Monday, 26 November, 2018

Heavy vehicle operators in the Strathbogie Shire and surrounding region are invited to attend a forum to learn more about the new National Heavy Vehicle Regulations.

Between March 2017 and March 2018, 184 people died from 163 fatal crashes involving heavy trucks and 32 people died from 27 fatal crashes involving buses.

Roadsafe Goulburn Valley is partnering with Strathbogie Shire Council, VicRoads, Regional Roads Victoria, Driver Education Centre of Australia (DECA), the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and Victoria Police to deliver the forum which will address issues within today’s transport industry, with particular reference to the new National Heavy Vehicle Regulations.

Strathbogie Shire Mayor Amanda McClaren said Council encourages truck, bus and heavy machinery companies and operators to come along.  

“This is a great opportunity to address heavy vehicle safety and ensure all of our local operators understand the new regulations and have the opportunity to ask questions,” Mayor McClaren said.

“Attendees will hear from a number of different speakers, including representatives from Victoria Police, Highway Patrol and VicRoads.”

Spaces are limited, so please register for the forum by emailing info@strathbogie.vic.gov.au with confirmation of attendance at one of the sessions.

Light refreshments will be provided at both sessions.

Forum details

Thursday, 6 December, 2018

Session 1: 8.30- 10.00am Nagambie Rowing Club, 301-305 High Street, Nagambie

Session 2: 11.30am- 1pm Euroa Conference Centre, Memorial Oval, Slee Street, Euroa

Tuesday, 27 November, 2018

Strathbogie Shire Council has endorsed Kirkland Avenue, between Clifton Street and Bury Street, as the Bushfire Place of Last Resort (Bushfire Neighbourhood Safer Place) for Euroa.

The need for a new Bushfire Place of Last Resort came after the Euroa Service Centre was decommissioned as the designated location earlier this year.

The Kirkland Avenue location was endorsed by Council at the recent Ordinary Meeting in Strathbogie.

The following locations in the Strathbogie Shire are also Bushfire Places of Last Resort:

• Avenel Recreation Reserve Pavilion, bounded by Swamp Road, Anderson Street and Watson Street, Avenel
• Longwood Recreation Reserve Pavilion, Down Street, Longwood
• Mangalore Airport Main Building, 331 Aerodrome Road, Mangalore
• Nagambie Lakes Regatta Centre, 66 Loddings Lane, Nagambie
• Ruffy Recreation Reserve Oval, Noye Lane, Ruffy
• Strathbogie Golf Club House, Armstrong Avenue, Strathbogie
• Violet Town Recreation Reserve Pavilion, Tulip Street, Violet Town

Click here for the full story

Thursday, 29 November, 2018

The World Health Organisation (2017) estimates about one in three women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime.

This is among a string of shocking statistics that currently surround gender-based violence.

The 16 Days of Activism is a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about violence against women and the impact of gender-based violence.

The campaign starts on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and concludes on 10 December, International Human Rights Day.

Strathbogie Shire Council has joined a number of other councils in North East Victoria to advocate for gender equity and respect in its local community.

This year, Strathbogie is running a social media campaign with videos and content addressing the direct link between gender inequity and violence.

Click here for the full story

Friday, 30 November, 2018

Redevelopment works on the Euroa Friendlies Oval have begun with the recent removal of the old concrete wicket and boundary fence.

Current works include the reshaping of the playing surface, widening of the oval at the north and south ends and preparation of the ground with soil and fertiliser.

The next steps for the project will include the replantation of the ground with Santa Ana couch grass including three new turf wickets, the establishment of an automated irrigation system and a new white picket boundary fence.

Rob Asquith, Friendlies Oval Subcommittee member and one of the drivers of the project along with Peter Morley and Peter Woodhouse, said it is great to see works underway.

“We have had such wonderful support from the local community through fundraising so it is great to be able to start delivering the project,” Mr Asquith said.

“It is going to be a fantastic ground for our local cricket, hockey and tennis clubs, as well as significantly improving the presentation of Euroa when coming in from the northern entry.”

