requirement, and more importantly, keeping your pet registration current is the best way to ensure our rangers can return lost pets quickly to their rightful owner.
Registration fees help fund animal services that help protect pets, people and our environment. There are a number of ways you can renew your registration including in person at Council service centre, by mail, BPay or online.
For information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/pet-registration or call 5422 0333.
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Project updates
Regional
Sports Precinct
Construction on Stage 1 of the Macedon Ranges
Regional Sports Precinct is almost complete with the precinct set to open to the public with limited use. The Australian Government’s $15 million election funding commitment has also been confirmed, which alongside $2 million from Council, will fund the construction of Stage 2. This includes the extension of the sports hub with three more multi-sport courts, more amenities, a second AFL/cricket oval, two outdoor sports courts, more car parking and landscaping.
Council continues to advocate for the funding needed to secure Stage 3, which includes other upgrades such as retractable seating in stadiums, a sports pavilion extension and cricket nets.
Council is also working hard behind the scenes to prepare the facility for day one of service with an exciting schedule planned with local clubs and associations.
For updates, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/MRRSP
Woodend Golf Club
Renovations were completed on the clubrooms in November 2023. Works included new fit-for-purpose toilets, new carpet and lighting, refurbishment of the kitchen area, additional storage space and external works including decking, paved concrete around the clubrooms and repair of damaged brickwork.
Council has also provided funding for pathway works around the golf course, and has donated recycled wood products from the Kettlewell storm waste facility.
Barkly Square
Resurfacing works
Resurfacing works to combat drainage issues at Barkly Square in Kyneton were completed late last year. Identified as a key project in the Barkly Square Master Plan, the reconstruction provides a fit-for-purpose, water-resilient playing surface. Works included removing the existing turf wicket table, installing new irrigation and drainage systems, and overhauling the existing playing surface by stripping, regrading, cultivating, and resurfacing it. New sporting infrastructure, including a synthetic cricket pitch and soccer goals, was also installed.
Gisborne Fields
Stage four of the Gisborne Fields community park, located on the corner of Tovey Drive, Coop Drive and Rothschild Road, is now complete.
Visitors will find a set of AFL goals ready for a casual kick, and soil moundings under new tree plantings offer a shady spot to watch the fun. New bench seating is installed, as well as bollard and rail fencing to improve safety. The works complement the recently completed BBQ and picnic shelter area and long-standing playground.
Stage five is scheduled to begin in 2024, which will see an expansion of the existing play space as well as further tree planting and low-level vegetation. View the Gisborne Fields Landscape Plan on our projects page of the website for updates.
ShireLife Page 4 Project updates
Upgrades to Buffalo Stadium
Upgraded changerooms at Woodend Buffalo Stadium will ensure one of the busiest stadiums in the Macedon Ranges has facilities that are accessible and inclusive.
The old changeroom facilities required renewal as they did not meet compliance standards for toilet and shower sizes, and ambulant facilities and signage were inadequate. The existing facilities have been demolished and refitted with new toilet and shower cubicles.
These upgrades will benefit the many netballers, basketballers, dancers, health and fitness class attendees and volleyballers – as well as those community groups who hire the multipurpose rooms.
Romsey Skate Park designs
At the November 2023 Council meeting, Council endorsed a period of community consultation on designs showcasing what the new Romsey Skatepark would look like, with $550,000 committed by the Victorian Government and work continuing behind the scenes to secure the project’s full funding.
An upgrade driven by the Lancefield Romsey Lions Club for a number of years, including periods of community consultation throughout 2022 and 2023, the new skatepark would feature a large bowl, a quarter pipe, pump track and a series of hips and corners.
Community consultation has recently finished on the proposed designs and we hope to be able to provide another update later this year. Thank you to everyone who provided feedback.
Gisborne Bowling Club
The Gisborne District Bowling Club’s turf green has recently been replaced with a brand-new synthetic green, ensuring the club now has two year-round bowling greens ready to meet the growing number of lawn bowls participants in Gisborne.
The old turf green was past its prime and beginning to deteriorate, with climate conditions in the Macedon Ranges also resulting in the turf green only being able to be used for seven months of the year.
Gisborne Botanic Gardens
Landscaping works are underway at the western entrance of the gardens, with the new garden beds showcasing plants from Australia and New Zealand and those that are indigenous to the Macedon Ranges. Works are scheduled to be completed in April, with planting to occur throughout autumn.
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Works across the shire
The following works are part of Council’s repair and maintenance projects for roads and footpaths in the shire:
Sheedy Road (Gisborne)
Works were completed late last year and included road surface upgrades, the installation of a roundabout at the intersection of Sheedy and Fersfield roads to enhance safety, the construction of a shared concrete path to improve connectivity, and drainage improvements.
