Gazette - Golden Plains Shire

YourCouncilBannockburn CustomerService Centre2 Pope Street,Bannockburn,Victoria, 3331.P: 03 5220 7111F: 03 5220 7100Linton CustomerService Centre68 Sussex Street, LintonVictoria, 3360.P: 03 5344 6444F: 03 5344 7302Postal AddressGolden Plains ShirePO Box 111,Bannockburn,Victoria 3331.Emergency ContactsP: 1300 363 036P: 03 5220 7111 (24Hours)Bannockburn CulturalCentre27 High Street,BannockburnP. 5220 7260The Well, SmythesdaleBusiness, Health &Community Hub19 Heales Street,SmythesdaleP. 5321 1500Northern CommunityCentreSago Hill Road, HaddonP. 5342 7000Bannockburn FamilyServices Centre2a Pope Street,BannockburnP. 5220 7230From the MayorAt the OctoberSpecial Meeting ofCouncil, my fellowCouncillors electedme to representand serve theGolden Plainscommunity asMayor. I appreciatetheir confidencein me and commit to doing the best I can asMayor for our community and Council.I would like to congratulate Cr Jenny Blakeon her two terms as Mayor and the wayshe has lead Council over that time. Shehas shown strong leadership and has neverwavered in her dedication to serving thepeople of Golden Plains Shire. On behalf ofCouncil and the community I thank her forher dedication and commitment.As we look to the future, 2015 holds manyunknowns for our region. As this GazetteFrom the CEO’s DeskI would like tocongratulate CrDes Phelan on hisappointment asMayor of GoldenPlains Shire for thenext 12 months.I look forwardto working with Cr Phelan and Councillorsas we plan strategically and sustainablyfor the future of our growing community. Ialso extend my thanks to Cr Jenny Blake asshe steps down from the Mayoral position– Jenny has been a very hard working anddedicated Mayor over the past two years andI congratulate her on her efforts.As I write this message, Australia’s campaignto stop violence against women, WhiteRibbon Day approaches. I am committedto making 26 November a day where wegoes to print, the result of the State Electionwill be learned. There are implications forCouncil, particularly if there is a changeof government, with regard to fundingand strategies that effect the operation ofCouncil. We could also be facing anotherdrought period and as a predominantlyfarming region, this could impact heavily onour community.With uncertainties to face, we will haveto work hard as a team - a team with myfellow Councillors and management and asa team with the community - to combat thechallenges that no doubt lie ahead and tomake the most of the opportunities that willalso arise.As the holiday season approaches I wouldlike to wish residents a safe Christmasseason and look forward to working withyou, and on your behalf, in 2015.Cr Des Phelan - Mayorpledge to challenge discrimination, sexismand violence. Not just for one day, but everyday. We must continue our work in raisingawareness about the huge social, physical andeconomic cost of violence against women inour society.This edition also brings a double pagespread (pages 8 and 9) on fire preparedness.Victoria is one of the most fire prone areasin the world. In Golden Plains, it is especiallyimportant that residents are prepared inthe event of fire because of the diverselandscapes; from farmland to bushland.Please keep your family safe and make sureyou are Fire Ready this summer.I wish all residents a safe and happy festiveseason.Rod Nicholls – Chief Executive Officer andWhite Ribbon Ambassador2 | Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014

CommunityNewsLocal Councillor Making History for Golden Plains ShireAs President of the Municipal Association of Victorian,Councillor Bill McArthur is often involved in significant andimportant undertakings. Most recently Cr McArthur hasparticipated in some landmark occasions.Cr McArthur joined Premier Napthine and LocalGovernment Minister, Tim Bull, to co-sign a new VictorianState-Local Government Agreement (VSLGA) to createa whole-of-State-Government commitment to consult,communicate and negotiate with local government(pictured). Cr McArthur announced the historic moment asa most welcome one.