Shire Life
Issue 11 March 2015
Macedon Ranges Shire Council newsletter—Accessible
version
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Table of contents
Celebrating our unsung heroes on Australia Day ................. 4
My Place ............................................................................... 6
Introducing Cr Ian Ellis .......................................................... 7
Rod Stewart returns to the Rock ........................................... 9
Stay local, play local ........................................................... 11
Hosting visitors to our region? ............................................ 12
Make a splash for your chance to win ................................. 13
Register your dog or cat...................................................... 14
The benefits of attending a Council kindergarten ................ 16
Youth Mental Health First Aid training ................................ 18
Young people leading the way ............................................ 20
2015 Arts and Culture program at the Kyneton Town Hall .. 22
Business seminars, networking and training calendar ........ 26
Equine Centre feasibility report ........................................... 27
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Facebook for horse owners ................................................ 28
Men’s Sheds ....................................................................... 29
Fire recovery efforts underway ........................................... 32
Building decks, verandahs or pergolas ............................... 34
Major projects ..................................................................... 37
Improving pedestrian safety ................................................ 42
Your rates at work ............................................................... 43
Your say.............................................................................. 47
Residents put health and wellbeing first.............................. 49
Subscribe to eNews ........................................................... 51
Find us on Facebook ......................................................... 53
Rates instalments ............................................................... 54
Contact Council ................................................................. 55
Your Councillors ................................................................. 59
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Celebrating our unsung heroes
on Australia Day
Congratulations to the recipients of the 2015 Macedon
Ranges Australia Day Awards.
Individuals and community organisations were recognised for
their dedication and contribution to community health and
wellbeing at the annual Australia Day celebrations at the
Kyneton Town Hall.
The recipients were:
Citizen of the Year
Adam Bourke
Young Citizen of the Year
Hayden Muir
Community Event of the Year
O’Pig Newham Sculptural Festival
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Arts Ambassador
Stephen Brockman
Community Achievement
 Shantelle Grant
 Tamara Wilson
 Fiona Le Nepveu
Welcoming our new citizens
17 new citizens were also welcomed to the Macedon Ranges
during the annual Australia Day celebrations. Our new
citizens originate from the United Kingdom, Turkey, Denmark,
Vietnam, South Africa, India, Malta, Canada, Ukraine,
Scotland and the United States.
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My Place
Do you have a favourite place in the Macedon Ranges?
Maybe it’s your favourite picnic spot, recreation facility or
township?
You are invited to share your favourite place with us for a
chance to see it published in a future edition of this newsletter
and on our website.
All you have to do is send us 100-200 words about what
draws you back to your favourite place. If you want to, you
can also provide a photo.
How to submit your story
 Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/my-place
 Drop into any of Council’s service centres and pick up an
entry form and a copy of the terms and conditions.
There are so many things to see and do in the Macedon
Ranges. Help us uncover the many unique and exciting
experiences the Macedon Ranges has to offer.
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Introducing Cr Ian Ellis
East Ward
Cr Ian Ellis was sworn in on 24 November 2014 as a
Councillor for the East Ward, following the resignation of Cr
Joe Morabito for health reasons. Cr Ellis was appointed
following a countback procedure by the Victorian Electoral
Commission.
Occupation and qualifications: Victoria Police Officer and
former business owner.
Lives: Romsey
Favourite place, attraction or icon in the shire: All of the
Macedon Ranges is beautiful and unique. Picking one place,
icon or attraction is difficult, but if I had to single one out I
would have to say Hanging Rock is my favourite.
Top four priorities over the next two years:
 To maintain and promote the Macedon Ranges as a
unique Australian environment.
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 With an ageing population and issues with our youth
regarding substance abuse, further development of
current strategies to address both issues is vital for the
future.
 Good communication is paramount for a strong bond
between Council, residents and visitors. Any
improvement that can be achieved, will make the
Macedon Ranges an even more desirable place to live,
work or visit.
 Keep costs in check, such as rates and expenditure, and
aim to provide best value for money.
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Rod Stewart returns to the
Rock
Saturday 28 March
International rock star, Rod Stewart, will wow large crowds at
Hanging Rock later this month when he performs as part of
his ‘The Hits’ tour.
