News Archive

A Planning Scheme information session was held yesterday afternoon. There has been a lot of community interest and feedback on this scheme amendment, and the session was really well attended. The formal process for Council to consider the Independent Panel Report...

Council are hosting the ChillOut Youth Ball as part of the ChillOut Festival. The event is for young people aged 12-17 years, who identify as LGBTIQA+ and friends. The event is being held at the Daylesford Town Hall on Friday  23 April, at 6:30pm-9pm. Special...

If your Sporting Club is looking for support with coronavirus (COVID-19) recovery and help with return to play in a COVIDSafe environment there is an additional $6 million in the current round of the Sport & Recreation Victoria Sporting Club Grants Program across...

Join Anzac Day commemorations in the Shire on Sunday 25 April. Please note all participants and spectators need to pre-register their attendance prior to these events for contact tracing purposes. Click on the link below to book your free ticket. You can also collect...

Council has moved to Stage 3 of the Hepburn Together project, which means its focus is now shifting towards identifying ways to improve community health and wellbeing. Each local council in Victoria must develop a Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan, and Hepburn Shire...

Council is looking for great ideas from the community to help revitalise the Central Springs Reserve, located just a short stroll from Lake Daylesford. The picturesque reserve has a grassy area and three mineral water pumps. “This is a lovely spot for a shady picnic,...

Now that the pool season is over Hepburn Shire Council wants to hear from you! If you visited your local pool or aquatic facility over summer Council invites you to complete a short survey to provide feedback on your experience. Complete the survey and tell Council...

Customer Services and our Libraries will open at 2pm on Monday 22 March as the entire Customer Experience team are in a training session. Our Customer Service number – 5348 2306 – will be open as usual and you can choose from the menu to access different parts of the...

An Australian first is being launched on March 20, the International Day of Happiness, across the thirteen local government areas that make up the Central Victorian Goldfields region. The Happiness Index survey – a powerful global tool that asks communities about...

The results of last year’s Aussie Backyard Bird Count are in! In October 2020, over one hundred thousand Australians participated in the count, one of the largest citizen science projects in Australia. Some key statistics from Hepburn shire include: 280 observers...

An organics bin kerbside collection is coming to Clunes, with bins being delivered in mid March and the first collection due on Monday 22 March. The organics bin is for food scraps (including meat, citrus and dairy) and garden organics (grass clippings, small...

Congratulations to the 2021 International Women’s Day Heather Mutimer Honour Roll inductees at last week's civic event - Frances Fiddian, Betty Johns and Verena Doyle. L-R: Verona Doyle, Betty Johns & Francis Fiddian

Hepburn Shire Council & Youth Gurus are running a free Youth Mental Health First Aid workshop. Similar to regular First Aid, Youth Mental Health First Aid is an accredited course but for assisting young people experiencing mental health conditions. The 14-hour...

Council is calling for applications from the community to serve on our Disability Advisory Committee (DAC), representing people with a disability. The DAC will work closely with Council to address barriers to access and inclusion in the community and monitor the...

At the meeting on 23 February 2021, Council adopted the Community Engagement Policy (Policy), part of the Hepburn Together project. The Policy was drafted after significant input and feedback from the community. Following analysis of the engagement findings, ten...

Great news...Bianca Chatfield will be our special guest at the International Women's Day event this year. Bianca is a celebrated netballer and a prominent female voice in Australian sport. Come along and help us celebrate.  Event details below. To book, click this...

📢 COUNCIL SERVICES DURING LOCKDOWN   A number of our services have been affected by the 5 day lockdown from 11.50pm tonight (Friday 12 February) to 11.59pm Wednesday (17 February): 👉 Pools - are closed. 👉 Transfer Stations - are open for...

The Hepburn Shire Council has prepared Amendment C82 to the Hepburn Planning Scheme to provide permanent heritage protection to the Old Hepburn Hotel at 236 Main Road, Hepburn.  The amendment is currently on exhibition. By way of background, in early 2020, Council...

If you’re a community group or organisation looking for funding for a new or one-off event or program then look no further - Round 3 of Council's Community Grants are now open! Categories include: Active and Engaged Communities (including Welcome to New Residents...

Council hosts a citizenship ceremony and civic event on Australia Day eve. We would like to congratulate our Australia Day Award recipients for 2021: Community Event of the Year – Daylesford and District Horticultural Society Webinar Series Prior to COVID the...

