Shire Life
Issue 13 July 2015
Macedon Ranges Shire Council newsletter—Accessible
version
1
Table of contents
What’s on .............................................................................. 5
Nominate our young achievers ........................................... 13
Register now for Battle of the Bands .................................. 15
Woodend Occasional Care ................................................. 16
Kinder enrolments—it’s not too late! ................................... 17
Junior sports development programs .................................. 18
Immunisation sessions—location change ........................... 20
Home-cooked food by neighbours, for neighbours ............. 21
Community Cook-up ........................................................... 22
Should you be parking there? ............................................. 23
Becoming age-friendly ........................................................ 25
The Stadium Gisborne ........................................................ 28
Stay active this winter ......................................................... 31
Council adopts its budget for 2015/16 ................................ 34
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Looking for a local business? .............................................. 39
Support local business and buy local .................................. 40
Next stage for equine centre study ..................................... 42
New digital tools for business ............................................. 44
Training for businesses ....................................................... 46
Tourism website set to receive a facelift ............................. 48
Your Councillors ................................................................. 49
Your rates at work ............................................................... 55
Wet roads in winter ............................................................. 57
Our environment, our future ................................................ 58
Pets out and about .............................................................. 59
Recovery at Black Hill Reserve ........................................... 60
Major projects ..................................................................... 62
Subscribe to eNews ............................................................ 65
Find us on Facebook .......................................................... 67
Rates instalments ............................................................... 68
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Contact Council .................................................................. 70
Group Fitness Class ........................................................... 72
Battle of the bands .............................................................. 73
Drowning in Veronica Lake—2-for-1 pass .......................... 74
Your Councillors ................................................................. 75
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What’s on
Winter in the Macedon Ranges
Live theatre and music
Stripey The EGGScellent adventures of an emu chick
Friday 10 July at 6pm and Saturday 11 July at 1pm and 3pm
Imagine having to keep track of 30 small emu chicks, who are
running here, there and everywhere.
Tickets: $17 each, $60 per family or $15 for groups of eight or
more.
Back to Broadway
Friday 24 July at 11.30am
An all-singing, all-dancing, theatrical sensation that invites you
to take a breathtaking journey through the magical world of
musicals.
Tickets: $18 or $15 for groups of eight or more.
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The Lost WW1 Diaries of Paddy Callinan
Friday 31 July at 8.30pm
Obsessed from a young age about all things Anzac,
comedian Damian Callinan routinely visits regional war
memorials in search of diggers bearing his name. One day he
finds an old WW1 diary of Paddy Callinan in a Warrnambool
op shop. Is Paddy the mysterious digger his family never
speak of?
Tickets: $35 or $30 for concession/ groups of eight and more.
Drowning in Veronica Lake
Thursday 6 August at 8pm
This one-woman show will take you on a fantastic ride
through the life of ‘40s starlet, Veronica Lake.
Tickets: $30 or $25 for concession/ groups of eight and more.
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Grigoryan Brothers
Friday 14 August at 7.30pm
The Grigoryan Brothers are coming to Kyneton for one night
only to perform a selection of musical works from their vast
repertoire.
Tickets: $35 or $30 for concession/ groups of eight and more.
Viennese Masterworks
Friday 21 August at 11.30am
Enjoy a superb performance of masterworks by Beethoven,
Schubert, Kreisler and Strauss in this program of elegant
gems from Vienna, the music capital of the world.
Tickets: $18 or $15 for 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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Save the date—Coming up in September
Kyneton Antique and Vintage Fair
4–6 September, Kyneton Town Hall
Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival
3–13 September, various locations around Kyneton
Mt Macedon and District Horticultural Society Plant
Lovers Market
19–20 September, Bolobek, 370 Mt Macedon Road,
Macedon.
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Meet your Councillors
5 August and 14 October
Residents and community groups now have the opportunity to
book a one-on-one meeting with the Mayor and Councillors to
discuss local issues.
Twenty minute meetings can be booked from 7pm–9pm at the
following locations:
 Wednesday 5 August, Romsey Community Hub, 96–100
Main Street, Romsey
 Wednesday 14 October*, Macedon Ranges Further
Education Centre, Hamilton Street, Gisborne.
*Note: this session will replace the previously advertised
session that was to be held on 7 October.