Seven Creeks Ward Councillor and Chair of the Friendlies Oval Subcommittee, Cr John Mason said it is fantastic to see the committee and local community rewarded for their efforts.

“Council is so pleased to be able to partner with our community and the Victorian Government to ensure the long-term future of the Friendlies Oval,” Cr Mason said.

Click here for the full story

Friday, 7 December, 2018

Strathbogie Shire Council invites the community of Euroa and surrounds to come and give their ideas on the Australian Rail Track Corporation’s (ARTC) project for the Anderson Street Bridge as Council prepares to provide its submission.

These sessions will take place at Euroa Council Chambers on Friday 14^th December, Monday 17^th December and Tuesday 18^th December from 5-6pm and will give the community the opportunity to get information and have discussion about the project with Strathbogie Shire Councillors and staff.

Manager Planning and Investment, Emma Kubeil said Council is committed to engaging with, and advocating for the community through its submission.

“We want to hear from the Euroa community so that we are best placed to represent our community with the submission we provide to ARTC,” Ms Kubeil said.

“We encourage those who would like to provide feedback to make their submission via ARTC’s website and come along to drop in session to let us know your potential solutions.”

“Our scope to amend or submit alternatives to the designs will be limited by the parameters of the ARTC project, but we want to get the best outcome possible for Euroa within these parameters,” Ms Kubeil explained.

Council has been advised ARTC is at the 70 percent phase of their design and feasibility for the project and the community will have another opportunity to comment further in February 2019.

Council has had two formal briefings with ARTC and engineering drawings were sent to Council on Monday 26^th November seeking relevant Council Officer’s submission in relation to the structural components of the project.

To provide feedback or questions to ARTC, you can visit www.inlandrail.artc.com.au/T2A, call 1800 732 761 or email inlandrailvic@artc.com.au.

Monday, 10 December, 2018 

Food safety is important following a power outage.

Food that has not been properly refrigerated can be become contaminated and can cause food poisoning.

Please read Council's advice in relation to food safety for residents and businesses impacted by the recent power outage. 

Food safety following power outage

Wednesday, 12 December, 2018

Are you passionate about customer service and would like to contribute to enhancing Council’s customer service experience?

Strathbogie Shire Council is creating a Customer Service Reference Group as we embark on the implementation of a new Customer Relationship Management System and we are looking for community members to be a part of the group.

Strathbogie Shire Mayor Amanda McClaren said this is part of Council’s focus on improving efficiencies and increasing the level of communication the community receives when they contact Council with an enquiry.

“We are now seeking the involvement of our community to ensure we capitalise on the opportunities presented with our new system and work towards better meeting the needs and expectations of our community,” Cr McClaren.

The role of the Customer Service Reference Group is to:

• Act as a reference group for customer service programs, policies and procedures
• Provide advice to Council on improvements in customer service relationships
• Provide advice to Council on customer request management and complaint handling
• Monitor, review, investigate and recommend new initiatives in customer service

Click here for the full story

Thursday, 13 December, 2018

Council would like to advise residents Balmattum Road will be totally closed for major flood recovery works (Culvert Reconstruction) from Monday 17th December, approximately 600 metres either side of 565 Balmattum Road. 

Depending on the weather conditions, it is anticipated that the road will be closed for 2-3 days and then opened to one lane only until the works are completed.

Estimated completion date for works is late December. 

Contractors have communicated with the Violet Town Quarry and property owners along Balmattum Road about the road closure. 

If you have any queries or concerns about the closure or the works, please contact Council Offices on 1800 065 993. 

Monday, 17 December, 2018

Council would like to thank and congratulate primary students from across the Strathbogie Shire who participated in the 2018 Mayor’s Christmas Card Competition.

Over 100 wonderful drawings were received across three categories:

• What does Christmas look like in your Town? Winner: Alexandra McWilliam, Grade 3

• What do you like most about Christmas with family and friends? Winner: Niamh O’Sullivan, Grade 3

• What are your favourite things about Christmas in Strathbogie Shire? Winner: Matilda Brew, Grade 3

Strathbogie Shire Mayor Amanda McClaren said Council was blown away by the high standard exhibited by the students.   

