The State Government is getting people back in the game with jobs to support sporting organisations boost participation and promote inclusivity.

Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford and Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence this week announced 70 people are now in jobs across 30 state sporting organisations helping community sport gear up again this summer through the Labor Government’s Jobs Victoria employment program. The sport and recreation sector experienced fewer programs and events during the pandemic which led to reduced revenue and participation, as well as job losses.
Akii Ngo, now employed through the Government initiative at Disability Sport and Recreation (DSR), was stood down from their role as a health promotion practitioner and remained in unsteady employment including at several positions unaccommodating to their disability.
Earlier this year, having never worked in the sport sector before, Mx Ngo took a punt and applied for the position of Project Manager at DSR. They are now leading ‘The Phoenix Project’ aimed at making sure people with disability are not left behind and forgotten about in the return to community sport.
The recruits will develop new approaches and strategies to incentivise more community sport participation for all Victorians with a focus on those with disabilities, older Victorians, and Aboriginal Victorians.
Victorians looking for a job or a career change can access free advice and support from a 600-strong force of Jobs Victoria Advocates, Mentors and Career Counsellors, ensuring every Victorian can find a job that works for them.
For more information about looking for work or finding staff for your business, visit jobs.vic.gov.au or call the Jobs Victoria Hotline on 1300 208 575.
Minister for Employment Jaala Pulford said:
“These jobs will help local sporting and recreational organisations reconnect with their communities while providing employment to those who need it most.”
Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence said:
“This initiative is making a real difference, helping our community sport and recreation sector to map out how it will resume activity in a safe way and re-engage with the Victorian community.”
Disability Sport and Recreation Project Manager Akii Ngo said:
“This role is truly an opportunity to grow and develop the entire disability sport and recreation sector, to increase accessibility, inclusion and break down barriers faced by those with disability to improve their choice, access and participation to sport and active recreation.”

ChillOut Festival is thrilled to announce their 2022 programme. Join us from the 10-14th March as the Central Highlands
of Victoria will loudly and proudly celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ChillOut Festival. A time for us all to bring our
community together after being apart for so long. Whether it’s dancing, tennis or bushwalking shoes you need, dust
them off and be a part of what we are planning to be the biggest and best festival yet. Bring all the moves that missed
their dancefloor debuts and remember what it feels like to be celebrating what makes us proud of who we are,
together as one incredible community, where we shine the brightest.

We really do have something for everyone in the 2022 programme: the annual street parade, pool party, a car park
disco, so much dancing, cocktail parties, choirs, bush walking, disco bingo, quiz nights, tennis tournament, golf day,
did you say 80’s foam party…? Yes, we have an 80’s foam party.
Headline acts include:
Joel Bray, Daddy: Daddy is the latest work from one of the most electric new figures in Australian dance. Here he
probes one of the paradoxes of our age: when so much is on offer, why are we left so hungry. From the sugar-coated
idyll of childhood reminiscence to the glazed excesses of queer adulthood, Joel’s story proves that a sweet tooth is a
dangerous thing.
Ladyhawke (NZ): will perform at Ballroom Blitz. We cannot wait to welcome her to our Daylesford Town Hall for
‘Ballroom Blitz’ with special guest support from KEiiNO (Norway/Eurovision). We thought that with a motto like
theirs: the highest value motto is “unity in diversity”, that they were a perfect fit. The Norwegian trio believes
everyone should be allowed to dance colourful and free as The Northern Lights and we couldn’t agree more. We will
also be blessed by the presence of Melbourne’s best rock band Plaster of Paris and much-loved DJ Bangerz N Mash.
Sound Shell Saturday – All Ages Youth Stage – A jam packed event with MC, Art Simone including Fashion Parade,
classical music from Homophonic, LGBTIQ&A youth panels, DJ Bladerunner and special guest, Sheldon Riley.
High Tea with Katherine Wolfgramme: Our 2020 ambassador and trans pride ex local returns to host a High Tea in
the Atrium of the beautiful Convent Garden.
Kylie Auldist, Soul Disco: The high priestess of Melbourne soul is coming to ChillOut to lubricate our joints into a deep
soul disco! With full band and exquisite surrounds come see the Farmers Arms car park transform into a VIP party.
Carnivale: This year Carnivale will be hosted by the brilliant Nate Byrne (ABC) and Art Simone. Performances by
Sheldon Riley, DJ DuJour, Lady Lash, D Flowers, Leather Lungs, Scott Carne and Brian Mannix, Ally Fowler’s 80s
tribute to ambassador Molly Meldrum. It’s also the big day for all fur babies to show us their talents. All dogs welcome
and prizes for everyone.
We are also very proud to announce our 2022 Ambassadors, Molly Meldrum, Ro Allen, Nate Byrne and Dolly
Diamond to the ChillOut family.
ChillOut Festival is an inclusive, family-friendly event celebrating Australia’s positive display of unity. Tickets and
further information can be found at chilloutfestival.com.au. We look forward to working with you in scheduling
interviews with any artists, ambassadors, or management in lead up to the festival and can be contacted for artist bios
and artwork.

