Shire Life
Issue 22 May 2017
Macedon Ranges Shire Council newsletter—Accessible version
Table of contents
Arts & Culture Events 2017
Weekends in winter
Bands tobattle it out
Register now
Live4Life
Skill up in youth mental health first aid
Give your child a head start with 1000 Books Before School!
Win a prize pack for kinder
Kindagym
Staying Strong
Strength for Health
Hydrotherapy
Aqua aerobics
Gentle exercise classes
Find a local sports club
Macedon Ranges Business Conference
Create a safer environment from fire for horses and livestock
Business networking evening
Bendigo Bank Macedon Ranges Business Excellence Awards 2017
Lancefield Skate Park
Hanging Rock
Your Councillors
Draft Budget and Council Plan
Heritage study underway
Small Community Grants
Agapanthus removed from Tylden War Memorial
Dwelling additions
Is your livestock safe?
Your rates at work
Rates instalments
Subscribe to eNews
Find us on social media
Contact Council
Kindagym free pass
Free coffee at Kyneton Town Hall
Free aqua aerobics class
Contact your Councillors
Arts & Culture Events 2017
Coranderrk
Tuesday 30 May, 7.30pm
This special production by ILBIJERRI Theatre Company pays tribute to the resilience and adaptability of a people who rose to a challenge despite the odds, appropriating the power of the written word to make their own voices ring loud and clear. Coranderrk recreates the Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry in 1881, where the men and women of the Coranderrk Aboriginal Reserve went head-to-head with the Aboriginal Protection Board.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audiences should be aware that this production contains images of deceased persons. It deals with real historical issues. The performers are all Indigenous Australians.
There are information sessions and teacher resource kits associated with this performance. To find out more, visitmrsc.vic.gov.au/arts-workshops
Full $45 Seniors $42 Concession $40 Groups 8+ $40 Child $15 School groups $10
Kitty Flanagan: Smashing
Friday 2 June, 8pm
Join Kitty Flanagan for a performance of her brand new show, Smashing.
Full $54.90 Senior $49.90 Concession $49.90 Group 10+ $49.90
Grigoryan Brothers
Friday 30 June, 7.30pm
It’s not classical, not jazz, not world…it’s the Grigoryan Brothers.
Full $45 Senior $42 Concession $40 Group 8+ $40 Child $15
Dylanesque
Friday 16 June, 11.30am
DYLANesque pays tribute to Bob Dylan’s extraordinary life, the times and his music.
Full $25 Seniors $22 Concession $20 Groups 8+ $17
The Witches
Saturday 8 July, 10.30am and 1.30pm
When one little boy unwittingly stumbles into the annual meeting of witches, he hears their nasty plan to get rid of all the children in the world—by turning them into mice!
Full $25 Seniors $22 Concession $20 Groups 8+ $17 Child $15 Family (4 tickets) $68
Damien Leith: The Hall of Fame Tour
Saturday 24 June, 8pm
Revered singer-songwriter Damien Leith has a new show featuring the music of his idol—Roy Orbison.
Full $60 Concession $55
Wind in the Willows
Thursday 13 July, 10am and 1.30pm
Join Kenneth Grahame’s Ratty, Mole, Badger and the incorrigible Mr. Toad on their journeys, trials and misadventures around the river, the Wild Woods and beyond.
Full $25 Seniors $22 Concession $20 Groups 8+ $17 Child $15 Family (4 tickets) $68
Buy tickets
By phone: 1300 888 802
Online:mrsc.vic.gov.au/buytickets
In person: visit a Council service centre in Gisborne, Kyneton,
Romsey and Woodend (see page 53 for locations).
To view the complete program of events for 2017, visit
mrsc.vic.gov.au/arts-program
Weekends in winter
Whether it’s enjoying the cool crisp air outdoors or the warmth of a cosy open fire in one of the many award-winning food and wine options on offer—there’s always lots to see and do in the Macedon Ranges during the winter months.
For lovers of music, the Woodend Winter Arts Festival takes place on the long weekend in June, or if theatre is more your style, there are plenty of shows at the Kyneton Town Hall or with the Mount Players.