“We were so impressed by all the fantastic drawings submitted in our competition,” Mayor McClaren said.

“We’d like to congratulate our winners and thank all students who participated in the competition which has helped us to spread the Christmas spirit across the shire.”

The winning designs were printed onto Council’s Christmas cards and attached to staff and Councillor electronic email signatures, and all entries are currently on display in the Council Chambers foyer in Euroa and at the Visitor Information Centre in Nagambie.

Mayor McClaren reminds residents Council Offices will be closed during the Christmas period from 5pm Friday 21^st December until 9am Wednesday 2^nd January.

“On behalf of Strathbogie Shire Councillors and staff, we’d like to wish our communities a very Merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year,” Mayor McClaren said.

For information about kerbside collections, transfer stations, Maternal and Child Health and Visitor Information Centres during the Christmas period, visit www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au.

Wednesday, 19 December, 2018

Strathbogie Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Steve Crawcour has announced he will not be reapplying for his position at the conclusion of his contract in November 2019.

Mr Crawcour said he is proud of what he and the organisation has been able to achieve during his seven years as CEO.

“A good leader knows when it’s time to move on and give a new incoming CEO the opportunity to build on what has been achieved to date,” Mr Crawcour said.

“When I started as CEO I had a vision to make the Strathbogie Shire financially viable with a strong, efficient and effective workforce and, together with my outstanding team, I believe we have delivered on this.”

Mr Crawcour’s announcement comes as Council commences the recruitment process for the CEO position following their recent decision to select recruitment company Omera Partners to guide them through this process.

“I’m looking forward to leading the organisation to deliver as much for our communities as possible during my final leg as CEO,” Mr Crawcour said.

During his time in the role, Steve has been pivotal in steering Council into a sustainable financial position with an organisational culture to match.

Mr Crawcour has also led the organisation to consistently deliver significant capital works programs which have brought infrastructure in the Strathbogie Shire up to a much higher standard.

Councillors will begin working with Omera Partners in 2019 to find a new CEO who is the best possible fit for the Strathbogie Shire to continue the great legacy that will be left by Mr Crawcour.

Thursday, 20 December, 2018

Strathbogie Shire Councillors have selected Omera Partners to assist with the recruitment of the Chief Executive Officer position at the expiry of Mr Steve Crawcour’s contract in November 2019.

Councillors held a number of workshops to assess expressions of interest from 18 recruitment companies where they selected five shortlisted companies to present to Council.

Omera Partners was selected at the recent Ordinary Council Meeting after consideration of the five candidates’ and their presentations.

Strathbogie Shire Mayor Amanda McClaren said Council will begin working with Omera Partners in the New Year.

“We are looking forward to sitting down with Omera Partners to start workshopping and identifying the attributes we’re looking for in our next CEO,” Mayor McClaren said.

As Council commences the recruitment process, CEO Steve Crawcour has announced he will not be reapplying for his position at the expiry of his contract.

Mayor Amanda McClaren said Council is appreciative of Mr Crawcour’s contribution to the Strathbogie Shire.

“Council respects Mr Crawcour’s decision not to reapply for his position and we acknowledge all he has done for our communities during his time with Council,” Mayor McClaren said.

“Council is committed to finding a candidate who is the best possible fit for the Strathbogie Shire to continue to build on the legacy that will be left by Mr Crawcour.

We are also committed to undertaking a very thorough recruitment process and will keep the community informed along the way.” Cr McClaren said.

Friday, 21 December, 2018

Strathbogie Shire Evolve Youth Committee celebrated a year of fun, learning and achievements at their annual Youth Showcase event recently.

The committee kicked some major goals again this year, planning and managing a variety of awesome of events that catered to the diverse needs and interests of the community.

They were involved in wide variety of events including Care Factor, MusoMagic, Youth Politics Camp, Euroa National Show and Shine and Euroa Kindergarten Fashion Parade.

Strathbogie Shire Mayor Amanda McClaren said Council is very proud of the achievements of Evolve and wished the outgoing members all the best in their future endeavours.

