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Welcome to the May edition of Shire news
Commemorating Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week
Join us to commemorate Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week at three community events, including the installation of the Reconciliation Seat, crafted from a limb that fell from the beloved Guildford Big Tree.
Sorry Day Commemoration
When: Tuesday 26 May, 10.00am to 12.00pm
Where: Castlemaine Botanical Gardens (near the playground)
A free community event featuring a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson, with reflections from Mayor Toby Heydon and local school leaders.
National Reconciliation Week Launch
When: Wednesday 27 May, 10.00am to 12.00pm
Where: Market Building, Castlemaine
Featuring the launch of Uncle Ron Murray’s The Little Platypus Teaching (Wamba Wamba, Tatiara man), Nalderun Awards and First Nations-made artworks and products for sale.
The Guildford Biyal (Red gum) Honouring Day
When: Sunday 31 May, 11.00am - 2.00pm
Where: The Guildford Big Tree, 13 Fryers Street, Guildford
Unveiling of the Reconciliation Seat, Djaara Women dancers, free BBQ, music, First Nations stalls. Find out more about the Guildford (Red Gum) Biyal Honouring Day event.
Find out more: www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/Sorry-Day-NRW-2026.
Ride for FREE on our Wellbeing Bus this May
The shire's Wellbeing Bus, Peggy, is FREE for the month of May and also includes FREE entry passes to Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre. Peggy helps people who don’t have access to transport to travel to wellness and exercise facilities.
Book your seat by emailing Julia Leonard at j.leonard@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or phone 03 5471 1797.
Council adopts 24-hr cat curfew with education-first approach
Council has voted to adopt a 24-hour cat curfew across the shire, requiring cats to be securely confined to their owner’s property at all times.
This new order replaces the previous sunset to sunrise curfew and follows community consultation undertaken during the development of the Domestic Animal Management Plan.
Mayor's message - Celebrating Maldon’s 60 notable years
Mayor Toby Heydon reflects on Maldon’s 60th anniversary as Australia’s first Notable Town, sharing personal memories, stories of heritage and community, and what makes Maldon such a special place.
Event Grant recipients announced
Congratulations to the 15 community groups that received funding in the latest round of Council’s Event Grants program. Supported events include the Newstead Young Writers Festival, the Aussie Band T-Shirt World Record Attempt and Town Folk Festival.
Help shape Council’s Biodiversity Strategy
The Biodiversity Strategy survey is now live, and residents are invited to have their say. Share your ideas through the online survey, attend a drop‑in session, or join a community workshop in person or online. Visit Shape for dates, times and details.
Council invites local artists to exhibit at Phee Broadway foyer
Expressions of interest are now open for artists and art organisations to be part of the 2026-2027 Phee Broadway Theatre Foyer Exhibition Program. The program provides local artists with a professional platform to present their work in a prominent setting.
Newstead public artwork commissioned
We’re excited to announce a public art commission by local artist Kirsten Moegerlein. The artwork will be a wraparound mural on Panmure Street in Newstead. Kirsten will work in partnership with Newstead Landcare to design and paint the mural that celebrates revegetation work on the Loddon riverbanks.
Learn how to win government grants
Local business operators are invited to a free afternoon of workshops to build pitching skills and learn how to win government grants and contracts. Hear from Business Victoria, the Small Business Mentoring Service and Council’s procurement team.
Click below for details and to register.
Have your say with Shape Mount Alexander
We're lucky to have a knowledgeable and passionate community. We use your valuable feedback to inform our projects and general decision-making.
Biodiversity Strategy
Lend us your feedback on the new Biodiversity Strategy which will help guide how we protect and care for nature on Council managed land across our shire.
New heritage controls for Maldon
Have your say on proposed planning scheme updates that will fix outdated information, improve planning scheme maps, and explain more clearly why the area is important.
Keep an eye on Shape Mount Alexander to be involved in Council decision-making, find a listening post close to you, and stay in the loop on projects and initiatives.
Find out what's on in the shire
Autumn is the perfect time to explore Mount Alexander Shire. Our markets, gardens, galleries and eateries are the perfect place to spend a weekend.
Check out what's on:·
- Bring your bill day - Get free, confidential advice on your energy and water bills from Energy and Water Ombudsman Victoria representatives.
- Lucha Fantastica Mexican wrestling - Over ten masked wrestlers delivering a flamboyant mix of athleticism, entertainment and dramatic storytelling.
- Best Backyard Bonanza workshops - Don't miss out on these workshops designed to boost your backyard gardening skills.
- Teens and Screens - Navigating Technology Together - Learn how to connect with teens in today's digital world. Presented by community health nurse, Bron Grieve.
- Songs and Rhymes in Maldon Athenaeum Library - A fun program supporting early communication in a warm, playful setting for children aged 0-5 years.
Upcoming Council meeting
Our next Council meeting will be held at 6.30pm on Tuesday 19 May 2026.
To raise a question at the Council meeting email the Governance team at governance@mountalexander.vic.gov.au or write to them at PO Box 185, Castlemaine VIC 3450. Messages must be received by 12.00pm on the day of the meeting.
It's Barramal and Yulawil time – Emu and echidna time
Mount Alexander Shire Council acknowledges that the traditional custodians of this
land, the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung peoples, proudly survive. We acknowledge their continued practise of custom and their close cultural, spiritual, physical, social, historical and economic relationship with theland and waters that make up
their country, which includes Mount Alexander Shire.
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Mount Alexander Shire Council
email: info@mountalexander.vic.gov.au web: www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au