“This Agreement is about mutual respect, accountability,transparency and cooperation. It seeks to reinforce State-Local Government relations - It is a great result for thesector and I congratulate the State for delivering on thecommitment,” said Cr McArthur.Cr McArthur’s recent signing of the Age-Friendly VictoriaPartnership and Leadership Declaration, alongside Ministerfor Ageing, David Davis and Sue Hendy, CEO COTA Victoria(pictured), will strengthen the partnership between the MAVand State Government as they work on better State andlocal planning for the creation of age-friendly communities.Congratulations also go to Cr McArthur who has beenelected a Vice President of the Australian Local GovernmentAssociation (ALGA) at its annual general meeting inTamworth on 12 November. The ALGA is the national voiceof local government, representing 560 councils across thecountry.This is great news for Golden Plains Shire. Cr McArthur willbe able to continue his strong representation of VictorianLocal Government at both the State and National levels toensure our issues are well represented and that there isequitable distribution of opportunities.Batesford Secures Important TAC FundingGolden Plains Shire Council was one of 23 Victorian councilsto be awarded a share of $1.2 million under the TAC’s LocalGovernment Small Infrastructure Grants Program.The program encourages councils to develop solutions tolocal safety issues for cyclists and pedestrians. TAC datashows these road users account for more than 1600 seriousinjuries across the State each year.Council is delighted to announce that TAC approved$90,000 for a Batesford project which will be matched by afurther $90,000 from Council.In Batesford, there is a limited path network and wherepaths are lacking, pedestrians often use road shoulders toaccess different areas of the town.This grant will help provide a safer environment for walking,be cycling friendly and encourage greater participation inphysical activity in general.The Grants Program was developed in consultation withlocal councils, the Municipal Association of Victoria,VicRoads and other stakeholders, including Victoria Walks,Bicycle Network Victoria and the RACV.2015 Training Program Announced - Grant Writing for CommunityThe first training sessionfor the new year hasbeen booked to takeplace in Smythesdale andBannockburn. This sessionwill help community groupsand volunteers to preparequality applications underCouncil’s Community GrantsProgram.Tips for Successful GrantWritingDates and locations:• Monday 2 February atthe Bannockburn CulturalCentre, 27 High Street,Bannockburn• Wednesday 4 Februaryat The Well, SmythesdaleBusiness, Health andCommunity Hub, 19 HealesStreet, SmythesdaleTime: 6:00pm – 8:00pmCost: FREELearn how to prepare qualityapplications under Council’sCommunity Grants Program.The session will also covertopics such as planningyour grant, the applicationprocess, grant acquittal andbasic principles of successfulgrant writing.Want to register? Pleasecontact Caroline Jordan on5220 7216 or email caroline.jordan@gplains.vic.gov.au.Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014 | 3

UpcomingEventsDiscover the Art of Golden PlainsThe Clyde Park Golden Plains Arts Trail 2015 is set for theweekend of March 21 and 22 with more artists than everbefore opening the doors to their studios and exhibiting intown halls, wineries, pubs and cafes across the length andbreadth of the Shire.The Shire will be awash with opportunities to explore andexperience the arts and all the great things Golden Plainshas to offer.Major sponsor, Clyde Park Winery, located five minutesfrom Bannockburn will be providing a special brunch menufor Arts Trail visitors and will feature talented local artist,Donna Twycross. Donna will be on site until about 2pmeach day and will be creating a huge interactive paintingover the weekend, to which visitors will be encouraged toadd their own artistic flair!Art will feature in Meredith, Dereel and Smythesdale inthe north, with the historic Courthouse hotel hosting fiveeclectic artists. In the southern part of the Shire, art will beon a trail all the way to Wingeel, where world renownedsculptor Lucy McEachern will open the doors to her ruralstudio. 2015 offers an Arts Trail that truly has something toappeal to everyone.Another special feature for the Clyde Park Golden PlainsArts Trail 2015 Arts will be the chainsaw sculpturedemonstrations at the Royal Hotel in Meredith and thenewly erected Bundjil Eagle viewing platform at Maude.Viktor Cebergs, the artist involved in carving the polesfor the Maude viewing platform, will be performing livechainsaw sculpture demonstrations over the weekend.Enjoy the amazing views over the Moorabool Valley, learnabout the intriguing indigenous story of the area and beastonished at the fine level of detail Viktor can achieve in asculpture using a chainsaw! There will also be storytellingsessions presented by a Wathaurung elder who will shedlight on the fascinating history of the Maude area and thestory of Bundjil – the inspiration for the viewing platformstructure.The Clyde Park GoldenPlains Arts Trail 2015 hasso much to offer, checkthe Arts Trail program forspecific demonstrations,exhibitions, locations andstorytelling times.Want to find out more?Visit goldenplains.vic.gov.au or goldenplainsartstrail.com.au or followon facebook.com/GoldenPlainsArtsTrail.Golden Plains Farmers’ Market