Golden Plains Mayor | Government official
Golden Plains Mayor
Phone: 52207111
Reviews
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25.01.2022 Many residents had already gotten out the sewing machine before yesterdays announcement that all of us will have to wear masks from Sunday night on. Earlier this week, I met with local youth entrepreneurs Zoe and Sam who had started their own mask making business thanks to a small Youth Training and Business Grant from Golden Plains Youth. It was great to hear they had already been flooded with orders, and Im sure theyre even busier now!
23.01.2022 Today, we pay our respects to our service personal who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country. While we cant come together as usual to commemorate ANZAC Day this year, its great to see so many in our community mark the occasion in other ways, including standing at their driveways for the last post this morning. On behalf of the Golden Plains Shire community and Council, my fellow Councillors and I have laid wreaths at our Shires monuments and memorials. Lest we forget.
23.01.2022 Council's Draft Budget 2021-2022 and Draft Council Plan 2021-2025 are both on public exhibition. Find out more and have your say at www.goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations
23.01.2022 It was terrific to join Senator Sarah Henderson this morning for the Federal Governments announcement confirming its $3.2 million of funding to build the much needed roundabout at the railway line intersection in Bannockburn. The Bannockburn Community Plan identifies the roundabout as one of the most important local issues and Council has long been pushing for government investment for this Priority Project. Todays news is another positive step forward for this vital project, and Council looks forward to the Victorian Government getting construction underway as soon as possible.
22.01.2022 It was great to be back in Linton this morning to share the good news of the new cricket training facility. The Linton Cricket Club is a wonderful local sporting group, and I thank the Victorian Government and Michaela Settle MP for partnering with Council to deliver a new three-bay training facility. You can find out more about this exciting project at https://bit.ly/3lPascv.
22.01.2022 It was an honour to be elected as Mayor for the first year of the Council term at last night's Council Meeting. The year ahead will be exciting as we create the new Council Plan for the next four years and I am privileged to lead a qualified and experienced Councillor group elected by the people of Golden Plains Shire. Congratulations to Deputy Mayor Cr Ian Getsom on his election last night as well, and I look forward to working together with you over the next year. If you missed the livestream, a recording of the meeting, including both my and Deputy Mayor Cr Getsom's speeches, is available at https://bit.ly/3nxxmWb.
22.01.2022 Congratulations to the 40 award-winners of the Mayoral Youth Program 2019/20. This evening, I had the pleasure of hosting a Zoom award ceremony with these incredible member of our community. Please join me in acknowledging their incredible efforts by sharing this video. Congratulations to you all!
22.01.2022 As we enter our first weekend back in Stage Three restrictions, we all need to play a role in helping prevent the spread of COVID-19. Wherever you are in Golden Plains, there are only four reasons to leave home: shopping for food and essentials; medical, care or compassionate needs; exercise; and work or study if you cant do so remotely. Stay home, stay safe, and if you do need to go outside for one of the four reasons, dont forget to mask up like my fellow G21 Geelong Region Alliance mayors and I!
21.01.2022 As part of the Bannockburn Growth Plan engagement process earlier this year, 69 Bannockburn P-12 College students wrote to me about why Bannockburn is a great place to live, and what theyd like to see in the towns future. A big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts with me and the project team!
21.01.2022 It was exciting to attend last Friday's launch of the Geelong Community Solar Program with my fellow mayors from across the G21 region. The program will help households and businesses across the region, including here in Golden Plains, to afford and install solar and battery systems. Council is proud to support this community bulk-buy initiative, which received a Community Strengthening Grant from Council in 2020. You can find out more about this great program, including deta...ils on upcoming information sessions in Bannockburn, at https://bit.ly/2QQstNf. Pictured left to right: Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Helena Kirby, Mondo’s Dan Cowdell, City of Greater Geelong Mayor Cr Stephanie Asher, Borough of Queenscliffe Mayor Cr Ross Ebbells, RACV Solar CEO Andy McCarthy, G21 Geelong Region Alliance CEO Giulia Baggio, Colac Otway Shire Council Mayor Cr Kate Hanson, Geelong Sustainability’s Vicki Perrett and Surf Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Libby Stapleton.
20.01.2022 It was great to join Steve Martins Breakfast program on ABC Ballarat radio early this morning. We talked about how Council has adapted to COVID-19, the Community Assistance Directory, and our first ever Council Meeting livestream. Thanks for having me on Steve! If you missed it, you can listen in from 58.07 at https://ab.co/2VQrI6k.
