Wednesday, 3rd October, 2018

Strathbogie Shire Council, in conjunction with Euroa Health, invites the local community to a twilight working bee on Monday 15^th October from 4- 6pm at Euroa Health’s empty facilities. This comes as part of a concerted effort to make use of Amaroo and Euroaville as a Post-Traumatic Stress Wellness Centre for veterans and emergency service workers.

Council has been lobbying hard over the last six months to fund a feasibility study to assess the suitability of establishing a Wellness Centre in the unused facilities.

Strathbogie Shire Mayor Amanda McClaren said the working bee is needed to keep the rooms in a good condition for tours with State and Federal members.

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Wednesday, 10 October, 2018 

Avenel and surrounds has recently celebrated a $99,500 funding announcement from the Victorian Government’s Pick My Project initiative for a multi-use activity precinct.

The funding will go towards completing Stages 2 and 3 of the project, which will transform what is currently one skate board ramp into a multi-use precinct for skating exercise and wellbeing.  

The skate park concept was initiated several years ago by four young Avenel residents, who got in contact with Strathbogie Shire Council.

Soon enough, the Avenel Action Group and the wider Avenel community were on board, with Council backing the project all the way.

Located at the Avenel Recreation Reserve, Stage 1 of the skate park was funded by $20,000 from the Avenel Action Group, $50,000 from Strathbogie Shire’s Infrastructure Reserve Fund and $5000 from the Strathbogie Shire Community Grants Program.

 Hughes Creek Ward Councillor Malcolm Little said Council was very pleased to hear Stages 2 and 3 of the activity precinct received funding.  

“This has been a huge community effort and we’re so thrilled that Avenel has been rewarded for their hard work,” Cr Little said.

"Developing this kind of key infrastructure is vital to strengthening and growing our communities and enhancing the regional living experience.”

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Thursday, 11 October, 2018

Nagambie has welcomed two exciting funding announcements from the Andrews Labor Government for the Nagambie Lakes Community House and the Nagambie Bowls Club.

Labor Upper House Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, recently travelled to Nagambie to announce the Nagambie Lakes Community House will be funded through the Neighbourhood Houses Coordination Program.

The Community House will receive funding for up to 25 coordination hours per week, which is estimated to deliver up to 50 hours of activities and programs per week for their local community.

Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes and Labor candidate for Euroa, Fionna Deppeler Morton, also visited Nagambie Bowling Club to announce $143,000 in Community Sports Infrastructure funding for a new premier synthetic turf green.

The project will be delivered by Strathbogie Shire Council in conjunction with the Nagambie Bowling Club.

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Thursday, 11 October, 2018

The monthly Euroa Store Cattle sale was held the first week of October, with a yarding of approximately 1000 cattle from local areas.

The yarding comprised of approximately 450 steers, 350 unjoined females, with the balance being cows and calves and joined females.

Opening bidding saw only 2 feedlots and regional district bidding.

The most appreciated attendance of the day was no doubt Steph Ryan with her election promise for the Stage 3 development of the Euroa Saleyards.

The $350,000 upgrades include further roofing over pens, new pens in the existing pen area, new scales and relocation of the D1 loading ramp.

Landmark Euroa Branch Manager, Russell Mawson, said there is no doubt the enthusiasm was “a true reflection of the season”.

“With many quoting the sale from $100 - $200 cheaper, there is no doubt these prices have not been seen within the last 6-8 years,” Mr Mawson said.

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Friday, 12 October, 2018

The flood recovery program, as a result of the December 2017 flood event, is nearing completion, with contractors scheduled to finish works in December 2018.

The recovery works have been funded under the National Disaster Financial Assistance Program which is supported by both the Victorian and Federal Governments.

Strathbogie Shire Mayor Amanda McClaren said Council thanks the community for their ongoing patience and understanding during the flood recovery program.

“We appreciate it has been a lengthy process and many community members have had damaged roads for many months,” Cr McClaren said.

“We are so pleased to advise the program is nearing completion and have heard wonderful feedback from our community about the quality of the repairs so far.”

Council has allocated $250,000 for additional upgrades, with works started on Killeens Hill Road and forecast to commence on the following roads in the coming weeks:

• Hills Road
• Mackrells Road
• Balmattum Road
• Galls Gap Road

Council will provide further advice to the community in regards to necessary road closures associated with these works.