Sumptuous LuncheonSwirling winds and grey skies did not dampen theenthusiasm of the 90 guests who attended the GoldenPlains Farmers’ Market Sumptuous Luncheon on Saturday1 November. This marquee occasion was again part of thepopular Toast to the Coast regional food and wine event.Friends found friends and new friends were made as partiesand couples made their way to tables with name tags stringtiedto rustic hessian wrapped fresh herbs. Patrons enjoyedfine wines from Austins vineyards, boutique Prickly Mosesbeers from the Otways and fabulous food provided by MattDempsey and the famed Gladioli Restaurant.Master of Ceremonies for the day was well known foodjournalist and 3AW personality Wendy Hargreaves andGeelong singer/guitarist Callan Young provided musicalentertainment which had the crowd on its feet dancing.No one wanted the day to end, but as part of the Toast tothe Coast event, patrons happily allowed themselves to beushered onto buses where they continued to enjoy theirday at local vineyards, Austins and Clyde Park.4 | Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014

YourCommunityGolden Plains Shire Community Grants 2015/16Applications for the Golden Plains Shire Council’sCommunity Grants Program 2015/16 will be open fromMonday 2 February 2015. The Community Grants Programenables community groups to further meet the needs of thewider community in a partnership relationship with Council.Grants are available to community groups for projectsthat provide outcomes for the benefit of the community.Examples include new community programs and events,purchase of equipment and facility improvement projects.Funding is provided by Council on a dollar for dollar basis,with the Community group’s contribution provided in-kindor by cash. All applications must meet Council’s Communitygrant application criteria.The guidelines and application forms will be available onlinein February 2015 at goldenplains.vic.gov.au or from theBannockburn and Linton Customer Service Centres,“The Well” Smythesdale Business, Health & CommunityHub, Northern Community Centre, Haddon or by callingMichael Hynes on 5220 7182.Applications close 5.00pm Friday 27 February, 2015.Come Along to Our Information SessionsCommunity members are invited to participate inworkshops for successful grant writing being held duringFebruary 2015; see the Grant Writing article on page 3.Want to find out more? Contact Community RecreationOfficer, Michael Hynes, on 5220 7182 or email:communitygrants@gplains.vic.gov.au.?DID YOU KNOW ... Council has a new email address for all Community Grant enquiries and applications.Information will come out soon regarding next year’s grants round. Email your one-stop-shop here:communitygrants@gplains.vic.gov.auIntroducing: Sarah Dalton, Youth Activities Officer and World Ranked TriathleteSarah is a YouthDevelopment Officerwith Golden Plains ShireCouncil. In her spare timeSarah is a Junior TriathlonDevelopment coach in theGeelong and Surf Coastregion. Sarah’s passion forhelping others and affinitywith young people has anextremely positive impacton the young people sheworks with.In March this year, Sarahplaced second in the OceanRoad XTERRA triathlonwhich qualified her for theWorld Championship Off-Road Triathlon held in Maui,Hawaii. Sarah was one of800 competitors from 40countries to compete in the1.5km swim, 30km mountainbike and 10km run event.“Triathlon has become avehicle for me to connectwith people on all kindsof levels. I enjoy being ateacher of the sport andalso enjoy learning fromeveryone around me. Thisyear has been an incrediblejourney of self-exploration.I cannot underestimate thevalues I learnt through theprocess ... Race day wassimply a celebration, I knewthe hard work had beendone.”The swim was a rough openwater swim at D.T. FlemingBeach, the bike course was a30km loop with 3,300 feet ofclimbing through the WestMaui Mountains and the runinvolved steep dirt tracksthrough Oleander forest.Sarah placed 12th in the 24-29 age group. An excellent,courageous achievement.Well done Sarah.Become a Youth Team Member today!The Golden Plain FReeZA Youth Development Teammembers are making their faces known all around thecommunity, attending and supporting various communityevents and festivals. The Team recently attended theLive@TurtleBend event in Teesdale, a community eventshowcasing local young musicians. The Team is made up ofa group of passionate young people who are interested inhelping plan, organise and provide safe, fun events for otheryoung people.We are looking for more Team members.Applications are open 14 – 25 year olds to join the 2015FReeZA Youth Development Program. FReeZA offers young6 | Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014

