Mitchell Shire Council eNews Can't see this email? Click here to view online
An update on Council's response to COVID-19
 
In this edition
 
We pay tribute to Mitchell Shire CEO David Turnbull who passed away this week; the latest COVID-19 service updates including a message from the Mayor plus details on changes at our Resource Recovery Centres, our new online leisure classes and online library storytime starting next week; plus find out how to get involved in our budget consultation.
 
 
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VALE DAVID TURNBULL

29 January 1959 to 27 March 2020

It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news that Mitchell Shire Council CEO David Turnbull has passed away following a battle with cancer.

He joined Mitchell Shire Council in May 2016 and laid the foundations for a financially viable and professional organisation that is responsible for Victorian’s fastest growing Local Government area.

His professional life was dedicated to helping and assisting communities. Community values and interaction were at the forefront of his life in local government.

He will be remembered for his commitment to social justice, ensuring the most disadvantaged communities were taken care of, a desire for quality services, strong community engagement, advocacy, innovation, strong financial management and, most of all, planning.

READ OUR FULL TRIBUTE
 
 
MAYOR'S MESSAGE

A message from Mitchell Shire Council Mayor, Councillor David Lowe including a tribute to David Turnbull and a wrap up of the latest COVID-19 updates. 

WATCH VIDEO on Facebook
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Mitchell Shire Council Mayor, Councillor David Lowe

 
 
COUNCIL SERVICE UPDATES (COVID-19)

Below is a summary of our service status. We've also included some more extended details for some of our services.

You can see a comprehensive list of service updates on our website.

 
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CURRENT UPDATES
 

Customer Service Centres

Our offices are closed, but we're still here to help.

  • Phone (03) 5734 6200
  • Email us
  • Visit our website including our Report It tool for our most common enquiries liked missed bin collections, graffiti reports and hazard reports. 

Greater Beveridge Community Centre

Closed for community bookings. Kindergarten closed for school term. Maternal and child health and immunisation still operating from the centre.

Playgrounds, outdoor equipment, skate parks and BBQs

Closed, but outdoor spaces still open (subject to latest physical distancing rules). 

Our Local Laws team will have a greater on ground presence at playgrounds, skate parks and other outdoor equipment to make sure people are aware of the closures.

Previous closures

  • Our youth rooms are closed. Phone and online outreach available.
  • Leisure centers closed. Some online classes and tailored programs available. 
  • Libraries closed. Some online services available. 

Citizenship ceremony 

The citizenship ceremony that was due to be held on Monday 6 April has been cancelled. The Australian Government has contacted people affected by this change. For any citizenship enquiries please contact the Department of Home Affairs on 13 18 81. 

Resource Recovery Centres

  • Seymour closed to ensure the landfill can operate.
  • Extended hours at Broadford.
  • Normal hours at Pyalong and Wallan.
  • Open for essential drop offs only and only for residents and local businesses.
  • No e-waste collections at the moment.
  • Card only. Please stay in car to pay and follow directions of operators
 
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OTHER CHANGES
 

Animal management

Rangers will still be collecting stray cats and dogs with some changes to reduce physical contact between staff, equipment and residents. Livestock and other Local Laws enquiries can still be reported.

Mail delays

We're taking extra precautions with incoming and outgoing mail which means there may be a small delay with written correspondence. We encourage you to email or phone if possible.

Maternal and child health

Key age and stage visits are continuing with as much contact as possible being done by the phone as part of a pre-visit consultation. Phone outreach available for most other services. 

Immunisation

Continuing with new social distancing measures in place for queues. Please adhere to signage at each centre.

Centrelink terminal

Currently remains open in the foyer of Kilmore Customer and Library Service Centre (note library and customer service centre are closed). Please note Council cannot assist you with how to use the terminal as we can only provide access.

Council meetings

Under state legislation, our Ordinary Council Meetings must be held in person with a minimum number of Councillors attending to reach what is called 'quorum'. We've moved our meetings to the Broadford Hall to meet physical distancing requirements.

Our other meetings such as the Community Questions and Hearings Committee and our briefing sessions don't need to be held as face-to-face meetings. Council is contacting people who were due to present to Council to discuss arrangements.

 
 
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ANIMAL REGISTRATION EXTENSION

Our annual animal registration fees are due Friday 10 April.

In light of the current situation surrounding COVID-19, we are offering a four-week extension until Sunday 10 May.