These roads will receive a variety of improvements such as pavement upgrades, drainage works, kerb and channel and culvert reconstruction.

Cr McClaren said the additional upgrades are important for the longevity of these roads.

“These five particular roads were selected for more extensive works to ensure they are strengthened and protected for future weather events,” Cr McClaren explained.

If you have any questions in relation to the flood recovery program or the additional upgrades, please contact Council Offices on 1800 065 993 or email info@strathbogie.vic.gov.au.

Monday, 15 October, 2018

For the very first time, Tahbilk Winery will be hosting the Four Vines Running Festival, on Sunday, 4 November, which will involve numerous running events as well as wine tastings, live music and a pop-up pub.

The running events include a marathon, half marathon, 10km run, 5km run, 2km kids run and 200m “Vineyard Scramble” with a $500 prize up for grabs.

On the banks of the pristine Goulburn River, the festival will raise funds for the Children First Foundation, which provides surgery in Australia for children in developing countries, where they cannot receive the treatment they require.

A portion of the fees to enter the running events are donated directly to the Children First Foundation.

The marathon will take runners from Fowles Wine, through Box Grove Vineyard and Mitchelton Wines, to finish at Tahbilk Winery.

Tahbilk Winery’s Wine Club and Cellar Door Operations Manager, Bruce Minchinton, said the inaugural Four Vines Running Festival promises to be a fun and festive event.

“We’ve got a range of events, from the full marathon through Fowles and over to Nagambie Lakes, to fun runs on Tahbilk Estate,” Mr Minchinton said.

“This gives competitors an incredibly good look at behind the scenes of our vineyards; everyone can get involved and be a part of the atmosphere.”

Visit www.fourvinesrunningfestival.com.au to register.

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Tuesday, 16 October, 2018

Representatives from the local community, Euroa Health, Euroa RSL and Strathbogie Shire Council gathered for a Twilight Working Bee to clean up the currently unused Amaroo and Euroaville facilities on Monday, 15 October.

This came as part of a concerted effort to make the facilities more presentable when touring to advocate for funding to make use of the facilities as a Post-Traumatic Stress Wellness Centre for veterans and emergency service workers.

Council was honoured by the attendance of Member for Euroa and Deputy Leader of The Nationals Steph Ryan and new Labor candidate for Euroa Fionna Deppeler-Morton.

Ms Steph Ryan was so impressed by the concept that she announced her commitment to funding $200,000 for a feasibility study to explore the viability of such a facility if the coalition is elected to govern in the State Government elections on 24 November 2018.

“Euroaville and Amaroo were established through the hard work of volunteers so it was great to see the community again banding together to work towards finding a new purpose for them,” Ms Ryan said.

“The community’s vision for a hub for veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress is wonderful and I’m keen to see it advance by funding the necessary feasibility study if I am elected to government.”

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Wednesday, 18 October, 2018

On 11 November 2018, we mark not only the annual Remembrance Day commemorations but also the 100^th anniversary of the Armistice, the cessation of hostilities in World War One, bringing to an end a terrible and destructive war.

Strathbogie Shire Council and the Euroa RSL are proud to be hosting the Armistice Living Tribute performance on Friday, 9 November, 2018 at 2pm and 4pm.

The free performance will encourage people to think about the significance of the Armistice and what they will be doing on 11 November 2018, the Armistice Centenary.

The show pays tribute to and tells the little known story of the World War One musicians who also acted as stretcher bearers, an Australian Army tradition that started in the Boer War and continued through to the Vietnam War.  

It highlights the significance of the Armistice and how the end of World War One was both a celebration and a time for reflection. It encourages Victorians to participate in commemorations and activities on Remembrance Day.

The free 20 minute street performance is a great opportunity for the whole community to come together and remember our proud wartime legacy.

The acrobatic and musical performance is supported by the Victorian Government as the final event of the four year Anzac Centenary campaign. 

Strathbogie Shire Mayor Amanda McClaren said Council is looking forward to hosting the Armistice Living Tribute performance at Euroa.

“Performances like these provide a great opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate our common heritage and values.”

You can join the conversation about the Armistice Centenary by using the hashtag #ArmisticeVictoria on social media.

Thursday, 18 October, 2018

Strathbogie Shire Council has endorsed support for an end to logging and better protection of the Strathbogie State Forest.

