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words: welcome to Mitchell Shire eNews, 11 November 2020
 
In this edition: Meet your Councilllors; nominate Your Everyday Heroes for our Community Awards; more Council services reopen;
get your emergency plan ready.
 
Groups shot of Councillors and Executive Leadership Team in front of Council offices.
 
MEET YOUR COUNCILLORS

The Councillors who will serve the community of Mitchell Shire for the next four years were sworn in at a Special Council Meeting on Monday 16 November.

Cr Rhonda Sanderson was elected Mayor and first-time Councillor Nathan Clark was elected Deputy Mayor. Born and raised in Seymour, Mayor Sanderson was first elected to Council in 2012 and re-elected in 2016 and 2020. She served two terms as Mayor in 2016-2017 and 2017-2018.

Above from left to right: Director of Advocacy and Community Services Mary Agostino, Cr Christine Banks, Director of Governance and Corporate Performance Laurie Ellis, Deputy Mayor Nathan Clark, Cr Fiona Stevens, CEO Brett Luxford, Cr Annie Goble, Director Development and Infrastructure Mike McIntosh, Mayor Rhonda Sanderson, Cr Bob Cornish, Cr Rob Eldridge, Cr Bill Chisholm and Cr Louise Bannister.

 
 
A collage of different faces
EVERYDAY HEROES

In a year like no other, the Mitchell Shire community has shown it is truly strong and resilient as Everyday Heroes have risen above and beyond the challenges of 2020.

We need your help to Recognise Your Everyday Heroes with nominations now open for the Community Awards in 2021.

The Mitchell Shire Community Awards and Citizenship Ceremony will be presented during the 2021 Australia Day celebrations which will be hosted by Wallan Neighbourhood House, subject to COVID-19 guidelines.

NOMINATE NOW
 
Freight train holding yard
 
PLAN TO CREATE JOBS Freight terminal crucial for jobs
 

Urgent investment in infrastructure to drive economic growth and jobs post COVID-19 is needed in Melbourne’s North, according to a new report which is supported by Mitchell Shire Council.

The Northern Horizons 2020 Report has identified four key projects – including the Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal – that would create a combined 50,000 jobs in the region. The Beveridge Intermodal Freight Terminal is estimated to create 18,800 jobs.

The other projects identified in the report were:
• La Trobe University Redevelopment (est. 20,000 jobs).
• Developing an Epping Food Innovation Hub  (est. 10,000 jobs).
• Accelerating the Broadmeadows Revitalisation process (est. 1500 jobs).

 
MORE NEWS
 
Child underwater in swimming pool
 
COVID UPDATE More services open
 

As restrictions continue to ease, more services are reopening and we're moving closer to our COVID normal. We're looking forward to the announcement of a further easing of restrictions on Sunday as we head into Christmas.

Pools: Learn to Swim classes start Monday 23 November. Contact centre to book. Aqua classes operating on a limited timetable, bookings essential.

Gyms: Gyms and group fitness now open, limited numbers. No bookings required.

Libraries: Now open. Customer and time limits apply. Wi-fi, kiosks and computers available.

Youth Rooms: Now open, limited numbers, bookings essential via youth@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au

 
LATEST SERVICE UPDATE
 
Three images of outdoors
 
MAKE A #NATUREPACT THIS MONTH

We’ve partnered with the People and Parks Foundation to encourage people to make a #NaturePact this November to spend 30 minutes a day for 30 days outside in nature. Here in Mitchell we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to the great outdoors.
If you're looking for somewhere to visit this weekend in nature
head to the Near Me page on our website.

 
Cup of coffee and snack
 
BE EMERGENCY READY Get your emergency household plan sorted with Redi-Plan sessions
 

Mitchell Shire residents can take part in two online sessions to help prepare a practical household plan for natural disasters and other emergencies.

Mitchell Shire Council and Red Cross have partnered to deliver the online Redi-Plan sessions on 10am on Tuesday 24 November. We also have an evening session planned for 1 December.

Emergency RediPlan is an award winning and internationally recognised disaster preparedness guide.

The sessions provide practical tips, easy instructions and worksheets to help people prepare practically and mentally for an emergency focusing on four key themes: get in the know, get connected, get organised and get packing.

 
BOOK NOW
 
Lady on a laptop
 
SHARE YOUR STORIES Tell us how COVID-19 has impacted your life
 

COVID-19 has had a big effect on us all, and as we look to the recovery phase, we want to hear from members of the community.

We want to hear your stories and observations, as individuals as well as through the eyes of our many service providers and community organisations, about how COVID-19 has impacted the community and service delivery.

The information we collect will be used to inform a Mitchell Shire Community Recovery Plan. Your input will be integral to help us form a picture of the community's strengths and vulnerabilities as we move into recovery from COVID-19. The survey can be completed online and closes on Friday 27 November.

 
COMPLETE THE SURVEY
 
 
LOTE IN LIBRARIES

Our library members have free access to LOTE (language other than English) Online — a fabulous online resource which allows kids to enjoy the magic of books in various languages from the comfort of home, alongside English translations to help develop reading and listening skills.

