Local landowners are being encouraged to sign up for the upcoming Healthy Landscapes Holistic Grazing Management short course now taking applications until July 28, for the next group of students.

The affordable course is delivered through the Healthy Landscapes program, a collaboration between the City of Greater Bendigo, Macedon Ranges Shire Council, Hepburn Shire Council, Mount Alexander Shire Council, North Central Catchment Management Authority, Coliban Water and Melbourne Water.

City of Greater Bendigo Climate Change and Environment Manager Michelle Wyatt said it is a great opportunity for local farmers to be guided on how to implement sustainable land management practices on their properties using grazing animals.

“They will learn how holistic grazing can be used to support diverse, native pastures, healthy animals and productive farms and put these learnings into practice on their own property,” Ms Wyatt said.

“The Healthy Landscapes program won the Premier’s Choice Regional Recognition Award at the Premier’s Sustainability Awards in 2021, and more recently received a High Commendation in the Sustainability Initiative category of the 2024 LGPro Awards for Excellence.

“Previous participants have told us that the course has given them the confidence to implement the things they learned because there is a network of people doing similar things who they can troubleshoot with and learn from.

“They have said it’s a great way to meet local farmers and rural landholders who are also interested in improving their properties. It is a great community! The content is appropriate for a broad range of farmers and it helps landholders identify low-cost ways to start improving the health of their pastures and broader farm.

“The cost of the course is $150 per farming property and includes discussions and six visits to various farms, a visit to the participants property to develop a plan, plus online tutorials between August 2, 2024 to May 16, 2025.

The course is open to landholders across the four municipalities participating in the Healthy Landscapes program, including landholders in Greater Bendigo.”

Applications close Sunday July 28, 2024.

The Hepburn Shire Council recently hosted David from Central Highlands Water at Lake Daylesford’s new Choose Tap water fountain installed at Chatfield Reserve.

David, who is project managing the Daylesford Water Supply Pipeline project, is pictured above with Lee, the council’s project manager responsible for the Chatfield Reserve improvement works.

Central Highlands Water (CHW) and Hepburn Shire Council have joined forces to continue installing water fountains in the region, as part of the Choose Tap program.

Located in Chatfield Reserve at Lake Daylesford, this latest water fountain will help reduce single-use plastic waste while providing easy access to quality drinking water.

With one single plastic water bottle taking up to 450 years to decompose in landfill, CHW is encouraging the community to ‘bring your own bottle’ (BYOB) and Choose Tap water over bottled water for health and the environment.

As part of the installation, thirsty four-legged friends, like Russell pictured above, will also have access to fresh drinking water with the push of a button through the inclusion of a dog bowl.

This includes the existing water fountain located at Burke Square in Daylesford, having been upgraded to include a new dog bowl, as it’s important our canine friends stay hydrated all year round.

Hepburn Shire Council Mayor, Brian Hood: “Hepburn Shire Council is pleased to continue its partnership with Central Highlands Water on the Choose Tap project.

“We are committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our community, and these Choose Tap water fountains are an important initiative to help the community stay hydrated, while reducing the impact of single-use plastic bottle waste on the environment.”

Central Highlands Water Managing Director, Jeff Haydon: “CHW is dedicated to improving the health of the local community and are thrilled to continue joining forces with Hepburn Shire Council, so we can all play our part for the environment by making a sustainable choice and reduce single-use plastic bottle waste.”

The Hepburn Shire Council has secured several Regional Development Victoria Tiny Towns Fund grants to improve facilities and infrastructure in various small towns across the shire. 

The council was making no secret of the fact that it was “very pleased” to be planning upgrades for outdoor fitness equipment in Trentham, shade sails in Clunes, a masterplan for Victoria Park in Daylesford, an accessible equestrian ramp at Glenlyon Recreation Reserve and playground relocation at Newlyn.

The council is also pleased to auspice the Lyonville Hall Community Asset Committee, who were successful in obtaining a $50,000 grant towards a landscaping project at the popular Lyonville Hall. 

The council had supported community groups in various ways to successfully apply for funding. 