YourCommunity‘Inspire the Plains’ Youth Program’s Funding Success!Young people of Golden Plains will enjoy the benefits ofa $120,000 grant from the State Government’s Engage!Funding Program announced by Minister Terry Mulder inOctober.This positive youth development program will benefityoung people, families and communities of Golden PlainsShire. ‘Inspire the Plains’ will help young people to becomemore actively involved in their local communities andwill help them develop a fuller sense of belonging andconnectedness to their home towns.‘Inspire the Plains’ will support Council’s Youth Team towork with young people across the Shire, to help themreach their full potential and to actively participate in theworkforce and community life.Key developments outlined in the project include;leadership development, mentoring opportunities,education and employment transition pathways andarts based development and community volunteeringopportunities.Specifically the project will expand current activities anddevelop new programs in the following areas;• Youth Voice committee, community events and projects• Volunteering• Involvement in Council’s Youth Development Strategy• Short courses and skill development• Primary to secondary school transition program• Employment and career forums• Leadership forums• Health support group development• Cultural awareness initiative• School holiday activities• Art MentorshipsA Golden Year for Youth in 2014!2014 saw the best of what Golden Plains Youth has to offer.• The first ever Golden Plains Barwon South West SkateLeague event was held in the twilight timeslot at theredeveloped Bannockburn skatepark.• The annual Golden Youth Awards were again a big hitduring National Youth Week, recognising young peoplein sport, arts, community, and health.• iVan the Youth Engagement van attended youth andcommunity events throughout the Shire• A successful transition from primary to secondary schoolprogram was again delivered.• Battle of the Bands was a huge success in the GoldenPlains musical heartland of Meredith.• Teesdale’s Live @ Turtle Bend attracted some of theregion’s best young musical talent for their eventin October.• Opportunities for leadership development occurred forstudents at primary and secondary school level.• Art mentorships have again had a remarkable uptake.• Local young sportspeople were recognised by Council(including two Commonwealth Games representatives).• The Golden Plains FReeZA and Youth Voice teamscontinue to advocate on behalf of their peers.2014 has been a fantastic year for the youth of Golden Plains,with 2015 promising to be bigger and better than ever!Want to learn more? Contact Tom Mullane-Grant on5220 7106 or at tmullane-grant@gplains.vic.gov.au.people opportunities to develop skills and career pathwaysin the music, art and entertainment industries. By joining theFReeZA team you will lead the planning and delivery of youthevents in your local community and gain practical experiencein event management, sound and lighting, graphic design,stage management, photography and much more.Expressions of interest can be made to Sarah Dalton, YouthActivities Officer on 5220 7177 or sdalton@gplains.vic.gov.au.Applications forms available online at: goldenplains.vic.gov.au/youth Applications close Friday 6 February 2015.Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014 | 7

YourAre You Fire Ready?Victoria is one of the most fire-prone areas in the world.Understanding your level of risk is the first step indeveloping your Grass and Bushfire Survival Plan.Have a look at the different types of fire risk environmentsbelow and see which one you live in. By recognising andunderstanding your risk environment this will also help youto start preparing your property from fire.Grassfires can be extremely dangerous - people can die ingrassfires. Risk is most extreme if you live surrounded byor near forest that is difficult to see through. However, allforest or woodland presents a bushfire risk. You do not haveto live in the bush to be at risk of bushfire. Suburban homescan burn down in bushfire too.Make Your Bushfire Plan TodayThe CFA has a wealth of resources to help you know what todo before and during abushfire.How to plan? Justas every family orhousehold is unique,every fire plan will bedifferent. There aremany ways you can goabout your planning –but the information andtemplates in the FireReady Kit on the cfa.vic.gov.au website aredesigned to put you onthe right track.At an absolute minimum, talk through the ten decisionsbelow with your household. Review these points beforeeach fire season and don’t put it off until later:• Which Fire Danger Rating is your trigger to leave?• Will you leave early that morning or the night before?• Where will you go?