To book an appointment, contact Debbie on 5422 0313 or
dpeter@mrsc.vic.gov.au
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Markets
Woodend Farmers Market
1st Saturday of each month, 9am–1pm, High Street,
Woodend
Gisborne Olde Time Market
1st Sunday of each month, 9am–2pm, Hamilton Street,
Gisborne
Kyneton Farmers Market
2nd Saturday of each month, 9am–1pm, St Paul’s Park,
Kyneton
Rotary Community Market
2nd Saturday of each month, 9am–1pm, 17 Piper Street,
Kyneton
Malmsbury Market
2nd Sunday of each month, 9am–3pm, Malmsbury General
Store, Mollison Street
Riddells Creek Farmers Market
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3rd Saturday of each month, 9am–1pm, Riddells Creek
Primary School, Main Road
Lancefield Farmers Market
4th Saturday of each month, 9am–1pm, Centre Plantation,
High Street, Lancefield
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Exploring our history
It’s a tea cosy exhibition
Showcasing both the traditional and trendy, this colourful
display of tea cosies offers a fascinating insight into how the
tea cosy was transformed from just a humble cover to a work
of art.
Come along and discover everything that you didn’t know
about the tea cosy.
On display until 27 September at the Kyneton Museum.
For more information, contact 1300 888 802 or visit
mrsc.vic.gov.au/museum
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Nominate our young achievers
Every year the Macedon Ranges Youth Awards get bigger
and bigger—with more and more extraordinary young people
across the Macedon Ranges being celebrated for the
incredible things they do to help make this place such a
vibrant place to live.
Do you know a young person between 12–25 years of age
who lives, works or goes to school in the Macedon Ranges
and deserves to be publicly acknowledged and celebrated?
Perhaps they are:
 excelling in the arts;
 giving their all to their education;
 an exceptional employee or apprentice;
 best on ground in a sporting endeavour;
 flying the flag for youth mental health and wellbeing, or
 contributing to our community in other ways?
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If so, then we want to hear from you.
Nominate today!
You can nominate online at mrsc.vic.gov.au/youth-awards or
pick up a nomination form from a Council service centre.
Nominations close Friday 31 July at 5pm.
To find out more, contact Annie on 5422 0226 or
arowland@mrsc.vic.gov.au
The awards will be held on Tuesday 25 August at 7pm at the
Kyneton Town Hall.
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Register now for Battle of the
Bands
Registrations are now open for bands, solo acts and duos
interested in competing in the Macedon Ranges annual Battle
of the Bands competition on 1 August in Kyneton.
The winner receives a cash prize and will go through to the
regional finals to be held later this year.
Battle of the Bands events provide bands with a platform to
have their music heard by a large audience. Winners of the
regional finals get the opportunity to perform at the grand final
event at Melbourne’s Moomba Festival in March 2016.
To register for Battle of the Bands, email
mits@mrsc.vic.gov.au, call 5422 0242 or find us on
Facebook, facebook.com/MacedonRangesYouth
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Woodend Occasional Care
Occasional care supports families by providing flexible care
for children on a short-term or regular basis.
Families can entrust the care of their children for short periods
of time to a supportive early learning environment where they
can socialise and interact with other children.
Our service in Woodend offers high quality care for children
aged 6 weeks to 5 years (who do not attend school).
Sessions are held on:
 Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9am–12pm at Buffalo
Sports Stadium, Forest Street, Woodend
 Fridays from 9am–12pm at Woodend Community Hub,
Forest Street, Woodend.
For more information or to book your place, visit
mrsc.vic.gov.au/children
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Kinder enrolments—it’s not too
late!
It is not too late to enrol your child at a Council-run
kindergarten for 2016.
There are still places available for three and four year old
kinder programs at kindergartens in Gisborne, Kyneton,
Lancefield, Macedon, Riddells Creek, Romsey and Woodend.
If you hold a current Health Care Card, you may be eligible to
enrol at low or no cost.
When can my child attend kindergarten?
Your child needs to have turned three before they can
commence the three-year-old program. If your child turns four
before 30 April next year, they are eligible to attend funded
four-year-old kindergarten in 2016.
For more information, contact our Early Years unit on 5422
0333 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/children
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Junior sports development
programs
Junior sports programs for primary school aged students who
are interested in learning to play basketball or soccer will be
held in Romsey and Kyneton during the school term.
The programs teach children the fundamentals of these
popular sports in a fun, indoor, non-competitive environment.
All participants receive their own basketball, or soccer and
shin guards.
Basketball
 Shooting Hoops sessions are held at the Romsey
Recreation Centre every Tuesday from 4pm–4.45pm.
 An 8-week Aussie Hoops program will commence at the
Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre from Thursday
30 July.
Soccer
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 Goal Kick sessions are held at the Romsey Recreation
Centre every Friday from 4pm–4.45pm.
For more information, contact the Romsey Recreation Centre
on 5429 5637 or the Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre
on 5421 1477.
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Immunisation sessions—
location change
Immunisation sessions are held on the first Thursday of each
month in Gisborne, Kyneton and Woodend and on the third
Tuesday in Riddells Creek and Romsey.