Successful projects that the council will lead are –  

• Queens Park (Clunes) shade structure – $45,000 

• Newlyn Recreation Reserve playspace upgrade planning – $18,750 

• Victoria Park, Daylesford Masterplan Development – $50,000 

• Accessible Equestrian Mounting Ramp Glenlyon Recreation Reserve – $37,500 

• Trentham Outdoor Fitness Equipment Installation – $44,970 

The council has funded contributions to each of these projects in the adopted 2024/25 Budget.  

Mayor Cr Brian Hood said that federal and state funding streams are critical for small rural councils to deliver new and upgraded infrastructure. 

“It’s encouraging to see this investment being made in our smaller communities. These funds will enhance our facilities and enable greater participation in community activities around the shire,” Cr Hood said.

“Together with respective community groups and committees, we will begin work to plan the delivery of these works now so the benefits of these projects can be enjoyed by everyone.”

Young people in the Hepburn Shire local government area will form a new advisory group to share insights on challenges for young people living, working and studying in Hepburn Shire. 

In partnership with the Foundation for Young Australians, the Youth Advisory Group will look at ways to increase young peoples’ engagement in civic life within the Hepburn area. 

The Youth Advisory Group will play an important role in working towards a democratically elected Youth Council as part of the Young Mayors program.  

Hepburn Shire Council is one of six councils participating in a two-year pilot study. This pilot tests new ways of backing young people to be centered in the decisions that affect their lives.

Across Australia, this will be done by a democratic election of 11 to 17-year olds onto Youth Councils within local governments. 

Hepburn Shire Mayor, Councillor Brian Hood, said that Council was thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking new program that brings openness and curiosity to what the Shire’s young people need in order to participate in civic life.  

“Our Council staff have worked closely with the Young Mayors team over the past few months to support young people to nominate as candidates for the Hepburn Youth Council, and we’ve heard loud and clear that more work needs to be done to understand the concerns of young people in our community before they conduct a formal vote process, so it’s fantastic that Council and the Foundation for Young Australians have been able to pivot to the Youth Advisory Group,” Cr Hood said. 

Young Mayors Executive Director, Tahlia Azaria, said the Young Mayors program is designed to help change systems that traditionally exclude young people from actively participating in their communities. 

“Young people care deeply about their futures, but they are chronically disempowered. We’re excited to be working with Hepburn to find the best way to back young people to run for election, and then use their mandate to represent the interests of their constituents”, Ms Azaria said. 

It’s the sense of tradition, history and occasion that Creswick’s Philip Greenbank most loves about his role as town crier.

As official town crier for Hepburn Shire since 2015, Philip belongs to the rather exclusive group of individuals in Australia and worldwide who continue to preserve a tradition dating back to at least 1066 and the Norman conquest of England with William the Conqueror.

However, Biblical references suggest the time-honoured role of town crier as official public information bearer and announcement-maker goes back even further.

“Town criers used to give you the news and information,” says Philip who first became a town crier in 2014.

He says he became a town crier “by accident” after he was invited to attend a town crier competition.

After trying on the role himself he soon discovered an aptitude for it, swiftly taking out second place in the very first town crier competition in which he participated.

Today he is president of the Australasian Guild of Town Criers and among just five town criers in Victoria, 15 or so in Australia, and about 400 worldwide – about 20 percent of whom are women.

As official town criers they get to fulfil time-honoured declarative duties at important public, ceremonial and civic events – like the declaration of new mayors and deputy mayors, special anniversary and official occasions.

Adding a sense of pomp, pageantry and special occasion is very much a part of their public function today. In a private engagement context they may also provide formal services such as emceeing at weddings and other private celebrations.

Philip says that when he serves as town crier at community events, however, he does so in an entirely voluntary capacity, with sometimes a bit of recompense for travel costs where warranted, although town criers may receive payment for private engagements.

When The Local caught up with him for a chat last week, Philip was looking forward to serving in his official town crier capacity for a Victoria Day Council engagement on July 1, reading the historic Proclamation at a special anniversary event in Melbourne to mark the historic separation of the Colony of Port Phillip from NSW, thus forming the Colony of Victoria (precursor to the state of Victoria).

“You get to go places and meet people,” he reflected ahead of the significant public engagement taking place at the Melbourne Town Hall.

The experienced town crier also served in his official capacity at another special event that many Creswick locals witnessed recently.

On Thursday 6th June 2024, a worldwide event took place to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day known as D-Day 80.

