13 projects 13,675 - golden plains shire...december 2015 gazette council receives $2.7 million to...

Smythesdale

HaddonRoss Creek

Garibaldi

Wingeel

Meredith

Shelford

Inverleigh

Bannockburn

Golden Plains Shire Golden Plains Shire

December 2015 GazetteCouncil receives $2.7 million to improve road safetyCouncil has secured a further $814,000 on top of the $1.9 million Federal Government Roads to Recovery allocation to support our roads and improve safety in 2015-16. To find out more about Golden Plains Shire’s 2015-16 Roads to Recovery projects, visit: http://bit.ly/1PplB0s. In the meantime, we provide some interesting facts and highlights about this exciting program of much-needed improvements below:

$2.713,675

13

These projects help keep people safe

million will be spent across 13 projects in Golden Plains Shire

of road network will be upgraded; the program includes two lane road seals, road widening, re-asphalting and more

Accident history,road condition and the number of vehicles using the road were among the comprehensive selection criteria for determining priority improvements

metres

8 of the 13 projects are road seals, which improve road surface, increase traction, reduce dust, noise and stone flick-up and…

improve safety

from Golden Plains Shire’s

2015-16 Roads to Recovery program

Road condition assessments were undertaken by an

independent assessor to help Council develop priority road projects

important projects

Council will continue to lobby for support to maintain and upgrade our road network.

The

are located all over the Shire...

NEW two-lane sealed road (no longer gravel)

Widen road

Reconstruct sealed road

Re-asphalt roundabout

Fund the design of road widening project

Key

Golden Plains Shire boundary

CouncilYour

2 | GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE GAZETTE - DECEMBER 2015

Bannockburn Customer Service Centre2 Pope Street,Bannockburn,Victoria, 3331.

Linton CustomerService Centre68 Sussex Street, LintonVictoria, 3360.

PhoneP: 03 5220 7111F: 03 5220 7100

Postal AddressGolden Plains ShirePO Box 111,Bannockburn,Victoria 3331.

Emergency ContactsP: 1300 363 036P: 03 5220 7111 (24 Hours)

Bannockburn Cultural Centre27 High Street, BannockburnP. 5220 7260

The Well, Smythesdale Business, Health & Community Hub19 Heales Street, SmythesdaleP. 5321 1500

Northern Community CentreSago Hill Road, HaddonP. 5342 7000

Bannockburn Family Services Centre2a Pope Street, BannockburnP. 5220 7230

From the MayorSeason’s greetings from Golden Plains Shire Council. At the October Special Meeting of Council, I was re-elected by Council as Mayor. I am honoured to be able to continue to represent and serve the Golden Plains community for the next year.

Looking back, I would like to thank my fellow Councillors, Council staff and Rod Nicholls for their hard work over the last year. Local government is a complex area, and I am always proud to see the singular focus on serving our residents and businesses.One example of this is the opening of @ the heart, which you can read more about on

page 6. This project represents the ideas and effort of over 100 community members and Council staff, all for the benefit of the community. It is a fantastic initiative and I encourage you all to visit one of the fantastic events, especially with your children.Looking forward, I encourage art lovers to consider volunteering for the 2016 Arts Trail – find out how to get involved on page 8. Volunteering can have many positive benefits for the volunteer – 73% of employers would recruit a candidate with volunteering experience over one without, according to TimeBank.org.Finally, as the holiday season approaches I would like to wish you all a happy and safe festive season. I look forward to a rewarding 2016 for Golden Plains and its residents.