On most weekends, there’s fabulous local markets to attend. Visit one of the farmer’s market at Woodend, Riddells Creek Kyneton or Lancefield, or entertain family and friends at the monthly markets in Gisborne and Malmsbury.
Maybe you have an appreciation for antiques and galleries, enjoy exploring a cool climate garden, or perhaps an energetic walk to the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross or around Hanging Rock is more of what you're after.
To find out what else is happening around the region, visit your nearest visitor information centre in Woodend or Kyneton, call 1800 244 711 or visit visitmacedonranges.com
Bands tobattle it out
Register now
An annual must-attend event in the local music calendar, FReeZA Push Start’s Battle of the Bands is a great opportunity for local young musicians—bands, duos or solo acts— to play on a big stage and have their music heard by a large audience.
Music in the Sticks are now calling for young up-and-coming Macedon Ranges’ musicians aged 12–25 years old to sign up to this year’s competition.
The Battle of the Bands has been running for over 10 years and is seen as a pathway to launch many bands’ careers.
This year’s event will be held at Kyneton Town Hall on Saturday 5 August from 6.30pm.
To register your interest to compete or for more information, email , call 5422 0242 or visit facebook.com/MacedonRangesYouth
Live4Life
Skill up in youth mental health first aid
Youth Mental Health First Aid is a 14-hour course available to parents, carers and other residents in the Macedon Ranges.
This award-winning course teaches adults first aid skills to give initial help to young people who are in a mental health crisis situation or in the early stages of a mental illness.
The course is offered by Council as part of the Live4Life initiative. It is fully accredited and has been developed by Mental Health First Aid Australia, a national non-profit health promotion charity focused on training and research.
Materials and refreshments are provided.
Upcoming courses
27 May and 3 June, 9am–5pm
Lancefield Neighbourhood House 78 High Street, Lancefield
1, 8, 15, and 22 August, 6pm–9.30pm
Leadlight Room, Holgate Brewhouse High Street, Woodend (Men’s only course)
For more information, call Loren on 5422 0275. To book, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/live4life
Give your child a head start with 1000 Books Before School!
Sign your child up to the 1000 Books Before School program to give them a great start at school and instil a life-long love of reading.
This free program is open to children aged 0–5 years. Register at your local library for your child’s special starter kit that includes reading charts and stickers.
The same story can be read multiple times, and hearing stories at Storytime sessions or listening to audiobooks count too.
The program is an initiative of Public Libraries Victoria and has had great success with increasing children’s literacy in other parts of the world.
For more information, visit
Visit your local library at:
- Gisborne: 8 Hamilton Street
- Kyneton: 3 Baynton Street
- Woodend: Corner of High and Forest streets
- Romsey: 96–100 Main Street
Win a prize pack for kinder
Kindergarten registrations for 2018 are open.
Register before Friday 30 June to go into the draw to win a kindergarten-ready prize pack valued at over $150.
The pack includes:
- a family pass to Mr Snot Bottom's Stinky Silly Show
- a Hanging Rock car pass
- a family swim voucher for use at any of Council’s aquatic centres
- a polo shirt, SunSmart wide-brimmed hat, drink bottle, toothbrush and toothpaste.
Registrations received after 30 June will be accepted and processed in the second round offers.
To register or for more information, contact Council’s Early Years unit on 5422 0264.
Kindagym
Kindagym is a fun, energetic program for children aged 1–5 years to develop gross motor skills, coordination, balance and social skills. The structured classes include dancing, singing and free play to allow children to explore the stadium filled with equipment for climbing, crawling and balancing.
Fridays, Buffalo Sports Stadium
10am: 1–3 years
11am: 3–5 years
Kindagym is a casual program at $10 per class per child. See page55 for a voucher to attend the first session for free.
For more information, call Buffalo Sports Stadium on 5427 3411.
Staying Strong
These energetic group circuit classes are for older adults who would like to build muscle and cardiovascular strength while enjoying time with like-minded individuals.