Organised by England’s Pageant master Bruno Peeks, the day began with over 370 Town Criers from around the world reading the “D-Day 80 Proclamation”.

In Creswick, Philip did the honours, reading the Proclamation at the cenotaph before an appreciative crowd. School children read the D-Day Heroes poem, and bell ringers took part in the “World in Ringing out for Peace”.

Looking ahead, Philip will fulfil traditional ceremonial town crier duties in proclaiming the duly elected mayor and deputy mayor for Hepburn Shire Council following the upcoming local government elections later this year.

He says that hundreds of years before social media, printing presses and traditional media services, town criers served a vital role in informing the often illiterate town folk and community of important official announcements and sometimes even issuing important community warnings.

These days taking part in town crier competitions is also a much-enjoyed aspect of the role with town criers  judged on factors including volume, clarity, diction, inflection, accuracy, confidence and bearing.

The role is clearly not for shy retiring types, and Philip says many who shoulder it are motivated by the sense of public theatricality it enables, though his own motivation is more a strong appreciation for keeping tradition alive.

“I love the tradition and the history behind it,” he says.

“People come up to me and say ‘I love your costume’. But it’s not a costume. It’s town crier livery’,” says the dedicated town crier whose official town crier kit once saw him mistaken for the Mayor of Melbourne by visiting tourists who requested selfies with him as he strolled down Collins Street following a public engagement.

“You also get kids saying ‘look mum there’s a pirate!’,” he says.

“And no, it’s not a hat,” Philip corrects. “It’s a tricorn… because it’s got three corners. The three most important parts of the uniform are the tricorn, the bell and the scroll, and the coat is custom-made in the style of an 18^th century coachman’s coat.”

Just for the record, Philip says the notion that town criers get about declaring “Hear Ye! Hear ye!” whenever they’re about to make an announcement, is much misplaced.

“There is a common misconception that town criers’ first proclamation is ‘Hear Ye. Hear ye’. But that is an absolute no-no,” he says.

“We use the original French ‘Oyez’ (pronounced Oh yay) and we always start a proclamation by saying Oyez three times. ‘Hear ye’ comes from Hollywood.

Anyone who thinks becoming a town crier might just be for them can find out more by contacting Philip at 89agtc@gmail.com

Words & Image: Eve Lamb

The Hepburn Shire has adopted its first Fair Access Policy at its June meeting held recently.

The council has developed the Hepburn Shire Fair Access Policy to address known barriers experienced by women, girls, trans and gender diverse people in accessing and using community sports infrastructure.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said that the policy aims to progressively build the capacity of the council to identify and eliminate causes of gender inequality in policy, programs, communications and delivery of services in relation to community sports infrastructure.

“Sport and recreation are a highly visible and valued part of our Shire’s culture and identity,” Cr Hood said.

“Our local clubs and organisations can support our community through the promotion of respect and fair mindedness for all people, leading to benefits for the physical and mental health of our community.”

“Every person, regardless of their gender, has the right to participate in sport and recreation feeling safe and welcome,” Cr Hood said.

The Policy and Action Plan are based on the five Fair Access Principles of:

• inclusivity
• full participation
• equal representation
• encouraging and supporting user groups; and
• prioritising user groups committed to equality.

The policy was developed after community consultation, including a community survey, and direct engagement with sporting clubs, and Hepburn Shire’s Gender Equity, LGBTIQA+, Disability and Reconciliation Advisory Committees.

The Victorian Office for Women in Sport and Recreation also reviewed the draft Fair Access Policy.

All Victorian councils are required to have in place a gender equitable access and use policy (or equivalent) by 1 July 2024 to remain eligible for State Government community sports infrastructure funding.

The Melbourne Cup is coming to Trentham as part of the 2024 Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour.

The tour, courtesy of the Cup’s manufacturer W.J. Sanders, and its sister company ABC Bullion, will start in Cowes on June 28 and will arrive in Trentham on October 16.

Along with Australia, the Cup will also visit New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, the USA and Japan.

The final route was decided after a record-breaking number of applications were received by the Victoria Racing Club from towns and cities around the world.