Irrigators and service providers wanting to better understand recent changes to Goulburn inter-valley trade and Murray delivery shortfall risk this season are being encouraged to sign up to the next Agriculture Victoria irrigation webinar.

Agriculture Victoria’s latest irrigation webinar, ‘Goulburn inter-valley trade and Murray shortfall risk‘, will run on Tuesday 7 December, from 1 – 2 pm.
Agriculture Victoria Senior Irrigation Extension Officer Rob O’Connor said the webinar is particularly relevant for people who have an interest in trading water or to better understand Goulburn inter-valley trade or Murray delivery risk.
The webinar will cover:
• Understanding Goulburn to Murray water trade, trade limits and factors influencing trade volumes for 2021-22
• The recently released Goulburn to Murray IVT Operating Plan and the pattern of water delivery from the Goulburn IVT account
• The trade cap in place from 15 December to 30 June
• What these changes mean for trade volumes and opening and closing of trade
• Murray delivery shortfall risk for this season.
Expert speakers will be from the Retail Water Entitlements and Markets team at the Victorian Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). This team over-sees the Goulburn to Murray water trade arrangements.
The speakers include Alex Murray (Senior Policy Officer) and Sarah Ryan (Manager Declared Systems Reform), who will present on Goulburn to Murray trade. Penny Clark (Manager Murray Systems Management) will give a short update on the Murray shortfall risk for this year.
To register in advance for this webinar go to https://bit.ly/2YWHalU. After registering, be careful to save the confirmation email containing important information about joining the webinar, including a password.
For more information about the irrigation webinar series call Rob O’Connor on 0408 515 652 or for technical issues call Sandra Beasley on 0408 458 946.
To view previous webinars in this Agriculture Victoria irrigation webinar series go to https://extensionaus.com.au/irrigatingag/irrigation-webinar-series-recordings/

The State Government is backing Victorian agricultural food producers to grow exports, build domestic market capability and respond to supply chain risks.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas on November 25 visited Kyvalley Dairy in North Geelong, the first of 15 recipients awarded funding under the $5.3 million second tranche of the Food to Market program.
The Kyvalley Dairy Group has been awarded a $485,000 grant to install new packing equipment which will allow the business to boost production, improve cost efficiencies and increase job security at the North Geelong site.
Kyvalley Dairy Group is one of Australia’s largest suppliers of fresh dairy products with exports going to markets across China, Malaysia and Singapore.
The $15 million Food to Market program provides funding to key industry and regional peak bodies to support projects including traceability pilots, innovation in sea freighting of fresh produce, and programs to protect and grow existing export markets for our premium produce.
The Food to Market program is just one example of the Labor Government’s commitment to driving the state’s recovery from the pandemic and bolstering the economy, through its 10-year Agriculture Strategy.
The Strategy has reached a significant milestone, with 12 months of investments towards the sector focusing on key themes of Recover, Grow, Modernise, Protect and Promote.
The Victorian Budget 2021/22 continues to deliver on this transformative strategy with a further $46.4 million to strengthen the sector. The investment builds on the $115 million from the 2020/21 Budget which focused on key projects to get this important work off the ground.
The Agriculture Strategy identifies key projects to help the agriculture sector remain strong, innovative and sustainable now and into the future.
To learn more visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/about/agriculture-strategy.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas said:
“It’s fantastic to acknowledge the one-year milestone of our transformative Agriculture Strategy.”
“This Food to Market funding forms part of our vision for the sector, delivering tangible benefits along the supply chain – from farms, to manufacturing, to the people who buy or produce in Victoria and around the world.”
Member for Lara John Eren said:
“We are proud to support the industrious team at Kyvalley Dairy through the Food to Market program as they continue to grow their newly launched Geelong Dairy brand and expand into new markets.”
Kyvalley Dairy CEO Michelle Sonnenschein said:
“The Kyvalley Dairy team are thrilled to be successful applicants of a Food to Market grant which will allow us to complete critical upgrades to our Geelong facility and provide job security to our employees.”

