splash into summer - city of greater bendigo · goornong elmore mandurang huntly myers flat raywood...

Greater BendigoDecember 2016

Splash into summerRediscover Lake Eppalock - page 9

Your guide to summer page 7-10

Meet your new Council page 3-5

A lot to love about Heathcote page 12-13inside

Greater Bendigo www.bendigo.vic.gov.au2

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10On the cover: Harry Crone shows off his skills at Lake Eppalock. Many thanks to Skin, Ski and Surf, Bendigo for making the photo possible.

Greater Bendigo Magazine is printed on Australian recycled paper.

It is hard to believe 2016 is drawing to a close but it has been another exciting and productive year for the City of Greater Bendigo. It is important to reflect on what we have achieved as an organisation and as

a community, and there are many highlights from the past 12 months.

The year got off to a great start with the arrival of Forever Marilyn, the eight-metre tall sculpture that stood at the entrance to Rosalind Park. She was here as part of the Marilyn Monroe exhibition at the Bendigo Art Gallery, which was another blockbuster that attracted 143,000 people. The goodwill and praise that Bendigo received during that time was incredible, which is a credit to City staff and our many businesses that helped provide our visitors and residents with a memorable experience.

In March it was wonderful to turn the first sod at the Bendigo Airport and officially commence stage two of the development, which includes a new 1,600m runway that will enable the airport to welcome aircraft carrying up to 70 passengers. We look forward to that opening early next year and the possibility of attracting a Regular Passenger Transport provider.

We also commenced work on our other major projects, the Bendigo Stadium expansion and new Greater Bendigo Indoor Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre. The early works at the Stadium were completed in July, when the City handed over nine new outdoor netball courts. A further three netball courts will be completed as part of the main works. Find out more about major projects on page 17.

The rollout of a new organics bin kerbside collection service meant households in urban Bendigo and Marong experienced the greatest change to the way they sort their waste since the introduction of recycling. Incorporating something new into household routines can be a challenge but the City has been thrilled with the response, with the majority of households putting out their organics bin each fortnight. The service helps divert re-useable waste from landfill and it is great for our environment, as the organic waste is turned into compost that is then used on our parks and gardens - read more on page 21.

The Independent Review of the City was completed. The review was undertaken in 2013 and made 69 recommendations to improve the operations of the City. All recommendations have either been completed or work has commenced. This process has embedded many new practices that will be ongoing.

The City continued to work closely with State and Federal Government politicians and departments. This is important work, as it is an opportunity to promote and discuss key initiatives and projects. As a result, the City was successful in securing State and Federal Government funding for the restoration of the Soldiers’ Memorial Institute and it was wonderful to see the Bendigo Tennis Centre secure $2.09M in funding from the National Stronger Regions Fund, which completed the amount needed to upgrade the facility. The City and community groups have shared the drive to see these projects develop. Both projects demonstrate what can be achieved when all three levels of government work together.

We experienced Council elections and welcomed some new faces. It will be important for the organisation and the Council to work together to continue striving towards achieving our vision for Greater Bendigo to be Australia’s most liveable regional city. We also welcomed three new directors this year and adjusted the structure of the organisation, which positions it to best serve the community into the future. Read about our new Councillors over the next few pages and meet our new Directors on page 19.

Finally, I wish to thank the staff for their incredible efforts to make Greater Bendigo a place where people want to live, work and visit. I am proud of the work that they do and thank them for their passion and commitment to our community.

I wish all our residents a very merry and safe Christmas and healthy, happy and successful 2017.

Craig Niemann Chief Executive Officer

WelcomeCONTENTS

24

3 Meet your new Council

6 A great honour

Reflecting on another successful year for Greater Bendigo

7 Your guide to summer!

Enjoy movies, music and more this summer

8 New Year’s Eve to go off with a bang!

Let’s celebrate on Australia Day

9 Rediscover Lake Eppalock this summer

10 Swim into summer

11 White line fever

12 What I love about Greater Bendigo: Heathcote

14 What’s in the works?

15 Making our roundabouts safer for cyclists

16 Works to start on Bendigo Tennis Centre upgrade

17 Major projects continue to take shape

18 Work underway on the new Garden for the Future

First of a kind plan to be rolled out in Greater Bendigo

19 Introducing the new Executive Management Team

20 Renewing the environment for the community

21 Organics - well done Bendigo and Marong!

City encourages residents to TAKE2

22 Expanding your horizons

Freight study to look at how goods are moved around Greater Bendigo

23 Beware when purchasing tickets online

Maticevski exhibition extended for summer holiday period

24 Gimme Freedom (or gimme death) at Bendigo Art Gallery

25 Exhibition features a history of animals in Bendigo

26 Got visitors coming over the holidays?

27 Christmas arrangements

28 What's on

PEFC/XX-XX-XX

PEFC-Recycled

This product is from recycled and controlled sources

www.pefc.org

Greater Bendigo www.bendigo.vic.gov.au 3

New Council (standing L-R): Julie Hoskin, Rod Fyffe, Jennifer Alden, Margaret O’Rourke, Matt Emond, Yvonne Wrigglesworth (seated L-R): George Flack, Andrea Metcalf and James Williams.