Manufactured in Australia for the VRC using 1.69kg of ABC Bullion 18-ct yellow gold, and recently independently valued at $750,000, the Cup has been hand-forged by W.J. Sanders since 2016. Each year, the Cup takes over 250 hours to produce at the W.J. Sanders workshop in Marrickville, Sydney. Every team member contributes to making the trophy, starting up to eight months before the race, which occurs on the first Tuesday of November.

“We are deeply honoured at W.J. Sanders and ABC Bullion to play a role in crafting this remarkable legacy,” said Darren May, general manager at W.J. Sanders. “The Lexus Melbourne Cup embodies the true essence of being proudly Australian made and it fills me with immense pride that, in a world of mass production and lean manufacturing, our team of talented craftsmen and women have been entrusted to create this iconic symbol of international sport.”

Melbourne Cup Day is on Tuesday, November 5.

Words: Donna Kelly

By Donna Kelly

It will be interesting. So many people against the idea to turn productive farmland into residential land in East Street, Daylesford, but can they change the Hepburn Shire Council’s mind?

I hope so. It seems crazy that you would talk about the importance of farmland – including what AusNet hopes to get hold of – and then go and carve it up for houses that are not yet needed.

And the poor bloody farmer and his family. We are taught from a young age to try and make a living for ourselves and our families, give back to the community and look after ourselves if possible.

Yes, there are safety nets there for people if needed, and I have been on the dole a couple of times in my younger days, but I reckon I have more than paid back my fair share of tax.

But the farmer and his family are going to be hit with higher rates and the added boot up the backside of the state government’s windfall gains tax. As Graham Kennedy said so well, apparently imitating a crow…”Farrrkkkk”.

So even if the farmer and his family want to keep farming, which they do, they may not be able to afford to stay on their own land. Their land. Maybe someone from The Castle can help them out.

And then Hepburn Shire Council’s Development executive director Ron Torres, who seems like a nice enough bloke, says planning is not allowed to take into account any monetary issues. They may not but the farmer has no choice. Life is all about monetary issues.

(Quick aside. Why do organisations like all levels of government twist their titles around? Mr Torres’ real title is Executive Director Development. I always change them back. Just for fun. Obviously I need more in my life.)

Anyway, we will see if the council will listen. Mayor Brian Hood, who I do like, says the council is hoping Future Hepburn will be a legacy for the current crop of councillors but they only have until September before they go into caretaker mode for the next election.

Cr Hood says getting it right is more important than the timing so we will see.

And legacy projects are not always all they are cracked up to be. The Rex, anyone? I also wonder why the council is not looking at residential land at the end of Jamieson Street. Lovely rolling hills, nice views, no farmland to chop up. Apparently there are concerns over the steepness of the land and potential bushfires. Hmmm.

I also wondered about the cost so far for all the planning consultants and experts. I am sure they have worked hard but we must have paid them pretty well – and that means ratepayers. (The council says $1.3 million to date.)

And some of the statistics are a little mind blowing. For example, Glenlyon’s documents say the town had a 2021 population nearing 450 which is expected to grow by 60 people by 2041. The same document says research expects demand for 54 new homes over the next 15 years. So this is 2024 and by 2039 we will need 54 new homes for 60 people. Are we just planning for divorcees?

The document then says housing capacity, including both infill and greenfield development, is only 47 dwellings, and “due to over-riding environmental and servicing factors” some of this demand could be accommodated in nearby Daylesford. Maybe in East Street? WTAF?

I guess it’s another watch this space but I hope the council goes for getting it right over getting it done. Just sayin’..

The Hepburn Shire Council this month held a flag raising ceremony to celebrate IDAHOBIT Day amid findings that four of the ‘top 10’ localities for Victorian same-sex households are in Hepburn.

IDAHOBIT Day (May 17) is the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexphobia and Transphobia.  The theme for IDAHOBIT 2024 was “No one left behind: Equality, freedom and justice for all”. 

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said that Council is committed to furthering equality for LGBTIQA+ people in our Shire.  

“The diversity of our community is one of the wonderful features of Hepburn Shire. Our Council is committed to ensuring this is a place where all people feel safe and welcome.  We have worked diligently with our community to help end LGBTIQA+ discrimination, and we stand up for the human rights of LGBTIQA+ people,” he said. 

“This is an important time for all people to take a stand and say, “It is not OK to discriminate against our diverse Rainbow community.” 