Cr Des Phelan – Mayor

From the CEO’s DeskCongratulations to Cr Des Phelan on his re-election as Mayor of Golden Plains Shire Council for the next year. Cr Phelan has worked tirelessly over the past year to represent Golden Plains Shire, and together with staff and volunteers,

many advantages have been won for our residents – the Roads to Recovery project, outlined in our cover story, is a great example.The Mayor and I have continued to meet with members of parliament, local seat candidates and other government representatives, most notably meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss and member for Corangamite

Sarah Henderson in October, who were interested to learn more about Council’s federal projects and priorities. I would like to confirm that Council will not apply for any variation to the State Government’s proposed plan to cap rate rises for the 2016-17 financial year, and Council is committed to ensuring it meets the State Government’s proposed rate cap with minimal impact on the important services Council provides. Once again this year I want to stress how important it is to be prepared for the fire season. On page 4 and 5 you can find some things you can do to help get ready. Many know personally how devastating fires can be – so please be safe.Have a safe and happy holiday season.

Rod Nicholls – Chief Executive Officer

A reusable

shopping bag in festive colours

two recycled notebooks

three sets of LED Christmas lights

four loving kisses and rubbish free lunches

five buckets of recycled water for our garden

six metres of compost to reduce the water our garden needs

seven cycling accessories to encourage me to use my bike more

eight ways to reduce reuse and recycle, including a new compost bin

nine gorgeous reusable bags to take with me when I go shopping

ten worms and a worm farm to keep our kids busy and our compost going

eleven reasons to recycle

twelve big hugs to thank me for helping reduce our carbon footprint

On the first day of Christmas my

true love gave to me….

GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE GAZETTE - DECEMBER 2015 | 3

RecyclingThe 12 days of recycling

Waste and recycling update for this quarter

Have yourself a very environmental ChristmasHere are some handy tips to help you stay green this Christmas…

Keep used wrapping paper for the kids to use for craft – this also keeps them busy during holidays

Buy a living Christmas tree in a pot – it will also last for years

Take cloth bags when doing your Christmas shopping

Take your own glass to BBQs, or ask your friends to bring their own – it’s nicer to drink out of, too

Buy rechargeable batteries and a charger to use in your kids new toys – saves money too

Avoid throwing out food with handy recipes from www.lovefoodhatewaste.vic.gov.au

Home made gifts come straight from the heart – decorate your used tin cans, punch

holes in the bottom and plant them with herbs

Waste and

EPA Landfill Levy $38

Recycle collection transport $77

Waste collection transport $51

Education/contract $22management

Landfill disposal cost$50

How your $238 waste charge is used

3months in Decreased waste

to landfill by 29%

Increased recycling volume by55%

80 truckloads

of waste to landfill

You saved the environment from

On the 1st day of Christmas my true love gave to me...


Prepare. Act. Survive.Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world. Understanding your level of risk is the first step in developing your Grass and Bushfire Survival Plan.

Prepare – do you have a bushfire plan? The Country Fire Authority (CFA) has produced a Fire Ready Kit to help you understand fire and plan for survival, beginning with the basics of preparing before the fire season, through to planning what to do if fire is in your area and you cannot leave – you can find it on their website.

10 important decisions to make with your family:1. Which Fire Danger Rating is your trigger to leave?2. Will you leave early that morning or the night before?3. Where will you go?4. What route will you take – and what is your alternative in the event that a fire is already in the area?5. What will you take with you?6. What do you need

to organise for your pets or livestock?7. Who do you need to keep informed of your

movements?8. Is there anyone outside your household who you need

to help or check up on?9. How will you stay informed about warnings and

updates?10. What will you do if there is a fire in the area and you

cannot leave?For more information, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare.

Download the FireReady app to your phoneThe FireReady app (for Apple and Android) puts CFA, Metropolitan Fire Brigade (MFB) and Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) emergency warnings and information at your fingertips. Find it here: www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/fireready-app

If you have recently received a fire prevention notice, visit page 11 for next steps.

Act – what do the warnings mean? There are three different levels of warnings – Advice, Watch and Act and Emergency Warning. The warnings may not be issued in any particular order – the first warning you hear about could be an Emergency Warning.ADVICE General information to keep you up to date with developments.WATCH AND ACT An emergency threatens you. Conditions are changing and you need to start taking action now to protect your health, life and your family.EMERGENCY WARNING You are in imminent danger and need to take action immediately. You will be impacted by the emergency.