20.01.2022 Last night was a special milestone for Golden Plains Shire Council - the very first Council Meeting in the new Council Chamber at the Golden Plains Civic Centre. Ideally we would have liked to share this historic event with the community in person, however it was great to see so many people watch the livestream or recording. Among other matters, Council approved a planning permit with conditions for the expansion of a piggery in Lethbridge, resolved to issue a public notice on the proposed plan to sell Council land in Teesdale in the future, and responded to a petition from residents in the Maude/She-Oaks/Steiglitz area. Check out my video update on the meeting, and read all about what was discussed, at https://bit.ly/2TLGmuu.
20.01.2022 Its National Volunteer Week, and Council is getting behind Volunteering Australias Wave For Volunteers campaign. If youre looking to show your appreciation for volunteers, why not join in and post your own #WaveForVolunteers photo? Throughout the week, youll see Council sharing profiles on some of our Shires fantastic volunteers, so make sure you keep an eye on Golden Plains Shire Council. For more information on National Volunteer Week, including the full volunteer profiles, visit https://bit.ly/2WGqRFW. #NVW2020
19.01.2022 Did you see the exciting news that Meredith is set to feature in tonights Who Do You Think You Are episode on comedian Denise Scott. Tune in at 7.30pm on SBS Australia or catch up on the episode later at https://bit.ly/3hv1hw4.
18.01.2022 With the COVID-19 pandemic continuing, its going to be a different ANZAC this year. While all public services across the Shire, country and overseas are cancelled, there are still a number of ways we in Golden Plains can commemorate those who have served. This could be by watching the broadcast of the national service on TV, taking part in the RSLs Light Up the Dawn campaign, or by supporting service personal and veterans by writing to troops overseas or donating to the RSLs ANZAC Appeal 2020. You can read more about these different ways to commemorate at https://bit.ly/3cAFFen.
18.01.2022 Last night, Council considered and adopted the 2020/21 Budget. Following a robust debate on how best to support residents during the COVID-19 pandemic, Council agreed to allocate an additional $100,000 to give assistance to those ratepayers directly affected by the pandemic. Among other matters, Council also approved two important Draft Strategies to go out for public consultation, received the 2020 Community Satisfaction Survey, and granted a planning permit in Teesdale. Check out my video update on the meeting, and read all about what was discussed, at https://bit.ly/3hTQwDz.
18.01.2022 Theres been some significant changes for our community over the past few days, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, and there are even more changes ahead this week. We all need to wear a mask when heading outside, and from 11.59pm Wednesday, well be back to Stage Three restrictions. Golden Plains is full of supportive people and strong communities, and I know that together we can and will get through these difficult times. Stay safe, be kind, and dont forget to mask up!
18.01.2022 At this weeks Council Meeting, my fellow Councillors and I announced Community Strengthening Grants to 16 well deserving community groups as part of Round One of the revamped grants program. Congratulations to these groups, and we look forward to seeing these terrific projects and programs completed for the benefit of our communities. You can find the full list at https://bit.ly/2PauUG7.
18.01.2022 Nominations are now open for Round Two of Councils Mayoral Youth Program! Weve heard of some fantastic volunteer efforts by our local young people during the COVID-19 crisis, and this program is a great way to recognise and celebrate those efforts. We received some fantastic nominations in Round One, which we look forward to celebrating later in the year when restrictions are further eased. To find out more and to nominate, check out https://bit.ly/2B3EXFX.
17.01.2022 Are you looking to keep active during winter? Join YMCA Geelong Inc Shona Eland and myself in participating in the Golden Plains Shire Winter Walk Challenge. There are three challenge goals to choose from, which you can do at your own pace, in your own area. To find out how to get involved, visit https://bit.ly/31PdJkQ.
17.01.2022 Nominations are still open for Round Two of Councils Mayoral Youth Program! Weve heard of some fantastic volunteer efforts by our local young people during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this program is a great way to recognise and celebrate those efforts. Nominations close in under three weeks. To find out more and to nominate, check out https://bit.ly/2B3EXFX.