• What route will you take – and what is your alternative inthe event that a fire is already in the area?• What will you take with you?• What do you need to organise for your pets or livestock?• Who do you need to keep informed of your movements?• Is there anyone outside your household who you need tohelp or check up on?• How will you stay informed about warnings and updates?• What will you do if there is a fire in the area and youcannot leave?Remember to decide who will do what as part of your plan.Finding Out About FiresThe Country Fire Authority is responsible for issuing advice,warnings and alerts in response to bushfires. It’s importantto understand what these mean so that you can act.Advice Message – there is a fire in your area. The advicemessage provides you with general information to keep youup to date with developments.Watch and Act – A fire emergency threatens you. Conditionsare changing and it is time to start taking action to protectyour health, life and your family.Emergency Warning – You are in imminent danger and needto take action immediately to protect you and your family’slife.Emergency Alert - In extreme circumstance, emergencyalerts are issued as text messages to mobile phones andfixed line phones in the vicinity of the fire.There are a number of avenues to get warnings andinformation about fires.Radio: ABC local radio is the best source of warningsalthough commercial stations may also pass on warnings.Internet: The CFA website cfa.vic.gov.au lists all currentincidents with details of any warnings issued.Phone: For information on fires you can call the VictorianBushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667. If you have asmartphone and mobile phone coverage, the Fire Ready appis a fantastic tool for getting the latest information aboutfires in your area.8 | Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014

Prepare. Act. Survive.CommunityYou: On a High Fire Danger Day there is no substitute forregularly sticking your nose outside the back door, sniffingthe breeze and taking a look around to be sure there’snothing happening fire wise in your area.IMPORTANT - Do not rely on an official warning to leave.Bushfires can start quickly and threaten homes and liveswithin minutes.?DID YOU KNOW ...If you live near bush, leaving early is thesafest option to protect you and your family.On hot, dry and windy days, fires can startand spread quickly. Leave and live.The FireReady App.The FireReady app is the official Victorian Government appfor access to timely, relevant and tailored bushfire warningsand information in Victoria.The app puts CFA, Metropolitan Fire Brigade andDepartment of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI)emergency warnings and information at your fingertips.For more information about the new FireReady app, visitfirereadyfaq.emergency.vic.gov.auThe app is now a centralised information source managedby Emergency Management Victoria and supported by theDepartment of Justice.Code Red – our very worst days. Fires starting on thesedays are uncontrollable, fast moving and unpredictable.Homes are not designed or constructed to withstand firesin these conditions and the safest place to be is away fromhigh risk bushfire areas.Extreme - Expect extremely hot, dry and windy conditions.If a fire starts and takes hold, it will be uncontrollable,unpredictable and fast moving. Homes that are situatedand constructed or modified to withstand a bushfire, thatare well prepared and actively defended, may providesafety.Severe - Expect hot, dry and possibly windy conditions. Ifa fire starts and takes hold, it may be uncontrollable. Wellprepared homes that are actively defended can providesafety. You must be physically and mentally prepared todefend in these conditions.Very High, High and Low-Moderate - If a fire starts, it canmost likely be controlled in these conditions and homes canprovide safety, but residents should stay aware on High andVery High fire danger days as fires can still start and impacton homes quickly.Fire Danger Ratings – What Do They Mean?Many of us are now familiar with the Fire Danger Dial butjust what is it trying to tell us?The Fire Danger Rating tells us how dangerous a fire wouldbe if one started. Ratings are forecast using Bureau ofMeteorology data for up to four days in advance, and basedon weather and other environmental conditions such asfuel load.LOW-MODERATEFIRE DANGER RATINGCODE REDGolden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014 | 9