Seven new Councillors have been elected to the Greater Bendigo City Council.

Local Government elections were held in October and those elected will represent Greater Bendigo for the next four years.

Cr Jennifer Alden, Cr Matt Emond, Cr George Flack, Cr Julie Hoskin, Cr Andrea Metcalf, Cr Margaret O’Rourke and Cr Yvonne Wrigglesworth are all first-time Councillors and they join Cr Rod Fyffe and Cr James Williams, who were returned by voters. This is the first time there has been a majority of women on Council in Greater Bendigo.

Cr Margaret O’Rourke is the 2016/2017 Mayor and Cr Rod Fyffe is the Deputy Mayor. This is the first time the Council has elected a Deputy Mayor to support the Mayor. The Deputy Mayor position will be considered as part of the Mayoral vote each year. The position is in title only, there is no salary for the Deputy Mayor position and they are expected to support the Mayor by representing the Council at events the Mayor is unable to attend.

For the first 12 months, the Council will meet on the third Wednesday of every month at 6pm at the Bendigo Town Hall, with the only exception being the December 2016 meeting due to the proximity to Christmas.

A consistent monthly meeting day is in keeping with what other Councils of a similar size to Greater Bendigo do and provides more certainty for the community. It also allows more opportunities for Councillors to meet with the community and the meeting agenda will be uploaded to the City's website on a Friday.

This meeting cycle is considered a trial for the current Mayoral term and will be reconsidered next year. Councillors look forward to residents joining them at their meetings, which will be held as follows:

Meet your new CouncilWHIPSTICK WARD

EPPALOCK WARD

LOCKWOOD WARD

Redesdale

Axedale

Heathcote

Mia Mia

Costerfield

Goornong

Elmore

Mandurang

Huntly

Myers Flat

Raywood

Neilborough

Sebastian

Lockwood

Ravenswood

MaidenGully

Marong

Flora Hill

KangarooFlat

Golden Square

Eaglehawk

Epsom

Bendigo

Strathfieldsaye

2016 December 142017 January 18 February 15

March 15April 19May 17June 21July 19

August 16September 20October 18November 15


Eppalock Ward localities include: Argyle, Axe Creek, Axedale, Bendigo, Costerfield, Derrinal, East Bendigo, Emu Creek, Eppalock, Flora Hill, Heathcote, Junortoun, Kennington, Kimbolton, Knowsley, Ladys Pass, Longlea, Lyal, Mia Mia, Mount Camel, Myrtle Creek, Redcastle, Strathdale, Strathfieldsaye and Tooleen.

Cr George FlackCr George Flack was elected to Council in 2016 and is a first-time Councillor. He is a qualified accountant and Certified Financial Planner with 45 years’ experience in the financial services industry and looks forward to sharing his financial knowledge during his Council term.

He is Life Member of the following organisations: Marist Brass, Athletics Bendigo, Bendigo Athletic Club, Central Victoria District 15 Swimming Association, Bendigo Fire Brigade and CFA Victoria.

Cr Flack is passionate about athletics and continues to compete actively in both amateur and professional track and

cross country events. He is also a junior leader with the Bendigo Fire Brigade and supports local junior fire fighters with their training and competition, and plays the trombone with the Marist Brass Band.

He has been honoured with national awards for his services to the Country Fire Authority, was twice named Money Management magazine’s Australian Financial Planner of the Year and was the founding Chair of Bendigo’s Relay for Life.

Cr Flack was born and raised in Bendigo. He lives here with his partner Jan and has two children and two grandchildren.

Lockwood Ward localities include: Big Hill, Golden Gully, Golden Square, Harcourt North, Kangaroo Flat, Leichardt, Lockwood, Lockwood South, Maiden Gully, Mandurang, Mandurang South, Marong, Myers Flat, Quarry Hill, Ravenswood, Sailors Gully, Sedgwick, Shelbourne, Spring Gully, West Bendigo and Wilsons Hill.

Deputy Mayor Cr Rod Fyffe OAMCr Rod Fyffe has been a Councillor with the Greater Bendigo City Council since 1996, when he was first elected to represent the Fortuna Ward. Before this, he was a member of the City of Bendigo Council from 1983 until Council amalgamations in 1994.

He has served four terms as Mayor (2003/2004, 2004/2005, 2010/2011 and 2015/2016). In 2013 Cr Fyffe was awarded an Order of Australia in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for his services to Local Government.

Cr Fyffe currently serves as a Council representative on a range of committees

including the Municipal Association of Victoria, Bendigo Easter Festival and Bendigo Golden Dragon Museum.

Cr Fyffe has lived in Bendigo for 37 years and is a retired teacher, having taught mathematics, economics, accounting, geology and classical societies at Bendigo Senior Secondary College.

Cr Fyffe is interested in economic development, arts, sport and recreation, aged services, youth development, environment and heritage issues. He lives with his wife Victoria and Blaq the cat. They have two sons and three grandchildren.

Cr James WilliamsCr James Williams was first elected to Council in 2012. Prior to amalgamation, he was a Councillor with the Shire of Huntly.