From July–October, immunisation sessions in Riddells Creek
will be moved from the Senior Citizens Centre on Main Street
to the Maternal & Child Health Centre at 23–25 Mahoneys
Road.
For more information or to download an immunisation session
timetable, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/immunisations or contact 5422
0333.
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Home-cooked food by
neighbours, for neighbours
Casserole Club is a local food sharing initiative where
volunteer cooks from the community make an extra portion of
a home-cooked meal for a diner (for example, a neighbour)
who is older and/or unable to cook for themselves.
Since its launch in Lancefield in October last year, the project
has seen many new friendships formed and over 100 homecooked meals have been shared.
Council is now pleased to announce that Casserole Club is
taking registrations from interested cooks and diners in all
townships across the shire.
Could you cook an extra portion of dinner for an older
neighbour?
Sign up as a Cook at casseroleclub.com.au and we will
connect you with a diner who lives nearby.
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Would you like to share a home-cooked meal prepared by
a friendly neighbour?
If you’re older, or are on your own and unable to cook, join
Casserole Club and we will connect you with a friendly
neighbour who will deliver you a delicious home-cooked meal.
To find out more or to sign up as a Cook or Diner, contact
Jess on 5422 0233 or visit casseroleclub.com.au
Community Cook-up
To celebrate the success of the program to date, the
Casserole Club community is planning a Community Cook-up
event on Thursday 16 July at the Romsey Community Hub.
Casserole Club cooks and diners will prepare their favourite
recipes together before everyone sits down to enjoy a
scrumptious social meal.
Everyone is welcome to come along and find out more about
Casserole Club and how to get involved. Places are limited,
so make sure you register by Friday 10 July by contacting
Jess on 5422 0233.
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Should you be parking there?
There are approximately 1,700 disability parking permit
holders in the shire and finding disability parking spaces—
also known as accessible parking spaces—close to the shops
can be a real challenge for many people.
Motorists are reminded that only drivers with a valid permit
can park in disability parking spaces.
These designated parking spaces are located close to
building entrances, are wider than an average parking space
and usually have the international symbol of access displayed
on the ground and on signs near the parking space.
Motorists who park in a disability parking space without a valid
permit may be issued with a $148 fine.
It is important that permit holders also check that they have a
current permit. Recent figures indicate that 45 per cent of
fines issued so far in 2015 were for expired permits. Permits
must be renewed every three years.
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It is also an offence to give your permit to anyone else. If the
permit is no longer required, it must be returned to one of our
service centres.
Disability parking permit holder and Kyneton resident,
Margaret Baker, said that she regularly witnesses people
without a valid permit using disability parking spaces.
“Also, it’s common to see people using a valid permit that has
been issued to a friend or relative who they drive around, yet
they are still parking in a disability spot even when they don’t
have the permit holder on board.
“One day you too may find yourself in the position of needing
a disability permit and the availability of close parking at your
destination. Please think before you take one of these
valuable spots,” she said.
For more information about disability parking permits, contact
5422 0333 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/disability-parking
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Becoming age-friendly
Council has made a commitment to become an age-friendly
community, with the endorsement of the Age-friendly
Communities Action Plan earlier this year.
The plan identifies four key areas of action that will:
 improve access to information
 improve access to health and support services
 increase opportunities for volunteering and employment
 increase social and community activities.
The development of the plan also supports Council’s
application to the World Health Organisation to become a
member of the Global Network of Age-friendly Communities—
a network of cities and communities from all over the world
who are committed to promoting healthy and active ageing,
and supporting a good quality of life for older residents.
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To find out more or to view a copy of the plan, visit
mrsc.vic.gov.au/age-friendly or contact Rebecca on 5422
0262.
A special thank you
As we move into this new era for positive ageing in the
Macedon Ranges, it is important that we recognise the efforts
of our Positive Ageing Advisory Committee and thank all the
members for their contribution to making our shire more agefriendly.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council was one of the first Victorian
local governments to establish an older persons’ advisory
group. Since 2008, the committee has been a staunch
advocate for the interests of older people in the region.
One of the committee’s first tasks was to help assess the
‘age-friendliness’ of Macedon Ranges townships according to
World Health Organisation criteria. This laid the foundations
for Council’s decision to seek membership of the Global
Network of Age-friendly Communities (see above).
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Along the way, the committee has advocated for
improvements to our footpath networks, public seating and
public transport services across the shire. The committee also
initiated ‘Dying to Talk’, an annual event that allows older
people to discuss matters of importance to them as they
approach the end of life.
The committee met for the last time in June 2015 but its work
will be continued through the implementation of the Agefriendly Communities Action Plan and the Health and
Wellbeing Committee—a new, community-based committee
that will promote positive health and wellbeing for all ages and
abilities across the shire.
