The summer pool season kicks off tomorrow (5 December) with the opening of our outdoor pools and we're offering free entry again all summer.

The Broadford Outdoor Pool, Seymour War Memorial Outdoor Pool and the Tallarook Outdoor Pool open on Saturday, following the early opening of the Community Bank ® Adventure Playground Splash Park at Hadfield Park in Wallan on Friday (27 November).

Whether you’re looking for an Olympic-sized lap pool, a water slide or you just want to dip your toe in the waters of our splash park – we've got you covered. All facilities will open with COVID-Safe measures in place.

Our outdoor pools open when the Bureau of Meteorology forecast is 26 degrees or higher.

	FIND A POOL NEAR YOU

WATCH children closely at all times around pools and spas.

PROTECT children from the sun. Always wear protective clothing and sunscreen and seek shade whenever possible.

POOLS and spas must be surrounded by a compliant pool barrier with gates that self-close and self-latch. Never prop a pool gate open.

ALL pools and spas that can hold more than 30cm of water require a fence.

SPAS and pools must be registered with Council.

ENSURE the safety barrier is free of gaps that a child could try to get through. And, that there are no climbable objects surrounding your pool barrier.

	REGISTER YOUR POOL

With the fire danger period beginning on Monday (7 December), we're stepping up our fire safety programs and calling on the community to do the same. 

We have completed the roadside spraying program, begun property inspections in high risk areas, is issuing fire prevention notices and has started roadside slashing on priority local roads. 

Once the fire danger period starts, you cannot burn off without a permit and you need to be fire ready.

Rural properties that join urban areas should maintain an adequate fire break and Council’s local law requires grass on all residential properties to be kept shorter than 20 centimetres.

	FIRE RESTRICTIONS

We're looking for the Everyday Heroes of Mitchell Shire who have risen above and beyond the challenges of 2020 for our Community Awards.

In 2021, Mitchell Shire Council will recognise Everyday Heroes in the following categories:

• Citizen of the Year
• Young Citizen of the Year
• Community Group of the Year
• Online/Community Event of the Year
• Access and Inclusion Champion

This year's winners talk about what it means to them to be recognised for their efforts in a series of videos.

	WATCH THE VIDEOS

A group of young people from Seymour connected with their creative side to produce some stunning artwork as part of the Contrast Seymour Youth Art Program.

The budding artists received $300 worth of art supplies each as part of the 10-week program, including an acrylic paint pack, calligraphy pack and a clay model pack.

The program was designed to develop their artistic, health and wellbeing strengths and skills, and connect them with their fellow peers through social media.

	MORE COUNCIL NEWS

We've launched a new program to support emerging or professional artists, arts workers, people involved in community arts and people who work in any creative industry field.

ArtsACTION can help creatives to grow their career, build their business, step up their organisation and connect them with their peers and other local artists.

The program runs until June with a six-part resource pack, online workshops and networking opportunities.

	REGISTER NOW

The Community Cycling Survey is closing soon. We would like to know what would make you more likely to cycle in Mitchell Shire.

We’d like to get a handle on how we can boost the cycling experience for casual and seasoned riders in Mitchell Shire.

Whether you like to stroll through town, hit a trail, jump a dirt mound or head to the skate park we want to better understand the cycling experience.

Have you got any ideas how we can improve the cycling experience? We want to hear from you.

	SHARE YOUR IDEAS

A new shared pathway is set to be constructed along Wallan's Taylors Creek to boost the region's footpath network and connectivity.

The new pathway will give residents and visitors more opportunity to walk, run and cycle along the creek and take in some of Mitchell Shire's most scenic natural locations.

We will be hosting a Community Drop-In Session on Monday 7 December from 5pm until 6pm. If you would like to join us on-site at Taylors Creek in Wallan, please book here. Bookings are essential.

	HAVE YOUR SAY

We're proposing to rename part of Foote Street, Kilmore, to Kilmore Lancefield Road, Kilmore.

Currently, Foote Street is split into two different sections and is separated by Skehan Place and the Kilmore Creek. There is no direct access from one section of Foote Street to the other.

The section proposed to be renamed begins at Sutherland Street and ends at the intersection of Sydney Street/Powlett Street. This change will allow homes and dwellings to be addressed correctly to assist both postal services and emergency vehicles.

There are no changes proposed for the section of Foote Street that is East of the Kilmore Creek.

	FIND OUT MORE

We're calling for community submissions on the Draft Proposed Common Seal and Conduct at Meetings Local Laws.

The purpose of the Local Law will:

• Regulate the use of Mitchell Shire's common seal
• Prohibit unauthorised use of the common seal or any device resembling the common seal
• Determine a set of offences and associated penalties relating to conduct at meetings

Submissions on the Draft Local Laws are open until 9am on 31 December 2020.

	MAKE A SUBMISSION

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:

• Waste Management Coordinator
• Management Accountant
• Accounts Receivable Officer

	APPLY ONLINE

Due to COVID restrictions Council meetings will be online. You can watch live on our website from 7pm. The recording will be available the next day. 

Next meeting:

• Council Meeting - Monday 14 December

	MORE INFORMATION