The State Government is helping agricultural and pastoral shows across the state bounce back from the pandemic, and welcome visitors through the gates again.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas was at the Ballarat Showgrounds on November 25 to announce more than 40 Agricultural and Pastoral Societies have received grants totalling almost $300,000, to back a diverse calendar of local events in the new year.
As part of this funding, the Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society received $7,507 to purchase a new cattle ramp and portable holding pens.
Other successful recipients span from East Gippsland to Red Hill and across to Hamilton, with individual grants of up to $10,000 helping societies upgrade or establish new facilities, increase local involvement in show activities and create more opportunities to promote agriculture and engage with the community.
The projects will enhance facilities for agricultural shows and other community events, providing support for societies that had to cancel or postpone shows due to the pandemic. It builds on almost $300,000 of support through the 2020-21 program which supported 46 projects.
Examples of infrastructure funded through the 2021-22 round include mobile sheep yards, new poultry cages, portable grandstands, marquees, sanitiser stations, display boards and cabinets.
The program also supported projects that promote compliance with COVIDSafe settings to encourage greater participation.
The projects assist the delivery of exciting events that provide direct benefit to agricultural communities, building confidence in the sector and supporting regional economies and jobs.
The program aligns with the Labor Government’s Agriculture Strategy by supporting the growth of the state’s Agricultural and Pastoral Societies to adapt and build resilience.
For more information and to see a full list of grant recipients, visit the Agriculture Victoria website at agriculture.vic.gov.au.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas said:
“We are looking forward to an exciting calendar of events next year in regional Victoria, with communities keen to return to their local shows and showcase all that the agriculture sector has to offer.”
Wendouree Juliana Addison said:
“These grants will help build greater community awareness and involvement in agricultural activities and is a great opportunity for local agricultural businesses to engage with their local community.”
Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle said:
“We know many agricultural shows and field days were cancelled, and this program is just one of the ways we are supporting our communities to bounce back from the pandemic.”

Macedon Ranges Produce have been named Business of the Year at the 2021 Josh’s Rainbow Eggs Macedon Ranges Business Excellence Awards, also taking out the Champion of Social, Environmental or Sustainability Principles category.

The winner of the People’s Choice Award was Woodend Nursery & Landscaping.
The awards recognise businesses offer an outstanding service to the shire and beyond, who are of great value to the community providing local jobs, services and supplies.
The 2021 winners, announced at a gala dinner at Macedon Ranges Hotel and Spa on Friday 26 November, were:
Business of the Year Award
Macedon Ranges Produce (Romsey)
People’s Choice Award
Woodend Nursery & Landscaping (Woodend)
Champion of Social, Environmental or Sustainability Principles
Macedon Ranges Produce (Romsey)
COVID-19 Business Adaptability
Fox in the Chamber (Woodend)
Excellence in Agribusiness and Food Manufacturing
Animus Distillery (Kyneton)
Excellence in Health, Wellness and Care
Gisborne Family Dental (Gisborne)
Excellence in Manufacturing, Trades, Retail and Innovation
Cavalli Motorsports (New Gisborne)
Excellence in Professional Services
Bug-A-Lugs Indoor Play Centre (Kyneton)
Excellence in Tourism and Visitor Experience
Braeside Mount Macedon Country Retreat (Mount Macedon)
Small and Thriving
Woodend Nursery & Landscaping (Woodend)
Young and Professional
Ramai Skin and Body Care (Woodend)

Victoria’s most promising medical researchers will be acknowledged in the 2021 Premier’s Awards for Health and Medical Research, with nominations open from November 26.