Do not rely on an official warning to leave. Bushfires can start quickly and threaten homes and lives within minutes.

Where to find warnings and updatesMedia local news – ABC local radio, Sky News TVPhone Bushfire information lineOnline www.emergency.vic.gov.auSocial media @CFA_Updates on Twitter and www.facebook.com/cfavic In some circumstances, you may receive a SMS to your mobile phone or a call to your landline.


Prepare. Act. Survive. Are You Fire Ready?

LOW-MODERATE CODE REDFIRE DANGER RATING

DID YOU KNOW ... If you live near bush, leaving early is the safest option to protect you and your family. On hot, dry and windy days, fires can start and spread quickly. Leave and live.

?

Understanding Fire Danger RatingsCode RedThese are the worst conditions for a bush or grass fire. Homes are not designed or constructed to withstand fires in these conditions, and the safest place to be is away from high risk bushfire areas.ExtremeIf a fire starts and takes hold, it will be uncontrollable, unpredictable and fast moving. SevereIf a fire starts and takes hold, it may be uncontrollable. Very High, High and Low-Moderate If a fire starts, it can most likely be controlled in these conditions and homes can provide safety, but residents should stay aware as fires can still start and impact on homes quickly.

Survive – know what to expectEven if well prepared people can still find themselves faced with fire, so knowing what to expect and what your options are can be helpful. The CFA Guide to Survival has more information about this, but here are some key points:What to expect in a fire• Embers and spot fires moving ahead of the main fire• Smoke, heat, noise and darkness• Lack of visibility, making it hard to know where the fire is.

Travel will be dangerous• Fires approaching from any direction (or two directions

at once)• Burning embers landing around your property for many

hours before or after the main fire front has passed • Roads blocked by fallen branches, powerlines and

emergency vehicles.

If you get caught in a fire.If you are caught in a building, only shelter in a room that has a direct exit to the outside of the house. If your house is on fire, you will need to leave the house and move outside to burnt ground if possible.Sheltering in a car is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury or death. Always plan to leave early to avoid this situation.

For information on how to stay safe this summer, visit emergency.vic.gov.au or ring the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.


By now many of you may have seen the bright and cheerful @ the heart site on the corner of Milton and Byron streets in Bannockburn, or been one of more than 500 people who have taken part in an event or activity there! There has been a great range of activities @ the heart, with Seniors Festival and Children’s Week activities using giant games, fun sessions run by the YMCA at the October Farmer’s Market. At the official launch on 12 October saw the Australian Ballet entertained a large crowd with a performance and costume demonstration. Use @ the heart for your eventsCommunity groups and clubs are able to book the site (for free!) and are encouraged to run fun and active events. Why not hold a ‘come and try activity’ or a family summer series event like backyard cricket @ the heart? There is a 20m x 8m artificial turf area and other games and activities available for until the end of March. Coming up @ the heartIn February and March we will be visited by Circus Oz who will run school and weekend workshops, and Arts Centre Melbourne delivering interactive performances on four Friday nights. To keep in touch with what is happening just ‘like’ @ the heart on Facebook facebook.com/attheheartbannockburn where the weekly schedule and regular updates are posted or you can call 5220 7260 for more information.

You can have it @ the heart!

Community Engagement Strategy

Council is planning to improve our community consultation and engagement practices after receiving feedback that improvement is needed.Mayor, Cr Des Phelan said, “We have been given a clear message that we need to improve the ways in which we involve the community when we are making decisions and we will be working hard to improve our performance in this area.”