Gisborne Fitness Centre
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 10.30am–11.30am
Romsey Recreation Centre
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays: 10.30am–11.30am Tuesdays: 9.30am–10.30am
Strength for Health
Increase your muscle strength and power and your ability to perform the tasks of daily living through this progressive low impact strength training program designed specifically for older adults and people returning to exercise after injury.
Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre
Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10.30am–11.30am
Romsey Recreation Centre
Tuesdays: 10.30am–11.30am
Buffalo Stadium, Woodend
Tuesdays: 1pm–2pm Fridays: 9.30am–10.30am
Appointment needs to be made for the first visit.
Hydrotherapy
A warm water exercise program that relies on buoyancy, resistance and the warmth of the water to maximise the physical and mental benefits for participants.
This program is held at Kyneton on Mondays and Thursdays at 12pm.
Our warm water exercise pools at the Kyneton and Gisborne aquatic centres are also available for casual use.
To book a place, contact us on 5421 1477.
Aqua aerobics
Aqua aerobic classes use water resistance and water-based equipment to improve cardiovascular fitness while moving to music.
Gisborne Aquatic Centre
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays: 9.15am–10am
Mondays and Wednesdays: 6.30pm–7.15pm
Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre
Mondays: 11am–11.45am (Low impact)
Tuesdays: 9.15am–10am (Cardio)
Wednesdays: 11am–11.45am (Cardio)
Thursdays: 9.15am–10am (Cardio)
Fridays: 11am–11.45am (Deep water aqua)
See page 57for free aqua aerobics class voucher.
Gentle exercise classes
Fun group training, friendly qualified staff, easy to follow programs, suitable for beginners.
Our gentle exercise classes are designed to help you improve your endurance, strength, flexibility and stability. The easy to follow classes can be modified for all abilities.
Buffalo Stadium, Woodend
Tuesdays: 10.45am–11.45am
Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre
Tuesdays: 11am–11.45am
There’s a range of other fitness and exercise programs for all ages at our fitness, aquatic and leisure centres.
To find out more, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure or call on 5422 0333.
Find a local sports club
Are you looking to try something new or wondering what local sporting clubs and leisure groups are near you? Listed here are just some of the types of community clubs and groups in the Macedon Ranges: Angling, Badminton, Boxing, Croquet, Cycling, Dance/calisthenics, Darts, Football, Gymnastics, Horse riding, Lawn Bowls, Lifeball, Petanque, Rifle and shooting, Running, Squash, Table Tennis, Volleyball and Yoga.
There’s something for all ages. To find out more or to contact a local club or organisation, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/directory
Macedon Ranges Business Conference
When: Wednesday 24–Thursday 25 May, all day
Cost: Individual workshops and packages will be available Kyneton Town Hall, 129 Mollison Street
Small Business Victoria will be facilitating workshops led by industry experts.
Workshops topics include:
- Effective business networking
- Keep the cash flowing
- Business planning essentials
- Pricing for maximum profit
- Your business in a digital world
- Develop your online strategy
- Understanding marketing
- Marketing for growth
- Starting your business right
- Improve your time management
- Build your business advantage.
This event will be hosted by Macedon Ranges Business Connect.
To book a place at the conference or to find out more information, visit
Create a safer environment from fire for horses and livestock
Tuesday 6 June, 7pm–9pm
Cost: Free Romsey Community Hub, 96 Main Street
Get tips and advice on managing your land to protect your animals. Ideal for property owners, agricultural and equine businesses.
To book visitmrsc.vic.gov.au/business-events or call 5421 9616.
Business networking evening
When: Tuesday 18 July, 6:30pm–9pm
Cost: $45
Baringo Food & Wine, 283 Station Road, New Gisborne
Begin the new financial year by making new connections to help grow your business. Rohit Thomas from Insightable will guide you through essential tools and tips for successful online marketing.
To book, visitmrsc.vic.gov.au/business-events or call 5421 9616.
Bendigo Bank Macedon Ranges Business Excellence Awards 2017
Congratulations to the 236 Macedon Ranges’ businesses who have been nominated for the 2017 awards.