Cr Williams has completed the Diploma of Local Government and is a graduate of the Institute of Company Directors. He is a retired farmer and was one of three directors that built a company specialising in growing and the sale of fodder to domestic and export markets.

Cr Williams has chaired the Bendigo Airport Advisory Committee and looks

forward to the completion of stage two of the airport redevelopment, including the new 1,600m runway in 2017.

Over the next four years he will continue to advocate for improved road and rail infrastructure for the region, support for rural communities and growth for the agri-business sector.

Cr Williams lives in Bendigo with his wife Ann.

Whipstick Ward localities include: Ascot, Avonmore, Bagshot, Bagshot North, Barnadown, Bendigo, California Gully, Drummartin, Eaglehawk, Eaglehawk North, East Bendigo, Elmore, Epsom, Fosterville, Goornong, Hunter, Huntly, North Ironbark, Jackass Flat, Kamarooka, Long Gully, Neilborough, North Bendigo, Raywood, Sebastian, Wellsford, Whipstick, White Hills and Woodvale.

MEET YOUR NEW COUNCIL


Eppalock Ward localities include: Argyle, Axe Creek, Axedale, Bendigo, Costerfield, Derrinal, East Bendigo, Emu Creek, Eppalock, Flora Hill, Heathcote, Junortoun, Kennington, Kimbolton, Knowsley, Ladys Pass, Longlea, Lyal, Mia Mia, Mount Camel, Myrtle Creek, Redcastle, Strathdale, Strathfieldsaye and Tooleen.

Mayor Cr Margaret O’RourkeCr Margaret O’Rourke is an accomplished business woman with extensive leadership experience.

She is a former manager of Telstra Countrywide and is currently a Deputy Director at the Bendigo Kangan Institute and Director at Goulburn Murray Water and Bendigo Health Care Group. Her previous roles include Chair of Bendigo TAFE and a Director for the Tasmanian Ports Corporation and Bendigo Business Council.

Cr O’Rourke was elected to Council on the platform of developing a strong and prosperous future for Greater Bendigo that encourages industry and job development.

She looks forward to focusing on improving the retail sector and developing a strategy to drive growth, and believes this work will position Greater Bendigo as a key art and retail destination in regional Australia.

Cr O’Rourke is also looking forward to working closely with our rural communities and ensuring both rural and urban residents are better connected to new technology.

This is Cr O’Rourke’s first time as a Councillor. She is a long-time Bendigo resident and lives here with her husband Ray and their two daughters.

Cr Yvonne WrigglesworthCr Yvonne Wrigglesworth lives in Axedale and is currently the Strategy, Planning and Governance Director at Bendigo Health.

She has more than 15 years’ experience in health care management and moved to Greater Bendigo nine years ago with her husband and two children. Since then, she has set about making a difference in her local community.

Cr Wrigglesworth was inspired to run for Council after she participated in the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program and learnt about the importance of equipping people with the skills to identify and deliver initiatives that build and strengthen communities.

As a first-time Councillor, she looks forward to being a hard-working, positive and enthusiastic leader representing the priorities of residents in the Eppalock Ward.

She is particularly interested in the areas of active transport, economic development and tourism, and will strive to ensure the recommendations of the Rural Communities Strategy are implemented and serve as a voice for residents in rural areas and small towns.

Lockwood Ward localities include: Big Hill, Golden Gully, Golden Square, Harcourt North, Kangaroo Flat, Leichardt, Lockwood, Lockwood South, Maiden Gully, Mandurang, Mandurang South, Marong, Myers Flat, Quarry Hill, Ravenswood, Sailors Gully, Sedgwick, Shelbourne, Spring Gully, West Bendigo and Wilsons Hill.

Cr Jennifer AldenCr Jennifer Alden is a first-time Councillor who runs a consultancy business specialising in health, environmental and social outcomes.

She has a Bachelor of Science (Honours), Diploma of Natural Therapies, Masters of Women’s Health and Doctorate of Public Health.

Cr Alden is interested in the areas of health and wellbeing, food security and urban agriculture, science and technology, renewable energy, cultural diversity, sustainability and preventing violence against women.

Cr Alden is Chair of the Bendigo Regional Food Alliance and on the Board of Bendigo Foodshare and The Green Institute.

Over the next four years Cr Alden will work to develop a Food Policy and Urban Agriculture Strategy, and would like to see a Climate and Health Strategy included in the next Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan.

Cr Alden has lived in Bendigo for 34 years with her husband Peter and the couple has two daughters.

Cr Matt EmondCr Matt Emond was elected to Council in 2016.

He grew up in Bendigo, trained as a primary school teacher at La Trobe University before obtaining his Executive Master of Arts and starting his own creative practice, working as a theatre director, cultural planner, and developing and delivering training.

In recent years he has guided the development of key policies to support the growth of Australia’s creative industries.

Cr Emond is a committee member on the

Victorian Actors’ Benevolent Trust, plays the tuba in the City of Greater Bendigo Brass Band, and is proud of his work at the Royal Children’s Hospital helping to reduce the trauma experienced by children and families when their loved ones undergo invasive procedures.

Cr Emond is interested in the areas of economic development, rural communities, community services, environment and the arts.

