Mitchell Shire Council eNews Can't see this email? Click here to view online
Boys at splash park in Wallan
 
In this edition

Mitchell Shire Council has a new Mayor; summer season starts for outdoor pools and splash park, and entry is FREE; how we're supporting 16 Days of Activism; important decisions from the November Council meeting; the latest leisure offers; and have your say on important Council matters.
 
Councillors David Lowe and David Atkinson
 
Meet your new Mayor and Deputy Mayor

Councillor David Lowe (pictured above, left) was elected in his first term as Mitchell Shire Mayor on Monday night and takes over from Cr Bill Chisholm. Councillor David Atkinson was appointed as the Deputy Mayor for a second year. 

The Mayoral elections are held each year and voted on by the elected Councillors.
 
 
Boy in pool
OUTDOOR POOLS TO OPEN, ENTRY IS FREE

Our outdoor pool season is about to begin, and the best part is, entry will be free for casual swimming all Summer long. That's right, we're making our outdoor pools more accessible than ever by waiving the entry fee at Broadford, Seymour and Tallarook outdoor pools.

We'll monitor how many people take advantage of the free casual entry to outdoor pools this summer to decide how the pools are used and developed in the future.

Please note, entry fees will still apply for special events, pool and lane hire, and to the indoor aquatic facilities.

The Wallan splash park at the Community Bank® Adventure Playground in Hadfield Park is also about to re-open to the public, and of course, entry is always free.

MORE INFORMATION
 
16 days of activism banner
 
16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM Violence, in any form, is a violation of human rights.
 

Fact: 1 in 3 Australian women have experienced physical violence

From yesterday, we're joining more than 6,000 organisations around the world to take part in 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

16 Days is a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about violence against women and the impact of gender-based violence.

This year's campaign is being delivered by 79 Council’s across the state to show our united front in taking a stance against violence. Of the 79 Councils, Mitchell sits 11th for family violence rates, and the incidence per 1000 people is almost double the State average.

 
CAMPAIGN INFO
 
 
WALK TO SUPPORT Historic walk will shut down Kilmore's main street
 

Meet for 11.30am at Hudson Park, Kilmore on Friday 29 November

To show our support for the campaign, we’re hosting the first annual Mitchell Community Walk to End Violence on Friday 29 November.

Guest speakers will address attendees at Hudson Park, Kilmore at 11.30am. The walk will commence at 12 noon and conclude back at the park for a light lunch and refreshments.

The event aims to bring the community together to highlight a united front, taking a stand against violence, and to highlight that help and support is available for those in need throughout our municipality.

 
REGISTER FOR WALK
 
 
OLD GOULBURN RIVER BRIDGE: UPDATE

Stabilisation works are currently underway on the Old Goulburn River Bridge in Seymour.

Necessary repairs are being done, and scaffolding has now been erected to allow us to begin installing crosshead clamps. That will be followed by fixing and installing the steel cable tensioning system.

The Stabilisation Project is the first step of many. Once completed, it will allow plans for the bridge’s refurbishment and reuse to occur in a staged manner. 

MORE INFO ON THE WORKS
Old Goulburn River Bridge works
 

Protection works on Seymour’s historic heritage listed Old Goulburn Bridge are well underway.
 
Councillors on the roadside
 
ROADSIDE WORKS Clearing works in time for Summer
 

Council is committed to fire hazard and fuel reduction and will work with agencies in an effort to reduce fire hazards on public lands.

At their November meeting, Council supported a $50,000 budget to undertake significant roadside clearing works leading into Pyalong and Kilmore.

Additionally, our Local Laws Officers will monitor risks on public land, and if deemed a hazard, Council will write to the relevant CEOs of public authorities in an have the hazard rectified.

 
MORE INFO
 
Dog
 
DOG REGO Changes to fee structure
 

Council will introduce a new fee structure for dog registration. The fee will apply to dogs under 12 months old and will come into force in April 2020.

We hope it will encourage more people to register their dogs, while at the same time giving them flexibility to have the animal de-sexed.

It means people with young dogs won’t have to cover the costs of registration and de-sexing at the same time, and it will reduce Council's administration times in processing de-sexing refunds.

 
REGISTER YOUR PET
 
 
ENGAGE WITH US
Help us make decisions on Council matters
 

Before we make any decisions here at Council, we like to hear what our residents think. We have a few consultations happening at the moment that you might like to get involved with, including:

RYANS CREEK RESERVE

Following input from the community earlier this year, we've released some draft designs for Stage 1 of the Ryans Creek Reserve activation. We've got a drop-in session on Tuesday 3 December, 4-5pm at the reserve where you can also have your say. Closes: 9 December.

GRAVES STREET NAME CHANGE

We're proposing to rename the northern part of Graves Street, Kilmore to "Doolans Lane". Closes: 6 January.

KILMORE COMMUNITY HUB

We want your input on our plans to re-develop the Library and Memorial Hall with a community hub. Closes: 28 November.

To have your say on these and other consultations, visit our Engaging Mitchell page.

Additionally, the Victorian Electoral Commission is reviewing the electoral structure of Mitchell Shire Council, and would like to hear your thoughts on how well your community is represented.

 
ENGAGING MITCHELL WEBSITE
 
VEC COUNCIL REVIEW
 
Engaging Mitchell
 
Kinder kids
 
READY FOR SCHOOL Funding for local children
 

We've received $192,779 in funding from the Victorian Government for School Readiness - a new, permanent part of Victorian kindergartens' funding plans.

Children throughout Mitchell Shire are individuals and learn and develop at different stages, and this funding will ensure all children have access to targeted, high-quality programs to improve their long-term educational goals.

School Readiness funding will be rolled out through Victoria over the next three years.

Council thanks the Victorian Government for its support in delivering crucial community services.

 
MORE INFORMATION
 
Spin class
 
LEISURE NEWS Join in December for free
 

Our Leisure Services team have some great offers for you at the moment.

LEARN TO SWIM

When you enrol in Swim School in December, you'll pay nothing until February next year. So not only will you have your spot secured for 2020, but you will also get free access to our indoor and outdoor pools all summer long.

HEALTH CLUB

If you're looking to get fit, we also have a special offer for you. We know that joining the gym may not be a high priority with Christmas looming, but if you join us in December, you'll get the rest of the month free. So the sooner you join, the more time you will have without paying a cent.

 
FIND OUT MORE
 
Seymour FM 103.9 on 28 November 9-10am
 
Mitchell Shire Council, 113 High Street Broadford, Vic 3658
Click here to unsubscribe from Mitchell Shire eNews.