The concert will generate increased traffic on roads from
Woodend to Hanging Rock and around the reserve. Peak
traffic times will be from 2pm–5pm and 10pm–12 midnight. If
possible, try to avoid the area at these times.
Concert-goers are encouraged to carpool or use the free
shuttle bus service from Woodend, which will have separate
entry access to avoid car traffic.
If you are getting a lift to and from the event, for your safety
you must use the designated drop off/pick up points. No
stopping or parking on roads around Hanging Rock is
permitted and fines may be issued. It may be easier to be
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dropped off or picked up at the free shuttle service in
Woodend.
For more information about the concert and traffic plans, visit
www.hangingrockconcerts.com
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Stay local, play local
With so many fantastic things to see and do right here on our
doorstep, why not get out and about and discover your own
backyard?
It’s a perfect time of year to explore the Macedon Ranges,
visit one of our villages and discover the beautiful place we
live in.
Explore Take a stroll and have a picnic in the Macedon
Regional Park, mountain bike through the Wombat State
Forest or cycle the hills of Mount Macedon.
Experience Visit a boutique winery, relax with a coffee at a
cosy cafe, browse our vibrant shopping villages or enjoy a
delicious meal using local produce at a quality restaurant.
Entertain Hanging Rock is the place to be in March, hosting
an array of events like the Hanging Rock night walk, the Craft
Market, Camp Out at the Rock and the Rod Stewart Concert.
Find out more at www.visitmacedonranges.com or call 1800
244 711.
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Hosting visitors to our region?
If you are looking for things for visiting friends and relatives to
do, then make sure you pick up a copy of the 2015 Daylesford
Macedon Ranges Visitor Guide.
The guide covers eating and drinking locally, markets,
festivals and events, retail therapy, walking and hiking,
cycling, wineries and general information on how to best
explore our region.
Produced by the Daylesford & Macedon Ranges Regional
Tourism Board, the new guide covers the Macedon Ranges
and Daylesford in the north, Creswick and Clunes in the west
and Melton and Sunbury in the south.
Copies are available from our Visitor Information Centres in
Woodend or Kyneton, online at www.dmrtourism.com.au, or
by calling 1800 244 711.
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Make a splash for your chance
to win
There is still time to register for the Kyneton Aquathon on 15
March and the Gisborne Aquathon on 12 April.
Both events are open to all age groups and abilities, with mini,
short and long courses, and the option to enter individually or
as part of a team.
The events are the final two stages in the inaugural Macedon
Ranges Aquathon series, which kicked off in February with
the Lancefield and Woodend aquathons. Competitors who
participate in three of the four series events will go into the
running to be the first Macedon Ranges Aquathon Series
Champion.
For more information or to register:
 Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/Aquathon2015
 Phone Gisborne Aquatic Centre on 5421 1452 or
Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre on 5421 1477.
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Register your dog or cat
Dog and cat registrations are due on 10 April 2015, with
almost 14,000 renewal notices being sent to mailboxes this
month.
Dog and cat registration supports the quick return of your pet
by our rangers if he or she becomes lost.
This minimises distress caused to you and your pet—
especially when your pet has to be held temporarily in a
strange environment.
Registration fees also cover lost animal holding facilities, dog
attack prevention programs and other responsible pet
ownership programs for the safety of our community.
Pet registration is a legal requirement. Dog and cat owners
must register their animals with their local Council from three
months of age, and must renew their registration by 10 April
each year.
Renewal payment options include:
 Online via Council’s website, mrsc.vic.gov.au
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 BPAY
 Mail
In person at one of Council’s customer service centres.
For information on how to register your pet with Council, visit
mrsc.vic.gov.au/pet-registration or call 5422 0333.
Did you know?
10,780 dogs and 3,131 cats are registered in the Macedon
Ranges and, on average, Council returns 360 lost pets to
their owners every year.
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The benefits of attending a
Council kindergarten
Council’s four-year old kindergarten programs and three year
old pre-kinder activity groups employ qualified and
experienced teachers, have wonderful natural outdoor play
spaces and an exciting play-based curriculum.
Our kindergarten programs are designed to improve your
child’s learning, health and wellbeing by developing and
encouraging:
 self-awareness and respect for others
 social and emotional skills, such as how to play with
other children in a calm, sharing and rewarding way
 the ability to make new friends
 language, literacy and numeracy skills, such as reading
stories and counting objects
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 a joy for learning and group activities, such as talking,
drawing and making things together with other children
their own age
 exposure to new ideas and concepts.
