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words: welcome to Mitchell Shire eNews, 23 December 2020, Pictured. Christmas baubles
 
In this edition:  A message from our Mayor; opening hours for council services during the Christmas and the New Year; tips for a sustainable Christmas; ideas to keep the children entertained these school holidays; enjoying a COVIDSafe summer.
 
Thanks for reading our eNews this year, we look forward to bringing you more Council news and keeping you updated on how we can all Discover Mitchell in 2021.
 
Mayor Cr Rhonda Sanderson video
 
A message from our Mayor

As we look to 2021 and continue to rebuild and protect what we've all worked so hard to achieve, Mayor Cr Rhonda Sanderson looks back on one of the most challenging years we've endured and the community spirit that got us through. 
 
Season's Greetings Christmas wreath with icons of different Council services
 
Changes to hours of operation

The following changes to normal operating hours apply to our services during the Christmas and New Year period. All services will re-open on 4 January, 2021
 
 
CUSTOMER SERVICES
 

Main offices, call centres and Broadford, Seymour, Wallan libraries

  • Closed 1pm on 24 December
  • Re-open 4 January

Kilmore Customer and Library Service Centre

  • Open 29, 30 and 31 December
  • Check online for hours

Visitor Information Centre Seymour

  • Closed Christmas Day
  • 10am-4pm other days

Maternal and child health and immunisation

  • Closed public holidays
  • Normal hours all other days

To report matters such as urgent road hazards, dangerous animals, lost and found dogs and livestock on roads, please call 5734 6200 all hours.
 
 
LEISURE AND POOLS
 

Leisure centres

  • Closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day
  • See web for hours for timetable other days
  • No fitness classes

Outdoor pools and splash park

  • Closed Christmas Day
  • Open other days* 
  • Broadford open 12pm-6pm
  • Seymour open 12pm-6pm
  • Tallarook open 12pm-6pm
  • Splash park open 10am-8pm

*The outdoor pools will open every day when the forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology reaches 26 degrees or higher. Operating hours may vary due to changing temperatures, weather conditions and/or patronage levels.
 
 
KERBSIDE BINS
 

There are some changes to the days kerbside bins will be emptied

  • No change for Monday to Thursday collections
  • Bins scheduled for pick up on Frida 25 December will be collected on Saturday 26 December
  • Bins scheduled for pick up on Friday 1 January will be collected on Saturday 2 January

To check what day your bin is collected go to the Near Me page on the front of our website and enter your address.
 
 
RESOUCE RECOVERY CENTRES
 

If you're planning a clean-up over the Christmas New Year break, you can take garden waste to one of our Resource Recovery Centres - fees apply, or you can use one of the waste vouchers provided with your rates notice.

Our Resource Recovery Centres will be closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day. 

Usual opening hours will apply other days.
 
 
Christmas tree with baubles
CHRISTMAS GUIDE TO WASTE AND REYCLING

Have yourself a sustainable Christmas this year by following some of our handy tips:

  • You can recycle paper gift wrapping even if it has sticky tape on it (but not cellophane or foil wrapping). Or better yet, reuse it next year.
  • Aluminium foil (including foil baking trays) can be recycled if you loosely scrunch it into a “ball”, at least as large as a golf ball.
  • Textiles such as bedding and pillows can’t be placed in your kerbside recycling bin.
  • Got a new gadget for Christmas? Take your old devices, batteries and other e-waste to our transfer stations for free.
  • Take excess household rubbish to a Resource Recovery Centre. Be sure to sort your recyclables as they can be dropped off for free.

With a little bit of planning, you can reduce the waste you create this Christmas.

MORE SUSTAINABLE TIPS
 
Group of smiling children
 
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS Ideas to keep kids entertained
 

The holidays are here and we're fortunate to have an abundance of activities to enjoy and places to visit right here in Mitchell Shire.

From skate parks and trail rides, to arts and crafts, there’s plenty of options to keep children of all ages entertained these school holidays.

Grab your bike or walking shoes and hit a trail or grab a towel and goggles and cool off for free at one of our outdoor pools. 

Or, if you’re looking for something creative to do, visit our online Library Activity Hub for a host of arts and craft activities.

 
MORE THINGS TO DO
 
Children and swimming instructor in a pool
 
SWIMMING LESSONS Sign up for intensive program
 

The VICSWIM program is coming to Mitchell these school holidays.

Enrol your children in this 5-day intensive aquatic program that teaches swimming and water safety to children from 4 years of age.

The program will be at Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre from 11-15 January, and at Kilmore Leisure Centre from 18-22 January.

The program consists of a 30-minute lesson starting at the same time each day throughout the week. Bookings are essential and numbers are limited, so enrol today on the VICSWIM website.

 
ENROL NOW
 
 
Enjoy a COVIDSafe summer

While we're getting back to doing the things we love, the situation in NSW is a timely reminder how important it is we continue protecting everything we have worked so hard to achieve this year. The Victorian Government has prepared these tips to help you stay COVIDSafe.
 
Man wiping down a table
 
ENTERTAINING SAFELY Tips for having visitors
 

Remember all your COVIDSafe habits from this year and prepare your house if you’re hosting guests.

Wipe down and disinfect frequently touched surfaces like door handles, bench tops and tables, taps, light switches and bathroom surfaces.

Try to make sure your home has good ventilation - open windows and doors where you can. And be sure to have a supply of hand sanitiser, spare masks and tissues ready. 

 
MORE TIPS FOR HOME
 
Lady at supermarket with a trolley
 
KEEP WEARING MASKS Take steps to stop the spread
 

The risk of transmitting COVID-19 is highest where people are close to each other and in enclosed spaces.

This time of year, we often find ourselves catching up with family and friends or shopping and often in relatively confined spaces.

That’s why it is more important than ever that you wear a face mask in situations when you are unable to stay more than 1.5 metres from other people. 

 
WHEN TO WEAR A MASK
 
Be prepared for fire, flood, storm. Have an emergency, prepare your property. For more information visit mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/emergency
 
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Mitchell Shire Council, 113 High Street Broadford, Vic 3658
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