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The Stadium Gisborne
The Stadium in Gisborne officially opened its doors to the
public in April and is already being enjoyed by many local
sporting and community groups.
The $4 million facility, which is based at the Gisborne
Secondary College, is a joint project between Gisborne
Secondary College, the Victorian Government and Council. It
is used by the secondary college during school hours and by
the community outside school hours and on weekends.
The Stadium includes two indoor courts, change rooms,
canteen facilities and a meeting room.
To find out more about the activities on offer, or to hire a
space for your program, contact 5428 1619 or visit
mrsc.vic.gov.au/thestadium.
Basketball and Aussie Hoops
Basketball coaching and competitions for all ages and abilities
are held during school terms. For more information, contact
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Natalie on 0412 006 666 or email
gisbornebulldogs@gmail.com
Aussie Hoops is a fantastic first step for children under 10
wanting to learn how to play basketball. Saturday morning
sessions will begin in Term 3. For more information, contact
Andrew on 9744 4762 or email:
operationsmanager@sunburybasketball.com.au
Netball
A ladies evening netball competition is held on Wednesday
nights from 6.30pm. To register a team or find out more,
contact Helen on 0421 314 596.
Soccer
Indoor soccer competitions for junior and senior players will
commence in Term 4. To find out more, contact the Gisborne
Soccer Club on 0417 791 280 or email:
president@gisbornesoccerclub.com.au
Group fitness classes
Metafit exercise classes are a great way to improve your
fitness. Classes are held on Friday mornings at 9am and
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Saturday mornings at 8am. Kids are welcome. For more
information, contact Libby on 0421 733 750 or email
libby@changeituptraining.com
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Stay active this winter
From indoor volleyball and basketball competitions to gentle
exercise classes for older residents, there is something for
everyone at our indoor sports centres. Below are just some of
the programs on offer during Term 3. To find out more, visit
mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure or drop into your local centre today!
Mixed volleyball
Competitions are held in Riddells Creek on Monday evenings
and Kyneton on Tuesday evenings. Suitable for all skill levels.
Badminton
Badminton competitions are held in Macedon on Tuesday
evenings from 8pm and Kyneton on Monday evenings from
7pm. A daytime ladies competition is also held in Macedon on
Thursday mornings from 9.30am.
Netball
Ladies netball competitions are held in Woodend on Monday
mornings and Tuesday evenings; and in Kyneton on
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Thursday evenings from 6.30pm. Sign up individually or as a
team.
Basketball
Senior men’s competitions for over 15s are held in Riddells
Creek on Tuesday evenings from 7.40pm and Kyneton on
Tuesday evenings from 8pm. A senior mixed competition is
also held in Riddells Creek on Thursdays from 7.30pm. A
ladies competition is held in Kyneton on Monday evenings
from 6.30pm. A teen basketball competition, which is suitable
for new and experienced players aged between 13–16 years,
is held at the Romsey Recreation Centre on Tuesdays from
6.30pm. Skills sessions are included. Individual registrations
welcome.
Gentle exercise
Classes that are designed for the mature-age adult are
regularly held at the Romsey Recreation Centre, Gisborne
Fitness Centre, Buffalo Sports Stadium in Woodend and the
Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre. Using a
combination of cardio equipment and light weights, each class
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aims to improve flexibility, strength, balance and
cardiovascular health.
Contact your local centre
Buffalo Sports Stadium 1–29 Forest Street, Woodend 5427
3411 buffalo@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Gisborne Fitness Centre 8 Hamilton Street, Gisborne 5428
3318 gisgymcman@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre 4 Victoria Street,
Kyneton 5421 1477 ksacreception@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Macedon Community Centre Waterfalls Road, Macedon
Contact Buffalo Sports Stadium. (See details to the left).
Riddells Creek Leisure Centre Sutherlands Road, Riddells
Creek 5428 7155 rclc@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Romsey Recreation Centre 12 Park Lane, Romsey 5429
5637 rrc@mrsc.vic.gov.au
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Council adopts its budget for
2015/16
On 17 June, Council adopted its Budget Report 2015/16 and
Council Plan 2013–2017 (Year three). A good budget
balances environmental, infrastructure and social needs with
the community’s capacity to pay. It plans for the long-term
future wellbeing of our community while keeping rates
affordable.
This budget includes $54 million in expenditure on services
and $19 million in works to buildings, roads and other
infrastructure.
What’s planned in my Ward?