Our programs also provide families with access to resources
and community services, plus support and assistance for
children with special needs.
Enrol today!
Enrol now to secure your place for next year. Kindergarten
and pre-kinder enrolments for 2016 must be lodged by 30
June 2015.
For more information about our kindergarten programs,
vacancies, fees and enrolments, contact our Early Years unit
on 5422 0333 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/children
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Youth Mental Health First Aid
training
Youth Mental Health First Aid courses will once again be
available this year to parents, guardians and teachers in the
shire.
This free, award-winning course teaches adults how to assist
a young person that may be developing a mental illness or in
a mental health crisis.
Become a Youth Mental Health First Aider and you will be
joining over 450 residents that have already been trained,
creating a safer, healthier and more open-minded community
for our young people.
To book your place or for more information, contact Emilie on
5422 0337.
Dates and locations
18 and 19 March
Kyneton Secondary College
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9am–4.30pm
21, 28 April and 5, 12 May
Gisborne Secondary College
6pm–9.30pm
27 Aug and 3, 10, 17 Sept
Sacred Heart College, Kyneton
6pm–9.30pm
7, 14, 21 and 28 October
Romsey Community Hub
6pm–9.30pm
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Young people leading the way
On a sunny weekend in February, at a spot not far from
Kyneton, 31 young people from the Macedon Ranges Youth
Ambassadors program and Live4Life and Music In The Sticks
teams embarked on a three day Leadership Camp.
Activities on the weekend included canoeing, a giant swing, a
flying fox, archery, rock climbing and a range of team
challenges.
Youth Ambassador, Mel, said “The activities provided us with
an opportunity to work our way through a set of testing
activities as a team and I’m pretty proud to say that we gained
the trust and support of one another very quickly."
The camp is designed to prepare participants for the year
ahead as they step into their roles as community leaders. The
activities encouraged participants to explore leadership as a
concept, to build a sense of team and to participate in a range
of experiences that were both personally and collectively
challenging.
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"On day one, some of us were essentially meeting as
strangers and after three days we had made such strong
friendships and amazing memories. It has been such a
rewarding and valuable experience that has taught us so
much," said Mel.
Claudia Pearce, a member of the Live4Life crew, couldn't
agree more, saying, "Over the course of the weekend I made
so many new friends who share the same passions that I
have.
“We would all like to thank Annie, Lauren and Nat for making
this amazing camp happen,” she said.
By Mel Steward, a Macedon Ranges Youth Ambassador;
and Claudia Pearce, a member of the Live4Life crew.
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2015 Arts and Culture program
at the Kyneton Town Hall
This year, several outstanding performers are heading our
way to entertain us with their skills in music, dance, drama,
comedy, circus arts, and burlesque cabaret. Don’t miss out,
book your tickets today!
Tahir—Who Stole My Donkey?
Saturday 21 March at 8pm
Come and see one of Australia’s best comedians perform a
hilarious blockbuster stage show, packed with stand-up,
sketch, music, dance and laughs.
$35 or $30 for concession/groups of eight or more.
Pants Down Circus Rock!
Thursday 2 April at 1.30pm and 7.30pm
It’s AC/DC with acrobats. Set to a pumping classic rock
soundtrack with a wide range of circus acts including
acrobatics, juggling and hula hoops.
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Suitable for all ages.
$17 each, $60 per family or $15 for groups of eight or more.
The women of the ‘60s
Friday 24 April at 11.30am
This high-class show will take you back in time to the fabulous
music of the 1960s, featuring songs by Dusty Springfield,
Dionne Warwick, Shirley Bassey, The Supremes, Petula
Clarke, Lulu and more.
$18 or $15 for groups of eight or more.
The Paris Underground Cabaret
Friday 8 May at 8pm
A variety show that brings together magicians, dancers,
singers, and circus and burlesque artists.
$45 or $40 for concession/groups of eight or more.
For a copy of the complete performance season program,
visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/arts-program or call 1300 888 802.