NewsCouncilUpdate on Bannockburn’s Natural Gas Roll OutThe Bannockburn natural gas roll out preparations andplanning are well underway, with works scheduled tostart on the city gate at Gheringhap early in the new year(subject to environmental approvals).More than 1,490 premises will have the ability to connectto natural gas once the roll out is complete, with customersable to connect to natural gas as the pipeline goes pasttheir premises.AusNet Services are currently in the process of obtainingenvironmental and other approvals to begin construction ofthe pipeline in early 2015.For further information on how to connect to natural gasand to view a copy of the Bannockburn natural gas roll outmap visit: ausnetservices.com.au and go to the Energy forthe Regions section, or call AusNet Services on 03 93967623 or email: naturalgasenquiries@ausnetservices.com.au?DID YOU KNOW ... that Golden Plains Shire produces 21% of Victoria’s eggs, 11% of poultry, 5% of pigs,and 4% of Victoria’s sheep and lambs.Council’s Road ResponsibilityThe Golden Plains Shire road network is one of the largerlocal government road networks in Victoria. Council’sroad responsibility is for approximately 1,837 kilometres ofsealed roads, gravel roads and unformed roads.Road HierarchyThe road network has a hierarchy comprising Highways,Main Roads and Local Roads. Highways and Main Roadsare fully managed (except in townships) by VicRoads fromVicRoads’ Geelong Regional Office. Highways are A andB class roads and Main Roads are C class roads in thestatewide route numbering system.Local RoadsMost Local Roads within the Shire are the responsibility ofCouncil; for management, maintenance and construction.Some unformed roads and tracks in forest areas and CFAfire access tracks are the Shire’s responsibility; othersbeing the responsibility of Government Departments suchas DEPI.Unsealed RoadsThe unsealed road network, managed and maintainedby the Shire, is approximately 752 kilometres in length.An annual grading program is conducted on all gravelroads within the Shire. The budget allowance nominallyprovides each gravel road within the Shire with two gradesper year. However, some roads will receive more gradingwhile others may only be graded once a year if at all, asdetermined by traffic use, road and weather conditions.Want to Report a Problem?The most common defects reported for roads includepotholes, corrugations, road narrowing or deteriorationof road surface. If you wish to report a Local Road defect/fault, please contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on5220 7111 or email enquiries@gplains.vic.gov.au.A and B Class Roads (managed by Vicroads) highlighted inblue and red.10 | Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014

NewsTourismMajestic Maude Platform Tells Ancient StoryA new attraction is now complete overlooking theMoorabool Valley in the township of Maude. The platformnot only provides spectacular views over the MooraboolValley, it tells the creation story of Bundjil and his sixhelpers.The story goes that Bundjil summoned six men to assisthim in the creation on the land, people and all living thingsand to pass on his teachings and knowledge to all men andwomen.When he had finished, Bundjil gathered his wives andchildren and instructed Bellin-Bellin (the musk crow) whowas in charge of the winds, to open his bag and let out somewind.Bellin-Bellin opened his bag and released a wind so strongthat it carried big trees into the air, roots and all.Bundjil wanted more wind, so Bellin-Bellin opened all hisbags and released a wind so great that it carried Bundjiland his family to the Heavens, where they live now, lookingdown on the world as stars.The platform is now open for the public. Come and seethe story of Bundjil and take in the majestic views of theMoorabool Valley.The story of Bundjil courtesy of Uncle Bryon Powell,Wathaurung Co-op Ballarat.Bike.Walk.Ride. Choose Your Trail ExperienceHave you downloaded Golden Plains’free Bike.Walk.Ride App yet? It is ahandy tool for exploring the Ballaratto Skipton Rail Trail. Amenities andfacilities in the townships along theway are all pinpointed. The Appincludes information about historictowns and buildings that can be found in the surroundingarea.Visitors are able to self-navigate their journey along thetrail, choose to extend their visit once here, have a safe andenriching experience and importantly, tell other travellers andpeople back home what a great place the region is to visit.Take Your Time Touring Mode:• Points of Interest• Zoom and pan facility• Pinpoint your location• Highlights next attractionsMap and Amenities Mode:• Screen icons open informative pages about towns, roadsand geographical features• Amenities include eateries, picnic spots, public toilets andother points of interestRace The Train Mode:• Test yourself against the train• Race along the trail from start to finish, or from station tostation• Compare your times against the original train timetableGolden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014 | 11