East ward
Main townships: Romsey, Riddells Creek, Lancefield,
Newham, Hesket, Darraweit Guim, Clarkefield
 Implementation of a Town Structure Plan for Riddells
Creek
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 Road widening and resealing works on Sandy Creek
Road in Riddells Creek and Ochiltrees Road in Romsey
 Road and footpath upgrades along High and Raglan
streets in Lancefield
 Construction of a new outdoor play space at Romsey
Kindergarten
 Installation of a pram crossing at the intersection of Main
and Kathryn streets in Romsey
 Finalisation of an Environmental Management Plan for
Hanging Rock
 Construction of a skate park in Lancefield.
South ward
Main townships: Mount Macedon, Macedon, New Gisborne,
Gisborne, Bullengarook
 Construction of new pavilions at Dixon Field in Gisborne
and the Macedon Ranges Netball Complex in New
Gisborne
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 Construction of a $3.7 million Early Learning Centre in
Gisborne
 Construction of a new outdoor play space at Swinburne
Ave Kindergarten in Gisborne
 Construction of a new footpath on Bruce Street in
Macedon (extending from Victoria Street to the
kindergarten)
 Road upgrades on Brady Road in Gisborne
 Upgrades at the Gisborne Aquatic Centre.
West ward
Main townships: Kyneton, Malmsbury, Lauriston, Carlsruhe,
Tylden, Woodend
 Extension of the shared path along the Campaspe River
in Kyneton
 Drainage works along Tucker Street and Daylesford
Road in Malmsbury
 Reopening of the refurbished Kyneton Bluestone Theatre
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 Upgrades at the Kyneton Museum
 Lighting upgrades at the Kyneton Showgrounds
 Implementation of Town Structure Plans for Kyneton and
Woodend
 Rehabilitation of the former Kyneton landfill
 Road widening and resealing works on KynetonSpringhill and Kyneton-Baynton roads.
How much will my rates increase?
Council rates and charges will increase by 4.8% in 2015/16.
This means that a ratepayer living in a median valued
property will pay $1,814 this year compared to $1,740 last
year—a difference of $74.
This will be a typical ‘rates bill’ for someone living in a house
valued at $445,000 in January 2014, with a garbage,
recycling and garden bin.
How are my rates calculated?
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Your rates contribute to the various services provided by
Macedon Ranges Shire Council. How much you pay depends
on the value of your property.
To calculate your rates, Council first determines its budget for
the year. The total rates we need to collect are then divided
by the total value of all properties in the shire, which
establishes what is called a ‘rate in the dollar’. The rate in the
dollar is then multiplied by the value of your property to
determine your rates.
Note: every property in the shire has been valued based on
the amount it would sell for on the open market as at January
2014 (property values are reviewed every two years). Your
property’s value is shown on your rates notice.
To find out more, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/plan-and-budget to
view a copy of the 2015/16 Budget Report and Council Plan
2013–2017 (Year three).
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Looking for a local business?
Are you often looking for locally-based businesses where you
can purchase goods and services and support our local
economy?
With more than 1,000 local businesses listed, simply visit our
online business directory at mrsc.vic.gov.au/businessdirectory and buy local.
The directory covers all major sectors such as retail, training,
trades, healthcare, accommodation and much more.
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Support local business and buy
local
Council is developing a buy local campaign that will
encourage residents and business to purchase local goods
and services, and increase local job opportunities.
We are keen to hear from local businesses who are interested
in developing their own ‘Buy Local’ programs.
These programs will be further supported through the
development of a Macedon Ranges Producers Guide, which
will outline opportunities for local residents, businesses and
wholesalers to connect with local producers.
If you would like to get involved, or if you run a local business
and have any ideas for an innovative ‘Buy Local’ program,
contact Boyd on 5421 9615 or email
bmaplestone@mrsc.vic.gov.au
As part of the campaign, local businesses are encouraged to
register their details to be included in our online business
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directory. Businesses must be located in the Macedon
Ranges Shire and it’s free to register.
Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-directory to register your
details.
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Next stage for equine centre
study
Council will approach the Victorian Government to pursue the
next steps for the establishment of an equine centre in the
shire, including the development of a full business case.
The Equine Centre feasibility study was officially endorsed at
the May Council meeting. As part of the next stage, Council
will work with the Victorian Government to undertake detailed
financial and economic modelling and a comprehensive risk
assessment.
The potential boost to the economy and the creation of local
jobs are considered major benefits to the proposal, with over
half (56%) of the employed population of the Macedon
Ranges currently leaving the area for work.
The study was available for community comment earlier this
year and received 789 survey responses, 21 written
submissions and 102 attendees at information sessions.
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95.2% of the submissions received indicated their support for
the project.
The feasibility study is an action in the 2012–17 Equine
Strategy, which aims to support the sustainable growth of the
equine industry and create local employment opportunities.
The equine industry contributes an estimated $140 million
each year to the local economy.