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Purchase two tickets to any of our shows before 31 March
2015 for a chance to win a special dance package for two
people valued at $170, or purchase our special $85 dance
package (see shows listed below) and see all three!
Luminous Flux
Wednesday 29 April at 8pm
A sensational double-bill by Tasmania’s premier dance
company, Tasdance.
$35 or $30 for concession/groups of eight or more.
First Things First
Wednesday 6 May at 7.30pm
A one-man show featuring technically brilliant dance and
hilarious physical theatre that explores the art of “getting used
to it.”
$25 or $20 for concession/groups of eight or more.
Carmen Sweet
Wednesday 21 October at 7pm
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Spend the night with Carmen, the definitive seductress of the
stage, as she weaves through this full-length, original 60minute version of one of Natalie Weir’s most loved
productions.
$45 or $40 for concession/groups of eight and more.
Purchase tickets
 Phone 1300 888 802
 Online mrsc.vic.gov.au/arts/buytickets
 Visit a Council service centre in Gisborne, Kyneton,
Romsey and Woodend.
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Business seminars, networking
and training calendar
Council’s annual Business Seminars, Networking and
Training Calendar provides many networking and learning
opportunities that feature a range of topics relevant to local
businesses.
To view a copy of the annual program, and to book your
space or purchase tickets:
 Visit: mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-events
 Phone: 5421 9616
 In person: visit a Council service centre
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Equine Centre feasibility report
The findings of a feasibility study into establishing a regional
equine centre capable of hosting world-class events is now on
public exhibition.
The study is now available on Council’s website and in
Council service centres. It looks at a range of facilities options
including indoor and outdoor arenas, stabling, yards,
exhibition and entertainment facilities that will cater for
educational experiences, competitions and other equinerelated activities in the shire.
It has included extensive consultation with the equine
industry, including state and national stakeholders, the
Macedon Ranges Equine Industry Network (REIN), and local
horse-riding clubs and business owners.
The Victorian Government provided $60,000 in funding, with
Council providing the balance of the $95,000 project.
To view the study and have your say, visit
mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay or contact Leanne on 5421 9617.
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Facebook for horse owners
The Macedon Ranges Equine Industry Network (REIN) has
galloped onto Facebook with an exciting concept to engage
with the local equine industry.
The page provides equine-related news and events
happening in the Macedon Ranges.
It also includes regular tips for horse owners about health and
veterinary matters.
Everyone is invited to share and post their own horse
experiences, handy tips, photos and competition results on
the page. Local equine businesses are also encouraged to
share information on the page about their products and
services available in the Macedon Ranges.
The Facebook page is an outcome of the five-year Macedon
Ranges Equine Industry Strategy and is a joint project with
Council and REIN volunteers.
Visit facebook.com/MacedonREIN
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Men’s Sheds
Who goes there, what happens and where are they
located?
Community-based Men’s Sheds are an updated version of the
shed in the backyard that has long been a part of Australian
culture.
Men’s Sheds are usually equipped with tools and are a place
for men to work on their own projects, and community
projects. If you looked inside one you might see men restoring
furniture, working on a project for a local school, making Myna
bird traps or fixing lawn mowers. You might also see young
men working with the older men to learn new skills.
However, it’s not all about the tools. Many men who attend
their local men’s shed simply do so to have a chat, talk about
their lives, meet new people and feel connected to other
people in their community.
There are always tea-bags, coffee cups and a comfortable
area to sit and talk. Some sheds have cooking facilities where
men can prepare and share meals, while others have
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computers with internet access where men can learn how to
contact their families and friends using digital tools.
Everyone is always welcome at your local men’s shed.
Find your local Men’s Shed
Kyneton
The Kyneton Men’s Shed one of the oldest Men’s Sheds in
Victoria. They meet every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from 9am–4pm.
They are currently located at 8 Mollison Place until they find a
location to build a new shed for their members. If you know of
a suitable location or are interested in supporting the
members to find a new home, contact John Mitchell on 0429
149 317 or email jmpr04@bigpond.com
Gisborne
The Gisborne Men’s Shed is in the process of relocating to a
new shed that will be located in Neal Street, Gisborne. They
are still meeting regularly during this time.