Ross St Bridge (Malmsbury)
Bridge safety works were completed late last year and included strengthening of the existing bluestone bridge, the installation of safety barriers, and the reconstruction of pavements.
Kettlewells Road (Romsey)
Works have been recently completed and include 1.4km of existing unsealed road being converted to sealed road, and upgrades to drainage and the bus shelter at the intersection of Melbourne-Lancefield Road.
Mission Hill Road (Baynton)
Works include the replacement of the existing culvert with a new box culvert, the installation of safety barriers as well as road repairs and sealing. The project is expected to be completed by the end of March.
Chanters Lane, (Trentham East)
Works include 2km of sealed pavement from Chanters Lane-Ashbourne Road intersection to Hickeys Road, upgrades to drainage and the installation of traffic signs. The project is expected to be completed by the end of June.
Hamilton Road, (New Gisborne)
Reconstruction of Hamilton Road, New Gisborne is currently underway, with 1.8km of road from the Kilmore Road intersection to be resurfaced. The intersection of Hamilton and Kilmore Road will also be upgraded to improve safety for road users. Construction is expected to take about 10 weeks, weather permitting and is expected to be completed by end of March.
Dates were correct at the time of production. For updates, visit mrsc.vic.gov/works
Environment Climate
Emergency Plan adopted
The Climate Emergency Plan aims to accelerate action in the shire to address climate change and will guide the work of all parts of Council, as well as, provide inspiration and opportunity for the community to take action.
Collaboratively designed alongside the community, the plan outlines 56 actions guided by principles of equity, collaboration, embedding First Nations perspectives, regeneration and mobilisation.
The implementation of the plan recognises that the number one priority for addressing climate change is to rapidly decrease the use of fossil fuels. For the shire, this means a transition to energy efficient, allelectric buildings, homes and businesses, and an increase in the use of active and public transport.
Join us in shaping a climate-ready community into the future.
Visit our website to read the plan, mrsc.vic.gov.au/climate-emergency-plan
ShireLife Page 6 Environment news and events / Works across the shire
Black Hill Reserve tracks open
Black Hill Reserve walking tracks have re-opened after an extended closure, following repair works due to fire and storm damage. The significant project also involved engagement with the Taungurung Land and Water Council to better understand the site and collaborate on the repair works.
Along with the Friends of Black Hill Reserve, we invite you to come and enjoy the reserve, explore the trails and be part of the renewal of this natural wonder.
Healthy Landscapes
The award-winning Healthy Landscapes program is open to all residents with properties greater than two hectares. The program has events tailored for horse owners, small property owners (2-20 hectares), larger properties and those with commercial-sized farming properties.
The events, courses and property visits are designed to be accessible to everyone no matter how far you are into your land management career.
To find out about upcoming events and courses, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/healthylandscapes
Environment events
Creatures of the Night
Join us throughout April for our Creatures of the Night spotlight surveys. Help us collect data in the reserves and roadsides in our biolink areas.
Nature walks at Hanging Rock
Join us for a guided nature walk in April to celebrate the flora and fauna of this iconic site. Enjoy the walk to the summit, where we will be on the lookout for koalas and the Rock’s own black rock skink colony, or take a tour around the less-visited parts of the reserve on the Rock’s lower slopes.
Large Tree and Hollow Survey
Large trees with hollows are critical assets in the landscape, providing feeding, breeding and shelter for threatened and common species alike. Throughout 2024, we will run citizen science activities, where you can help us survey large, hollow-bearing, trees. The information we gather will help us create a database of large habitat trees. Keep an eye on our website and eNews for updates.
To register for events or sign-up to our environment eNews, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/environment-events
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Kyneton Town Hall events
Heart Songs
Community Choir Project
Saturday 20 April from 10:30am-12:30pm. Singing workshop and sign-on day.
Lucy Wise and the Heart Songs Community Choir Project will see a brand-new choir learn and perform a number of Lucy’s songs with her band, over a 10-week period, under the direction of local choir leader Andrew Price. Expect a warm, supportive and fun singing environment — perfect for a Macedon Ranges autumn. A free singing workshop and sign-on day will be held at Kyneton Town Hall on Saturday 20 April from 10:30am12:30pm.
To get involved visit, mrsc.vic.gov.au/get-involved or call Andrea on 0429 605 619.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival
Wednesday 1 May, 7.30pm
Australia’s biggest and best comedy spectacular is setting off on its 26th annual road trip around the country! Showcasing the finest talents from the 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, we’re delivering a dose of laughter right to your doorstep!