The prestigious awards recognise early-career health and medical researchers currently completing their PhD studies making exceptional contributions to health and medicine.
Five award categories reflect the breadth of evidence-based analysis being undertaken by researchers across Victoria. The categories are :
• Basic Science Researcher
• Clinical Researcher
• Aboriginal Researcher undertaking research in any field of health and medical research
• Health Services Researcher
• Public Health Researcher.
Category winners will receive $5,000, with one category winner to be selected to receive the coveted Premier’s Excellence Award and an additional $15,000.
Last year’s winner of the Premier’s Excellence Award and Basic Science Researcher Award, Dr Simone Park, received the top honour for looking into local immune protection against cancer and infection.
Dr Park’s innovative work with the University of Melbourne and the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity explored how certain types of cells can prevent the progression of cancer and inhibit viral infection, revealing encouraging evidence to advance disease treatment in the future.
In the past year, the Andrews Labor Government has invested more than $590 million in medical research – including up to $400 million for a new Australian Institute of Infectious Disease to lead the fight against future pandemics.
Over the past five years, the Medical Research Acceleration Fund has supported dozens of health and medical research projects to a total value of $11.9 million.
The Premier’s Awards were established in 1995 in partnership with the Australian Society for Medical Research. To find out more and apply, visit djpr.vic.gov.au/medical-research-awards. Applications will close on 17 January 2022.
Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford said:
“Innovation in medical science is more important than ever – that’s why we back our early-career researchers so they can continue to develop and thrive.”
“It’s people who make Victoria a world leader in health and medical research and these awards are a great way to showcase the amazing talent we have coming through.”

The everyday dangers faced by Victorian roadside workers and first responders are at the centre of a new road safety campaign urging motorists to slow down.

The campaign profiles five people who either work on the roads, or for emergency services, and highlights how their safety is at stake when people speed or drive dangerously past them.
Using the popular ‘Humans of the Road’ format across digital channels, the campaign aims to further raise awareness around the safety of first responders and roadside workers, and remind motorists of the laws in place to protect them.
Since 2017, it has been law in Victoria to slow down to 40 km/h or less, when passing law enforcement and emergency services that are active or with lights flashing. In addition, it is law to slow down to the posted speed limit when passing other roadside workers.
Despite the laws, too many motorists continue to speed and drive dangerously when passing these workers, putting their lives at risk.
Victoria Police actively enforce motorists slowing to 40km/h when passing a stationary emergency vehicle with emergency lights flashing. In 2020 alone, police issued 503 infringements for this offence.
The penalty for breaching the rule is 1.75 penalty units ($272.05), with the maximum court penalty of 5 penalty units ($777.30).
Drivers can be detected by a laser or other speed measuring device, in-car video, and emergency workers can also make reports to police if they witness an incident.
Quotes attributable to Minster for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carroll
“Near misses are all too common for our emergency services and roadside workers, and this campaign highlights the dangers they face at work every day and how we can all help keep them safe by slowing down.”
“Everyone should feel safe at work and this campaign is about reminding all motorists of the responsibilities we have, and the laws in place, to ensure everyone gets to go home to their loved ones each night.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Police Lisa Neville
“Police are doing an excellent job making sure our first responders and roadside workers are kept safe on our roads – if you drive dangerously past them, you’ll be caught and fined.”

Transport Accident Commission CEO Joe Calafiore said:
“Roadside workers and first responders face more risks than most of us in their workplace, but we can all play a role in making their environment safer by slowing down when passing them on the roads.”
“The campaign is also a reminder to motorists of the laws and limits in place to protect people whose workplace is the roads.”

Public hospitals in Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton and the Latrobe Valley can resume up to 50 per cent of normal elective surgery from Monday 29 November, as Victoria continues to safely manage COVID-19 hospital admissions.