Council is developing a new Community Engagement Strategy for 2016-2020. Community Engagement is how Council consults with community members on a range of issues affecting them, as well as Council services, strategies and projects. Community Engagement Strategy Survey Council would like to hear how you wish to engage in Council’s projects and strategies. You can complete the survey on our ‘Have Your Say’ page at goldenplainsdigital.com.au, or you can obtain a printed version from your local Golden Plains Customer Service Centre.Council will also be establishing a reference group to assist with the development of the Community Engagement Strategy from January to April 2016. You can find out more about the Strategy on our ‘Have your Say’ page at goldenplainsdigital.com.au/consultations This is the first of a number of initiatives which will be rolled out in coming months to improve Council’s consultation and communication with the Golden Plains Shire community.

CommunityYour

The ‘@ the heart’ activation is funded by VicHealth.


Teesdale Turtle Bend Reserve hosted the Regional Final of Battle of the Bands for the first time on Saturday 24 October. Nearly 300 people came from far and wide to see 10 young bands and solo artists, and headline band by Murdena. Warrnambool band Against Our Pride took out the top spot, winning a spot in the line-up at the 2016 Moomba festival.Even better, the event was organised by our local Golden Plains Shire Council FReeZA Youth committee, a group of nine young people aged 14 – 19 who live in the Golden Plains and are passionate about creating youth events in their community.

Get involvedThe FReeZA committee is seeking new people to join in 2016 to help organise music, art and recreational events for other young people. More information can be found at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/youth or facebook.com/goldenplainsyoungpeople.

Teesdale hosts the Battle of the Bands Regional Final

The communities of Dereel, Enfield, Haddon and Lethbridge will benefit from the Skate Park Graffiti Prevention Project which received $23,400 funding from the Victorian Department of Justice and Regulation in November. The project will involve an artist working with local young people and community members to improve the look of the existing skate parks by creating murals for the skate park surfaces. This is an exciting project for Golden Plains Shire and will build on the successful work that has already taken place at the Smythesdale, Teesdale, Rokewood, Bannockburn and Linton skate parks.

Get involvedCommunity workshops will take place in early 2016 at each location to prepare the designs. Community members will then be actively involved in painting the murals. We hope this project will increase local ownership of the sites which will reduce the presence of graffiti and decrease anti-social behaviour.

A new community-focused initiative, Walk Around Australia and Up The Guts targets physical health and emotional wellbeing of participants with a simulated walk around Australia (including Tasmania) measured by pedometers.This is a great opportunity for our older community members to participate in a fun and interactive activity, improve their wellness as well as revisiting places of interest using technology, to reconnect and reminisce through old photos, stories and online maps.How does it work?Participants are issued with a pedometer funded by the Department Health and Community Services – Grampians Region. The walk starts in Adelaide moving through states and territories including Tasmania, and distance will be calculated with one step equalling one metre. Steps will be recorded

weekly and marked on a large laminated map of Australia, coordinated through Council’s Planned Activity Groups.The project started in late November and will finish in June 2016. To register your interest in participating, contact Noel Brebner, Social Support Coordination Officer, by phone on 5220 7154 or by email at [email protected].

Council wins Graffiti Prevention funding

Get up and moving

CommunityYour


Locals are invited to a free Community BBQ on Friday 18 December at the Lethbridge Rec Reserve.Entertain the kids with a Santa meet and greet, ‘Tootle Express’ train rides, a Jumping Castle and Addictive Art. Buy a raffle ticket in the CFA’s monster Christmas raffle and relax to live music on the night. It’s a great community night – see you there! If you have any questions, please call Kirsty on 0427 811 971.

On Saturday 7 November, 85 people from Golden Plains, Melbourne, Geelong and the Surf Coast gathered for the 2015 Sumptuous Luncheon at the Golden Plains Farmers’ Market. The sky was blue, the sun was shining and a beautifully decked out marquee glistened with wine glasses, native plants and microgreens. Gladioli from Inverleigh served a first-class feast that featured melt-in-your-mouth pork belly, alternated with delicious beef brisket, which owner Matt Dempsey divulged was “slow cooked for three days”. Complemented by fine wines from Austins & Co, live tunes by Cal Young and an entertaining host in charismatic food writer Richard Cornish, the 2015 Sumptuous Luncheon delivered all that it promised: a delightful day out for friends and families.