His family have been active in the Bendigo community for five generations and he lives with his partner Lisa.

Cr Julie HoskinCr Julie Hoskin has lived in Bendigo for 53 years and is a former business owner who has worked in a number of sectors including Local Government, hospitality, corporate security/major events and as an advocate for residents’ rights.

As a first-time Councillor, she is looking forward to positive and meaningful engagement with the community to facilitate best outcomes at a Council level for residents and ratepayers. She is particularly interested in focusing on the

needs of rural communities.

Cr Hoskin’s goal is to ensure that the consensus that has been reached between the new Councillors – to listen and act on the will of residents – is honoured and the integrity of the unique and very separate role of Council is maintained and community confidence is restored.

Cr Hoskin's interests include social justice, politics, building, planning, heritage preservation and more.

Cr Andrea MetcalfCr Metcalf is excited to represent the Whipstick Ward as a first-time Councillor.

She is a lifelong resident of Bendigo and looks forward to the next four years on Council. Cr Metcalf has been a long-time observer of Local Government and its practices and procedures, which inspired her to run for Council.

She is interested in the area of waste management and hopes to assist in making Council’s processes more efficient. Cr Metcalf also hopes to support rural

communities to achieve their long-held goals.

Cr Metcalf lives with her husband Jason and has two adult children.

Whipstick Ward localities include: Ascot, Avonmore, Bagshot, Bagshot North, Barnadown, Bendigo, California Gully, Drummartin, Eaglehawk, Eaglehawk North, East Bendigo, Elmore, Epsom, Fosterville, Goornong, Hunter, Huntly, North Ironbark, Jackass Flat, Kamarooka, Long Gully, Neilborough, North Bendigo, Raywood, Sebastian, Wellsford, Whipstick, White Hills and Woodvale.

MEET YOUR NEW COUNCIL


By Deputy Mayor Cr Rod Fyffe

It has been a memorable year and I have been proud to lead the community and represent Greater Bendigo in my fourth Mayoral term.

The past 12 months have certainly flown but I have a few personal highlights, starting with the announcement that the Federal Government would provide $4.885M towards the new Greater Bendigo Indoor Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre. This project attracted support from all three levels of government, was the Council’s number one priority project and is the largest project to be undertaken locally.

In December 2015 the O’Keefe Rail Trail extension from Axedale to Heathcote was

opened. The trail now starts in a major regional city and ends in a food, wine and arts-oriented town. This will provide significant economic development, tourism and recreational opportunities for the municipality.

As Chair of the Bendigo Easter Festival, I was thrilled to see our streets filled with people over the Easter long weekend. We are always striving to offer the best attractions possible and I was pleased this year’s event was expanded to include ‘Around the World’, which showcased the many traditions and cultures of the Bendigo community through arts, craft and dance.

In its fifth year, the Bendigo Writers Festival continued to go from strength to strength. A small group takes responsibility for the program and I am always amazed by the talent the festival attracts and the buzz it creates.

We hosted a number of major sporting events including the Oceania Table Tennis Olympic Qualification Tournament, which saw competitors vie for a spot at the Rio Olympics on the Ulumbarra Theatre stage. This event again showcased the diversity of this wonderful facility.

In the past financial year 238 people became citizens. They are such joyous occasions and the new citizens take great pride in the occasion. This is a great reminder of how Greater Bendigo is changing and we should be thankful that the new citizens want to share their culture with us.

As my mayoral term coincided with the last year of the 2012-2016 Council term, the Council worked to deliver on the remaining objectives of the Council Plan by supporting a range of projects and initiatives.

I am thrilled to have again been re-elected by the residents of Lockwood Ward and I look forward to representing them around the Council table. Equally, I am pleased to be the first-ever Deputy Mayor for the Greater Bendigo City Council and know there will be another busy year ahead supporting Mayor Cr Margaret O’Rourke.

Finally, I would like to thank the staff at the City of Greater Bendigo. They do such wonderful work and I am grateful for their commitment to deliver on our vision for Greater Bendigo to be Australia’s most liveable regional city.

Reflecting on another successful year for Greater Bendigo

“In the past financial year 238 people became citizens.”

By Mayor Cr Margaret O’Rourke

I am deeply honoured to serve as the 21st Mayor of the City of Greater Bendigo.

I am excited to be the first Mayor in the 2016-2020 Council term. The new Council is in a great position to take a fresh approach, set a new agenda and do the best it possibly can to support our community and ensure we can all enjoy a prosperous and exciting future.

To help do this, the Council will develop its Council Plan for 2017-2021, which will highlight priorities for the next four years and I encourage residents to provide input into this important document.

I hope to see Greater Bendigo become a more connected, sustainable and smarter community, and the Council is very keen to work closely with our rural communities.

Greater Bendigo is a catchment area for health, education and employment opportunities. Therefore it is essential Council take a more strategic approach to grow our retail sector, similar to what has been done with the arts, and make our city the shopping centre of Victoria.

This will also assist with the creation of new employment opportunities within our community.