Private hospitals and day procedure centres currently operating up to 50 per cent of elective surgery capacity will be able to move up to 75 per cent from Monday 29 November, so long as they continue to first assist with the COVID-19 response.
Rural and regional health services not operating major COVID streaming sites have generally continued all categories of elective surgery, only postponing non-urgent surgery in response to local outbreaks.
At an operational level, health services will still have the option to reduce non-urgent surgery, if deemed necessary due to challenges associated with the pandemic.
Major metropolitan public hospitals and Barwon Health will continue to provide urgent elective surgery and emergency surgery only. This ensures adequate capacity within the health system is retained to care for patients with COVID-19 requiring hospitalisation, including ICU admission and sustain other critical services.
With high vaccination rates across Victoria, the number of COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalisation has reduced and stabilised – meaning our health services can cautiously increase elective surgery capacity.
The situation will continue to be monitored closely to ensure there is capacity available in the system in case hospitalisations surge.
Further increases to elective surgery capacity will be considered in the coming weeks – and will be announced when it is safe to do so.
Health services are also carefully managing the wellbeing of staff to ensure our dedicated frontline workers are rested and supported as regular non-COVID activity increases.
Minister for Health Martin Foley said:
“Victoria’s magnificent efforts in getting vaccinated mean the number of patients requiring hospitalisation has stabilised, with most people safely managing their illness at home.”
“Reducing hospitalisations has given us the flexibility to further expand elective surgery and help ease the burden on Victorians waiting for procedures.”
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely so that we are ready to respond to any surges in COVID-19 activity, while also making sure we are supporting the dedicated staff who keep our operating theatres running.”

A group of 21 diverse and passionate young leaders from across Victoria have been selected for the Andrews Labor Government’s fourth Victorian Youth Congress.

The 2022 Victorian Youth Congress will work closely with decision-makers in the Government to ensure the voices of young Victorians are heard on issues that matter to them.
The Victorian Youth Congress members reflect the state’s diversity with young people from Aboriginal, multicultural and LGBTIQ+ communities.
Members are aged between 12 and 25 and come from rural, regional and metropolitan areas across the state.
The new members will be provided with opportunities and supports to develop leadership and teamwork skills and try a range of new experiences.
The outgoing 2020-21 Victorian Youth Congress members have played a valuable role in supporting young Victorians by promoting health messaging to diverse young people during the pandemic and guiding the design and development of the upcoming Victorian Youth Strategy.
The new youth strategy is being developed following extensive consultation with young people, including the current Victorian Youth Congress and youth sector. It will set a long-term vision to make Victoria the best place to be for all young people.
An unprecedented 584 applications were received from Victorian young people through open recruitment for the 2022 Victorian Youth Congress.
For the full list of new members, visit youthcentral.vic.gov.au.
Minister for Youth Ros Spence said
“As we recover from the challenges of the pandemic, there has never been a more important time for government to listen to young people’s voices.”
“The Youth Congress provides a great opportunity for young Victorians to build their leadership skills and gain an understanding of how government works.”
“Thank you to the outgoing members for your contribution to developing the Youth Strategy and for representing our state’s diverse young people.”

Victoria will have 50 aircraft strategically placed across the state over the summer season to assist fighting fires and help keep communities safe.

Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes today announced the 2021-22 aircraft fleet arrangments, which includes a mix of firebombing aircraft, air supervision and airborne information gathering aircraft.
There is greater flexibility and firebombing capacity in this year’s fleet compared to previous years, with higher speed aircraft and increased carrying capacity. These enhancements provide a more modern fixed-wing and helicopter fleet, with technologically advanced systems.
There are several new additions to the fleet this summer, including a CH47 Chinook with a capacity of 11,000lts, and a larger capacity Aircrane capable of holding 9000lts, and a Super Puma with a tank of up to 4000lts.
Victoria will have two Large Air Tankers (LAT) based at Avalon Airport, one of which will be shared with Queensland and will be based in Victoria for our peak summer period.
The new LAT Q400 can carry 10,000lt of water or retardant and has fast dispatch and turn around times. It also has short take off and landing capabilities making it more agile to move around the state, in line with changing risk.
It can also operate from smaller regional airports as it requires less room for take-off and landing, making it more agile to move around the state, in line with changing risk.
The Night Fire Aviation Program will continue this summer with the Chinook, our highest capacity helicopter, with a continued focus on initial attack and keeping small fires small. The Chinook can operate through the hottest part of the day and can continue into the night, to give firefighters the best chance to put fires out.
The Victorian fleet will continue to provide immediate response in the early stages of fires and support firefighters on the ground to keep communities safe.
Minister for Emergency Services Jaclyn Symes said “These aircraft are always a critical weapon in our firefighters’ arsenal during summer, ensuring that Victoria has the strongest possible fire response each year as we head into the fire season.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“These extra resources are vital for protecting our environment and communities as we respond to the risk of bush-fire in a changing climate.”
Emergency Management Commissioner Andrew Crisp said “Our 50 aircraft will be strategically placed across the state according to risk and we can move them quickly to respond to fires anywhere. I’m confident that this aerial firefighting fleet will complement the great work that our firefighters do to keep our community safe.”