Golden Plains Arts Trail, March 19 - 20, 2016 is looking for volunteers. As a valued volunteer you will get to:• Share your skills and learn new ones• Be part of an exciting arts experience• Meet new people• Make the 2016 Arts Trail the best yet! • A bundle of volunteer goodies

including a t-shirt, a thank you lunch, an invite to the launch and a chance to win a piece of art.

Register at: artstrail.com.au.

Lethbridge CFA brings Santa to town!

Sumptuous luncheon a great success

Arts Trail call for volunteers

What’s on in Golden Plains?

EventsDecember

Golden Plains Farmers’ Market, Bannockburn – 9am - 1pm, Cnr High & Milton Sts, Farm fresh produce, free parking, free entry and kids’ activities. More info: goldenplainsfarmersmarket.com.au

5

Smythesdale Country Market 35A Brooke St, Smythesdale, 9am – 1pm More info: Lin Hocking-Turnbull, (03) 5342 8751

19

Teesdale Twilight Market and Christmas Carols 4pm – 8.30pm, Turtle Bend Reserve, Teesdale, Home grown, hand-made and vintage market followed by Christmas Carols and fireworks. More info: Geoff Wild, 0407 835 731

Bluestone Blues Festival A two-day festival for blues music lovers featuring popular Blues music artists at Murgheboluc Public Reserve 2047 Hamilton Highway, Murgheboluc. More info: Andy Rubans, 0409 018 029

22

31

JanuaryGolden Plains Farmers’ Market, Bannockburn – Cnr High & Milton Sts, 9am - 1pm. Farm fresh produce, free parking, free entry and kids’ activities. Info: goldenplainsfarmersmarket.com.au

2

Teesdale Country Market 9am – 1pm, 1109 Shelford-Bannockburn Rd, Teesdale, Home grown, hand-made and vintage market with sausage sizzle and Devonshire Tea. More info: Geoff Wild, 0407 835 731

24

More info: 5220 7201.


Economic Development News

Golden Plains Shire is the fifth fastest growing regional Council in Victoria, with our population projected to grow from 20,544 in 2014 to 28,841* people by 2031. That’s an increase of 40% in only 17 years.For more interesting information on the Shire’s population and industry, check out our Fact Sheets, which are available at www.goldenplains.vic.gov.au/factsheets. * Source: Victoria in Future 2015

Did you know?

Access to reliable and fast broadband internet is important for the residents and businesses of Golden Plains. The roll out of NBN across the Shire is crucial for economic growth and investment and to ensure that our community is connected and safe.

Bannockburn is set to receive fixed line NBN in 2016 with 1,300 premises to be connected to the new service.

NBN will be launching its first new satellites later this year, with service expected to be available in the first half of 2016. Customers in remote areas that don’t have access to fixed line or fixed wireless NBN broadband internet will be able to connect to the satellite service. Those already on the interim satellite solution will be switched over to the new service. For more information on the NBN roll out visit www.nbnco.com.au.

Five new NBN Fixed Wireless Towers have been announced for Batesford, Cressy East, Inverleigh, Lethbridge, Meredith and Teesdale, giving residents in these areas access to high speed broadband. Time frames are yet to be announced for the new towers. Currently there are around 3,800 premises covered by Fixed Wireless Towers across ten communities within the Shire including Dereel, Haddon, Haddon West, Linton, Rokewood, Smythesdale, Cape Clear, Enfield, Ross Creek, and Sebastapol South.

NBN in Golden Plains

NBN is coming to Bannockburn

NBN Satellite service

New NBN Fixed Wireless Towers announced


Children’s Week activities were held throughout the Shire through our Healthy Families Program and great fun was had by all who attended.