“It is fantastic to be able to provide networking, development and social opportunities for local youth through the Evolve Committee,” Cr McClaren said.

“We are excited to announce we have recently employed a new Youth Development Officer to grow our youth services in Nagambie and surrounds in 2019 and we will keep the community informed as this progresses.”

The committee is always on the lookout for new members and welcome anyone aged 12 to 25 years who lives, works or studies in the shire to join the group.

If you would like to enquire about Evolve, please contact Inga Hamilton at Council Offices on 1800 065 993 or email info@strathbogie.vic.gov.au.

Tuesday, 8 January, 2019

Would you be interested in becoming a school crossing supervisor? 

We are on the lookout for dedicated School Crossing Supervisors for Avenel and Nagambie Primary Schools to effectively and efficiently control the safe and orderly passage of school children and others across designated school crossings.

The successful applicant will be required to attend school crossings to ensure compliance with the Road Safety Regulations and to educate children and other users of the crossing of the correct procedure and use of the school crossing.

Position Details

Salary Classification – Band 1A Local Authorities Award 2001.

Casual position.

Monday to Friday (school days) for approximately 1.5 hours each day (1 hour each morning and half an hour each afternoon.

Expressions of Interest are to be submitted by COB Wednesday, 23 January, 2019. 

Phil Howard

Deputy CEO/Director of Sustainable Development

Strathbogie Shire Council

PO Box 177

EUROA VIC 3666

Alternatively, you may submit your application via info@strathbogie.vic.gov.au

Wednesday, 9 January, 2019

A variety of interesting and inspiring guest speakers are lined up to present at the upcoming Australia Day ceremonies which will be taking place in Avenel, Euroa, Longwood, Nagambie, Strathbogie and Violet Town on Saturday 26^th January.

Euroa and Nagambie will hear from Ms Madeleine Buchner, an author, social innovator and founder and CEO of Little Dreamers Australia.

Madeleine will share her story growing up as a young carer to a brother and mother with a myriad of health issues and her journey as an advocate for policy change and driving awareness and fundraising.

Euroa will also host the Citizenship Ceremony which will be conducted by Mayor Amanda McClaren.

Mr Neil O’Sullivan, principal of Avenel Primary School and coordinator of the Avenel Auskick Program will be the guest speaker at Avenel, talking about his experience working in education for the last two decades.

The Longwood community will hear from their local primary school students who will talk about embracing community spirit and what Australia Day means to them.

Mr Claude Lombard OAM will be guest speaker at the Strathbogie Australia Day celebrations, sharing his story as a successful Australian business owner and his tireless work in both the business and philanthropic communities.

Violet Town will hear from Bruce Cumming about his work in communications helping people and organisations tell their stories in their own voice.

Strathbogie Shire Mayor Amanda McClaren said Council welcomes one and all to attend the Australia Day celebrations.

“The Australia Day ceremonies are a fantastic way for us to give thanks for this wonderful sunburnt country we are so lucky to call home and provides the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate some of the outstanding individuals and groups who contribute so much to the Strathbogie Shire,” Mayor McClaren said.

Click here for the event details

Photo credit: Euroa Gazette

Thursday, 10 January, 2019

Is your new year’s resolution to improve your fitness or get healthier?

Maybe you’d like to try something new or volunteer more in your local community?

Well we’ve got you covered here in the Strathbogie Shire with Euroa Parkrun.

What is Euroa Parkrun? It’s a timed 5km walk or run that happens every Saturday at 8am at the beautiful Seven Creeks Park organised by local volunteers.

Parkrun takes place at the same time every Saturday at locations all over Australia and the world.

Founder of Euroa Parkrun, Ellie Beadle said she and seven other local community members had participated in Parkrun in other towns and wanted one for Euroa.

“Coming together made us realise how beautiful our town is and how we could improve the utilisation of the walking tracks and Parkrun gave us the opportunity to give back to the community and create an event for all ages and abilities that supported wellbeing holistically,” Ms Beadle explained.

“People join Parkrun for many reasons; it’s social, friendly, for fitness, training, achievement, for overall wellbeing or to get out into the community.”