The Victorian State Government is backing secondary schools across the state to support more students with ambitions to embark on a career in agriculture.

Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas announced today the State Government is supporting educators to deliver new programs for students through the $5.5 million Secondary Schools Agriculture Fund.
The program is part of the Government’s $30 million Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund, delivered by Agriculture Victoria in partnership with the Department of Education and Training, to support TAFEs and other education and training providers to develop students’ skills and carve pathways into agriculture.
The Secondary Schools Agriculture Fund will help Victoria meet the demands of its growing farm, food and fibre sector, which needs more workers with digital, IT, business and marketing skills, plus food and fibre entrepreneurs who can take products to international markets.
Some $4.5 million will go towards investing in programs and resources that will boost pathways into agricultural careers, meeting the needs of communities and Victoria’s agricultural industries.
Funding will be available for a range of agriculture education activities that could include designing programs, engagement with local industry, purchasing equipment and other identified school needs.
The Secondary Schools Agriculture Fund will also allocate $1 million in funding for tech schools to invest in state-of-the art resources and new technology to deliver online and outreach agricultural technology programs that meet the needs of industry as farming practices evolve.
The Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund is part of the Government’s $50 million Agricultural College Modernisation Program supporting more Victorians to pursue exciting careers in agriculture.
The Fund also supports the Government’s broader reforms to vocational education, to help every Victorian student to get the skills they need for the job they want, no matter their future goals.
The Future of Agriculture Training in Victoria Review was also launched in June to examine how the TAFE system can continue to meet the changing needs of Victoria’s growing agricultural industry.
Expressions of interest for the Secondary Schools Agriculture Fund will open for tech schools in late 2021 and secondary schools by mid-2022.
For more information visit agriculture.vic.gov.au.
Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas said.
“Our students are the future of agriculture, and this funding will support them and contribute to the ongoing growth and modernisation of Victoria’s farming sector.”
“By forging stronger links we will attract tomorrow’s leaders and better prepare them for the rewards and challenges of working in this dynamic industry.”
Minister for Education James Merlino said
“Skilled workers are in demand in agriculture and programs like this will ensure our future workforce has real-world opportunities to make the most of existing and emerging agriculture and horticulture career pathways.”

Macedon Ranges Shire Council invites residents to join Dr Rob Gordon for a lunchtime webinar reflecting on the six months since the 9 June storm, and the reactions that people may still be experiencing.

Dr Gordon will unpack some of the typical reactions to expect after such an event, and share advice on how to make sure residents and their families establish a successful recovery process.
Dr Gordon is a clinical psychologist who has been working in the field of disaster recovery since Ash Wednesday in 1983. He is a consultant to Red Cross and the Victorian Department of Families, Fairness and Housing. Dr Gordon has worked with people and communities after Black Saturday and Black Summer, the Christchurch Earthquake, as well as numerous floods, fires, cyclones and other events throughout Australia and New Zealand.
The session will run from 1pm to 2.30 pm on Thursday 2 December. Register your attendance at mrsc.vic.gov.au/storm-recovery
Macedon Ranges Shire Council CEO Mr Bernie O’Sullivan encouraged residents to attend the webinar:
“The clean-up continues as we approach the six month anniversary of the June 9 storm. But it’s not just the physical and environmental impacts that is going to take time for the community to recover from. We’re delighted to have Dr Rob Gordon share his expertise and advice with affected landowners in the Macedon Ranges,” said Mr O’Sullivan.
The session will be recorded and shared after the webinar via our mrsc.vic.gov.au/storm-recovery
Council thanks Department of Families, Fairness and Housing (DFFH) for funding this webinar.