Greater Bendigo is steadily growing, so it is important that Council continue to provide the best possible services and infrastructure. This includes completing the major projects that are currently underway, such as the new runway at the Bendigo Airport, Garden for the Future at the Bendigo Botanic Gardens, major extension of the Bendigo Stadium, upgrade and extension of the Heathcote Barrack Reserve Pavilion, and opening the Greater Bendigo Indoor Aquatic and Wellbeing Centre.

Going forward, the Council will be working within a rate capping environment, so it will be important for it to continue to form strong partnerships with organisations to build new infrastructure. The lines of communication between the Council and other levels of government will need to be kept open and flowing with information to ensure that projects progressed in Greater Bendigo also support the wider region.

We live in a regional city and it is important to remember the decisions the Council makes will have a ripple effect.

I look forward to the next 12 months and the challenges and opportunities that will come along. I am also excited to serve as part of a committed Council team that wants to work productively with City staff and residents.

It is time to get to work.

A great honour

“I hope to see Greater Bendigo become a more connected, sustainable and smarter community, and the Council is very keen to work closely with our rural communities."

Mayor Cr Margaret O’Rourke.


The City of Greater Bendigo, FReeZA and local community groups and organisations are proud to present the 2016/2017 Summer in the Parks program featuring a range of free or low cost events during December, January and February.

Parks and reserves across Greater Bendigo will come alive in December when the program kicks off with a range of fabulous, festive celebrations, including the annual Lighting of the Christmas Tree in Rosalind Park, Christmas carols across the region and New Year’s Eve fireworks to welcome in 2017 with a bang!

In January it’s time to settle in for some outdoor cinema entertainment at various locations and a terrific range of other community activities, such as historical walking tours of Bendigo, Australia Day celebrations, bird watching tours, and come and try events.

February is all about getting your groove on with live music in parks throughout Greater Bendigo each Friday evening along with a

range of other fun and interesting events to enjoy.

Summer in the Parks is the perfect excuse to pack up your family or get a group of friends together and have some fun in our great outdoors for free or at a low cost, so don’t miss out!

Enjoy movies, music and more this summer

sum�er!YOUR GUIDE TO

What to bring for an enjoyable Summer in the Parks:• Food and drink – a picnic is

always fun• Water for those hot days• Sports shoes for active events• Hat and sunscreen, chair/rug,

umbrella• Mosquito repellent

To check out the full list of events and activities on offer this summer go to www.bendigosummerintheparks.com

DECEMBER• Community Christmas carols

Various dates and locations (free)

• New Year’s Eve pool party and fireworks Early fireworks at approx 9.15pm and at midnight from the Rosalind Park Poppet Head (free). Bendigo Aquatic Centre will host a family friendly pool party from 6pm to 9.30pm (low cost)

JANUARY• Outdoor cinema

Various dates / Redesdale, Maiden Gully and Heathcote (free)

• Cinema Pop Up January 11 to 15 / Rosalind Park (low cost)

• Australia Day celebrations January 26 / Various locations throughout Greater Bendigo (free). Plus free entry to many outdoor swimming pools across Greater Bendigo

FEBRUARY• Music in the Park

Various dates / Strathdale, Eaglehawk, White Hills and Bendigo (free)

• Discover Rosalind Park tour Rosalind Park / February 5 / 9am - 10am / Learn more about this wonderful part of Bendigo (free)

• Scots Day Out Rosalind Park / February 11 / 10.30am - 5pm / Enjoy Scottish activities, music, dancing and stalls (free)

...and much, much more!

HIGHLIGHTS



Let’s celebrate on Australia DayThere are plenty of ways to celebrate Australia Day throughout Greater Bendigo on Thursday January 26, 2017.

Australia Day ceremonies, barbecues and activities will take place throughout Greater Bendigo in addition to the annual Australia Day celebration at Lake Weeroona.

Times and locations of all activities will be advertised prior to the day and information will also be available on the Summer in the Parks website : www.bendigosummerintheparks.com

Free entry will be provided at Bendigo Aquatic Centre, Brennan Park, Bendigo East, White Hills, Raywood, Goornong, Elmore, Kangaroo Flat, Golden Square, Marong and Heathcote swimming pools on the day.

Show your pride on Australia Day and celebrate!

New Year’s Eve to go off with a bang!The City of Greater Bendigo will welcome in the new year with an early fireworks display at 9.15pm and a traditional fireworks display at midnight from the Rosalind Park Poppet Head to ring in 2017.

Manager of the Bendigo Aquatic Centre, Belgravia Leisure, will also hold a family-friendly pool party for people of all ages to enjoy from 6pm to 9.30pm featuring fun water activities, jumping castle and music.

Lifeguards and security will be onsite during the event.

It’s a great opportunity for members of the community to come along to the Bendigo Aquatic Centre and watch the early fireworks.

Entry prices to the New Year’s Eve pool party are $5.25 for adults, $4.20 for children under 16 (children under two years of age are free) or $13.70 for a family pass ($10.55 concession).

The Bendigo Aquatic Centre is an alcohol and smoke free venue. Food and drinks will be available to purchase from the canteen throughout the evening. For more information phone 5443 6151.



Rediscover Lake Eppalock this summerThanks to some above average rainfalls, Lake Eppalock is now full to the brim and is set to provide plenty of recreational opportunities for both locals and visitors to rediscover this summer.