At the special Council Meeting this evening, Council appointed Director Community and Corporate Services to the role of Interim CEO, while a recruitment campaign for a permanent CEO commences.  This comes after the recent resignation of Evan King and his appointment...

Hepburn Shire Council has launched ‘Hepburn Together’, a new major strategic planning project which will shape the future of the Hepburn Shire. Hepburn Shire Council CEO Evan King said that Council was looking forward to working with the community on this important...

Hepburn Shire Council CEO Evan King has resigned from Hepburn Shire Council to take up the role of CEO at the City of Ballarat. Hepburn Shire Council Mayor Cr Lesley Hewitt said Mr King’s departure will be a loss for the Shire, but extremely positive for the region....

Council is pleased to announce Customer Service, Libraries and Hubs will return to their traditional hours of operation commencing 4 January 2021. We thank our community for your patience and support during a very COVID disrupted 2020. The services that will be...

In a Code Red Day, the safest place to be is away from high risk bushfire areas and leaving the night before or early in the day is the safest option. During extreme weather, such as a Code Red Day, localised power outages may happen. Make sure you have your emergency...

🎄 MERRY CHRISTMAS HEPBURN SHIRE 🎄   From all of us at Hepburn Shire Council to all of you across our Shire and other parts of the world, we hope you have a fun and relaxing Christmas and New Year.   A reminder: all of our offices, depots and libraries...

Australia Day Eve Monday 25 January 2021 Daylesford The Civic Event commences at 6.00pm at the Town Hall. This event will be closed to the public as numbers are limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Australia Day Awards presentation and Citizenship Ceremony will...

Hepburn Shire Council is inviting artisan agriculture producers and growers from the Hepburn Shire and broader region to complete the annual Artisan Agriculture Survey. The survey aims to help Council’s Artisan Agriculture Project Advisory Group to better understand...

A new website aims to take the Goldfields to the world. The campaign to put the Central Victorian Goldfields on the World Heritage map took a huge step forward this week with the launch of a fascinating new website.Funded by the Victorian Goldfields Tourism Executive...

Interested in the latest news on what is happening with the Glenlyon Rec Reserve soil contamination project? There is a new update on the project page on our website: https://www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/glenlyonrecreationreserve/

At the meeting Tuesday evening, Council received the Annual Report 2019/2020. Due to COVID-19, councils were permitted additional time to prepare their Annual Report, which serves as a report of operations for the 2019/2020 financial year and the previous Council....

Extreme heat is a killer. Extreme heat causes more deaths than any other natural disaster in Australia. As Victoria braces for soaring temperatures in the coming day / week/s ahead, it was important to take a moment to think about how you and your family, friends, and...

At the statutory meeting held last night, Council elected Cr Lesley Hewitt (Birch Ward) and Cr Brian Hood (Coliban Ward) as Mayor and Deputy Mayor. Mayor, Cr Lesley Hewitt said, “I’m honoured by the trust and responsibility shown by my fellow Councillors and look...

Often when we think of someone living with a disability, we think of those with ‘visible’ physical disabilities like those requiring wheelchairs or a guide dog. But there are also lots of other disabilities, invisible disabilities, that aren’t so easy to identify....

Hepburn Shire Council is putting local businesses front and centre producing a series of online videos, to promote the Go Local First initiative. Hepburn Shire Council CEO Evan King said the new videos feature businesses and townships across Hepburn Shire, showcasing...

This Girl Can Vic is about women getting active whenever, wherever and however they choose – without worrying about being judged. Come and join in the fun during the Hepburn Girls Can Week! Booking details: Monday 16 November 2020 Clogging for Beginners to Advanced...

The Victorian Electoral Commission has today declared the result of the Hepburn Shire Council Election. The Councillors are: Birch Ward – Jen Bray and Lesley Hewitt Cameron Ward – Tessa Halliday Coliban Ward – Brian Hood Creswick Ward – Don Henderson and Tim Drylie...

NAIDOC Week 2020 events: Flag Raising Acknowledgment of Country and Aboriginal flag will be raised in Vincent Street Daylesford by Erica Higgins, member of HSC RAP Advisory Committee. Clunes Booktown on Sunday Sunday 8 November 4pm Conversation with Indigenous...

Council has been talking to local businesses and agencies such as Victoria Police, DHHS, Daylesford Macedon Tourism and Central Highlands Rural Health about plans for when the ‘ring of steel’ comes down. This will occur at midnight, 8 November, and Hepburn Shire will...