YourCommunitySports Boosted Across Golden PlainsIt has been an exciting couple of months for Golden PlainsShire Council, with five successful projects receiving fundsfrom the State Government. These substantial projects willsignificantly benefit a range of communities and user groupswell into the future.The Woady Yaloak BMX Track will be upgraded to align thetrack with current safety standards and will also moderniseand improve the track design.Inverleigh secured funding for the local Cricket Club with$37,550 being put towards the construction of a new crickettraining facility which will include four individually enclosedcricket pitches with natural turf run-ups.The Bannockburn Soccer Club is celebrating as $100,000from the State Government, and a further $550,000 fromCouncil, will build new amenities and change room facilitiesto service the users of the recently constructed soccerpitch. The facility will allow Golden Plains Soccer Clubto host matches and grow soccer in the Shire, as well asprovide a multi-use space for the community.The Dereel Skate Park has also received funds of $66,000,along with Council’s $34,000 contribution, to upgrade theDereel facility. This project will involve the redevelopmentof the existing skate park to creatively enhance the space,upgrade the design and meet safety standards.Knitting for Community NeedThe Planned Activity Group in Rokewood has beenincredibly busy of late, knitting blankets, beanies andscarves for homeless and disadvantaged people.Over the past six months, valued volunteers SandraVanderlei, Pam Gardiner and Ann Agombar have crafteda mountain of lovingly made, warm, knitted items for theneedy people of the Geelong region who find themselvessleeping out, particularly over winter.Would you like to help? Anyone wishing to get involvedcan start knitting too or for those without the needle skillscan donate wool for the ladies to create a new mountainof clothing.Please contact Noel Brebner, Social Support Coodinator5220 7154 or email nbrebner@gplains.vic.gov.au.?DID YOU KNOW ... In a typical month the Aged and Disability Service provides 312 hours of Personal Carefor 43 clients and 634 hours of Home Care for 168 clients. Council receives an average of 24 new clientreferrals every month..Always There to Lend a Hand - Centacare Home and Community CareThe Access and Support service helps people who havediverse needs and who have difficulty finding out aboutservices or getting the services they need.The Access and Support service provides short termsupport for frail, older people, younger people with adisability who;• need help to stay living at home,• have diverse needs,• need help to access services.If you or someone you are caring for is experiencingdifficulty accessing the Home and Community Care (HACC)service, an Access and Support worker may be able tohelp you.The Access and Support worker will talk with you about;• what is most important to you (your needs and goals),• what you need help with to stay safe and well at home,• what you want to be able to do or keep doing.The Access and Support worker can talk with you about therange of support services and options available in your area.Want to find out more? Please call 5337 8999 or email:advocacy@centacareballarat.org.auGolden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014 | 13

Sustainability &EnvironmentDomestic and Feral Cats Cause ConcernsIn recent months Council has received a number of nuisancecomplaints regarding cat activity within the Golden PlainsShire. Often complaints address cats fighting, scratchingfurniture, attacking or disrupting other pets or killing nativewildlife.A key objective of Council’s Domestic Animal ManagementPlan seeks to ‘provide the community with a clearunderstanding of Council’s expectation of pet owners’. Ourteam is committed to reducing documented cat nuisancecomplaints by 5% per year.Several solutions are available to residents:Registered CatsWe rely on cat owners to assist Council by keeping catsindoors at night. If you suspect that your cat is causing anuisance on a neighbouring property you are encouraged toexplore options for containing the cat within its yard.Community CatsDo you have a friendly and sociable cat that comes aroundoften for a feed and to socialise? The problem withcommunity cats is that with no one taking responsibility forthem they are never de-sexed, vaccinated, properly cared foror registered.So if you believe that you may have a community cat, it istime to take some action. Firstly, establish if the cat hasan owner. You could ask around or catch the cat and get itscanned for a microchip, then if un-owned you could eitherTaking the lead in reducing dog attacksDog attacks