Notes from your Deputy Mayor Robyn Machin
Robyn Machin, Deputy Mayor Strathbogie Shire Council
Congratulations to the Violet Town 3rd 18 football final - well done. And, it seems we may have at least one Victorian side to support this year at the MCG.
This summery weather helps us turn our attention to summer sports. Tennis, cricket and bowls are on the go this month in Violet Town. Also, best wishes to students whose VCE exams are close now and enjoy your final term of 2007.
VT Successful Community and events Grants - Council distributed funds amongst communities throughout the shire at its September meeting. Violet Town were successful in obtaining funding for several applications - council were particularly keen to support projects which involved water conservation or saving in this round.
- The Bowls Club will install a 7000 litre tank to conserve town water supply,
- the partnership of VTAG/Kindergarten Committee and Business Network will receive support to plan for an increase in children at our new centre, and
- the tennis club will paint the exterior of the clubrooms.
- From the events grants Arts VT will receive both funding and in-kind support to organise the 2008 Community Street Parade and Variety Concert.
As usual the requests far exceeded the amount available and most of the applications are for outstanding projects. Also of note are the considerable financial contributions which communities raise to undertake projects in partnership with council.
Community groups and organisations should start to consider your projects for the second round of grants which will be advertised in early 2008. $50,000 will be available again to distribute to applicants.
Community Action Plan - your participation at the COW and the collation of ideas in the CAP presented to council was outstanding. Your council were most congratulatory of the Violet Town plan and the enormous input and support given by the community. Funding support from council and other sources will enable much to be done both in short and long term.
Neighbourhood Character Community Consultation - a small gathering of interested residents participated in offering suggestions and ideas which define the important features of our town and residential areas. Information can be found on the VT Website and your further input is sort during October prior to the draft report being written. The October meeting of the Business Group will provide further opportunity for input to Urban Initiatives who are undertaking this work. Please take this opportunity to provide your thoughts on the work and input so far.
Drought update - the Exceptional Circumstances funding for farmers in Strathbogie Shire has been extended from March to September 2008 by the Federal Government. This means that a number of ongoing measures are available to assist farmers through Centrelink and Rural Finance - including rate assistance and financial relief. It is important to seek this advice early. Look out for further announcements during this month from both State and Federal governments on drought assistance.
Council's Drought Response committee are meeting regularly to plan and respond to the needs of our citizens. Workshops and community events are likely to be held around community halls. Your input would be invaluable to ensure we are on the mark in dealing with this disaster. Obviously we will need personal support to keep our spirits up until the breaking rains come. I have attached a listing of contacts and numbers and will continue to do so in each monthly issue of the Village Voice. It will be updated as further information is gathered.
Again I urge new farmers to the district and those on small holdings to seriously consider your plans if you have any livestock. Feed this year is too expensive and almost unobtainable. Many are choosing to sell livestock to avoid the worry and cost of maintaining or starving a small number of animals for an uncertain time.
School Holiday Fun - Shire Youth Services Luna Park arranged a trip in September school holiday to Luna Park. The bus collected fun seekers in Violet Town and Euroa for the day trip. An exciting Halloween Disco is currently in the planning stages for November! Details of this FReeZA event will be confirmed. Keep an eye out for further info!
Euroa Show and Shine Sunday 7th Oct - Victoria's fastest growing show and shine with over 1000 rare, vintage and special interest vehicles will again be on display in Seven Creeks Park, Euroa. Lovers of fine cars, food & wine will enjoy this day with children's entertainment, market stalls, the 'goggomobil', rare vintage cars and more.
The 2007 Jayco Herald Sun Tour will once again race through our region in October. - The Stage One finish of this exciting event is due to hit Nagambie Tower at around 1:45-2:00pm on Monday 15 October and activities will run from 12Noon-4:00pm.
The Stage Two start sees the Tour return to the stunning Mitchelton Winery for a morning of festivities to send the 14 professional teams on their way. Activities will run from 9-11:00am, with the teams leaving at 10:30am.
Cycling visitors love our region as was evident in the large event held in September with riders coming though Violet Town in the Fruitloop ride. Please keep in touch with me on any comments you have or issues for discussion. Ph 0417 496785 www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au
Drought Information
These people can help:Exceptional Circumstances Drought Assistance Carl Fraser - Rural Councillor - 042 885 9842 Centrelink info at VTBNC and Shire Office. National Drought Helpline 132 316
Feeding livestock information Seymour DPI (03) 5735 4300; Sheep: Jane Court or Gary McLarty; Cattle: Kate Sargent
Hume Corridor Community Outreach Health Service For information and support (03) 5736 6366
Livestock agents Elders Euroa (03) 5795 2094; Landmark Euroa (03) 5795 2535
Domestic Water Cartage Ron Burden (03) 5798 1228; Geoff Allen Euroa (03) 5795 3281; John Gilliland Euroa (03) 5795 2829
Further and updated advice can be obtained by phoning the Shire office (03) 5795 2010
Whats On
Sunday 7 October: Euroa Show and Shine; Monday / Tuesday 15/16 October Jayco Herald Sun Cycling Tour; Wednesday 24 October VT Bush Nursing Centre AGM; Saturday 27 October Euroa Agricultural Show
For details/interview call the Editor on (03) 5798 1858