For more information, contact Leanne on 5421 9617 or visit
mrsc.vic.gov.au/equine-centre
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New digital tools for business
The Macedon Ranges is renowned for its beautiful scenery,
award-winning food and wine, boutique accommodation and
world class events at Hanging Rock, but there’s a lot more to
our region than meets the eye.
To help spread the word about the many experiences our
region has to offer, Council, in partnership with Tourism
Macedon Ranges Inc, has developed a handy digital kit that is
designed to make it easier for businesses to be ambassadors
for the place we call home.
The kit, which is provided on a USB drive, contains a range of
information about tourism in the Macedon Ranges and the
contribution it makes to the local economy.
It profiles our region’s products and attractions and includes
resources to assist local businesses in communicating with
visitors, such as professionally written marketing materials
and images of the local region.
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It also contains advice about how to grow your business, and
outlines the types of support and assistance that Council
provides to businesses in the Macedon Ranges.
To request a kit, contact 1800 244 711, email
vic@mrsc.vic.gov.au or drop into one of our Visitor
Information Centres in Woodend or Kyneton.
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Training for businesses
Working with Council workshop
14 July, 5pm–7pm
Gisborne Administration Centre, 40 Robertson St, Gisborne
Cost: free.
Regional business networking night
4 August, 6.30pm–10pm
24 Piper Street, Kyneton
Cost: $35
Romsey region Business and Tourism Association
business breakfast
28 August, 7am–9.30am
160 Glenfern Road, Romsey
Cost: $40
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Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-events to book your place, or
for more information, contact 5421 9616.
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Tourism website set to receive
a facelift
An exciting redevelopment of the region’s official tourism
website, visitmacedonranges.com is about to commence.
The site, which is the official regional tourism website for the
Macedon Ranges and averages around 30,000 visitors each
month, showcases our picturesque region and provides our
visitors with information about accommodation, festivals and
events, food and wine, markets and much more.
If you would like to find out more or get involved, contact
Shane on 5421 9638 or email scaruana@mrsc.vic.gov.au
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Your Councillors
Cr Russell Mowatt
South Ward
We live in a special place and I’m always aware that as your
Councillor it’s important we get the right mix and balance
between growth and preserving our natural environment
where we can.
I’m very pleased to see construction of a new netball pavilion
well underway at the Macedon Ranges Netball Complex in
New Gisborne, which will provide state-of-the-art facilities for
netballers and umpires for many years to come.
Construction of the Gisborne Early Learning Centre is also
about to start, and will provide a multi-purpose facility for the
growing number of young families in the town.
Rodney Street has been reconstructed into a full width sealed
road suitable for accommodating dual traffic, complete with a
footpath, kerb and channel. Landscaping and drainage works
have also been completed as part of the $332,000 project.
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Streetscape works are also complete along Brantome and
Hamilton streets in the Gisborne town centre, providing an
improved shopping experience for retailers and residents.
As the wet weather approaches, Council is completing a
number of bridge, road reconstruction and widening works in
townships across the shire. However it is unfortunate that the
Victorian Government has removed funding for local roads
and bridges of $1 million per year, and Regional Infrastructure
Development funding of $625,000 per year. In real terms this
represents 5% of rates and will have a significant impact in
the future.
In 2015/16, Council’s budget proposes over $19 million in
works to buildings, roads and other infrastructure and includes
a 4.8% rate increase—keeping rate rises under 5% for the
eighth consecutive year.
Cr Jennifer Anderson
West Ward
Although built projects for community benefit are there for all
to see, and a large proportion of rates are used for roads,
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recreation and community services, it is often the little things
that we do that have the biggest impact.
One of the distinctive characteristics of the Macedon Ranges
is that we have unique towns and villages, with quite different
people, with diverse needs and aspirations.
Many people come here to have a sense of belonging,
surrounded by natural beauty, yet the very nature of what
attracts them can also be isolating, and difficult should they
desire anonymity whilst also requiring support.
This can be challenging for us when trying to coordinate
services, and I would like to highlight some areas where
Council is leading the way in doing this well.
Our Youth Development Team do an amazing job, guiding
our young people to create positive changes both amongst
their peers and in the community at large. Our Youth
Ambassadors and Live4Life—a mental health initiative that is
rolling out mental health first aid training to teenagers, parents
and teachers across the shire—are two fantastic programs I
am immensely proud of as not many other councils have this
level of engagement in these areas.
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Also, the Macedon Ranges Suicide Prevention Action Group
is a new endeavour in which Council is an active partner. It
aims to raise community awareness, provide education,
establish support groups and advocate for improved access
to services in the Macedon Ranges. These initiatives have the
ability to make a significant difference, both to those suffering
from mental health issues, and their friends and family.