Built in 1964 to supply water for irrigation, this vast lake has always been popular for boating and water recreation, so it is a delight to see it full once again following years of low water levels.

As a family-friendly water playground for all ages, the lake offers lots of great things to do such as swimming, waterskiing, fishing, boating, sailing, bushwalking, birdwatching, barbecues and picnics.

Lake Eppalock also boasts facilities to suit every visitor including four caravan parks, picnic areas with play equipment, electric barbecues, public toilets, large grassed areas and four boat ramps.

For those who like to fish, the lake has a good balance of deep and shallow water and is home to a healthy mix of golden perch, redfin, Murray cod and trout. Between December and May the lake provides excellent fishing for redfin with both the Derrinal and Kimbolton pools proving popular fishing spots. The mouth of the Coliban and Campaspe Rivers is also a good spot to try for Murray cod and golden perch.

Lakeside caravan and holiday parks, bed and breakfast accommodation, and holiday houses are available all year round. For more information contact the Bendigo Visitor Centre on 1800 813 153 or visit www.bendigotourism.com

Lake Eppalock is managed by Goulburn Murray Water and is an easy 30 minute drive from Bendigo via the McIvor Highway or Strathfieldsaye Road, and a 15-20 minute drive from Heathcote.

Did you know that Lake Eppalock:

• Holds 304,651 megalitres of water when full

• Supplies raw water for urban treatment and stores water for irrigation along the Campaspe River downstream

• Supplements the Waranga Western Channel that supplies the Rochester and Pyramid-Boort irrigation areas

• Has three spillways to control water releases and flows



Cut out and keep me on the fridge!

Pool opening hoursBendigo Aquatic Centre

161 Barnard Street, Bendigo

September - November: Monday - Friday: 6am - 6.30pm Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 6.30pm

December - March: Monday - Friday: 6am - 7pm Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 7pm

April - May: Monday - Friday: 6am - 6.30pm Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 6.30pm

Bendigo East Swimming Pool

33 Lansell Street, East Bendigo

October - February: (Closed from March to May for maintenance) Monday - Friday: 6am - 7pm Saturday - Sunday: 10am - 7pm

May - October: Monday - Friday: 6am - 10am and 1pm - 7pm Saturday - Sunday: 10am - 1pm

Brennan Park Swimming Pool

Brennan Park Pool Road, Flora Hill (off Houlahan Street)

November: 10am - 6pm December - March: 10am - 7pm

Elmore Swimming Pool

4 Elmore-Raywood Road, Elmore

School holidays/weekends: 2pm - 7pm School Term: Monday - Friday: 4pm - 7pm

Golden Square Pool

14 Maple Street, Golden Square

Monday - Sunday: 2pm - 6pm

Goornong Swimming Pool

2 Bagshot Street, Goornong

School holidays/weekends: 2pm - 7pm School Term (Monday - Friday): 4pm - 7pm

Heathcote Swimming Pool

10 Barrack Street, Heathcote


Kangaroo Flat Swimming Pool

1 Station Street, Kangaroo Flat


Long Gully Splash Park

21 Cunneen Street, Long Gully

Last Saturday in September - November: 10am - 6pm

December - Last Sunday in March: 9am - 8pm

Marong Swimming Pool

Malone Park Road, Marong (off High Street)


Peter Krenz Leisure Centre (Bendigo Regional YMCA)

15 Napier Street, Eaglehawk

Monday - Friday: 6am - 8.30pm Saturday: 8.45am - 6pm Sunday: 9am - 6pm

Raywood Swimming Pool (opens December 11)

1 Macaulay Street, Raywood


White Hills Swimming Pool

30 Hamelin Street, White Hills


Ticket pricesThese ticket prices apply to all swimming centres except the Peter Krenz Leisure Centre and Golden Square Swimming Pool. There is no cost for the Long Gully Splash Park.

For more information about Greater Bendigo pools go to

www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/pools

Swim into summerSummer is just around the corner and the pools across Greater Bendigo are opening their doors.Whether you are looking for a place to do laps and keep fit over the summer, or want somewhere to keep the family entertained, there is a pool that will be right for you. There are a great range of season and casual passes available for you and your family to make the most of the pools as the weather warms up.

*Opening hours are subject to change depending on weather conditions.

Casual pool passes• Adult day ticket: $5.25,

$4.20 (concession) • Child day ticket: $4.20 • Student day ticket: $4.20 • Family day ticket: $13.70,

$10.55 (concession) • School event day entry: $2.05 per

person • Group day entry (10+ people):

$3.10 per person

Season passesA season ticket gives you unlimited use of 11 local swimming centres from the third Saturday in November until the third Sunday in March. • Adult season ticket: $100,

$75.85 (concession) • Child season ticket: $74.25 • Family season ticket $190.70,

$151.70 (concession)


When you are riding or driving along the roads in Bendigo, you are probably not paying attention to the white lines along the side or middle of the road.

And when you are walking to work or dropping your kids off at school, chances are you don’t think twice about the zebra crossing you are walking over.

But maintaining the lines on the roads, car parks, pedestrian crossings and speed humps across Greater Bendigo is a full time job for one City of Greater Bendigo employee.

