The CFA declared Fire Danger Period starts next week. Until then, you can burn off in some situations, but please make sure you monitor the weather conditions and only burn off if it’s safe to do so.

As well as getting your property ready, now is also a good time to review your fire action plans and check that you are set up for alerts via the VicEmergency app.

To check what is allowed during the Fire Danger Period, visit the CFA's 'Can I or Can't I' page. 

	CAN I OR CAN'T I?

There's just a few days left to tidy up around your home and get your property ready before fire restrictions come into force on 11 November.

Don't forget, there are restrictions on what days you can burn in most parts of the shire and in some cases you may need a permit before 11 November. It's also important to consider weather conditions and whether it is safe to go ahead with your burn. 

If you've met the requirements for a safe and legal burn, don't forget to notify VicFire (1800 668 511).

	CHECK BURNING OFF REQUIREMENTS

Have you seen the new ‘Near Me’ tool on our website?

It's a pretty nifty little feature that allows you to search for services such as libraries, playgrounds, resource recovery centres, pools, leisure centres, and points of interest at any location. You can either search by town, or by typing in your address into the 'Near Me' search box.

If you type in your home address you'll be able to see customised information such as your bin collection schedule, capital works projects in your area, the road grading schedule, which ward you are a part of, and who your Councillors are.

	USE THE FEATURE

10am to 3pm, Saturday 16 November, Hadfield Park, Wallan

Bring your family - and of course your pets - for a great day out at this free event.

There will be a variety of displays, demonstrations, stalls and activities as well as competitions for children, adults and pets.

The Mitchell Pet Expo will promote businesses, organisations and clubs at one event, incorporating all types of animals as pets, with the main theme being “Responsible Pet Ownership”.

	EVENT INFO

Now open 9am to 4.30pm Mondays and Thursdays.

Starting 7 November, the Beveridge Micro-Library will have longer hours:

• Mondays, 9am to 4.30pm
• Thursdays, 9am to 4.30pm

We've also confirmed ongoing programs:

• Baby Bookworms, Mondays 10.30am
• Toddler Read and Rhyme, Thursdays 10.30am

	LIBRARY SERVICES

We welcomed 45 new Australian citizens during our October Citizenship Ceremony in Broadford.

The event saw individuals and entire families from around the world receive their citizenship in a ceremony conducted by Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor Bill Chisholm.

The citizens’ countries of origin included Sri Lanka, China and the United Kingdom.

They join 70 other people who became citizens at other ceremonies this year.

	READ MORE

Netball players in Wallan will soon have new lights with a $125,000 project now possible thanks to funding announced by the Victorian Government and Mitchell Shire Council last week.

The Victorian Government will contribute $83,525 towards the project through the Victorian Country Football and Netball grants.

The funding will enable new lights to be installed at two courts on Greenhill Reserve.

	FIND OUT MORE

We worked with a record 12 local primary schools to deliver activities for Walk to School month.

Students and their families were encouraged to get active and walk, ride or scoot to school during October. Council supported the event by running a trundle challenge to see how many kilometres students could walk over the month.

Well done to the schools that participated in the Walk to School program this year.

	READ MORE

Kilmore’s eastern corridor has a new lease on life after the Centenary Drive Playspace Upgrade was officially opened last week.

Council representatives joined Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes to officially cut the ribbon on the $190,000 upgrade.

Council contributed $95,000 and the Victorian Government funded $95,000 through the Growing Suburbs Fund.

Works included new play equipment, footpaths, picnic tables and chairs, a shade sail and landscaping. 

	VIEW PHOTO GALLERY

Accessibility in Wallan has been given a significant boost after a new $900,000 shared footpath was officially opened along Watson Street last week.

The footpath was part of Council's Missing Links program, with Council contributing $300,000 and the Victorian Government providing $600,000 through the Growing Suburbs Fund. 

The project also included street parking bays and improved drainage and improved links between schools, public transport, the retail precinct and community facilities.

	MORE INFO