Council moved the following motion at its recent Ordinary Meeting:

That Council:

1. Call on the Victorian State Government to cease native timber harvesting activities in the Strathbogie Forest.
2. Call on the Victorian Government to accelerate the transition from native timber harvesting in Victoria, to plantation-based timber supply with changes to taxation incentives, and advocacy to the Federal Government for changes to regulations to give plantation timber better access to carbon farming schemes.
3. Support the establishment of a protected conservation area under the National Parks Act 1975, encompassing all of the existing Strathbogie State Forest and associated public land.
4. Promote the economic future of the Strathbogie Forest as focussed on nature-based tourism and recreational activities and work with local groups and regional tourism bodies to achieve this.
5. Notify the Victorian Government Ministers responsible for Agriculture and Environment, as well as Local, State and Federal Members, of this resolution.

Mount Wombat Ward Councillor Alistair Thomson said it was important for Council to take a stand on the matter.

“We cannot stand back and risk the extinction of species like the Greater Glider for an activity that produces no net benefit for residents,” Cr Thomson explained.

“Society needs hardwood. This need should be met by mixed species plantation forests that produce income for landowners and employment for those who will maintain these private forests.”

“A conserved Strathbogie Forest can continue to be enjoyed for recreational activities by residents and opens up the opportunity for ecotourism activity,” Cr Thomson said.

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Violet Town Mens Shed Inc

Shadforth Reserve

Shiffner St

Violet Town, VIC 3669

Mal Delahey

Phone: 0407 501 977

Euroa Men’s Shed Inc

16 Frost St

Euroa, VIC 3666

Errol Cotton-Stapleton

Phone: 0429 999 093

Nagambie Lakes Men’s Shed

33 Filson Street

Nagambie, VIC 3608

Phone: 0433 435 145

Friday, 19 October, 2018

Are you looking to better market your business to prospective tourists and reach those looking to explore Regional Victoria?

Strathbogie Shire Council is calling on businesses to participate in its fifth edition of the Nagambie Lakes and Strathbogie Ranges Official Visitors Guide (OVG) 2019-2021.

For the very first time, businesses will also have the opportunity to be included in a tourism app that will assist visitors with locating restaurants, attractions and accommodation.

Council is currently in initial discussions about the development of the app, alongside a brand new website, in a bid to improve online engagement with residents and grow a stronger online presence to showcase the region.

This is currently in the early stage of development, but will be available to businesses that purchase advertising in the Official Visitors Guide at no extra cost.

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Monday, 22 October, 2018

Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) teams want to hear from locals in north east Victoria this week about Inland Rail and the North East Line Upgrade during six community pop up information sessions.

The scope of works for the $235 million North East Line Upgrade has been accepted by the Australian government, and work is scheduled to start next year to upgrade the line to a Victorian Class 2 performance standard.

“Those works will include replacing and adding ballast, mudhole removal, drainage improvements, relocating signalling wires underground, railway bridge replacement and improvement, rail replacement and rejuvenation, and track improvement works at level crossings,” said Brian Green, ARTC’s General Manager of Asset Management.

At the same time Inland Rail in Victoria is preparing for enhancement works along the north east rail corridor to support the running of double stack freight trains as part of the programme building a rail freight link between Melbourne and Brisbane.

More details about the Inland Rail project in Victoria can be found here:

https://inlandrail.artc.com.au/T2A

More details on the North East Line Upgrade can be found here:

https://www.artc.com.au/projects/northeast/ Where you can also sign up for electronic updates on works, community events and further project information.

ARTC will be set up at the Euroa Showgrounds to discuss the Inland Rail Project at Anderson Street Bridge

Date: Saturday, 27 October Location: Euroa Show

Time: 8.30 – 5.00pm

Read the full story here

Tuesday, 23 October, 2018 

The World’s biggest fishing tournament and outdoor lifestyle festival, GoFish Nagambie is coming to central Victoria. Boasting a whopping and guaranteed $500,000, Aussie anglers are champing at the bit to secure an entry and have their shot at taking home the big bucks.

Founded by Daryl Herbert and Rod Lockwood at GTR Events, GoFish Nagambie is an event for the whole industry and fishing community. It will provide a platform for recreational anglers to gather and relax for a weekend of fishing and fun whilst creating a unique opportunity for brands ranging from local handcrafted lure makers to industry leaders to showcase their products.