Volunteer committees managing public buildings are set to save thousands of dollars in electricity costs and reduce their carbon footprint thanks to the installation of rooftop solar panels through the Victorian Government’s Solar on Public Buildings (SoPB) Program.

Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) Grampians Solar on Public Buildings Officer, Tracey Milne, said 64 volunteer-managed sites across the Grampians region are being assessed for solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, which convert the sun’s energy to electricity.
“This program aims to support voluntary committees managing public facilities in regional Victoria, while contributing to the Victorian Government’s emission reduction targets,” Ms Milne said.
“Ballan Racecourse and Recreation Reserve was the first in the region to benefit from the program and 14 other committees have now also had their systems installed.”
“Ballan Racecourse and Recreation Reserve received a 5kW system that will save around $2500 annually.”
Committees in the region to have received solar PV installations include:
• Amphitheatre Mechanics Institute Hall
• Ballan Racecourse and Recreation Reserve
• Barkly Hall and Recreation Reserve
• Dooen Public Hall
• Dooen Recreation Reserve
• Gordon Public Park & Recreation Reserve Incorporated
• Gordon Recreational Reserve
• Great Western Public Hall
• Kalkee Recreation Reserve
• Landsborough Public Hall
• Moonambel Public Hall Reserve
• Mt Egerton Mechanics Institute Hall
• Paradise Hall Reserve
• Wail Nursery
• Wonwondah Recreation Reserve
“Through savings on energy bills, the program is assisting community facilities to remain viable into the future. Reducing carbon emissions makes this a win-win situation.”
Committees of management were invited to submit an expression of interest in August last year to participate in the program. Sites were assessed on eligibility, suitability and need, then independent energy audits were carried out for those shortlisted.
Solar on Public Buildings is a $9.2 million program funded by the Victorian Government to support volunteer committees of management of Crown land.

A Precinct Structure Plan for the proposed development of land north of Amess Road will help Council guide future urban growth for the Riddells Creek township.

Macedon Ranges Shire Council resolved on August 2021 that the current Precinct Structure Plan (PSP) process for the new Amess Road residential area should continue, with Council to consider the rezoning request as the planning authority. Council also resolved to provide the community quarterly updates on the progress of the project. Council’s Manager Strategic Planning and Environment, Rob Ball said Council’s strategic planners would continue to work closely with the applicant – development consortium Sector Advantage – to progress the PSP process over coming months. “A PSP provides a ‘blueprint’ for development and infrastructure investment that will occur over many years by outlining important features of the precinct for local communities such as roads, parks, key transport connections and areas for housing,” Mr Ball said. The Amess Road PSP area covers approximately 100 hectares and is the first PSP proposed within the shire. Preparing and finalising the Amess Road PSP is critical to ensuring Riddells Creek has an adequate supply of land to meet the current and future housing needs of the community. The site has been zoned for urban growth since 2017 when Council and the Minister for Planning identified two future growth areas to the north and south of the existing town. This followed consultation with the community on the Riddells Creek Structure Plan, and the subsequent Planning Scheme Amendment C100. Consultation on a draft urban framework plan for Riddells Creek in 2019, a prelude to the developer’s PCP, attracted 200 public submissions and concerns raised by many landowners and residents
Planning officers advised Council of this consultation feedback in early 2020 and have since continued to work with the developer to refine a draft PSP for the site north of Amess Road. “Completing the PSP process is vital to give everyone a clearer idea of the scale of how this, or other future proposals, might fit in with the identity and neighbourhood character of Riddells Creek and its surrounds,” Mr Ball said. Next steps Council’s strategic planners are working closely with Sector Advantage to finalise technical studies and specifics on how the PSP will ensure an appropriate outcome for the Riddells Creek community. “Some of the key elements will be delivering housing choices, infrastructure, and protecting heritage, character, landscape and environment values,” Mr Ball said. A report on the status of a related project, the Riddells Creek Movement Study—which covers transport and traffic issues—is due to be presented to Council in November 2021. “We are advising the developer to prepare a PSP that responds to the character of Riddells Creek and achieves the best outcome possible for the community, if it is to be approved by Council,” he said. “If Council approves the PSP, further community consultation will be undertaken as part of the Planning Scheme Amendment process.”