Welcome to Mitchell Shire eNews

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In this edition

Have your say on a proposed cat curfew as well as a number of other consultations that are currently underway, read the latest on our election advocacy campaign, get all the info you need on enrolling your children in kinder and stay up to date with events right across the shire.

A group of people with signs at the launch in a plaza

LET'S FIGHT FOR MITCHELL SHIRE

With the Federal election announced today, our Federal Election advocacy campaign is now in full swing.

We launched the campaign last week, and now we're calling on everyone to get involved by letting your candidates know that our community deserves local mental health support services, and safer freeway access at Wallan.

You can show your support for the campaign by sending a message directly to all candidates in your electorate with just a click of a button online at www.fightformitchellshire.com.au

Not online? We've been popping up at events across the shire. This weekend we'll be at the Wallan Olde Time Market. You can fill in a postcard to send to the candidates in McEwen, Nicholls and Bendigo.

Let your candidates know, something must be done now.

Save time, save lives. Fund the Wallan freeway ramp

DRIVER SAFETY ON HUME FREEWAY

We’re seeking a commitment to fund the urgent construction of a full diamond interchange at Wallan

The Hume Freeway and other major roads are unable to cope with current traffic volumes. The significant growth in and around Wallan is going to put even more pressure on the current road network.

Traffic is regularly banking up on Hume Freeway around a blind corner, posing serious safety risks to road users.

Our communities are increasingly concerned by traffic congestion, long commute times, and are frustrated with the impact this has on work, leisure, and family activities.


	MORE INFO

LOCAL MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT

Mitchell Shire residents deserve local mental health support services in their community

Our communities have limited access to crisis and ongoing mental health support services.

One in 15 people in Mitchell Shire are reporting high or very high psychological distress, which is higher than the state average.

Despite this, our communities experience limited access to mental health services, forcing already vulnerable people to seek appointments further away with significant wait times.

While this affects people from all age groups, our young people are particularly vulnerable.


	MORE INFO

YOUTH WEEK CELEBRATIONS

We're in the thick of Victorian Youth Week celebrations at the moment.

We've hosted events across the shire as part of the festival and we still have some great events lined up that you can get involved in.

Friday is our Cell Block Party at the Old Kilmore Gaol, and Saturday is our final event, Art at the Heart in Wallan.

Best of all, all events are FREE!

Just a heads up though, if you're planning to head along to the trivia night or one of our Cell Block parties (10-14 years from 5pm-7pm, and 15-17 years from 8pm-11pm), we do need you to pre-register just so we know numbers.

Visit our events listings

AUSTRALIA DAY 2020

Host the 2020 Australia Day event

We're looking for community organisations to host Mitchell Shire Council's Australia Day awards and citizenship ceremony next year.

Our Australia Day event is always a great celebration, where we welcome new citizens and celebrate the achievements of others with our shire-wide awards.

If this sounds like something your group would like to throw their hat in to the ring for, click the link below to complete an expression of interest.


	REGISTER INTEREST

BUSINESS SUPPORT

Get advice from an expert

We're hosting a number of business consultation sessions over the coming months to assist our small businesses.

These sessions are a great opportunity to access advice specific to your business. You will get a 45-minute one-on-one session with an experienced business counsellor from Kangan Institute.

The first consultation sessions will be held on Wednesday 1 May at Kilmore Customer and Library Service Centre. Bookings are essential.


	BOOK + MORE INFO

CAT CURFEW INPUT WANTED

When we were developing our Domestic Animal Management Plan, we asked the community about a range of animal management opportunities including a cat curfew.

70 per cent of people who took the survey said they would support a cat curfew from sunset to sunrise.

We're now preparing to introduce the curfew, but first, we want your input on how the curfew will work and what sort of education would help with the change.


	HAVE YOUR SAY

We want your input about how we should introduce the cat curfew, how we can best help cat owners to do the right thing, what will happen if people have problems with cats on their property and any concerns people may have that need addressing.

OTHER CONSULTATION OPPORTUNITIES

Engaging Mitchell is your platform to have a say on what happens around Mitchell Shire. Before we make any big decisions, we often like to consult with the community to get their thoughts.

We've got a few consultations at the moment that you might like to get involved in including:

Outdoor fitness equipment in Hadfield Park, Wallan and Hudson Park, Kilmore
Centenary Drive play space in Kilmore
Minor changes to our Rating Strategy
New policies relating to Council property

We're looking for feedback and ideas on a number of projects, and we'd love to hear what your thoughts are


	GET INVOLVED

Have you seen the event calendar on our new website?

It features upcoming events that are being held across the shire. Discover local markets, art exhibitions, business and networking opportunities, library programs, family and community events and more.

Visit our Event Calendar for information or to find out how to list your event for free.

KINDERGARTEN PLACES IN 2020

Enrolments closing 1 June

If you have a little one heading off to kinder next year, please be aware that applications for first round offers for Mitchell Shire's 4-year-old kindergarten and 3-year-old program close on 1 June.

This is earlier than previous years. Get your application in now for round 1 offers. All other applications will be processed after round 1 offers have been made.

Applications can be made online, at a Customer and Library Service Centre or by phone 5734 6200.

COUNCIL MEETING

Join us on 15 April at 7pm

Our next Council meeting is scheduled for Monday 15 April. Come along and see your Councillors in action - everyone is welcome.

The agenda is available online now.

Council meetings are held at 7pm at the Broadford Council Chamber (113 High Street).

ON THE AIRWAVES

Listen in for all the latest news

We're back on the airwaves soon for our monthly radio program.

You can catch us on Monday 29 April, 10am to 11am on OKR FM 98.3FM, or 97.1FM in Wallan, and on Seymour FM 103.9FM on Thursday 2 May from 9am to 10am.

Listen in live on your FM radio, or tune in online.

Mitchell Shire Council, 113 High Street Broadford, Vic 3658
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