Many of these were nominated across multiple categories, which is a great achievement that reflects the quality of local businesses.
Since nominations closed in April, nominees have been busily getting their submissions ready to be reviewed by an independent panel of judges that will determine the category finalists and winners.
A mentoring program was offered as part of this process and included two information sessions which were held in Gisborne and Kyneton on 2 and 4 May. Nominees now have the opportunity to have their draft submissions critiqued by a professional business mentor.
The winners will be announced at the awards gala dinner at the Kyneton Town Hall on Wednesday 20 September.
To find out who this year’s nominees are, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/business-awards
Lancefield Skate Park
The construction of the new skate and BMX park in Lancefield will commence in April 2017.
The $300,000 park—partially funded by the Victorian Government, Council and the local community—will be one of a kind, and include tricks for all ages and abilities.
It will be located in Lancefield Park and will complement the existing facilities within this reserve. Works are scheduled to be completed by June 2017.
Hanging Rock
A draft masterplan options paper for Hanging Rock was presented to the Ordinary Council Meeting in April.
Council endorsed the draft masterplan for public consultation, subject to final agreement from Traditional Owner groups and any subsequent direction from the Victorian Government.
It is anticipated that the document will be available for comment within the next couple of months.
For more information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/Hanging-Rock
Following the consultation period, it is expected that a final plan will go before Council and the Minister for Environment later in 2017.
Your Councillors
Cr Jennifer Anderson
West Ward
We’re only just over six months into this four year Council term and your Councillors have been very busy.
Although the Council Plan and Budget have occupied a lot of our time we have continued with day-to-day business.
On most Wednesdays, Councillors commit to attending briefings where officers have prepared documents for us to read beforehand so we can be informed of changes in legislation, potential projects we might like to be involved in, and progress reports on the day-to-day operations of Council.
Every fourth Wednesday of the month there is a council meeting to prepare for, again with much reading and homework to be done in order to ensure we feel informed enough to make decisions on behalf of the community. Some decisions are harder than others, but with all we must assess risks and benefits to the community across multiple areas, considering all the options available.
In February, the Minister for Planning endorsed the 12 recommendations of the Macedon Ranges Protection Advisory Committee, which Council has committed to working with the Victorian Government to achieve.
The recommendations include those aimed at protecting agricultural land, defining settlement boundaries, preserving our unique landscapes protecting the Mount William Quarry site, reviewing protections of significant vegetation, assessing biolinks and working with our registered Aboriginal groups.
This will involve a demanding but exciting workload, especially for our planning department.
We’ve been overwhelmed by the feedback we received as part of the recent Council Plan consultation and are now seeking your input on the draft Budget 2017/18 (see page 35). I would encourage you to keep an eye on Council’s website, mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay, and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning’s website, delwp.vic.gov.au to find out more about projects we are working on and how you can be involved every step of the way.
Cr Henry Bleeck
East Ward
It is great to see our East Ward communities hit the ground running in 2017 with the anticipated start of many projects.
The former Romsey Primary School site will begin to see a few changes with a planned new community health centre in the old school building surrounded by an all abilities community park. The idea for the community park, led originally by the Greater Romsey All Abilities Park (GRAAP) and with subsequent community consultation, has been translated into a space that will incorporate an active play zone, areas for picnics, events, water play and sensory/therapeutic activities. Stage 1 of the park is expected to be constructed later this year.
The Lancefield Skate Park, another community-led project, is taking shape with construction expected to be finished mid-year. The skate and BMX park will have a megafauna theme that reflects Lancefield’s growing reputation for having significant prehistoric fossil deposits.
The façade and interior of the Riddells Creek Community Centre—home of the Riddells Creek Seniors Citizens—is so much more welcoming and inclusive now that long term works have been completed. To hire this centre and other centres in the shire, contact details can be found on Council’s website, mrsc.vic.gov.au
During the past month or so I hope you’ve taken the opportunity to talk to us about the next Council Plan at one of our listening posts or at a Council Plan workshop. This key document will provide a clear direction for the future of our shire based on what our community wants and needs.