Are you in Melbourne and have a property in our Shire you wish to visit to undertake works for the summer season? Due to the proposed easing of travel restrictions from midnight 8 November (which means you can travel up to our Shire whenever you want from next Monday...

Preparations for Council’s annual sealed roadside slashing program are underway.  This program reduces the height of grass on roadsides to improve road safety, along with helping to reduce fuel loads for the upcoming fire danger period. Council’s Works Team slashes...

Spring means birds will start reappearing from their winter hideaways ready to be counted in BirdLife Australia’s Aussie Backyard Bird Count from 19 October to 25 October. Hepburn Shire encourages participation by residents to help understand environmental change in...

Hepburn Shire Council is working with the community, local businesses and visitors to support a COVID-safe reopening as part of our pandemic response for our region. Council’s role is to ensure the safety of our community while ensuring businesses have the support,...

Quick guide to what Council services are open: Customer service - yes, on restricted hours and days. Libraries - yes, on restricted hours and days. Tip Shops - open as per usual. Parks and skatepark - open as usual. For more information:...

Good news! We re-opening both Libraries and Customer Service points from next Monday, 21 September. Each of our sites will be open for two days per week. Open one weekday and again on Saturday morning: 👉 Creswick Hub: Monday 8.30am - 5pm and Saturday 9am-12pm...

Council is participating in the Go Local First campaign to promote and support local businesses. The campaign encourages and reminds us to choose local small businesses when purchasing products, goods and services to hep get the economy back on its feet, keep locals...

** Nominations have now closed International Women’s Day is celebrated across the world on 8 March each year. The purpose of the day is to recognise women and their achievements. In 2005, the Heather Mutimer Honour Roll was established to pay tribute to the women in...

In February, Council committed to working with our community in developing guidelines to compliment the adopted General Local Law No. 2. At the Council meeting on Tuesday 21 July, Council endorsed the Terms of Reference for the Local No. 2 Community Reference Groups....

Have you thought about being a Councillor? Being a Councillor is a rewarding challenge – one which requires commitment, responsibility and accountability. Many people in our local communities provide strong and strategic leadership. Local government can perform at its...

Council's request to protect the Old Hepburn Hotel at 236 Main Road Hepburn from demolition has been supported by the Minister for Planning. The grounds for protection are: its historical significance for its associations with the German and Swiss Italian gold miners,...

The global impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is being felt across the community, business, health organisations and government. Restrictions placed by the State Government have changed the way our community interacts. The Hepburn Shire community has demonstrated...

Hepburn Shire Council is pleased to announce that it adopted its 2020/21 Budget at the Council meeting held virtually on 21 July 2020. Mayor, Cr Licia Kokocinski, said that the 2020/21 Budget provides important services to the community, particularly during this...

Hepburn Shire has developed the Draft Hepburn Shire Playspace Strategy 2020 – 2030, Play is for Everyone to improve the future provision of playspaces (inclusive of playgrounds, skate, scoot and BMX facilities, outdoor adult fitness spaces, water play and dog parks)...

We welcome your feedback about the Governance Rules and Public Transparency Policy. We are seeking your feedback from 15 July 2020 to 12 August 2020. Please note that all submissions that Council receive will up uploaded onto Council’s website as soon as practicable...

The Scavenger Hunt clues have been hidden across all the townships in the Hepburn Shire. Each town (Daylesford, Creswick, Clunes & Trentham) has it’s own scavenger hunt. If you hunt down all the clues and unlock the code first you and a friend will win $20 voucher...

This year's Seniors Festival is running a little bit differently. The Victorian Seniors Festival Reimagined is brought straight to your home through online performances, Zoom interviews and story telling. For more information,...

Following the recent announcement by the Victorian Government to further ease COVID-19 restrictions, Council will introduce a phased re-opening of Customer Service to the community. Chief Executive Officer, Evan King, said the easing of restrictions allows some...

At the June 2020 meeting, Council resolved to place the revised Hepburn planning scheme on exhibition and to seek community submissions. The Planning Scheme is the overarching legal document that states how land can be used and developed across the municipality. In...

Council has adopted the Hepburn Heritage Strategy 2020-2030 which provides a ten year action plan for heritage in the Shire. Adopted Hepburn Heritage Strategy June 17 2020

Council has endorsed the Event Strategy 2020-2025 which recognises and values the social, cultural and economic benefits that events bring to our region. The strategy and supporting action plan will enhance our current events and assist with attracting new ones. Click...