“As Councillors, we want to ensure that Hepburn Shire remains an inclusive and safe place for everyone. You can help by standing with your LGBTIQA+ friends, family, neighbours and colleagues, and saying ‘no’ to discrimination.” 

“Our goal is to be a leader in LGBTIQA+ inclusion, making our Shire a safe and inclusive place for the rainbow community to work, live and visit,” said Cr Brian Hood. 

Speakers at the event included Ange Barry (former CEO of Joy Media), Ro Allen (Human Rights Commissioner), Danni Karametos (Joy Media), Max Primmer (Senior Award Winner) and Grace Lee (Counsellor). 

The council established an LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee in 2022 and is currently finalising its inaugural Rainbow Action Plan.

The potential rezoning of farm land to residential in East Street, Daylesford, as part of the Future Hepburn draft plans, has raised the ire of many residents in the region, along with the farming family who owns 14 hectares of the land.

Farmer Ned Powell said it was a shock for his family to discover the move on the draft plan for Daylesford and Hepburn Springs. Mr Powell said his family bought the farm in 1921 and had continuously farmed the property. And he says, despite the potential for profit, they were completely opposed to the idea of rezoning.

Mr Powell, whose social media post is reprinted with permission, right, also has concerns that his rates could go up if the land was rezoned and it could also be subject to the state government’s windfall gains tax, introduced last year.

Hepburn Shire Council Development executive director Ron Torres acknowledged Mr Powell had monetary concerns but said no calculations had been carried out on any possible increased rates or state taxes.

“The reason is because whatever strategic planning we do across the shire, and there will be potential monetary impacts, those factors are not considerations under the planning framework. I know that sounds shocking but the planning framework expressly requires planners not to factor in changes to land value and rates.”

Mr Torres said housing growth was going to occur in Daylesford and while most people would prefer it within the existing township boundaries, there was also a need for new, more diverse houses for the next 30 years “and that is what East Street is doing”.

Mayor Cr Brian Hood said the council was aware many in the community believed the deadline for input into the town structure plans, June 12, and to be passed at the August council meeting, was too soon for such important planning framework.

“I think through all of the publicity people knew this was coming and we have been saying for ages we are working on these high level plans to set the direction for planning and growth controls,” Cr Hood said.

“But there are 70 pages for each town, plus the rural strategy and there is a lot of technical detail here and it is bloody important stuff, long term planning for 25 to 30 years. So I don’t blame (people) if they are wondering ‘what does this do to my property?’ or ‘what does it mean my neighbour can do?’. We are working through this six-week (consultation) period and will see where we get to.

“We always aimed at getting it through this term, and it is pencilled in for August, then we meet in September (before doing into caretaker mode) and then we are done.

“But we have to get this right and getting it right is more important than timing. It is pleasing and encouraging the amount of engagement across the shire and great that people are raising their concerns and questions and we are genuinely there to listen and what people’s concerns are, so we can get this right.”

Mr Torres said there was also a push from the state government on councils to see every council “carry its weight in future growth” with potential housing targets on the horizon. “It is imperative to have our plan locked in, our own community vision.”

Mr Torres said another area, the end of Jamieson Street, was also looked at for more housing but was not considered because it was considered too steep and exposed to heightened bushfire risk from the north.

Since its start four years ago, Future Hepburn has cost about $1.3 million. Community sessions will be held at Newlyn on May 22, Trentham on May 24, Hepburn Springs and Glenlyon on May 25, and Clunes and Daylesford on June 1.

Community feedback closes on June 12. Link: www.participate.hepburn.vic.gov.au/future-hepburn

Words: Donna Kelly

The Hepburn Shire Council has overturned a planning officer recommendation on a permit application for a dwelling at Dry Diggings in a 4-3 split decision amid concerns zoning provisions are being eroded.

The proposed development is at 4/4935 Midland Highway, on a heavily vegetated 2.35 hectare site on Wild Cat Creek on the northwest corner of Midland Highway and Richardsons Lane.

The land is located in a Farming Zone and subject to a Bushfire Management Overlay and an Environmental Significance Overlay. It abuts a Public Conservation and Resource Zone.

The Shire’s Strategic Planning Office had raised concerns that the application did not support agricultural land use and that continued fragmentation of Farming Zone land would lead to longer term food production and agricultural issues in the Shire.