The theme chosen for Golden Plains Shire was ‘Children’s right to play’, which focused on the importance of play in children’s development. Inverleigh’s teddy bears picnic had perfect weather and 30 families gathered to play, sing and be entertained. ‘Up and Go’ was also particularly popular in Haddon.This theme was also adopted and supported by the Kindergartens throughout the Shire. Two mascots Rammi & Shaun visited Children’s services throughout the Shire and participated in many examples of play.

Young Mother’s group in Bannockburn celebrated its 1st Birthday! The group is facilitated by the Maternal and Child Health team and has met weekly over the last 12 months. Its purpose is to support young mothers in an informal environment, by creating social connections, parenting support and play opportunities. Great fun was had by all doing craft activities, bubble games and yummy party food!

Make the transition home a smooth one with your new baby – attend one of our information evenings and learn about things like:• What you can expect when you come home• How to feed your baby• Sleep…what’s that?• Looking after yourself• Making local connections.Come along and ask any questions you may have about bringing your baby home.For information or to register for the event please call our Family Services Centre on 5220 7230 or email [email protected].

Food is Free is a community food sharing movement, encouraging people to grow food in their own back yards and share any excess produce. Food is Free Smythesdale aims to encourage people to live a more self-sufficient.

What can you share?• Fruit• Vegetables

• Herbs• Plants

• Flowers• Cuttings

• Seeds

A Food is Free sharing table will be set up at the side entrance to The Well (off Ireland Street in Smythesdale) and everyone is welcome to, and encouraged to, donate or take from the sharing table. Like and follow ‘Food is Free Smythesdale’ on Facebook for regular updates on the sharing table.

Children’s Week in Golden Plains

Happy Birthday to Young Mothers Bannockburn group!

Meet your maternal and child health nurses

Food is Free table, Smythesdale

and WellbeingHealth


Have you recently received a Fire Prevention Notice?

EnvironmentSustainability &

Landholders have not only a legal obligation to control weeds on their property but also a duty of care to the community they live in. The damage weeds can doWeeds and their seeds are just like other forms of pollution – we’d get upset if a local business was polluting the environment; we’d expect them to clean up their act. Similarly, landholders who don’t control their weeds are placing a burden on their community – causing additional work and stress to those who are doing their bit and controlling their weeds. Widespread weeds create a cost to the community through lost agricultural production and the need for education and enforcement. They provide harbour to pests like foxes, rabbits and introduced birds and they provide a source of weed seed which can spread to other properties. They can reduce land values and contribute to a decline in native plant and animal communities.But a few are fine, aren’t they?Many people think it’s fine to have a few Boxthorn, Serrated Tussock or Gorse plants on their place as they really aren’t doing a lot of harm, but what they don’t see is that seeds from these plants will spread by the wind, carried in water, stuck in the coats of pets or livestock, lodged on vehicles or carried by birds that eat the seed.Weeds are harmful to our community, our lifestyle and our agricultural industry and we all have a responsibility to control them. We encourage residents to be vigilant and do your bit for your home and your community. Please control the weeds on your land.

Council spends a significant amount on managing weeds. Additional time, effort and money are spent inspecting properties and encouraging landholders to undertake weed control on their properties. You can help reduce the amount Council and residents of the Shire spend on weed control by tackling weeds on your land and reducing the spread of weed seeds.

Weeds: a community burden and an individual responsibility

and Wellbeing

Council’s Fire Prevention Officers commenced fire hazard inspections on Monday 9 November 2015, in line with the beginning of the Fire Restriction Period declared by the CFA. During this period all properties are inspected to ensure that residents meet their statutory responsibilities and remove fire hazards from their properties.If your property is identified as containing a fire hazard you will receive a Fire Prevention Notice (FPN). A FPN is a legal direction that tells you what works will have to be undertaken by a set date to make sure your property is free of fire hazards. Residents must comply with the directions of the FPN by the nominated due date.

If a Fire Prevention Notice is not complied with, the property owner may receive a penalty infringement notice of 10 Penalty Units ($1,517) for not complying with an official notice and may also incur costs to have the fire hazard(s) removed by Council.