There are all types of state, national and global Parkrun challenges that have people travelling all over the place.

“It is free, fun and so rewarding as a participant or volunteer to see those smiles, words of encouragement and hi-fives.”

Ellie and the team hope to continue to grow Parkrun in 2019 and encourage people to join by completing a simple online registration at www.parkrun.com.au/euroa, or register to be a volunteer by emailing euroahelpers@parkrun.com.

Seven Creeks Ward Councillor, John Mason is a regular parkrunner and said it is a fantastic way to keep active.

“Parkrun Euroa is a great activity for people of all abilities to get outside and active in their local community,” Cr Mason said.

“I encourage anyone thinking about joining to come along and give it a go.”

Friday, 11 January, 2019

GoFish Nagambie is Australia’s richest and largest freshwater fishing tournament and outdoor lifestyle festival. In its inaugural year, the festival will bring Australia’s favourite outdoor activity, fishing, to the forefront.

The uniquely Australian program of activities runs over the ANZAC Day weekend from 25 – 28 April 2019, at the Nagambie Lakes Regatta Centre on the banks of the iconic Goulburn River and Nagambie Lakes, an undiscovered fishing gem.

The highlight of the family-friendly program is the GoFish Nagambie fishing tournament boasting a guaranteed and whopping $500,000 in cash and prizes.

Anglers can choose between boat, bank and kayak and prizes are awarded across each age category and targeted species.

Organisers are excited to see anglers come from far and wide to compete in this competition and put their skills to the test to try and catch the largest fish and take out the massive cash prize.

GoFish Nagambie ambassador and freshwater fishing young gun Rhys Creed is excited about the event because of its attraction to the broader community.

“It’s set to be the biggest fishing tournament in the country, in one of the best cod fishing locations in Australia – it’s the people’s fishing competition,” he said.

The nature of the event and competition means anyone can get out on the water and wet a line.

“Bringing anglers of all abilities to one place to have a good time, learn more about fishing and for them to see what Nagambie has to offer is a huge opportunity for both the local community and the fishing industry”.

Click here for the full story

Monday, 14 January, 2019

So far this financial year, 70% of waste material collected from household bins in the Strathbogie Shire has been diverted from landfill, whilst recycling contamination levels remain consistent with the state-wide average.

Strathbogie Shire Council would like to congratulate residents for their ongoing commitment to the three-bin kerbside collection which continues to have outstanding results.

Council’s Waste Management Engineer, Darren Ritchie said the amount of organic waste in particular continues to grow.

“Organics quantities continue to rise with the warmer weather and we have seen contamination rates fall to their lowest levels over the past six months, falling below 2 percent in September, October, November and December,” Mr Ritchie said.

“Landfill waste continues to be the lowest volume collected of the three waste streams, which is fantastic to see.”

Mr Ritchie said despite these outstanding results, Council reminds residents medical waste cannot be placed in any of your household bins and must be disposed of via legally compliant means through a contractor or disposal facility licensed to hand medical waste.

“Medical waste is healthcare waste that may be contaminated by blood, body fluids or other potentially infectious materials,” Mr Ritchie explained.

Mr Ritchie said there was an incident in the shire recently where a small number of medical syringes were found within a load delivered to the composting facility.

“Although it was a minimal quantity, this resulted in the need to class the entire load as contaminated due to risk and safety concerns, with all of the organic material taken to landfill for disposal at Council’s expense,” he explained.

Instead, residents should arrange a professional who is licensed to collect and dispose of medical waste, or drop it off at a suitably licenced disposal facility.

Sharps containers are available and can be returned when full at the following locations:

Euroa Health - 36 Kennedy Street, Euroa

Nagambie Health Care - 22 Church Street, Nagambie

Tuesday, 22 January, 2019

Today, the Violet Town pool was evacuated and closed due to a patron contaminating the swimming pool water.

Strathbogie Shire Council staff has already commenced work to resolve this issue, and will notify the public as soon as the pool is safe and operational for use.

Click here for more information

Thursday, 24 January, 2019