SORRY DAY Aboriginal Flag Raising and address by Mayor Kokocinski – Daylesford via Face book and Council YouTube Channel. 26 May: ‘when I was taken away I was only a toddler’ Grace Sailor 2006 - https://vimeo.com/185590610  5 minutes Aunty Grace Sailor and her sister...

We’re improving the way we communicate the decisions of Council to the community by uploading a summary of Council Meeting outcomes to our website the day after the meeting each month.  Council makes important decisions at its Ordinary and Special Council Meetings...

Council adopted the Proposed Budget 2020/21 for public exhibition at the virtual meeting held last night. Mayor Cr Licia Kokocinski said that the Proposed Budget 2020/21 balances the needs of the community with Council’s responsibility to provide important services to...

Council is currently seeking Expressions of Interest (EOI) for a $30,000 public art commission in Glenlyon. Local artists are encouraged to apply. The guidelines can be downloaded below or e-tendering portal for more information on the proposed sites, history of the...

Council Meetings During COVID-19 Pandemic – Virtual Council Meeting In response to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, the State government has recently introduced temporary measures that allow for virtual Council meetings to be conducted.  The change to legislation...

COVIDSafe was developed by the Australian Government to help keep the community safe from coronavirus (COVID-19). It will help stop the spread and keep ourselves and each other healthy. COVIDSafe uses Bluetooth® technology on your mobile phone to look for other...

The Hepburn Shire Community Biodiversity Grants Program is now open for applications. Community groups, including environmental groups, schools and other incorporated or auspiced groups, are encouraged to apply. Projects for amounts up to $5,000 will be considered....

Council is running Flu Vaccination Sessions for those who are eligible for the free vaccine under the National Immunisation Program. To find out if you are eligible click here:...

The Community Planning Implementation Fund opens on 7 May 2020 and closes 4 June 2020.   Program Objective To support the implementation of actions within Hepburn Shire Council endorsed Community Plans.  This is an opportunity for community to apply for funding...

The Victorian Government has introduced legislation requiring property owners, including landlords, to register pools and spas with Council. The new regulations came into effect from 1 December 2019. They aim to improve safety by ensuring that pool and spa barriers...

Council have decided to postpone the Ordinary Council Meeting scheduled for 21 April 2020 in order to continue to follow the Federal and Victorian Government’s COVID-19 advice and to continue to protect the health and well-being of community members, Councillors and...

Hepburn Shire Council has prepared a draft heritage strategy for the community to review. The  draft strategy explains how heritage is managed in the Shire including the invaluable work undertaken by Committees of Management. It lists what Council has delivered since...

Council is excited to announce that works will soon begin on Albert Street and the intersection of High Street and Market Street, based on the adopted Trentham Streetscape Planning and Design. The Streetscape Planning and Design was completed in 2014 for a number of...

Council is seeking input on the draft Municipal Planning Strategy and local planning policies. Click https://www.hepburn.vic.gov.au/planning-building/hepburn-planning-scheme-review/  for further details and ways to be involved. Further opportunities will be available...

At last night’s meeting, Council considered an application for a 53 lot subdivision at 17 Smith Street, Daylesford.  Council decided to issue a notice of decision to grant a permit for a 42 lot subdivision. Council’s approval was based on a number of conditions that...

The adoption of the Local Law No.2 at the February 2020 Council meeting has generated lots of questions regarding how the laws impact everyday life.  We have put together a "Local Laws No. 2 – Explained" document to help you understand what’s changed. Click on this...

Sharon Hebbard has recently joined Hepburn Shire Council as the Artisan Agriculture Facilitation Specialist.  This exciting role, supported by Agriculture Victoria, is a significant appointment for the Hepburn Shire being the only role funded within the sector....

Hepburn Shire Council is seeking nominations from the community to participate in themed focus groups to test and refine a new Municipal Planning Statement and local policies as part of the Hepburn Planning Scheme review. Please click here to find out more

Central Highlands Rural Health (formerly known as Hepburn Health Service), Hepburn Shire Council, Sports Central, and the Daylesford, Trentham, Creswick and Clunes Neighbourhood Houses/Centres are working together with local sport and active recreation providers to...