Peter Wilson is in charge of the white lines that spread across the city and municipality.

His work includes maintaining the double, single, solid, spaced and

combination lines on roads, as well as pedestrian crossings, parking bays, bicycle lanes, speed humps, car parks and school crossings.

Peter has been in the role for eight months and likes the variation of his job.

He works fairly independently and has a tablet device that shows requests and maintenance jobs that have been logged, which he refers to each day.

“I’m fairly autonomous, I wait until I have a handful of jobs I need the truck for and then I go and do them,” he said.

“Otherwise I go suburb by suburb.”

Some jobs are done with a truck, others with a ride on line-marking

machine, and some are done with a manual sprayer and stencils.

Peter says bike symbols, arrows and stop and give-way marks are stencilled on, while continuous roads are usually done with a truck.

He even creates and maintains the dog symbols on the footpaths at parks and reserves across the municipality.

“If it’s a line on the road, I’m the one doing it,” he said.

“There is a lot more in it than meets the eye.

“It’s the type of job where nobody notices when you get it right and everyone notices when you get it wrong.”

White line feverDid you know?• Disabled car park symbols are applied

thermally - the symbols are melted onto the ground with a blowtorch, rather than painted

• Non-slip quartz is applied on top of pedestrian crossing paint to prevent slipping

• Reflective beads are added to the white paint on roads so they shine at night

Line marking across the City of Greater Bendigo is done on:

• 1,400km of sealed roads• More than 7,500 parking bays• 59 school crossings• More than 30 pedestrian crossings

SERVICE IN THE SPOTLIGHT: LINE MARKING


By Sue Bier

Heathcote has a history rich in gold and agriculture and while there have been many changes, the Heathcote district has been enriched by an influx of people from diverse backgrounds, many changes in employment opportunities and a profile that has made its wine region famous.

On the other side of the coin, Heathcote has long been considered a place with many social problems. While not wishing to dismiss the issues we face, there are many wonderful people and programs

endeavouring to minimise any negative impacts on the community.

I am continually amazed by people in our town for their efforts to make Heathcote a great place to live and work. Heathcote Health, the City of Greater Bendigo, Heathcote Community House, Advance Heathcote Inc., Heathcote Tourism Inc., Heathcote Lions Club, local church groups, Heathcote schools, various groups and local businesses support the community in many ways. The Bendigo Bank Heathcote Community Bank financially supports many community groups and individuals, especially young residents with scholarships and advanced driving courses. There are more than 80 community groups in Heathcote supported by hundreds of volunteers. Heathcote Health alone has over 80 volunteers who work in many capacities to help their fellow community members.

A lot to love about Heathcote

“Heathcote is a great place to raise a family and many parents go that extra mile to ensure their children have opportunities to play sport locally, in Bendigo and elsewhere.”

WHAT I ABOUT GREATER BENDIGO...Sue Bier at

Heathcote Health.

Barrack Reserve Play Space.


Heathcote is a great place to raise a family and many parents go that extra mile to ensure their children have opportunities to play sport locally, in Bendigo and elsewhere. They volunteer on committees, help out on game days, provide transport and fundraise to give our kids the chances they deserve to participate and, in some cases, excel in their chosen interests. Older club members mentor younger players and pass on skills. To be involved in community groups give us a sense of belonging, a shared interest and life-long friendships.

Heathcote is a community that rises to the challenge in the face of adversity and many in the community provide support to those in need. It makes me proud to say I come from Heathcote where people care for each other in a variety of ways. Heathcote has a

strong Ambulance, CFA and SES presence, as well as Red Cross and other groups helping in times of crisis. All these groups are supported by volunteers.

We love to welcome visitors to Heathcote to show off our festivals – Heathcote on Show, the Heathcote Wine and Food Festival, Heathcote Film Festival, the Spanish Festival and the Heathcote Games – and our unique natural environment including Lake Eppalock, particularly when water is plentiful as it is this year.

Everyone is welcome to share in the bounty of local cafes, wineries and art galleries, art shows and quilt shows that showcase the many talents and skills of our local area and contribute to making Heathcote a vibrant and caring community.

About Sue...I came to Heathcote in 1972 after marrying my husband Anthony.

I came to know many in the community through working as a nurse and midwife at the local hospital for 10 years.

We established a mechanical repair business in Heathcote in 1979, which has operated successfully since then with the support of the Heathcote community and others outside the district. Our son Vincent is now the owner and will take the business into the future. I retired from fulltime work in the business in 2015.

We had four children, including twins, in just over five years – Chris, Damian, Vincent and Kathryn, who have all gone on to have successful careers as a civil engineer, secondary school teacher, motor mechanic and child care worker respectively. As a result I became more involved in the Heathcote community, beginning with an office-bearer position at the Heathcote Kindergarten.

Since then, I’ve supported the Holy Rosary Mothers’ Club, Holy Rosary School Board, Heathcote Swimming Pool Committee, Heathcote Cubs, Heathcote Brownies and Girl Guides, the Board of Heathcote Health (including coordinating the 150 year celebration) and I co-founded the Heathcote Basketball Club.