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For more information, contact Gunther on 0400 994 937 or
email gisbornemensshed@live.com
Riddells Creek
Located at the rear of the Riddells Creek Neighbourhood
House, 59 Main Road, Riddells Creek, the Shed is open
Tuesdays from 10am–3pm and Thursdays from 7pm–10pm.
For more information, contact Don on 0409 334 551 or email
kmdc2@bigpond.com.
Lancefield
Located at 76 High Street, Lancefield, the Shed is open
Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10am–3pm.
For more information, contact Graham on 0400 321 131 or
email lancefieldshed@tpg.com.au
Woodend
Located at 2 Sullivans Road, Woodend, the Shed is open on
Mondays from 10am–3pm.
For more information, contact Bill on 0438 292 355 or email
info@woodendmensshed.org
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Fire recovery efforts underway
Black Hill Reserve
Initial assessments of Black Hill Reserve indicate early signs
of recovery, after fire struck the popular reserve in January.
An environmental committee of landowners, Landcare and
Friends Group members has been established to coordinate
the recovery effort and monitor natural regeneration of the
reserve.
Council also plans to introduce erosion control programs at
the reserve and install more nest boxes to replace the natural
and man-made nesting places lost during the fire. Weed
control programs will also be planned for the near future.
Voluntary labour will assist with some of these activities.
An environmental management plan will also be developed
for the reserve over the next 6-12 months.
The reserve will remain closed until further notice and a
growing list of works has been developed to make the reserve
accessible to the public again.
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The works, some of which are yet to be funded, may include
new signage, remarking of the pathway network, clearing the
vehicle access track, and pruning or removing dangerous
trees.
Supporting landowners
Thirty landowners affected by fires over December and
January are receiving support with fire recovery.
This includes rehabilitation of access tracks created on private
land to fight fires, water replacement for dams, feed and
fodder for livestock, cleaning of contaminated water tanks,
tree safety assessments, and general property clean-up.
To speak to someone about fire recovery needs, call
Council’s recovery officer, David Marnie, on (03) 5422 0217.
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Building decks, verandahs or
pergolas
Decks, verandahs and pergolas can improve the liveability of
your dwelling and add value to your property.
If you want to build a deck, verandah or pergola, you may
need to apply for a building permit to ensure that the works
meet the required safety and construction standards.
Is a building permit required?
Decks
 Yes, a permit is required for construction of a raised
timber or steel deck attached to any building or around a
swimming pool.
Verandahs and pergolas
The difference between a verandah and a pergola is that a
pergola does not have walls or a roof other than rafters,
battens or shade cloth. A pergola may be attached to a
dwelling.
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 Yes, a permit is required for construction of a verandah
attached to any building on your property.
 No, a permit is not required for construction of a standalone verandah that:
 is not attached to another building
 is less than 10m2 in floor area
 is no more than 3m in height
 is no more than 2.4m in height within 1m of your
boundary
 is located no further forward than the front wall of
your dwelling
 is not over an easement.
 Yes, a permit is required for construction of a pergola
associated with a house that:
 exceeds 20m2 and3.6m in height
 is located more than 2.5m from the front of your
dwelling
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 is over an easement.
A planning permit may also be required in some cases.
For more information, contact Council on 5422 0333.
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Major projects
Community Park concepts a step closer
Following consultation with members of Kyneton Community
Park Inc, local artists and nearby residents, the final touches
are being made to the concept plan for the Kyneton
Community Park, which will be located at the Kyneton Botanic
Gardens.
Find out more about this interactive park’s unique design by
attending a community event at the Kyneton Botanic Gardens
on Saturday 21 March from 1pm.
It is anticipated that Stage 1 works, which includes the
preparation of the grounds, construction of underground
infrastructure and pathways will commence in April. Stage 2
works, which includes the construction of park equipment, will
occur later in the year, funding permitting.
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Irrigation works at Kyneton Botanic Gardens
The heritage-listed trees and lawn areas of the Kyneton
Botanic Gardens are now connected to the town’s recycled
water pipeline.
Until recently the garden beds were the only area of the
Botanic Gardens that could be connected to the recycled
water pipeline through existing irrigation systems. This meant
that the town’s drinking water supply was used to irrigate
trees and lawns at the site.
Council hopes to extend the irrigation system to incorporate
the whole of the Kyneton Botanic Gardens in future years,
budget permitting.