ENTER NOW The 2020 inaugural Hepburn Shire Business awards recognise local businesses who strive for business excellence and deserve acknowledgement for their achievements. Council are introducing the Business Awards as a standalone bi-annual event as a way of...

The Victorian Electoral Commission public hearing scheduled for 3 March 2020 has been cancelled as there were no confirmed requests to speak. The final report will be released on Wednesday 25 March 2020. For more information visit the VEC - https://www.vec.vic.gov.au

Hepburn Shire Council and relevant government organisations, including Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), will hold a meeting to update the community with the latest information on the onsite investigation into potential contamination concerns at the Glenlyon...

Booking available via the links: Clunes: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/96855199509 Trentham: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/96863426115 Daylesford: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/96864200431 Creswick: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/96864625703

Get down to CLUNES Skate Park on Thursday 2 April for FREE skateboarding and scooter clinics and fun! All gear provided! Clinic #1 - 11:00am | Girls Only Ages 10-16 Clinic #2 - 12:00pm | All Welcome Ages 6-12 Clinic #3 - 1:00pm | All Welcome Ages 6-12 Games/Free Skate...

This Girl Can is a state-wide campaign led by VicHealth. It aims to encourage more females, regardless of their background, age, ability or body type, to be active in physical activity in any way that suits them. The campaign is now in its second year.  Over 285,000...

The Hepburn Shire Council, at its meeting on 18 February 2020, resolved to make General Local Law No. 2 of 2019 – Community Amenity and Municipal Places and give notice in accordance with section 119(3) of the Local Government Act 1989. The purpose of this Local Law...

At the Ordinary Council meeting of the 18 February 2020, Council adopted the Hepburn Planning Scheme review and subsequently forwarded it to the Minister for Planning. The three reports of the planning scheme review can be found on Council’s website. They are: Review...

The Local Law No. 2 (LL2) was adopted at tonight’s Council meeting with a range of amendments including the rewording of clause 2.9.3 regarding the use of wheeled toy vehicles and bicycles in Vincent Street, and the inclusion of a recommendation that working groups be...

At tonight’s meeting, Council adopted a new project scope for the Hepburn Hub at The Rex, which includes an additional $3.012 million in funding. Mayor, Cr Licia Kokocinski, said that Council was keen to get on with the project and get it delivered. “The Hepburn Hub...

Do you have a big idea for your Community Group? Council’s Community Grants Program will open for 2020 on 1 February, closing on 5 March 2020. Community Groups can seek funding for up to $2,500 for projects that are of benefit to the Hepburn Shire community. Council...

Congratulations to our Australia Day Award winners for 2020: - Lachlan Wrigley (Young Citizen of the Year) - (Community Event of the Year - Clunes Ceramic Award) - Graeme Johnstone received the Award - David Hall (Citizen of the Year)

We would like to inform residents that from mid-February, for the period of up to three weeks, your household may receive a call from an independent market research agency, National Field Services. They have been commissioned to conduct a community satisfaction survey...

The Hepburn Hub at The Rex is a challenging project on a complex site, and unfortunately has been subject to further delays.  A significant amount of time in recent months has been invested in understanding the project history, revising the designs to ensure the...

The review of Local Law No. 2 is a process that commenced early last year. Consultation sessions were held around the Shire and community feedback was sought prior to preparing the current draft Local Law that was presented to the community over recent months. The...

Celebrating inspiring women and paying tribute to those in the Shire whose contributions, courage and examples have led to significant social change for women. Thursday, 5 March 2020 at 6.00pm At Wesley Bluestone - Service Street, Clunes Book here...

Hepburn Shire Council was allocated $100,000 from the Victorian Government’s Visit Victoria Regional Events Fund to support events that showcase tourism attributes and drive economic impact through visitation and expenditure for our region. All applications were...

Get down to Creswick Skate Park on Friday 24th of January for FREE skateboarding clinics and fun! Skateboards and protective gear provided! Clinic #1 - 11:00am | Girls Only Ages 10-16 Clinic #2 - 12:00pm | Clinic #2 - All Welcome Ages 6-12 Clinic #3 - 1:00pm | All...

A Heat Health Alert is issued by Department of Health and Human Services when there is a prolonged period of excessive heat forecast in the State of Victoria which is likely to have an impact on human health. These extreme heat events can also affect community...

Youth Development Fund - Providing Young people with opportunities for learning, development and participation Hepburn Shire Council acknowledges young people as valuable members of our community, by providing financial support for youth development. There is two...