Just head to the LOTE Online website and enter your library card number to access books for children in languages other than English.
 

ACCESS NOW
Image of children reading a book
 

Mitchell Shire's libraries now offer LOTE online so children can enjoy books in various languages.

 
Lady writing on post-it notes
 
BUSINESS CONCIERGE Permit processes improved
 

When it comes to doing business, Mitchell Shire Council wants to make it as smooth as possible for businesses to establish, develop and expand.

A business concierge service has now been established to assist small businesses with permit applications and setting up a new business. 

Council’s Business Concierge Officer will support businesses in understanding which permits are required, and what documentation is needed to apply for a Council permit.

An online self-assessment form is also now available.

 
MORE NFORMATION
 
Librarian dressed in a nurse's outfit
 
HOSPITAL 100 YEARS Colouring competition closing soon
 

Did you miss the special storytime celebrating Seymour District Memorial Hospital's 100th year this week? You can watch it on our Facebook page and learn how to make your own nurse's hat.

And, don't forget to get your entries in for the colouring competition before 11am on Monday 23 November. 

Mitchell Shire Council has partnered with Seymour Health and GO Seymour to help celebrate the hospital’s 100th year. The Seymour library is featuring commemorative posters and a display from the local history collection.

 
FIND OUT MORE
 
 
Picture of a black cat
SAVE ON PET REGISTRATION

Got a new addition to the family? Make the most of our discounted pet registration during November for all new pets.
Don’t forget, all cats and dogs 3 months of age or older must be registered with Council.
 

REGISTER NOW
 
Picture of worms in the soil
 
COMPOST SUBSIDY Save on worm farm, compost bin
 

Cut down the amount of waste going into your household garbage bin by joining the wonderful world of composting or worm farming.

For the month of November, Council is offering a Compost Bin and Worm Farm subsidy, where residents can claim up to 50 per cent back for any compost bin or worm farm purchased at one of our participating retailers in Broadford, Kilmore, Seymour and Wallan (capped at $50 for worm farms and $30 for compost bins).

To claim the subsidy, simply download a claim form from our website or pick one up from a participating retailer, purchase your compost bin or worm farm from one of the retailers listed, then send your claim to Council within seven days to receive your rebate.

 
FIND OUT MORE
 
Chemicals in garden shed
 
DETOX YOUR HOME Get rid of household chemicals
 

Mitchell Shire Council residents are being urged to do a spring clean and detox their home by taking advantage of a free disposal event this month.

The Detox your Home event is a safe, free and easy-to-use service to dispose of common household chemicals without harming your health or the environment.

Council, in partnership with Sustainability Victoria, is hosting the household chemical collection program in Wallan on Saturday 28 November from 9am to 12noon. This is a drive-through and contactless event and is supported by a COVID-safe plan.

Residents need to register online to attend.

 
REGISTER NOW
 
Rows of old chairs
 
REUSE SHOP REOPENS Recycle unwanted household items
 

Our Reuse Shop at the Wallan Resource Recovery Centre will be open from 11am to 3pm on Saturday 21 November.

The shop resells many household items that can still be used such as furniture, toys, books, records, CDs, gardening items and baby furniture.

There are a few COVID rules in place to keep everyone safe, including a maximum of 15 people in the shop at any time, and the maximum time allowed in the shop will be 15 minutes. EFTPOS payments will be accepted.

The Reuse Shop will continue to open monthly - keep an eye out for opening days and times on our website.

 
MORE INFORMATION
 
Scenic image of hills with trees
 
SEEKING MEMBERS Be a voice for sustainability
 

Would you like the chance to be a greater voice for sustainability within Mitchell Shire?

The Environment Advisory Committee is looking for new members.

The committee aims to tap into the knowledge, skills and experiences of community members to provide Council with strategic advice and recommendations about environmental sustainability and management issues.

Applications close at 9am on Monday 23 November.

 
APPLY NOW
 
 
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU
Input wanted on the following projects
 

Renaming Foote Street: We’re proposing to rename part of Foote Street, Kilmore, to Kilmore Lancefield Road, Kilmore.

Cycling survey: What would make you cycle more? We want to know what would get you cycling more often in Mitchell Shire.

 
VIEW OUR ENGAGEMENT PORTAL
 
 
 
CURRENT VACANCIES Looking for a new career?
 

Have you considered a career with Mitchell Shire Council or do you know someone who is looking for work? We are recruiting for the following roles:

  • Accounts Receivable Officer
  • Infrastructure and Application Administrator
  • Parks and Gardens Crew

Get more information on our website.

 
 
COUNCIL MEETING November schedule
 

This month's Council meetings will be online and you can watch live on our website. The recording will be available the next day.

Meetings are held at 7pm.

  • Community Questions and Hearings Committee - Monday 23 November
  • Council Meeting - Monday 30 November
 
 
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Mitchell Shire Council, 113 High Street Broadford, Vic 3658
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