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Gisborne Indoor Sports Stadium nearing completion
Construction of a two court indoor sports stadium at Gisborne
Secondary College is on track to be completed in the coming
weeks, with the official opening of the facility likely to be held
mid-year.
In the meantime, Council is working with local user groups to
finalise usage agreements so that competitions can begin as
soon as possible after the opening.
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Gardiner reserve lighting and court upgrades
User groups at Gardiner Reserve in Gisborne will soon enjoy
the use of new oval lighting that meets Australian standards
for training and competition purposes, and a resurfaced
netball court to cater for increasing demand across junior and
senior levels.
Funding for the project includes $100,000 from the Victorian
Government, $179,000 from Macedon Ranges Shire Council
and $70,000 from the Gardiner Reserve Community Project
Committee.
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Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve works
Works on the construction of new change room facilities at
the Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve are underway.
The $135,000 project includes upgrades to existing change
room facilities, plus new female change rooms for players and
umpires.
The works are set to improve facilities for both junior and
senior football and netball user groups.
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Improving pedestrian safety
Council continues to expand the network of footpaths and
pedestrian crossings across the shire, with the following
works recently completed.
 275 metres of new footpath on Howey Street, between
Worcester and Keily roads in Gisborne.
 90 metres of new footpath along Owen Street in
Woodend.
 Construction of a dual pedestrian crossing on Wedge
Street, Kyneton to improve pedestrian safety at the
intersection of Wedge and Mitchell streets.
 100 metres of new footpath on McIntosh Terrace,
Romsey.
 208 metres of new footpath on Main Road, Riddells
Creek that extends from the primary school to Filmer
Place.

95 metres of new footpath along Caroline Chisholm
Drive, Kyneton.
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Your rates at work
Road resealing program
Since January, more than 25 kilometres of Council’s roads
have been upgraded as part of Council’s $1.2 million road
resealing program.
The annual program is part of Council’s commitment to
maintaining and enhancing more than 830 kilometres of
sealed roads in the shire. Sections of roads are identified to
be resealed through regular road inspections and Council’s
Road Asset Management Plan, which aims to reseal roads
every 10 years.
Completed works
Baynton–Pastoria
 Burke & Wills Track
 Kyneton-Baynton Road
Carlsruhe
 Carlsruhe-Central Road
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 Cheveley Road
 Garth Road
 Three Chain Road
Gisborne
 Aitken Street
 Brady Road
 Dalrymple Road
 Emmeline Drive
 Fersfield Road
 Fisher Street
 Greenvale Drive
 Markham Road
 Mount Gisborne Road
 Panorama Drive
 Willowbank Road
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Lancefield
 Pyalong Road
Macedon and Mt Macedon
 Bailey Road
 Barringo Road
 Carrington Street
 Straws Lane
Malmsbury
 Malmsbury-East Road
New Gisborne
 Ferrier Road
 Kemp Road
Riddells Creek
 Flour Mill Lane
 Sandy Creek Road
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 Somerville Lane
Romsey and Kerrie
 Bowkett Close
 Dowie Court
 Mount Eliza Road
 Roger Street
 Romsey Road
Woodend
 Anslow Street
 Morris Road
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Your say
Council welcomes feedback on the services we provide, and
on issues that are important to our residents.
Here are just a few comments we have received recently.
Strengthening friendships
Our sincere thanks to you for your involvement and support in
welcoming our visitors on arrival on Monday 14 July, and in
making it possible for us to have the most valuable support of
Community Partnerships project officer Stephen Hiley during
the weeks leading up to, and during the visit. His coordination
of our visits to the many Shire facilities and friendly interaction
with them made for a seamlessly easy partnership between
MRSC and MRFOET.
We know that this Study Tour, where we met with so many
local residents and community groups and visited several
educational facilities, was a very valuable shared experience
for us all, and that our friendship will grow as a result.
Fran, Macedon Ranges Friends of East Timor
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Supporting local businesses
Just a quick email to say thank you to you and your team for
the support that you have given us thus far. We have been
getting many visitors via your recommendations and it has
definitely been helping us a great deal.
Alan, Susie and Jacquie, owners of Cloud 9 Farm
vineyard
Send us your feedback to mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au or PO Box
151, Kyneton VIC 3444.