It is a team effort, and I would like to thank not only those who
volunteer their time to assist in these programs and make
people feel safe, welcome and part of our community, but
also Council staff, who go out of their way to contribute to
healthier, happier outcomes for all. You have not gone
unnoticed.
For more information about these programs, contact us on
5422 0333 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Graham Hackett
East Ward
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As we move into the second half of 2015, it’s exciting to see
works to improve access in, and around, the Riddells Creek
Seniors Centre and Kindergarten starting to take shape.
The improvements include the installation of accessible
ramps for wheelchairs and prams, landscaping and façade
works, toilet and parking upgrades, and the construction of
much-needed office space at the seniors centre.
I’m looking forward to celebrating the success of the local
Casserole Club at a Community Cookup in Romsey on 16
July. This program has gone from strength to strength since it
was launched in Lancefield last year and I would encourage
everyone to come along to the cook-up event and find out
what this terrific program is all about. It would be great if we
could see this program rolled out to other townships in the
shire.
Negotiations are continuing with the Victorian Government to
purchase the former Romsey Primary School site for an allabilities children’s park. Council restated its support for the
project at its April meeting and I welcome the opportunity to
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continue to work with the Greater Romsey All Abilities Park
(GRAAP) committee on this project.
Agreement of the purchase conditions are now close to being
finalised, with the Victorian Government expected to provide
Council with a building assessment and environmental site
assessment shortly, before a new version of the contract of
sale is prepared.
Lastly, it’s great to see a number of East ward projects in
Council’s 2015/16 Budget, including the Lancefield Skate
Park development; and upgrades to the Romsey Recreation
Centre, Romsey Kindergarten and Lancefield Outdoor Pool.
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Your rates at work
Roads and footpaths
The following road and footpath works have recently been
completed:
 Road widening works on Stawell Street in Romsey to
improve traffic movement, drainage and property access.
 Surface upgrades to a 300 metre section of Ashbourne
Road and a 500 metre section of Lauriston-Reservoir
Road to provide more even, safer surfaces.
 Installation of guardrails and road widening works along
Tylden-Springhill and Kyneton- Springhill roads to
improve safety.
 Significant drainage works to address flooding issues
along High Street in Lancefield.
 Construction of a new footpath between Victoria Street
and Ash Wednesday Park in Macedon.
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 Reconstruction of Rodney Street in Gisborne to include a
full width sealed road for dual traffic, plus construction of
a footpath, kerb and channel, and landscaping and
drainage works.
Streetscapes
Streetscape works along Brantome and Hamilton Streets in
the Gisborne town centre are now complete, providing an
improved shopping experience for retailers and residents.
Works included bluestone feature seating, speed humps, new
pedestrian asphalt footpaths, installation of environmentallyfriendly tree pits, bicycle hoops, street trees, and upgrade of
underground drainage.
The $400,000 project involved a number of construction
works between the National Australia Bank Branch and the
IGA Supermarket and was jointly funded by the Victorian
Government and Macedon Ranges Shire Council.
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Wet roads in winter
Remember that during the winter months, weather conditions
can alter our road surfaces significantly, particularly on
unsealed roads.
There are over 800kms of unsealed roads within the Macedon
Ranges and unlike sealed roads, unsealed pavements can
deteriorate rapidly during the wetter months.
To improve your safety in wet, foggy or icy conditions,
remember to:
 turn on your headlights to improve your visibility
 reduce your speed
 obey temporary speed restrictions
 leave a safe distance between you and the car ahead of
you as slippery roads can reduce your tyres’ grip and
stopping may take longer.
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Our environment, our future
Over the next 12 months, a new environment strategy will be
developed to guide how Council and the community can work
together to protect and enhance the Macedon Ranges.
Council is committed to fostering environmentally sustainable
and responsible behaviour to reduce our collective
environmental footprint. The new strategy will guide planning,
decision-making and activities that impact on our unique
environment and local communities. Some key areas to be
addressed include biodiversity protection, climate change
mitigation, and sustainable land and water management.
Some background research undertaken in recent months will
provide the basis for the first round of community consultation
which will soon get underway.
For more information, contact Silvana on 5421 9659 or visit
mrsc.vic.gov.au/environment-strategy, where you can
subscribe to our project eNewsletter to receive regular
updates and find out how you can be involved.
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Pets out and about
In the Macedon Ranges, dogs in public places are not
required to be on a lead, unless the area is signed. This does
not apply to dogs that have been declared dangerous,
menacing or are restricted breed, who must be on a lead at all
times.
After a review of pets in public places last year, Council has
decided not to designate on and off lead areas for dogs as it
was too restrictive on dog owners. Council also decided not to
introduce a cat curfew at this time and to instead encourage
the use of its current cat trapping program. To find out more
about the cat trapping program, visit
mrsc.vic.gov.au/wandering-animals
Council’s current Domestic Animal Management Plan, which
sets out how we can be an animal-friendly shire, will expire
next year. A new four-year plan will be developed involving
community consultation, at which time Council will review the
need for on and off lead areas.