Tash York’s Happy Hour
Friday 17 May, 7.30pm
A raucous and rowdy-filled Happy Hour with incredible music, Yakult shots and outrageously funny cabaret.
Tash York is a multi-awardwinning cabaret artist who has been touring the world with her hit solo shows. Happy Hour combines drag and cabaret in a way unlike any other.
Creative Kids Holiday Program
8–10 April, Kyneton Town Hall, various workshops
Join our hands-on, super fun creative collaboration ‘Kids Creative Building Jam’ this coming school holidays. Someone is in trouble and we need 100 creative-minded kids aged 6-13 years to help design and build a safe place for them! With creative thinking and a range of reclaimed materials, we will collaboratively build a neverbefore-seen structure in the Kyneton Town Hall.
Facilitated by artist and designer Anna Åkerlund, there are five separate 2.5 hour workshops, culminating with a public grand opening to celebrate our build. To register, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/arts-events or call the box office on 1300 888 802.
Buy tickets
These event details were current at the time of printing. For the most up-to-date information, check the website.
mrsc.vic.gov.au/arts-events
1300 888 802 (10am-4pm, weekdays.)
kthtickets@mrsc.vic.gov.au
ShireLife Page 8 Kyneton Town Hall events and Live & Local
Live & Local
As part of the 2024 Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival, a range of local bands and artists will perform across weekends throughout April at community halls across the shire.
Featuring You Am I’s Tim Rogers, Juliarna Clark, The Whiskey Rogues, Valley Road and more. With local wines and food trucks featuring regional produce, this is a series of events not to be missed!
Jarrod Shaw and The Whiskey Rogues
Friday 5 April, 6:30pm, Lancefield Mechanics Institute
Dolla Pots
Saturday 6 April, 6:30pm, Bolinda Hall
Luke Watt and Valley Road
Sunday 7 April, 12pm, Baynton Hall
Tim Rogers and The Mods
Friday 12 April, 7pm, Malmsbury Town Hall
Shout Out to the Girls, Lizanne
Richards, Sage Roadknight, Juliarna
Clark and Mariah McCarthy
Saturday 13 April, 7pm, Newham Mechanics Institute
The Rattlers
Sunday 14 April, 12pm, Kyneton Museum
The Lydians and Maine Groovers
Friday 19 April, 7pm, Tylden Hall
Esta Christensen and Cupid’s Irony
Saturday 20 April, 7pm, Bullengarook Hall
The Vintage Blues Machine
Sunday 21 April, 12pm, Kyneton Museum
The Martini Set
Friday 26 April, 7:30pm, Lauriston Hall
Sunday 28 April, 12pm, Kyneton Museum
Cupid’s Irony and The Whiskey Rogues
Saturday 27 April, 7:30pm, Romsey Mechanics Institute
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This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Festivals Australia program.
information and tickets, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/live-local
Buy tickets For
Aquatics and Fitness
Pool parties
Splash into the ultimate birthday party at one of our indoor pools!
Enjoy 1.5 hours of fun supervised by our qualified staff, with exclusive use of our exciting pool inflatable and a designated party area with tables and chairs. Perfect for kids aged 6-14 years. Weekend slots available.
Winter Learn to Swim program
Council offers an award-winning Learn to Swim program at our indoor heated pools at the Gisborne Aquatic Centre and Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre. Enrolments are open for our term-based program at any time of the year; you don’t have to wait until the start of a new term.
School holiday intensive swimming programs are also available which are fantastic for new students and a great way for current students to fast-track their progress.
Stay active this winter
Council offers a number of senior sports at our indoor facilities; a great way to stay active over the cold winter months and meet new friends!
• Senior Women’s Netball - Buffalo Sports Stadium, Woodend (Tuesday evenings).
• Senior Mixed Futsal - Romsey Recreation Centre (Tuesday evenings).
• Senior Mixed Basketball - Riddells Creek Leisure Centre (Thursday evenings).
All programs run two seasons per year, FebruaryJune and July-December. Individual and team registrations are welcome. For information visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure
Join Active Kids
Ignite your child’s enthusiasm for sports at the Buffalo Sports Stadium’s Active Kids program!
Our preschool program is held at Woodend’s Buffalo Sports Stadium every Wednesday morning during the school term. It offers a fantastic opportunity for children between the ages of 3-5 years to engage in sports-themed activities, while learning correct techniques and developing their fine and gross motor skills.
Guardians are required to actively participate in the activities, ensuring a supportive and enjoyable environment for all.