However the council went ahead and narrowly passed an amended motion put by Cr Halliday to give notice of approval for the development with a number of conditions relating to wastewater, bushfire risk and environmental impact.

Councillors Simpson, Halliday, Bray and Drylie supported the amended motion. Councillors Hood, Hewitt and Henderson opposed the development.

Cr Halliday argued that the land was clearly not currently used as farming land and that clearing the land for farming would further destroy the existing biodiversity. She argued that the area was inappropriately zoned and should in future be rezoned as a rural living zone.

Cr Henderson argued for respect of the current zoning saying that the community overwhelmingly supported the retention of the current farming zones.

He also wondered why the council was bothering with the current Rural Strategy if it wasn’t going to take the zoning into consideration in assessing development applications.

The Hepburn Shire Council is investigating key areas that directly influence the health and wellbeing of its residents with locals invited to participate in an online survey.

Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, said that the council is committed to maintaining best practice strategies on health and wellbeing for the shire.  

‘We have established an online survey on our Participate Hepburn page, which residents are invited to complete. The results from this survey will provide valuable insight into issues that fall outside conventional data streams.’ 

“We have worked with Central Highlands Rural Health and the Grampians Public Health Unit to design the questionnaire. It covers areas such as general lifestyle, physical and mental health, nutrition, access to health services, community safety and climate action. It also calls for ideas on opportunities to improve services and programs,” said Cr Hood.   

The current council’s Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan was developed in conjunction with community and stakeholders, including data analysis concluded with the Victorian State Government.

The results of the survey, together with data and evidence from stakeholders, will provide the foundation for the council to develop its next Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, to be consulted with the community post-council elections in October. 

“The survey is confidential and anonymous,” says Cr Hood, ‘and we hope that residents will take the opportunity to complete it.” 

The survey closes on 17 June 2024 and is open to all residents of the Hepburn Shire.  Those keen to participate can find it through the council’s website and Participate Hepburn platform.

Releasing proposed new township structure plans and rural strategy for public feedback and input will be the focus of a special meeting of the Hepburn Shire Council set for later this month.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday 30 April at 4:30pm with council to consider endorsing the Township Structure Plans and Rural Strategy for Community Consultation.

The meeting will be held virtually, with the public able to view proceedings via the live-stream on the council’s Facebook page.

The Hepburn Shire Council has issued infringement notices for matters relating to responsible pet ownership after a number of reported dog attacks recently.

Chief Executive Officer, Bradley Thomas, said that in the past couple of weeks, infringement notices had been issued for two dog attacks and several dogs at large.

“Our Community Safety team play an important role in educating our community on how to keep their pets and the public safe. We encourage anyone who has been attacked by a dog in a public place to report this to a member of our team.”

“Pet owners have a responsibility for ensuring their dogs are contained to their properties.  If you are in public places not designated as an off-leash area, dogs must be on a leash and controlled at all times,” said Mr Thomas.

“We appreciate that the majority of pet owners in our Shire are doing the right thing. Our Community Safety team are keen to work with pet owners on keeping them contained and safe.”

Locals who own any dogs may have the following responsibilities as a pet owner:

• All dogs over the age of 12 weeks must be registered

• Ensure all dogs are under effective control when out in public

• Please pick up after your dog when out in public

• Dogs must be securely confined to your property

• All dog owners are reminded to consider your neighbours, please don’t allow your dog to bark and cause a noise nuisance

The Hepburn Shire Council has announced that it is partnering with Women’s Health Grampians to deliver Act@Play to two sporting clubs located within the region.  

Act@Play is a gender equality, cultural change initiative that recognises the power that regional sporting clubs have to influence attitudes and beliefs about what is acceptable behaviour. 

The program aims to develop and deliver culture change programs that support clubs to develop welcoming and inclusive environments for all genders through education and empowering leaders on and off the field.  

Sporting clubs located in Hepburn Shire who are committed to fostering an inclusive, family-focused club culture are being encouraged to apply to participate. 

Expressions of Interest opened this Monday 15 April and close Sunday 28 April.  All registered sporting clubs located in Hepburn Shire can apply and will be assessed against the selection criteria.

Those interested can obtain more information from the council’s sport and active recreation officer – 0484 586 689.