What is the proposal?
Council proposes to utilise The Rex building in delivering the Hepburn Hub project, locating the Library, office accommodation and community spaces. The Daylesford Town Hall will accommodate the Visitor Information Centre, updated Senior Citizens’ Room and laneway/gallery space. Improvements to the Town Hall building and Daylesford outdoor pool will still proceed with the new proposal.

Why are we considering the proposal?
In recent weeks, a new opportunity has arisen to acquire the building following discussions with the new owner of The Rex in Daylesford regarding public access to toilet facilities. This option was not possible at the Sites & Spaces stage of the Hepburn Hub consultation. Council believes it is a better option than progressing with the Daylesford Town Hall redevelopment. The Rex/Town Hall proposal delivers integrated services, saves ratepayer money and means we will also be less reliant on Government funding to deliver the project.

What are the benefits?
The Rex combined with the Town Hall option for the Hepburn Hub will significantly improve the delivery time frame of the Hub, increase financial benefits to ratepayers and improve service delivery for the community. The risks associated with construction are also minimised with this proposal.

The Rex is an iconic building that has been criticised by the community for being poorly utilised. The reinvigoration of The Rex as part of the Hepburn Hub will mean a better utilisation of the space and more patronage of the building. Reinvigorating this iconic building will generate greater economic benefits for the community.

What about improvements to Town Hall & the outdoor pool?
Improvements to the Town Hall building and Daylesford outdoor pool will still proceed with the new proposal. The Rex/Town Hall proposal rejuvenates an iconic building, while ensuring improvements to the Town Hall an even larger outdoor space will be delivered.

What about the cinema?
Council is committed to working with the Cinema Committee of Management to ensure that appropriate accommodation is found. Talks are already underway. We acknowledge the community’s strong affection for the Cinema.

What about car parking?
The Rex has 46 car parking spaces at the rear of the building, accessible from Duke Street. Council will also look at formalising additional car parking spaces in Duke Street.

Will rates go up to pay for the project?
No. The project will generate savings/additional revenue in excess of $420,000 per annum. A 1% rate increase is the equivalent of $160,000.

Consultation
There has been an extensive community consultation process over the last two years on the Hepburn Hub. Speaking with the community, stakeholders and user groups has enabled Council to determine the best way to improve and integrate services into a hub model. We have a significantly greater understanding of the Hub’s requirements, particularly how services and spaces can be consolidated to benefit the community.

CEO Aaron van Egmond has been speaking with members of the community about the new proposal at consultation sessions being held at The Rex.

• Wednesday 27th – 12-1pm
• Thursday 28th – 1-2pm
• Friday 29th – 4:30-6pm
• Saturday 30th – 10am-12 noon
• Monday 1st – 12-1pm
• Wednesday 3rd – 5-6pm
• Saturday 6th – 10am-12 noon
• Tuesday 9th – 1-2pm

There will be a 15 minute presentation at the commencement of each session.  If you are unable to make any of these sessions you can have your say on Feedback Forms available at Council Customer Service centres or email shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au.

What next?
Following the period of community consultation on the proposal, a final decision to exercise the option to purchase The Rex will be considered at the 16 August 2016 Council meeting.

Click here for a copy of the media release regarding The Rex/Town Hall proposal

NEWLYN RESIDENTS, TELL US WHAT YOU THINK…

The Newlyn Community are joining forces with Hepburn Shire Council to produce a plan that covers what you love about your region and what you would like to see happen in the future. 

Come along to the community planning meeting:

5.30pm Monday 8 August 2016 
@ Newlyn Primary School
Light supper provided

Help set the priority projects for your community and have your say!

If you have questions about community planning or need more info contact Kate Gerritsen: kgerritsen@hepburn.vic.gov.au or 53216126

DEAN AND MOLLONGGHIP RESIDENTS, TELL US WHAT YOU THINK…

The communities of Dean and Mollongghip are joining forces with Hepburn Shire Council to produce a plan that covers what you love about your region and what you would like to see happen in the future.

Come along to the community planning meeting:

5.30pm Tuesday 9 August 2016
@ Dean Mechanics Institute (Hall)
Light supper provided

Help set the priority projects for your community and have your say!

If you have questions about community planning or need more info contact Kate Gerritsen: kgerritsen@hepburn.vic.gov.au or 53216126

Council proposes to name the road between Foleys Road and Clunes-Campbelltown Road, Clunes shown on the map as Powder Keg Track.

Geographic Names Victoria guidelines require name to have either a historical link, relate to a geological or topographical feature, or be locally know.

Any person may make a written submission on the proposed name, including suggesting alternatives. Submissions must be lodged by Wednesday 17th August 2016 and state whether the person desires to be heard (or represented) in support of their submission.

Submissions and enquiries must be directed to:
Joelene Delport
Rates & Finance Officer
PO Box 21
Daylesford VIC 3460
Ph: 5321 6408
Fax: 5348 2411
Email: jdelport@hepburn.vic.gov.au

Hepburn Shire Council hereby announces the AGM for the Creswick Museum Special Committee will occur at 4:30pm on Monday 5 September 2016 at the Creswick Library Hub, 68 Albert Street, Creswick.  The AGM will be followed by a general meeting for the Creswick Museum Special Committee.

In advance of the AGM, Council is seeking applications from interested individuals, including current members and other interested people due to the expiry of four existing appointments.  The appointments are for a two year term commencing at the Special Committee Annual General Meeting.

The Creswick Museum Special Committee is responsible for managing the Museum including maintaining and displaying its collection, on behalf of Hepburn Shire Council. The Museum is open on weekends, Public Holidays as well as other special days. Committee members must be willing to serve on the roster a minimum of once per month as well as assist within the Museum.

Further information is contained in the Creswick Museum Special Committee’s Instrument of Delegation, which is available from our offices or from our website at https://www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/special-committees/

Application forms are available from our offices or from our website at https://www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/special-committees/

Completed applications detailing your interest in the special committee and experience, including your resume, should be submitted to Steve Millard, Manager Strategic Asset Management, Hepburn Shire Council, by post to PO Box 21 Daylesford VIC 3460 or email to shire@hepburn.vic.gov.au by 5pm Thursday 4 August 2016.

NDIS will be rolling out throughout Central Highlands from January 1st 2017.

This information session will be delivered by NDIA staff and partners wanting to  start raising awareness and understanding of the scheme for potential participants, family, providers and community members.

The information session is also a perfect opportunity to bring your questions along and have them answered.

Daylesford Town Hall

3 August 2016

10.30am or 7.00pm ( repeat sessions)

76 Vincent Street, Daylesford

RSVP: 30th July 2016.   Visit https://ndisdaylesford.eventbrite.com.au to register for this event.

Thinking about joining the council election race?

Potential council election candidates are encouraged to attend Hepburn Shire Council’s Candidate Information Session on Thursday, 4 August 2016 from 7pm to 9pm at the Daylesford Town Hall to learn more about what is expected of a local government councillor.

The session will be a great opportunity for community-minded citizens to learn about local government in Victoria, councillor responsibilities and functions, and the election process.

Presentations will be given by Council CEO Aaron van Egmond, along with a representative from the Municipal Association of Victoria, who will also provide information supplied by the Victorian Electoral Commission. A video will be presented which will give first-hand insight into the role of a councillor by current councillors from other municipalities.

For more information on the information session please contact Grant Schuster, General Manager Corporate Services, on 5321 6450 or gschuster@hepburn.vic.gov.au.