Please follow the instructions on your notice to make payment including phone and online options.  

If you're experiencing financial hardship and need to discuss payment options, please contact us as soon as you can on (03) 5734 6200.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
 
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LEISURE ACTIVITIES Free online classes
 

Stay fit and focused with Mitchell Shire Leisure Services online classes, designed for you to take part from the comfort of your own home. Classes are being streamed on the Mitchell Shire Leisure Services Facebook page each weekday. 

Current class list

Mondays

  • 9.15am High intensity interval training (30 mins)
  • 6.30pm Core (30 mins)

Tuesdays

  • 10.15am Yoga (45 mins)
  • 6.30pm High intensity interval training (30 mins)

Wednesdays

  • 9.15am Total body conditioning (30 mins)
  • 6.30pm Pilates (45 mins)

Thursdays

  • 9.15am Pilates (45 mins)
  • 6.30pm High intensity interval training/core (30 mins)

Fridays

  • 10.30am Seniors (45 mins)
 
FOLLOW LEISURE ON FACEBOOK
 
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LIBRARIES ONLINE Online story time starting next week
 

Our libraries are closed to the public, but we're still here to deliver services online.

We're especially excited to announce free online versions of our popular storytime sessions.

Our first session will be held at 10.30am on Wednesday 8 April on Council's Facebook page

Starting after Easter, our online storytime will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10.30am.

We're also getting ready to re-introduce a libraries Facebook page, so stay tuned for that. 

It's the perfect chance to keep your children entertained and have fun while staying at home. We can't wait for you to join us.

Borrow digital resources online

For those looking to borrow a book, DVD or magazine, why not check out our e-resources?

All you need is your library membership details to browse and borrow online e-books, e-audio books and more.

If you need a hand setting up access, please give us a call on 5734 6200 during business hours. 

 
VIEW ONLINE CATALOGUE
 
 
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STATE AND FEDERAL GOVERNMENT UPDATES

There is a lot of information available from the Victorian Government and the Australian Government regarding COVID-19.

We've prepared a summary of some key support contact details and resources. 

Emergency Relief Packages (including registering for online priority grocery delivery)

  • Victorian Government Coronavirus Hotline (24/7) on 1800 675 398 for those who are isolated without a support network and need essentials delivered or for 

Financial Support

Mental Health and Wellbeing

  • Beyond Blue is developing a dedicated COVID-19 Mental Health Support Service with funding from the Australian Government including free counselling and a range of resources to assist with isolation and connection, workplace and financial hardship.
  • Details are still being finalised, but there are a range of resources already available at the Beyond Blue website

For further details and updates on the current COVID-19 situation and support in Victoria, please visit the Victorian Government Coronavirus website.

LATEST AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
 
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BUSINESS SUPPORT RESOURCES
 

We know many of our local businesses are doing it tough during these difficult times.

If you are looking for further information on how to manage your business under the new COVID-19 virus restrictions, we have compiled a list of resources that may help.

These include resources for financial support, tourism advice, managing stress and more. 

We know there is a lot of information coming to businesses and that details are changing often. Please monitor updates from the State and Federal Government as more changes occur.

For information specific to Mitchell Shire, please keep an eye on our website or phone or email our Economic Development team

For information about government support or questions about current operating restrictions, please contact the Victorian Government Business Hotline at 13 22 15 or visit the Business Victoria website.

 
FIND RESOURCES
 
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BUDGET CONSULTATION
 

By law we have had to advertise our draft budget for community input before we adopt it.

We released our draft budget before the COVID-19 impacts were known.

Our budget will need to change significantly because of these impacts.

We are seeking advice from the State Government about what this means for our budget process.

We would still encourage you to participate in our draft budget consultation.

Formal submissions close 22 April.  

You can find more at our Engaging Mitchell consultation portal

 
MAKE A SUBMISSION
 
 
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WHY AM I RECEIVING THIS ENEWSLETTER?

You are receiving this e-newsletter because you have signed up for our general enews updates.

We're producing some special COVID-19 editions at the moment. We're starting to bring back some of our regular content as our services take shape over the next few weeks and months. 

Know someone who isn't online and might be interested in updates?

We're also providing information to local newspapers, community newsletters and radio stations.

Know someone who might need information too?

Send them a link to sign up for our enewsletter here.
 

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Mitchell Shire Council, 113 High Street Broadford, Vic 3658
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