For information about kids birthday parties or the Learn to Swim program, call Gisborne Aquatic Centre 5421 1452 or Kyneton Toyota Sports and Aquatic Centre 5421 1477 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure
For information call Buffalo Sports Stadium on 5427 3411.
ShireLife Page 10 Aquatics and Fitness / Early Years
Early Years
New playground for Manna Gum Kinder
The kids of Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre now have an amazing second outdoor playground.
Previously a grassed area with minimal usability, the new playground at the south side of the centre features both shaded and open areas and has a focus on nature-based play.
Alongside traditional play equipment like slides and rope climbing, the playground features a sculpture of Bunjil the Creator (a wedge-tailed eagle), a stage for performances and a yarning circle. Mud rocks, natural logs and winding steppers create a fun adventure pathway in a diverse and engaging play environment for children.
Lancefield Kinder/MCH update
Early site works have begun to prepare for construction of a new kindergarten and Maternal and Child Health centre in Lancefield, which is expected to be operational by mid-2024.
The modern three-room facility at 76A Hight St will be complemented by accessible and secure entries as well as a dedicated rear playground area.
Early works include the installation of temporary fencing, site clearing and levelling works, and installing building footings and stumps. This will then pave the way for installation of the modular buildings transported to site, building fit-outs, landscaping and all other required works.
For updates, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/lancefieldkinder
Registrations for Kindergarten
Online registrations are open for free threeyear-old and four-year-old-kindergarten in 2025. Registration is easy with our online system. Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/kinder-rego and register for one of our eight kindergartens before 31 May 2024.
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Older residents
Village Connect
Coffee gatherings
Join us for free coffee catch-ups from March to June at various cafes around the shire:
• Little Vic’s Café, Riddells Creek
• Lost Watering Hole, Lancefield
• Canteena, Gisborne
• Social Foundry, Kyneton Please refer to our website for exact dates and times.
Keep an eye on our website for other activities throughout autumn including a tour of the amazing foliage in our shire, more games sessions, walks for carers, and workshops and presentations on subjects that you have told us you have an interest in.
Registrations for coffee-catch ups and other events are essential. For information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/village-connect or call 5422 0333.
Volunteers wanted
The Aged Care Volunteer Visitor Scheme has now been up and running for six months. There has been tremendous interest in this free program, with older residents across the shire now receiving regular volunteer visitors.
To be eligible, residents must be living in a governmentsubsidised residential aged care home (RACH), live at home and receive a Home Care Package (HCP), or are waitlisted for either of these services.
If you are over 18 and would like to volunteer or know someone who might benefit from a volunteer visitor, please visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/ACVVS or call 5422 0333.
Image: RM Begg Kyneton resident Alois Koenig who joined the ACVVS program last year with volunteer
ShireLife Page 12 Older residents | Youth
Youth Youth Programs
Leaders in the Loop
Leaders in the Loop gives young people a seat and a say at the Council and community consultation table. It enables young leaders to give feedback directly to decision makers in the community and offers payment for their time.
Green Means Go
Got a passion project you want to get started, or one you want to keep, going? Green Means Go gives dollars and project support to young people looking to do just that. Financial support of up to $1,000 is available for selected projects.
To apply for Leaders in the Loop or Green Means Go, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/youth
Join the Live4Life crew
A vital part of the Live4Life program is the crew of young people who support it. The crew is a group of young people making a change in the community by promoting positive mental health.
If this sounds like you, and you’re in Year 9 or above and have participated in Live4Life at school, we’d love for you to join the crew.
Crew members will help plan Live4Life events and a mental health promotion activity.
For information on the Live4Life Program and youth mental health initiatives visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/live4life
Youth Summit
9:30am-3pm, Thursday 21 March 2024, Woodend Community Centre.
Here’s your opportunity to represent young people in the shire on key issues that affect you.
To register call the Youth Team on 5422 0333.
Youth Spaces
Macedon Ranges Youth Spaces encourage young people aged 12-17 years to connect with each other, youth services and the greater community through programs, events, activities, mentoring and workplace training across the Macedon Ranges.
Youth Spaces operate at various locations across the shire during school terms between 4-5:30pm. For information visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/YEP
Join Music In The Sticks (MITS)!
MITS is inviting young people aged 12-25 years interested in the music industry to join the crew for 2024.
The crew meet fortnightly to share pizza and learn about the industry, including sound mixing, event lighting, event management, photography, and more. Several events are also held throughout the year to practice new skills in a fun environment.
To register visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/MITS
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Library update and Environmental Health
Improve home efficiency
Looking to make your home more sustainable and save on energy bills? Borrow a Sustainable House Kit from the library!
Available to borrow like any other item, each kit contains a thermal imaging camera, PowerMate energy measuring device, thermometer, and a copy of The Energy Freedom Home guide.