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Recovery at Black Hill Reserve
Fire recovery works are continuing at Black Hill Reserve in
Kyneton after fire struck the popular reserve in January.
Completed works
 Removal or lopping of dangerous trees
 Erosion control
 Repairs to the walking track
 Removal of damaged signs, fencing and barbed wire.
Works underway
 Pest animal control
 Weed control
 Replacement of signs, including directional signs along
the walking paths.
A flora monitoring program has also been completed. This
involved conducting a flora survey at five different sites within
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the reserve to monitor the re-growth of native plants, grasses
and noxious weeds.
Wildlife is starting to return to the reserve, including echidnas,
wallabies, kangaroos, sugar gliders, koalas and possums.
Wildlife cameras that were set up as part of a fauna
monitoring program have also captured sightings of the
brush-tailed Phascogale, a threatened species that is
significant to the area.
Council would like to recognise the efforts of the Friends of
Black Hill, Loddon Prison and many other volunteers who
have been involved in the ongoing recovery process. The
reserve will be reopened to the public later this year.
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Major projects
Gardiner Reserve lighting and court upgrades
Gardiner Reserve has undergone a recent facelift following
the reconstruction of the netball court and installation of light
towers.
The reconstruction of the netball court and the new lighting
meet competition standards so that local user groups can
host night competition netball and football matches.
The $350,000 project was funded by Macedon Ranges Shire
Council ($180,000), local sporting and community groups
($70,000) and the Victorian Government ($100,000).
Woodend Pony Club works underway
Refurbishment works at the Woodend Pony Club rooms are
nearing completion.
The $50,000 project includes upgrades to the outdated club
room to better cater for the needs of the local pony club and
scout group, who regularly use the facility.
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Construction of a new sand arena at the site is also underway
and is expected to be finished later this month, weather
permitting.
Healthy, safe wastewater in Mount Macedon
Over 90 properties in Mount Macedon now have access to
healthy, safe wastewater systems with the introduction of a
new sewer system to over 30 properties, and the upgrade of
63 private septic systems in the town.
The two phase project has been implemented through a
partnership between Western Water and Council through
funding from the Victorian Government.
Council would like to thank the Mount Macedon community
for their cooperation and support throughout the
implementation of the project.
Barkly Square upgrades completed
In recent years, almost $1 million has been invested in
improvements at Barkly Square in Kyneton. The final stage of
works was recently completed.
The improvements include:
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 installation of an automated irrigation system
 connection to recycled water
 new fencing
 upgrades to public toilet facilities
 construction of a new sports pavilion
 landscaping works
 construction of a new roundabout at the corner of Barkly
Square—Beauchamp and Wedge streets intersection.
The project upgrades were completed by Council in
partnership with the Kyneton District Soccer Club and the
Victorian Government.
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Subscribe to eNews
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to one or more of the following:
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Business: events, support and other opportunities for
businesses and tourism in the Macedon Ranges.
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cater to people with a disability.
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in the shire.
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birth to eight years.
65
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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.
Instalment dates for 2015/16 are:
 30 September 2015
 30 November 2015
 28 February 2016
 31 May 2016
You can pay your rates online with Visa or Mastercard via
Council’s website, mrsc.vic.gov.au/payments
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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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Group Fitness Class
Present this voucher for a free group fitness class at either
Gisborne Fitness Centre or Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic
Centre. For class timetables, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure or
call 5422 0333.
Valid until 31 August 2015.
Limit one per person.
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Battle of the bands
Come along to the next youth Battle of the Band gig at the
Kyneton Town Hall on Saturday 1 August 2015 at 6pm and
present this voucher at the door to receive a 2-for-1 pass.
Not valid for pre-purchased tickets.
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Drowning in Veronica Lake—2for-1 pass
Purchase a ticket online to see Drowning in Veronica Lake at
the Kyneton Town hall on 6 August and enter Promo Code
VLAKE241 to receive 2 tickets for the price of 1.
mrsc.vic.gov.au/arts/buytickets
Offer valid for full price tickets only. Maximum of 2 tickets per
purchase.
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Your Councillors
East Ward
Cr Ian Ellis, mobile: 0400 025 455,
iellis@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Graham Hackett, mobile: 0408 287 788,
ghackett@mrsc.vic.gov.au
Cr Henry McLaughlin, mobile: 0400 028 507,
hmclaughlin@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
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West Ward
Cr Jennifer Anderson, mobile: 0408 273 670,
janderson@mrsc.vic.gov.au
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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