16.01.2022 The recent increase of COVID-19 cases in Golden Plains Shire and our surrounding region is a stark reminder that we all need to remain vigilant in following the Department of Health and Human Services health and hygiene practices. I strongly encourage everyone to continue their good work in helping prevent the spread of this virus. We are now fairly used to practicing physically distancing of 1.5m from each other, frequently washing hands with warm water and soap, and proper... cough and sneeze etiquette. More recently, us regional Victorians have been recommended to wear face masks in public when we cannot physically distance in a location, such as when we visit the supermarket or travel on public transport into Geelong or Ballarat. Most importantly, if you are feeling unwell, please get tested, and remember, if you get a test, you must remain at home until you get a negative result. If you are unsure where to get tested, or are looking for more COVID-19 information, you can visit https://bit.ly/33vvCDZ or call the COVID-19 hotline on 1800 675 398. I know many residents would like to know where cases have been recorded in our large Shire. Like you, Council is not informed of the details of cases, including their location. Regardless of where these cases may be, we all need to take precautions and follow the advice from DHHS. While many Council services, such as the Rokewood waste transfer station, Bannockburn and Mobile Library services, and our Customer Service Centres have resumed face-to-face visits, please remember to follow the restrictions and hygiene practices as requested by staff. You can find the latest updates on Councils services at https://bit.ly/34ewKw9. These are difficult and confronting times for us all. Please be kind to one another, including those unlucky members of our community who have been directly affected by this virus, and above all take care of yourself and your loved ones. Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey
16.01.2022 Councillors held our first virtual Council Meeting over Zoom last night, which was livestreamed as usual in these times of COVID-19 restrictions. Among the busy agenda, there were two important decisions that Council made: the extension of Councils COVID-19 Financial Hardship Policy to give significant rates relief to residents and businesses that need it the most, and putting the Draft Local Law No. 2 out for public consultation. Of course, there were many other important matters dicussed and deliberated on, and you can read all about these at https://bit.ly/2YAoWDz.
16.01.2022 Did you see yesterdays news about Councils new online building portal? Its an absolute game changer, and allows residents and building surveyors to submit all building related permits, documentation and forms in the one space. Not only does it simplify user experience, it is also streamlining the processing system within Council to enable a more efficient and timely service to the community. You can read more about it at https://bit.ly/2VDEwgy.
16.01.2022 Yesterdays Queens Birthday Honours List featured a name very familiar to the Golden Plains Shire community: Bill McArthur. A Councillor for 23 years in the old Grenville Shire and then in Golden Plains, and Mayor in 2004/05, Bill was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his service to local government and to the local community. Congratulations and well deserved, Bill McArthur OAM!
16.01.2022 Nominations are currently open for Round Two of Councils Mayoral Youth Program! Weve heard of some fantastic volunteer efforts by our local young people during the COVID-19 crisis, and this program is a great way to recognise and celebrate those efforts. To find out more and to nominate, check out https://bit.ly/2B3EXFX.
15.01.2022 Councillors met in the Linton Council Office for last nights July Ordinary Meeting, and there was plenty on the agenda. We began the meeting with announcing the 16 successful community groups that will receive Community Strengthening Grants from Round One. Among other matters, Council also chose what local projects will be funded under the Federal Governments Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, considered three planning permits, and resolved to put the Bannockburn Family Services Centre Lease proposal and new Governance and Transparency policies on exhibition for public comment. Check out my video update on the meeting, and read all about what was discussed, at https://bit.ly/2BCiSls.
15.01.2022 Now open to traffic, the new two-lane Coopers Bridge in Meredith is an impressive structure, sitting alongside the old single-lane, load-limited bridge. Funded by Council and the State Governments Fixing Country Roads program, the new Coopers Bridge was a large but much-needed infrastructure investment in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 budgets. With new road approaches also completed, the bridge greatly improves road safety for residents and visitors travelling on Meredith-Steiglitz Road. Read more: https://bit.ly/3b7mWWO
14.01.2022 Golden Plains Youth have been putting together a fantastic online program of events during this period of social distancing, including last weeks presentation from former Western Bulldogs player and mental health advocate Tom Boyd. Thank you to Tom for giving up his time to speak about his story with our youth group.
13.01.2022 Councils Draft Budget 2020/21 is now out for public consultation. Its a fair and responsible budget given the current environment, and focuses on innovation and efficiency to reduce costs while delivering the services our community relies on. We welcome all residents and businesses to have their say on the budget during May. To find out how you can ask a budget question, or make a submission, check out https://bit.ly/2vvmZZU.
11.01.2022 Today is National Meals on Wheels Day! The program is more than just providing a meal, its also a crucial way to combat isolation for some of our older or vulnerable residents. On behalf of Council, thank you to our terrific staff and volunteers who bring Councils Delivered Meals program to the community, and who are currently going above and beyond during the COVID-19 pandemic. We appreciate and value your vital work.
10.01.2022 Last night, Councillors met at the Bannockburn Cultural Centre for the April Ordinary Meeting, which was our first meeting to be livestreamed. This is a great way to increase public accessibility to our meetings in the current COVID-19 environment. Among other matters, Council adopted the Draft Budget for 2020/21, which will go out for consultation later this week, adopted the new Teesdale Structure Plan, and awarded a lease for the Meredith Interpretive Centre to a local social enterprise operation. Check out my video update on the meeting, and read all about what was discussed, at https://bit.ly/3bPcggt.
