We’re working towards the safe disposal of e-waste.  We are about to commence key infrastructure works in preparation for the state-wide ban on e-waste entering landfill, which comes into effect on 1 July 2019.

With the help of Victorian Government funding, Council will build important e-waste collection infrastructure at the following transfer stations:

• Daylesford ($88,750)
• Creswick ($88,750)

E-waste can be described as anything with a plug or battery that has reached the end of its useful life. It includes everything from old mobile phones, computers and related equipment, audio devices, refrigerators and other white goods, hair driers, TVs, heaters, and air-conditioners.

The amount of e-waste generated in Victoria is projected to increase from 109,000 tonnes in 2015 to approximately 256,000 tonnes in 2035.

Click here for more on e-Waste 

At the meeting held last night, Council elected Councillors Don Henderson (Creswick Ward) and Kate Redwood AM (Birch Ward) as Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

Cr Henderson commenced in his role of Councillor in 2008.

Mayor Cr Henderson said that he intended to use the office of Mayor to build closer ties with other municipalities in the region.

“The time has come to share resources and help each other to grow.  My intention is to also build relationships with bodies such as VicRoads, Regional Roads Victoria, Regional Development Victoria and others,” said Cr Henderson.

Evan King, CEO, congratulated Councillors Don Henderson and Kate Redwood AM on their election.

“Cr Henderson and Cr Redwood have the skills and knowledge to effectively lead our Council over the coming year.   I look forward to working closely with the new Mayor and Deputy Mayor as we move into another busy year in 2019,” said Mr King.

Image – Cr Kate Redwood AM (Deputy Mayor), Evan King (CEO) & Cr Don Henderson (Mayor)

The Fire Danger period for the Hepburn Shire will commences at 0100 hours on 12 November 2018 and will remain in place until 1 May 2019 unless stated otherwise.

This means you cannot light a fire in the open air unless you have a permit or comply with certain requirements.

If you don’t obtain a permit, you could be breaking the law and may be prosecuted.  Penalties may include a fine up to $19,342 and/or up to 12 months’ imprisonment.

For guides on what you can and can’t do during the Fire Danger Period or on days of total fire ban visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can

Why build a community hub at The Rex?

The Hepburn Hub project at The Rex will transform this iconic building into a valuable community asset. The Rex project is a major Council initiative which will deliver a modern administration centre, library and facilities, including a community theatre and social enterprise cafe. The Rex is stage one of a broader program, including upgrades to the Daylesford Swimming Pool and Town Hall. The Daylesford Town Hall will accommodate the Visitor Information Centre, an updated Senior Citizens’ Room and gallery space. Combined, these projects will provide better access to improved community facilities across the Shire.

What are the benefits of The Rex project?

The reinvigoration of The Rex as part of the Hepburn Hub project will mean a better
utilisation of the space and more community use of the building. Delivering The Rex project will create greater efficiency in Council service delivery for the community, benefiting ratepayers across the
Shire. The consolidation of Council staff from different locations into one central location will deliver greater efficiency and reduction in operating costs. The project will also deliver other significant social, economic, environmental and financial benefits. The upgraded library with a larger collection
and space will draw people to the building. The inclusion of a social enterprise cafe, public toilets and community theatre will make this a true community space.

Why is The Rex project delayed?

A review of the project in early June highlighted unanticipated challenges with the construction of the project, which has had budgetary implications and will result in the budget being exceeded. The review also identified the need for a planning permit. As a result, works have ceased while a planning permit is being assessed, a detailed audit of the project is carried out and additional funding sources determined. Council has been working with the Daylesford Community Cinema during the unanticipated delay.

Will rates go up to pay for the project?

No. Despite the unanticipated increase in costs,rates will not increase to cover costs.

What’s next?

The planning permit is currently being assessed. Recommencement of works will be dependent on the outcome of the planning permit process.

Did you know that Council has introduced two new community grant categories?

Do you run an event or program that focuses on supporting disadvantaged or vulnerable members of the community? Charitable Purposes Grants ($2,000 ) will be awarded annually in each Ward. Applications are now open and will close on 1 November 2018. Groups that run on-going programs or annual events will be considered.

Do you run programs for children aged 8 to 12 years? Children’s Programs Grants will be available in ten $1,000 grants, along with four $500 “Quick Response” grants that will be administered using our Quick Response Youth Grant process. Applications from schools will be considered.

Don’t forget, we still have our existing grant categories, Active & Engaged Communities, Quality Community Infrastructure, Sustainable Environment, Reconciliation Support and White Ribbon & Family Violence Action Initiatives.

For more information and instructions on how to apply, visit www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/community-grants-program/, or call Rachel Palmer on 5321 6425.

Interested in getting involved in a Repair Cafe? A Repair Café is a neighbourhood initiative that promotes repair as an alternative to tossing things out.  Residents from around the Hepburn Shire can bring their broken items to fix them on the spot with the help of voluntary repairers.  The Repair Café in Daylesford could use more handy volunteers in the area.  Join us!

We are especially looking for people who are handy with:

* clothing / textile                         * bicycles

* electrical appliances                  * furniture / wooden objects

We are planning on having the first Repair Cafe at the Victoria Park Pavilion, Daylesford  on  the third Sunday of the month – 1pm- 4.00pm, commencing 21 October.  To make the Repair Cafe a success we really need people like you to share their time and skills with others in the community.  We already have a volunteer for a sharpening station, hand tools, scissors, secateurs and knives.

If you are interested in being involved please complete and return the Expression of Interest form to Kathleen Brannigan at kbrannigan@hepburn.vic.gov.au.

Did you know that we are trialling a glass recycling program at the Daylesford Transfer Station?

This will be a four-week trial to determine how much glass goes into our recycling bins.  You can drop off your glass recycling to the transfer station now – we have a skip onsite.   There is no charge for dropping off separated glass waste, so we strongly encourage residents to separate their glass and avoid paying.  The trial will reduce the cost of transporting commingled recycling and tipping fees to the Shire, and we have a potential buyer for glass recycling collected.   Eventually glass will be separated into colours as it is purchased by colour.

Did you know? You can receive your first instalment rates notice for the 2017/18 financial year and all future notices by email if you register by 30 July 2017.  You can also register at any time for future instalments. It’s easy.

Using information in your Rates notice(s), simply complete the following steps to sign up:

1. Your Details – Enter owner details and email address
2. Properties – Enter each of your properties
3. Submit

We will review your application and notify you by email when the registration is complete.

If you have a customer service request, please submit it by registering in the request system using the link below, or phone one of our customer service centres on 03 5348 2306 and you will be issued a reference number to enable you to track progress on your request.

For after hours emergencies please use the following numbers:
Animal Control – 0419 587 955 (eg. dog attacks and stock on Council roads)
Other Council Emergency – 0419 583 573