are continuing to occur locally and have adevastating impact on pets, livestock and owners. Whilethe majority of recent attacks have resulted in the death ofsheep, there have also been incidents of pet dogs, chickensand alpacas being killed or seriously injured as a result of adog attack.Most people find it difficult to believe their family pet couldattack or kill anything, but it does happen. The majority ofdog attacks Council has responded to involve a much lovedfamily pet getting out and inflicting serious injury or killingother animals.To your pet, chasing and mauling another animal canbecome a game. This can lead to one dog chasing andinjuring more than 20 livestock in a single incident. This ishow an otherwise happy, friendly ‘wouldn’t bite anyone’pet becomes a cruel menace.Perhaps more tragic is when a family pet attacks and killssomeone else’s pet. On most occasions both parties end uplosing their pet because the attacking dog is put down.adopt it and have it registered and desexed or it couldbe impounded.Feral CatsFeral Cats are a significant problem within the Golden PlainsShire. In Victoria it’s believed there are 500,000 unownedstray and feral cats. Feral cats are known to kill nativewildlife and are a nuisance in the community. Council hasmade cat traps available for residents who have encountereda feral cat problem.Want more information? Contact of our CommunityProtection Team on 5220 7111.Council and residents don’t want aggressive or dangerousdogs in the community. To avoid the risk of having your petdestroyed as a consequence of injuring or killing somebodyor something, always keep it securely contained to yourproperty or on a leash when out walking.Golden Plains SHIRE Gazette - DECEMBER 2014 | 15

CommunityNoticeboardAlternative FormatsIf you are interested inreceiving a copy of theGazette in large print oron audio tape pleasecontact CustomerService on 5220 7111 or1300 363 036.The Golden Plains Gazetteis published six timesper year and is deliveredto all households andmail collection centresand is also available onCouncil’s website.February DeadlinePlease note, the deadlinefor the February editionis Thursday 8 January2015. Send your copy with“Gazette News” in thesubject line tofbolitho@gplains.vic.gov.auFax: 5220 7100 or postPO Box 111,Bannockburn 3331.Rokewood Tip TimesFriday 2pm to 5pmSunday 9am to 12pmThe Golden Plains Gazetteis produced on stock whichis FSC Certified; 100%recycled post consumerwaste, Process ChlorineFree environment, 100%FSC certifed fibre and ISO14001 EMS accredited.Rates ‘In Full’ ReminderResidents and property owners arereminded that if you have not chosen to paythis year’s rates by instalments, then yourrates are due in full by Monday, 16 February2015. Your rates can be paid by BPay,POSTbillpay, mail, internet goldenplains.vic.gov.au or in person at our Customer ServiceCentres at 2 Pope Street Bannockburn and68 Sussex Street, Linton.Fire Restrictions are now in forceFor those of you who may not have seen announcements over the past week or two, FireRestrictions are now in force in Golden Plains Shire. Full details of the restrictions can befound on Council’s website goldenplains.vic.gov.auDetox Your Home – 6 DecemberDetox Your Home is a safe and FREE, easy touse service to dispose of common householdchemicals without harming your health orthe environment.Ballarat’s collection is on Saturday 6December between 10am and 4pmat the Ballarat Transfer Station, Gilles Street South, Ballarat. sustainability.vic.gov.au/detoxyourhome.Waste Services – Changes to Holiday CollectionsWaste collection in the Christmas and New Year’s weeks will see collections that fall onPublic Holidays collected one day later than usual. The remainder of each week will see nochange to collections.Christmas Day collection will take place on Friday 26 December. Boxing Day collection willtake place on Saturday 27 December. New Year’s Day collection will take place on Friday 2January and collection for Friday 2 January will move forward to Saturday 3 January.Holiday Dates for Council Customer Service CentresCouncil’s Office hours over the Christmas to New Year’s period will see all Customer ServiceCentres closed from 12.30pm on 24 December 2014 and re-opening on Monday 5 January2015.Take a Stand Against HateIn light of heightened security concerns and reports of racism and hatred towardsmembers of our community; a new valuable tool has been developed. In Victoria, racialand religious descrimination is against the law. www.antihate.com.au gives people away of reporting what has happened to them and equip them to stand up against hatethemselves.Find Us Everywhere!@GPSCouncilNews@VisitGoldenPlainsGolden PlainsShire Councilgoldenplains.vic.gov.auSmart Phoneapps