You can avoid being issued a FPN by maintaining your property so that all grass, weeds, and other undergrowth is cut to a height less than 100mm (4 inches) and that any combustible materials such as dead branches, piles of garden refuse, timber, cardboard, material etc. are removed from the property.If you have any queries regarding a FPN, please contact Golden Plains Shire Council on 5220 7111.

NoticeboardCommunity

Alternative formatsIf you are interested in receiving a copy of the Gazette in large print or on audio tape please contact Customer Service on 5220 7111 or 1300 363 036.

The Golden Plains Gazette is published six times per year and is delivered to all households and mail collection centres and is also available on Council’s website.

February deadlinePlease note, the deadline for the February edition is Thursday 7 January 2016. Send your copy with “Gazette News” in the subject line to:[email protected]: 5220 7100 or post PO Box 111, Bannockburn 3331.

Rokewood Resource Recovery Facility Hours of operation: Sunday 10am till 3pm

The Golden Plains Gazette is produced on stock which is FSC Certified; 100% recycled post consumer waste, Process Chlorine Free environment, 100% FSC certified fibre and ISO 14001 EMS accredited.

Find us everywhere!Golden Plains Shire Council

Smart Phone apps

goldenplains.vic.gov.au@GPSCouncilNews@VisitGoldenPlains

2016 Mars Cycling Australia Road National ChampionshipsThe Cycling Australia Road National Championships (CARNC) will return to Golden Plains, Ballarat and Buninyong in 2016, from 6 to 10 January. Managed by Cycling Australia, a world-class field of around 300 elite cyclists will test their skills and stamina. Like previous years, the roll out of road closures and traffic diversions will begin early on each day of racing and will be in

place until late afternoon to early evening. The Time Trial on Thursday 7 January will start and finish from Royal Park, Warrenheip Street and travel south along the Buninyong-Mount Mercer Road. Riders will U-Turn at Flemings Road and return. By late morning riders will travel further and turn right into Dereel-Mount Mercer Rd and then U-Turn at the intersection of Gumley and McKerrals Road. Residents who live on the route, or on a road directly connected to the route, will be contacted in the lead up to the race.

Meditation for Life, Bannockburn Bannockburn Cultural CentreTerm 1, 2016: Tuesday 2 Feb - 22 March Time: 6.45pm to 7.45pm Investment $100. Early Bird offer $90 if paid by 16 Jan 2016Contact: Marita 0425 735 581

Mindfulness, meditation, yoga and relaxation at The WellFocus within - calm mind. Suitable for all.Location: The Well, SmythesdaleWhen: Mondays, 6.30-7.30pmContact: Jo Scherger 53428870/0408820976Email: [email protected]

Nine community projects to address food accessOver 300 Golden Plains Shire residents provided valuable feedback and information about how healthy food is accessed in the Shire, challenges often faced, and ideas to improve access to healthy food. You can find out more at goldenplainsdigital.com.au/consultations/105.Nine project ideas were prioritised by the food networks and are being developed:

• Community Vegie Patch Group – a workshop and skill, knowledge and produce sharing group in the north of the Shire

• Community markets – children’s activities at the Smythesdale Community Market• Food is Free Table - fresh food available in Smythesdale to anyone who wants/needs• Schools initiative – encouraging families to grow their own food• Planter boxes - growing edible produce for the Main Street of Linton• Emergency food relief for those in need - non-perishable food items collected and stored• Community gardens - in Bannockburn and Inverleigh • Producec Directory - a directory of local produce growers and suppliers • A street/Harvest Festival in the south of the Shire.

If you would like to be involved in these projects or start your own Food Networks project, please call Jacinta Walsh on 5321 1500 or email [email protected].

Meditation in Golden Plains

13 projects 13,675 - golden plains shire...december 2015 gazette council receives $2.7 million to...

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