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In this edition
Details on all the Anzac Day services across the shire, how you can have your say on the draft budget as well as a number of other projects that are currently underway and an update on our Federal Election advocacy campaign, We've also got all you need to know about kinder enrolments for 2020, and a catch up on the progress of the Tallarook Mechanics Hall rebuild.
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WE'RE FIGHTING FOR MITCHELL SHIRE
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We deserve local mental health services and freeway ramps
We've had a busy few weeks campaigning for a fairer deal for all Mitchell Shire residents ahead of the upcoming Federal election, but there's still a long way to go.
We've made mental health service access and Hume Freeway ramps at Wallan priority issues this election, and we want everyone to get behind us by letting your local candidates know that these issues matter to you.
You can send a message directly to all candidates in under a minute with just a click of a button below.
If online isn't your thing, catch us at one of our pop-up stalls and fill in a postcard to send to candidates. You'll find us at:
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26 April: Wellington Square, Wallan (11pm-1pm)
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27 April: Kilmore Scout Market (9am-1pm)
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4 May: Station Street, Seymour (10am-11.30am)
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4 May: Wellington Square, Wallan (10am-11.30am)
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STATE OF MITCHELL'S MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health is close to home, but help is far away
One in 15 people in Mitchell Shire are reporting high or very high psychological distress. This is higher than the state average.
When compared the rest of Victoria, Mitchell Shire ranks poorly in terms of mental health, yet our communities experience limited access to mental health services, forcing already vulnerable people to seek appointments further away with significant wait times.
Something must be done now.
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ELECTION FUNDS FOR MENTAL HEALTH
New facility could be heading for Mitchell Shire
We had some exciting news last week, with a $3 million election commitment by Labor to bring a headspace facility to Mitchell Shire.
Shadow Minister for Ageing and Mental Health Julie Collins MP and incumbent Labor candidate for McEwen Rob Mitchell announced the funding last week.
We look forward to further commitments from other candidates in McEwen, Nicholls and Bendigo on mental health services in the Shire before we hit the polls on 18 May.
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FIRE DANGER PERIOD ENDING NEXT WEEK
The cooler weather is upon us, and the CFA declared Fire Danger Period is about to be lifted in Mitchell Shire.
From 1am on Wednesday 1 May, you will be able to burn off without a permit (in most cases). However, there are a few local laws that must be followed including what days you can burn off depending on where you live.
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DRAFT BUDGET OUT
Feedback welcomed until 22 May
The draft budget for next year has been released, and we'd love to hear what you think.
The community provided some great suggestions through the Your Budget Ideas initiative last year. We're now seeking formal submissions on the draft budget through what is known as a section 223 process.
Councillors also holding some pop up sessions where you can learn more or provide feedback.
Submissions need to be received by 5pm on Wednesday 22 May.
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KINDER ENROLMENTS
First round closing 1 June
If you have a little one heading off to kinder next year, applications for first round offers for Mitchell Shire's 4-year-old kindergarten and 3-year-old program close on 1 June.
Please be aware that the 1 June cut-off is for round 1 offers only.
If you miss this deadline, any late applications will be processed after round 1 offers have been made. However, places at your preferred kindergarten might be full, so we urge everyone to get their applications in by 1 June.
Applications can be made online, or if you'd prefer, at a Customer and Library Service Centre or by phone 5734 6200.
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Anzac Day services
Commemorative events will be held across the municipality on Thursday 25 April to mark Anzac Day.
Visit our website for a full listing of events.
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Council services
Council's main offices and services will be closed for the Anzac Day public holiday.
We've prepared a list of services that are operating. Please note, there may be some changes to times.
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No change to kerbside bin collections
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Transfer stations open normal hours
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Leisure centres open public holiday hours
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Visitor information centre open
Check opening times on our website.
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CAT CURFEW INPUT WANTED
Cat curfew from sunset to sunrise
Last year we conducted a community survey to help us put together a Domestic Animal Management Plan.
From that survey, 70 per cent of people told us they wanted a cat curfew to be introduced from sunset to sunrise, and we're now preparing to introduce a nightly cat curfew.
Before we do that, we'd like to hear your thoughts on how we should introduce the curfew.
We've prepared some information about how the curfew will work and we'd like your input to ensure things go as smooth as possible.
Survey closes 23 May.
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PLANS FOR NEW KILMORE PLAY SPACE
Input wanted
We're upgrading Centenary Drive Reserve in Kilmore and we want your ideas before we finalise the design.
The proposed plans include replacing the current play space with a half court basketball area and creating a new play space with a shade sail further into the reserve. It also includes plantings, pathways and drainage.
Drop in session, Wednesday 1 May
Come along to the community drop-in session at the reserve on Wednesday 1 May between 5pm-6pm to ask questions and give us your ideas. If you can't make it to next week's drop-in session, you can have your say online.
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ONE YEAR ON: TALLAROOK HALL
It's almost been a whole year since the Tallarook Mechanics Institute hall sadly burnt down in an overnight fire.
We've been working with the community to have this important asset rebuilt, and the wheels are now well and truly in motion to get it underway.
An architect has been appointed and held several discussions with the community and the hall committee of management. We're checking in with insurers to confirm what is in scope and we can then move on to construction.
The Tallarook Farmers Market will be holding a special market on 5 May and have prepared a beautiful video to mark the anniversary.
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Tallarook Farmers Market organisers have put together this short video to mark the one-year anniversary of the hall fire. The market on 5 May (9am-1pm) will pay tribute to the anniversary.
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Oak Street, Seymour works underway
Oak Street in Seymour is getting a bit of a makeover, and we thank local residents for their patience while the works are completed.
Works began earlier this month. The installation of new stormwater pits and pipes is currently in progress, and pavement stabilisation work will start within the next couple of weeks.
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FREE BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFER
If your small business could do with a little extra help from a professional, book in for some FREE one-on-one advice with an experienced councillor.
Our May workshop in Kilmore is fully booked, but you can still register for Seymour (25 June), Wallan (5 September) and Broadford (15 October). Get in quickly to secure your spot.
Each one-on-one session runs for 45 minutes, and you'll be able to pick the brain of an experienced business counsellor from Kangan Institute.
If you're just starting out with a business idea, or have an established small business, book yourself in. Places are limited, so get in quick.
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BAG A BARGAIN
Book sale beginning on 1 May
For all you book worms out there, Mitchell Shire's libraries will be holding a book sale from Wednesday 1 May until sold out.
Prices will be between 20c and 50c per item, or you can fill a standard size shopping bag for just $2.
Get in quick though, as books generally don't last too long.
Libraries are located in Broadford, Kilmore, Seymour and Wallan.
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DETOX YOUR HOME
Free event in Seymour on 15 June
If your home is starting to gain a little too many toxic household chemicals - such as solvents, poisons, cleaning products, fertilisers and car care products - easily and safely dispose of them for free at Sustainability Victoria's Detox your Home event in Seymour on 15 June.
The 'Detox your Home' service is for household chemicals only. The event will be held from 10am-12 noon at Council's Seymour Works Depot, behind Seymour Sports and Aquatic Centre (entry via Pollard Street).
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Mitchell Shire Council, 113 High Street Broadford, Vic 3658
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