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Residents put health and
wellbeing first
A new, community-based committee is gearing up for its first
year in promoting positive health and wellbeing across the
shire.
The committee, which met for the first time in late 2014, has
already provided feedback on Council’s Community
Consultation Framework and started discussions about off
leash areas for dogs in the shire.
The committee will meet quarterly and is made up of 14
community representatives and three Councillors.
Local New Gisborne resident and committee member, Nicole
Laurie, said the committee includes residents of different ages
and backgrounds from most towns across the shire, which
provides a range of views on the issues raised.
“The committee demonstrates a genuine interest from Council
to formally consult with members of its community, and helps
to ensure the lifestyle, health and wellbeing opportunities
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provided by Council best meet the needs of our diverse and
growing community.
“There is a real opportunity for Council to become a leader in
promoting liveability, wellbeing and healthy lifestyles in our
region and I hope in some small way my volunteer role on the
committee will help shape that positive future,” she said.
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Subscribe to eNews
Receive updates on Council projects and services direct to
your mailbox. Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/newsletters and subscribe
to one or more of the following:
Aquatics and Leisure: fitness classes, sporting activities,
lane availability, swim lessons, school holiday activities and
membership specials.
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exhibitions, and funding opportunities in the Macedon
Ranges.
Business: events, support and other opportunities for
businesses in the Macedon Ranges.
Disability: Council programs and local service providers that
cater to people with a disability.
Environment: environmental projects and events happening
in the shire.
Family: information for local families with children aged from
birth to eight years.
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Find us on Facebook
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facebook.com/GisPoolGym
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facebook.com/MacedonRangesArtsCulture
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Rates instalments
Rates and charges must be paid in four instalments by no
later than the due date.
Instalment reminder notices will be sent prior to each
instalment date.
If an instalment is not paid by the due date it will be charged
with penalty interest.
The final instalment date for 2014/15 is 31 May 2015.
You can pay your rates online with Visa or Mastercard via
Council’s website, mrsc.vic.gov.au/payments
If you have any questions about rates payment methods, or if
you have difficulty paying your rates on time, contact the
Rates department on 5422 0322.
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Contact Council
You can contact Council by:
Phone: 5422 0333 or 1300 656 577*
Email: mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Website: mrsc.vic.gov.au
Post: PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444
*Our 1300 number offers residents living in the south of the
shire the ability to contact us without incurring an STD call
rate.
Visit one of our service centres:
40 Robertson Street, Gisborne
129 Mollison Street, Kyneton
96−100 Main Street, Romsey
Cnr High and Forest Streets, Woodend.
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Residents who are deaf or have a hearing or speech
impairment can contact Council through the National Relay
Service:
 TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 03 5422 0333
 Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) users phone
1300 555 727 then ask for 03 5422 0333
 Internet relay users connect to the NRS
(see www.relayservice.com.au for details) and then ask
for 03 5422 0333.
If you or someone you know may benefit from receiving a
large print version of this newsletter, visit
mrsc.vic.gov.au/newsletters or call 5422 0302.
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Hanging Rock—free entry
Complete and present this coupon at the Hanging Rock Café
to receive an exit ticket.
Offer valid until 31 Jan 2016. Not valid on event days and not
to be used for commercial purposes.
Limit one coupon per household, per annum.
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Discover your local history with
a free family entry to the
Kyneton Museum
For current exhibitions and opening hours, visit
mrsc.vic.gov.au/museum
Valid until 1 March 2016.
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Your Councillors
East Ward
Cr Graham Hackett, mobile: 0408 287 788,
ghackett@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Henry McLaughlin, mobile: 0400 028 507,
hmclaughlin@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Ian Ellis, mobile: 0400 025 455, iellis@mrsc.vic.gov.au
South Ward
Cr John Letchford, mobile: 0401 682 364,
jletchford@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Russell Mowatt, mobile: 0418 531 281,
rmowatt@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Sally Piper, mobile: 0400 865 543,
spiper@mrsc.vic.gov.au
West Ward
Cr Jennifer Anderson, mobile: 0408 273 670,
janderson@mrsc.vic.gov.au
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Cr John Connor, mobile: 0412 870 500,
jconnor@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Roger Jukes, mobile: 0400 647 445,
rjukes@mrsc.vic.gov.au
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