With help from the kit, you’ll be able to identify draughts in your home, find areas missing insulation, measure the energy consumption of appliances, and learn ways to help save money and improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Introduced in early 2022, the kits have become hugely popular in the community.
“We started with four kits with funding from the City of Greater Bendigo, but have since grown our collection to 17 thanks to additional support from Macedon Ranges Shire Council and Mount Alexander Shire Council,” says Gemma Rayner, Manager of Engagement and Operations at Goldfields Libraries.
“Although there is a bit of a wait to borrow a kit, feedback has been very positive. Patrons are using these kits to improve their living environments and reduce power consumption by, for example, identifying high-energy use appliances and switching them off when not in use, purchasing energy-efficient appliances, and reducing heat leakages by installing thicker curtains or insulation where it is needed most.”
To get your hands on a Sustainable House Kit or to learn more, visit www.ncgrl.vic.gov.au or call your local branch.
Septic tank maintenance
If you own or use an onsite wastewater management system, you must maintain the system in good working order. Poorly installed or maintained systems can pollute nearby creeks and rivers, contaminate land and give off offensive odour.
Simple steps to keep your septic system working well:
• Operate the system correctly, such as not overloading it.
• De-sludge the system every 3-5 years.
• Maintain the disinfection chamber.
• Only put biodegradable items into the system.
• Don’t drive vehicles over any part of the system.
Before you install a new system, or alter an existing one, contact Council to apply for a permit. For information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/septic-tanks
ShireLife Page 14 Library update
Subscribe to eNews
Receive updates on Council projects and services direct to your inbox. Subscribe to one or more of the following enewsletters:
Aquatics and Fitness: get the latest on fitness classes, sports programs, swimming and more. Arts and Culture: find out about festivals, exhibitions, arts events and opportunities.
Business: discover events, support and other opportunities for local business.
Disability and Inclusion: find out about events, opportunities and information for people with a disability, carers and families.
Environment: find out more about local environmental projects and events.
Family: information for local families with children aged up to eight years.
Healthy Landscapes: information and events about sustainable land management and regenerative agriculture.
Over-55s: regular updates about local events and opportunities for over-55s.
ShireLife: seasonal newsletter featuring Council projects, activities, opportunities and more.
mrsc.vic.gov.au/newsletters
Find us on social media
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 Naturally Cool
Macedon Ranges Youth
@MacedonRangesSC
@MacedonRangessc and @VisitMacedonRanges
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Macedon-Ranges-Shire-Council
Rates instalments
Rates and charges can be paid in four instalments by no later than the due date, or for the 2024-25 financial year as a single payment by 30 September 2024. Instalment reminder notices will be sent prior to each instalment date.
The remaining instalment date for 2024 is: 31 May 2024
You can pay your rates via BPay View®, online with Visa or Mastercard at mrsc.vic.gov.au/payments, direct debit, Australia Post, mail, centrepay or in person at a Council customer service centre during opening hours.
If you have any questions about rates payment methods, or if you have difficulty paying your rates on time, call customer service on 5422 0333.
Contact Council
5422 0333
mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au
mrsc.vic.gov.au
PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444
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 us 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.
• Translating and Interpreting Service: call TIS National on 131 450.
If you or someone you know may benefit from receiving a large print version of this newsletter: 5422 0333 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. Page 15
FREE Group Fitness class
Present this voucher to attend one group fitness class in Kyneton, Gisborne, Romsey or Woodend for FREE.
Valid until 30 April 2024.
*excludes aqua aerobics classes
East Ward
Cr Annette Death
Mobile: 0427 956 117 adeath@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Geoff Neil
Mobile: 0419 244 776 gneil@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Bill West
Mobile: 0400 025 455 bwest@mrsc.vic.gov.au
South Ward
Hanging Rock
Complete and present this coupon at the Hanging Rock Café to receive your exit ticket.
Name:
Address:
Offer valid until 31 Dec 2024. Not valid on event days and not to be used for commercial purposes. Limit one coupon per household per annum.
Council also acknowledges local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait
the diverse culture of our community.
Cr Dominic Bonanno
Mobile: 0419 829 867 dbonanno@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Rob Guthrie
Mobile: 0419 309 953 rguthrie@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Christine Walker
Mobile: 0438 589 251 cwalker@mrsc.vic.gov.au
West Ward
Cr Jennifer Anderson
Mobile: 0408 273 670 janderson@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Janet Pearce
Mobile: 0437 282 096 jpearce@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Mark Ridgeway
Mobile: 0437 938 766 mridgeway@mrsc.vic.gov.au