Notes from your Deputy Mayor, Robyn Machin
Summertime is here with school breakups, holiday and Christmas plans being made and lots of community events to enjoy. Many of us find that participation in these events usually gives much more joy and pleasure than the commercial aspect of Christmas. I wish everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year in 2008.
My column this month is largely about funding received from both Commonwealth and State governments for our community.
Support your local pool this summer: Council has received the final report following community comment - thank you Violet Town for your submissions. The bottom line is viability and maintenance costs of pools versus usage. Expenditure of $1.3 m is required on the Shire's four pools over the next 10 years. As the old adage goes "use it or loose it". The Violet Town pool is used but needs continued and growing support and use from our community as it is a great asset. Make sure you all enjoy your summer at the pool and get involved in the activities. Pools will open in December.
Seasonal Pool Funding: Minister Merlino has provided funding for urgent works on shire pools identified in the above report. The work will improve water quality and chemical storage safety. So there will be little visible upgrade but a quantum safety step. Also a pool blanket has been installed to help reduce evaporation and retain heat.
State Drought funding announced: for communities, sporting fields, farmers and businesses. You can get further information by going to the DPI website press release which has links to details. I suspect some funding may go quickly so have a look now and see if you are eligible.
Violet Town Bush Nursing Centre receives Federal Water Grant: congratulations to the Bush Nursing Centre on its success with grant applications recently. Following on from the $333,000 to build a doctor's surgery, it has now received a further amount of $50,000 for water saving measures announced at the AGM by our Member for Indi. Now the hard work begins to get the building underway.
Violet Town Hall exterior painting complete: the spruce up of our community centre is finished with eves, windows and spoutings painted and renovated. The funding for this work came through the shire from state government drought funding earlier this year and I believe well allocated in this instance.
Annual Mayoral election in December: Council will elect a mayor for the next 12 months in December. The incumbent will undertake the role up to the Local Government elections due in November 2008. I intend to retire as your elected councillor at the next election in 2008 and therefore encourage you to consider offering yourself as a candidate for council. You have 12 months to consider so please do so.
Buy locally: do your Christmas shopping in Violet Town to save petrol and time. Local businesses are stocked up with special items for gifts and celebrations at most competitive prices. It is important support local business as they provide enormous support for our community and they offer such friendly helpful service.
Official opening of Kinder: Minister Maxine Morand will officially open the $250k extension of the Violet Town kindergarten on 28 November. This modern facility is now ready for enrolments for 2008 and offers a range of child care for all ages including maternal health nurse clinics each month. Community and parents are congratulated on bring this large project to completion so successfully.
Many local activities leading up to Christmas: your support and help for all the community events would be most welcome. Violet Town Lions Club has received some shire funding to assist with this year's Carols by Candlelight. This funding is aimed particularly at encouraging farming families to attend this year's community Christmas celebration on Monday 17 December. It will follow the primary school breakup and the pool will remain open longer if it is a warm evening.
Free Family Christmas Movie at Euroa: Bridge to Terabithia PG "Enjoyable, superbly acted drama that will appeal to kids and adults alike". Screening Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd at 7.30pm plus Sunday 23rd at 3.30pm.
Please keep in touch with me on any comments you have or issues for discussion. Ph 0417 496785 www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au
For details/interview call the Editor on (03) 5798 1858