The event also strives to create an ongoing legacy. “We are passionate to use GoFish as a vehicle to endorse important environmental messages by demonstrating how the improvement of fish habitat and re-stocking can create better fishing opportunities”, said Lockwood.

The catch, measure and release tournament will highlight Australia’s apex predators of the rivers and lakes systems, the Murray Cod and Golden Perch. Nagambie’s pristine waterways are jam-packed with structures, snags and habitat that anglers will love fishing from either their boats, kayaks or from the bank.

Lockwood went on to say “with $500,000 prize pool up for grabs and split across open, cadet (teenage) and kids’ categories, we are showcasing that fishing is a sport that everyone can enjoy, furthermore, the prize pool is split so that anglers of all abilities can and will go home winners. We want more people fishing, more often”.

Strathbogie Shire Mayor Amanda McClaren said Council is very excited to see Nagambie host to such a significant fishing event.

“One of the biggest drawcards here in the Strathbogie Shire is its natural treasures and one of the best things about fishing is getting outdoors and enjoying nature,” Cr McClaren said.

“GoFish Nagambie is a fantastic opportunity for Nagambie and the region, with people from all over Australia and the world coming to enjoy our lakes and river district in this beautiful part of Victoria.”

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Coming Soon

Tuesday, 23 October, 2018

From the start of November, residents of the Strathbogie Shire will no longer be able to complete Learners Permit Tests at Strathbogie Shire Council.

Instead, those wishing to obtain their learner’s permit will need to travel to a VicRoads Office, with the closest offices located in Shepparton, Seymour or Benalla.

This decision was made by VicRoads after recently undertaking a review of its Agency Network.

VicRoads has introduced a tier framework which classifies each agency according to the services that it provides, feedback in relation to our community needs, geographical location and the proximity to similar transactions in surrounding areas.

Due to its relatively close proximity to a number of VicRoads Offices, Strathbogie Shire Council has been classified as a Tier 1 Agency, which means only being able to provide a photo point for licencing and work diaries.

These changes have been made to Agency Network Partnership Agreements for the period 2018- 2020.

CEO Steve Crawcour said it is disappointing to no longer be able to offer this service to residents and apologised for the inconvenience.

“Council staff provided feedback expressing their preference to keep this service local, but unfortunately this was ultimately a decision for VicRoads,” Mr Crawcour explained.

Council will continue to offer Learners Permit Tests until the end of October 2018.

Wednesday, 24 October, 2018

As a matter of public safety, Council will be discontinuing the current pedestrian thoroughfare on High Street in Nagambie.

Council revisited the thoroughfare, located north of Prentice Street, when planning the Nagambie Angle Parking Project and has made the decision to discontinue its use.

Strathbogie Shire CEO Steve Crawcour said the thoroughfare has been deemed unsafe because it crosses a carpark and a vehicle thoroughfare.  

“It is our preference, with the support of VicRoads, to discontinue this thoroughfare as a matter of public safety,” Mr Crawcour explained.

“We urge pedestrians to use the signalised pedestrian crossing at the traffic lights, which is a much safer option.”

Tactile tiles will be installed at the signalised pedestrian crossing and signage will be installed directing pedestrians to the crossing.

Council has also removed a tree at the carpark in the central median strip on High Street due to its deteriorating health caused by soil compaction and damage from vehicles.

The removal of the tree will improve the safety of motorists when reversing out of carparks in the central area and will provide two additional parking spaces, as well as widening existing spaces from 2.8 metres to 3.2 metres.

The disabled parking space at 321 High Street will be made permanent and the new loading zones at 317 and 302 High Street will be marked “Loading Zone.”

A “No Right Turn” will also be marked in the south bound traffic lane on the road pavement on the approach to the Marie Street intersection to ensure motorists are aware of the one-way street in this section.

If you have any questions or concerns relating to these changes, please don’t hesitate to contact Council Offices on 1800 065 993.

Thursday, 25 October, 2018

With the Fire Danger Period now in effect in the Strathbogie Shire as of this week, Council is urging residents, who haven’t already, to prepare themselves and their properties now.

According to the CFA, now the Fire Danger Period has been declared, fire restrictions have come into force. This means you cannot light a fire in the open air unless you have a permit or comply with certain requirements.

