For most of us, Christmas is a time to get together with friends and family. 

However, unfortunately for those people doing it tough, it may not always be a time full of Christmas cheer. 

That's where organisations such as Wallan and Broadford community group Love In Action step in, helping brighten Christmas for those less fortunate. And you can help, too. 

Simply donate a gift and leave it under the Christmas tree at our Customer and Library Service Centres in Wallan, Kilmore, Broadford or Seymour before 5pm on 20 December and help spread the Christmas cheer to those in need. 

	DONATE A GIFT NOW

As December rolls on, you may have started to notice a few festive changes around the Shire. 

Our amazing community groups and traders have been hard at work decorating our streets and towns for the festive season. 

Our nights are filled with lights and colour, as residents amp up the Christmas spirit at home with giant santas, glowing reindeer noses and flashing lights.

So if you're looking for a quick road trip for the family in the lead up to Christmas, check out our Facebook page for more information.

	CHECK OUT OUR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS LIST

Summer is here and what better way to beat the heat than to hit the water? 

Mitchell Shire's outdoor pools in Broadford, Seymour and Tallarook are now open. They're a great day out for the whole family. 

Speaking of the whole family, we have a range of season passes available so you and your family can make use of the facilities across Mitchell Shire all summer long. 

We also offer Learn to Swim classes at our Leisure Centres, and be sure to keep an eye on the Mitchell Leisure Services Facebook page for all the upcoming events. 

	FIND YOUR NEAREST POOL

If you're lucky enough to have a pool at home, chances are you and your loved ones will be spending quite a bit of time in it over the coming months, so it's important that it's as safe as possible. 

Did you know that pools and spas greater than 30cm in depth need a pool fence? Even if it's an inflatable pool?

If you're unsure about your own pool, Council can arrange an inspection for that added peace of mind. 

	ARRANGE AN INSPECTION

Christmas is a time for family get-togethers, gift-giving, over-indulgenc and lots and lots of waste. 

Ever get to the end of your Christmas festivities and wonder if there might be a better way to make use of all that wrapping paper or left over food? 

Planet Ark is here to help with their 12 Dos of Christmas, encouraging Australians to think about how they could reduce, reuse and recycle this Christmas. 

Head over to the Planet Ark website and check out their tips reducing your eco footprint this festive season.  

	12 DO'S of CHRISTMAS

Planning on spending some quality time pottering around the garden over the Christmas New Year break? 

After processing the green waste from November's free drop-off campaign, we're now offering free low-grade mulch (mulch may contain weed seeds or small amounts of litter) pick up at our Seymour and Wallan Resource Recovery Centres. 

Mulch is a great way to improve the quality of your soil and help reduce weeds in your garden and less weeds can only ever be a good thing!

Green thumbs can head to one of the centres for a free trailer/car boot load of mulch. See the link below for locations and opening hours.

	GIVE YOUR GARDEN A CHRISTMAS GIFT

We're likely to see more power outages this summer due to power shortages and new powerline safety equipment which will automatically shut off power if there is a fault. 

You may not always receive a warning that the power will be off. 

For those on fibre to the node or fibre to the premises NBN, it's also possible that your landline telephone, internet and WiFi will not work. Please make sure you have considered this as part of any emergency plans you may have. 

The Victorian Government has prepared a guide to help you prepare for power outages including some simple tips:

• Ensure all electrical appliances are turned off at the wall to avoid a power surge when the power comes back on
• Keep your fridge door closed and, if the power is out for more than 1 hour, consider adding some ice to your freezer. 
• Be prepared with a few simple emergency items including bottled water, a first aid kit, a charged mobile phone (and even better, a spare charged battery), a battery-operated radio, a torch and some canned food. 

Find out more about how to prepare for a power outage, what to do in the event of a power outage, and how to help prevent them below.

	YOU GUIDE TO POWER OUTAGES

How are you planning to spend this summer? By the pool? Relaxing with friends and family? 

However you choose to enjoy this fantastic time of year, remember that the soaring temperatures can pose a serious health risk to you and those around you. 

Make sure you:

> Drink plenty of water

> Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day

> Wear a hat and light-coloured clothing when outdoors

> Keep an eye on those around you as heat can affect people differently 

> Look out for signs of heat stress: heat rash, dizziness, cramping, excessive sweating

Animals are also at risk on high temperature days. Please ensure that they have access to shade and plenty of cool, fresh drinking water.

If your animals are allowed inside, make sure there's a spot under the air conditioner, or a nice cool part of the house with plenty of water that they can head to as the house heats up. 

	MORE HEAT HEALTH TIPS

Each year, the State Government publishes data on key performance indicators including animal management, aquatic facilities, food safety, governance, libraries, maternal and child health, roads, statutory planning, waste collection and financial performance and sustainability.

The Know your Council website has recently published the results for this year, allowing you to take a look at the changes in the key performance indicators for Mitchell Shire and see how we compare with other councils. 

	CHECK OUT THE RESULTS

Thanks to funding from The Victorian Government's Growing Suburbs fun, Wallan residents can look forward a number of changes to their outdoor spaces with the aim of improving health, well-being and connectivity in the area. 

The changes will include: 

> A shared trail link along Watson Street, improving access to the town centre and open space reserves.

> A new play space in Coffey Drive, and upgrades for Lisa Place and Roulston Way

	LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UPGRADES

The transformation of the disused outdoor area to include new landscaping, a pergola and a seating area is almost complete.

The new area will also incorporate a dedicated wet area for painting and craft activities, along with an outdoor chess set and hopscotch, while those wanting to stay connected in the new area will continue to have access to Mitchell Shire Libraries' free WiFi connection.

The $133.334 project is funded by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning's Living Libraries Infrastructure Program.

	SEYMOUR LIBRARY TRANSFORMATION

Next time you're down at Kilmore Library you might notice a few changes. 

Thanks to the Victorian Government's Public Library Funding Program, the library has undergone a mini-makeover.

The funky refurb includes a new children's play area, a new study area, some new couches and benches. 

Feel free to drop in and take a look, but remember there are some changes to operating hours over the Christmas/New Year holiday period. 

	CHECK OUT THE CHANGES