09.01.2022 Today is International Nurses Day, so on behalf of Council and the community, I would like to give a special thank you to all the amazing nurses and healthcare workers, including our own Maternal and Child Health nurses, for everything they are doing to keep our community healthy and safe.
09.01.2022 Council held our April monthly meeting on Tuesday night at the Golden Plains Civic Centre in Bannockburn, and it was great to welcome back community members to the public gallery. There were plenty of matters discussed at the meeting, including Council endorsing our Draft Budget 2021-22 and Draft Council Plan 2021-2025 to go out for public feedback. I encourage all community members to have a read of these documents and to take part in the consultation process. The Draft Council Plan is currently available on our website, and feedback on the Draft Budget will open tomorrow. You can watch my summary of the April Meeting below or read about all these and all other matters discussed at https://bit.ly/2RaQFcN.
08.01.2022 Thank you for staying at home Golden Plains! While the last few weeks havent been easy for many members of our community with the return of Stage Three COVID restrictions, its been great to see and hear that so many locals are doing the right thing and looking out for their neighbours. Lets keep up the good work locally, and if you do start to feel unwell, please get tested. If youre not sure where to go for a test, visit https://bit.ly/39n94rT.
06.01.2022 Today is the inaugural Thank a First Responder Day, in which we recognise the fantastic contribution of all our emergency services personnel, and those who support frontline volunteers and staff. On behalf of Golden Plains Shire Council - thank you! #TAFRD #firstresponderday #thankafirstresponder
06.01.2022 It was great to start last night’s April Council Meeting with two important celebrations, as we welcomed the public back into the Council Chamber for the first time in more than 12 months. We celebrated two residents from Lethbridge and Shelford as they took their oath of Australian Citizenship. Congratulations Tehri and Grant on becoming Australian Citizens! Following the citizenship ceremony, I was pleased to present young Golden Plains residents William Gilbert and William McKechnie with Citizen Recognition Awards for their achievements in rowing. The pair recently competed in the Australian Rowing National Competition in Lake Barrington, Tasmania. Congratulations William and William!
05.01.2022 It was terrific to join Sharon, Jaydan, Matthew and Evie from the Lethbridge Junior Football and Cricket Clubs, and Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle MP this morning for the announcement that the Victorian Government will contribute $250,000 towards the Lethbridge Lighting and Irrigation project. The local community have strongly advocated for this project, and together with $100,000 from both Council and the Federal Government, works can now get underway. You can read more at https://bit.ly/39gkRbP.
04.01.2022 Council welcomes the recent news that Shelford-Mt Mercer Road and Russells Bridge Road will be upgraded as part of the Federal Governments 2020-21 Black Spot Program. This is excellent news for local residents and drivers in Mount Mercer and Russells Bridge, and with the $1.238 million in Federal funding, Council will be able to make these local roads safer for road users. You can read more about this funding announcement at https://bit.ly/2E2SpyW.
03.01.2022 Recently I sat down to read Good Morning, Maisy by Lucy Cousins as part of Geelong Regional Libraries Story Time @ Home. The library has put together a whole collection of virtual story time videos with some of its librarians and local mayors from around the region. So if Good Morning, Maisy isnt your cup of tea, why not check out some of the other videos at https://bit.ly/2YIhdUz. Thanks to my daughter for helping me film from home!
03.01.2022 Great news today for Midland Highway drivers and Bannockburn locals, with the Federal and Victorian Government committing $6.5 million to improve safety at the Highways intersection with Clyde Road. Council looks forward to the two Governments working together to deliver this much needed intersection upgrade as quickly as possible. Improving transport connectivity across the Shire is vital, and Council will continue its advocacy for more Government investment across Golden Plains. You can read more about todays announcement at https://bit.ly/2VVRMNj.
02.01.2022 It was great to join Rob and Kerry on 94.7 The Pulse this morning. We talked about our new Golden Growers initiative, youth leadership, encouraging women to run for Council and the latest on COVID-19 in our region. Thanks for having me on Rob and Kerry! If you havent already checked out the Golden Growers page, head along to https://bit.ly/3fz2lO3 to find out what its all about.
01.01.2022 It was a pleasure to join Senator Sarah Henderson and Bannockburn Football & Netball Club President Scott Penning yesterday to officially open the lighting towers at Victoria Park. Thank you to the Australian Government for funding the $500,000 lighting upgrade of both ovals. With the new lighting and netball courts opened two years ago, Victoria Park is an exceptional home for community sports and recreation activity in our Shire's largest town.