There are also significant restrictions when it comes to a number of activities including barbeques, campfires, burning off, driving vehicles and using chainsaws.

According to CFA, current climate outlooks produced by the Bureau of Meteorology indicate warmer and drier conditions, which will worsen the current state of dryness in spring and early summer.

Strathbogie Shire’s Municipal Emergency Manager, Ken Ross is urging residents, who haven’t already, to start preparing their properties now.

“We urge landowners and residents to start preparing to ensure their land is as safe as possible.”

Mr Ross said properties within townships or less than 2Ha must remove all flammable rubbish from their yards and ensure grass and weeds are kept cut to a height of no more than 100mm.

“Properties greater than 2Ha must slash around all buildings to a minimum distance of 20 metres,” Mr Ross explained.

“Property boundaries must be slashed to a width of 6 metres. When neighbouring dwellings and assets are nearby this must be increased to at least 20 metres.”

“If owners and occupiers fail to keep a fire safe environment, a Fire Prevention Notice will be issued by Council.

It is a requirement for the owner or occupier to follow the requests in the Fire Prevention Notice throughout the entire fire season, not just at the time the notice is received. 

This year there will also be an additional fee of $100.00 attached to the Fire Prevention notice to cover administration costs.

A further failure to maintain the requirements of the Fire Prevention Notice will result in a $1611.90 fine issued by Council,” Mr Ross explained.

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Friday, 26 October, 2018

The Strathbogie Shire is fast becoming renowned as leaders in environmental sustainability and solar energy with the recent launch of Australia’s first ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging station at the Euroa Shell Service Centre.

Australian electric vehicle company Chargefox signed a deal with leading European luxury car manufacturers, including Audi, Jaguar, Land Rover and Mercedes-Benz, to build a nationwide network of ultra-rapid charging stations for electric vehicles.

Minister for Energy Lily D'Ambrosio attended to open the station and announce the Andrews Labor Government’s rollout of $2 million to support charging stations in Melbourne, Ballarat, Horsham, Torquay and Traralgon, boosting tourism opportunities for these regions.

The station at Euroa is capable of fully charging an electric vehicle in under 15 minutes, sourced from 100 per cent renewable energy.

Strathbogie Shire Mayor Amanda McClaren said the ultra-rapid charging station is a great outcome for the environment and the local economy.

“Being a prime location between Melbourne and Albury on the Melbourne to Sydney route, it is no surprise Euroa was selected as the first location on the network,” Mayor McClaren said.

“The Euroa electorate also has the highest proportion of rooftop solar in Victoria, largely driven by our innovative Bogie Bulk Buy Program, where we assisted our residents in sourcing expert advice and solar at a bulk buy price.” 

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Friday, 26 October, 2018

The World’s biggest fishing tournament and outdoor lifestyle festival, GoFish Nagambie with its guaranteed $500,000 prize pool, has dropped three big announcements today: 

1. General competition entries kick off from 9am on 30th November

2. All it will set you back is $160 for three days of fishing! *cadet (teenage) and kids prices available

3. A 48-hour early bird entry will be available for all @GoFish Nagambie e-news subscribers

Pre-sale could be your 'Golden Ticket' to snapping up one of the capped entries into the tournament including one of the further limited 1,000 boat entries.

Sign up for pre-sale here to make sure you don't miss out: 

https://www.gofishnagambie.com.au/ 

Monday, 29 October, 2018

Strathbogie Shire Council invites the community to come along to a screening of Love Actually on Friday 16^th November at 8pm to celebrate 15 years of good old fashioned entertainment at the Euroa Community Cinema.

Tickets are half price ($5) and the kiosk will be stocked with all the yummy treats you will need for a great night out.

Love Actually was chosen as it was released on Friday 14 November 2003, the same day the Euroa Community Cinema first opened its doors.

Over the 15 years, the Euroa Community Cinema has had over 80 volunteers put their time and energy into bringing the cinema to life on the weekends; running the projector, selling tickets and working in the kiosk.

From humble beginnings, with one movie each fortnight screened on Friday night and Saturday afternoon, the cinema has evolved to now holding screenings every Saturday night and Sunday afternoon, with additional Friday night screenings, community fundraiser films and school holiday matinees for the kids.

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