I also served on the Campaspe Re-employment Enterprise Committee that helped establish McTec, a tele-centre providing internet access and training facilities in the early days of the internet. As part of the committee, I also coordinated the Heathcote Gold ‘N’ Grape Festival.

I have been on the Australia Day Committee for more than 10 years and continue to do this with a small but dedicated group of volunteers.

Since my retirement, I have slowed down somewhat but I greatly enjoy volunteering and will always make time to help my community.

High Street, Heathcote.

Heathcote wine region.

Pink Cliffs, Heathcote.


As part of the Council’s commitment to deliver improved infrastructure, a range of works are currently underway or have recently been completed.

What’s in the works?

Other works underway or completed:• Bendigo Botanic Gardens, White Hills – Garden for the Future

• Holdsworth Road, Long Gully – drainage works

• Lloyd Street/Harpin Street, East Bendigo roundabout – landscape improvement works

• Lloyd Street/Solomon Street, East Bendigo roundabout – landscape improvement works

• Lloyd Street, East Bendigo – asphalt footpath

• Queen Street, Kangaroo Flat pedestrian walk – landscape improvements

• Bennet Street, Long Gully – drainage upgrades

• Baxter Street, Bendigo – asphalt footpath reconstruction

• Reservoir Road, Strathdale – drainage works

A list of current works is available at www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/roadworks

Stage one construction works are nearing completion in Allies Road, between Sheldons Road and Williams Road, Myers Flat. Stage two will start in early 2017. Works are estimated to cost $540,000.

The gravel re-sheeting of Brownes Lane, between McIvor Highway and Russells Bridge Road, Muskerry is underway. Works are estimated to cost $300,000 and are expected to be completed in December.

Drainage upgrade works in Retreat Road, Spring Gully are nearing completion. Works are estimated to cost $325,000.

Construction of the Chum Street/Booth Street roundabout in Golden Square is underway. The project is funded by the Federal Black Spot Programme at an estimated cost of $420,000 and will be completed in December.


The design of local roundabouts is changing in an effort to make them safer for all road users, especially cyclists.

While roundabouts have traditionally been good for traffic flow and have reduced traffic accidents, they can be a risk for cyclists to use.

The latest research has shown it is safer for cyclists to merge with traffic at the roundabouts and to 'take the lane' rather than have a separate bike lane.

Based on the research, the traditional bike lanes are being removed from roundabouts and the central island made bigger to reduce traffic speeds.

At new roundabouts cyclists ride in the same lane as motorists to make them more visible. Line marking in accordance with new VicRoads guidelines also makes all users aware that cyclists are in the traffic lane at the roundabout.

The City of Greater Bendigo has already

altered roundabouts at Williamson Street/Mollison Street, Bendigo and Olympic Parade/Mackenzie Street West, Kangaroo Flat to make them safer for cyclists to use.

The City has also constructed a new roundabout at the intersection of St Aidan’s Road/Glencoe Street, Kennington in accordance with the research and guidelines.

Work is also underway to construct new roundabouts at the intersection of Booth

Street/Chum Street, Golden Square and Station Street/Ironstone Road, Epsom.

Other roundabouts will be constructed at Barnard Street/Lily Street, Bendigo; Barnard Street/Honeysuckle Street, Bendigo; St Aidan’s Road/Edwards Road, Kennington; and Nolan Street/Thunder Street, North Bendigo. These works have been funded by the Federal Government’s Black Spot Programme.

Making our roundabouts safer for cyclists

Bendigo Visitor Centre 51–67 Pall Mall, Bendigo, VIC 3550 P 03 5434 6060 E [email protected] W www.uniquelybendigo.com.au

• Quality gifts created in the Bendigo region• Perfect for someone special this Christmas

• Complimentary gift wrapping• Open every day 9am-5pm, except Christmas day


The upgrade to the Bendigo Tennis Centre, located opposite Lake Weeroona, is now underway and will provide local and international players with first-class facilities for many years to come.

The upgrade will cost just over $6M and includes a new pavilion, grandstand seating, the upgrading of courts to include four international standard courts, resurfacing and lighting a further seven courts, construction of three permanent junior courts, and increased car parking.

The pavilion will include two function rooms, a new kitchen, kiosk and bar, reception area, a larger pro shop, an administration area, accessible change rooms and toilets, and a tournament office.

The City of Greater Bendigo has allocated $1.085M towards the project, the Bendigo Tennis Association and Tennis Australia have contributed $600,000, the State Government will fund $2.4M and the Federal Government will contribute $2.09M.

Bendigo Tennis Association President Paul Henshall said the upgrade would mean

a new era of tennis for locals and visitors alike.

“It has been a real partnership project - three levels of government and three levels of tennis are involved,” Mr Henshall said.

“There have been a huge number of people who have collaborated to make this project possible.

“The upgrade will provide jobs for the Bendigo economy, both during construction and of course ongoing once the upgrade is complete.”

Mr Henshall said the upgrade would increase Bendigo’s profile as a regional destination for sporting events.

“We’ve seen the significance of major events, not just in sport but through arts and culture in Bendigo bringing visitors to our region.

“This new facility will bring even more people here and significantly enhance the Nolan Street precinct, which includes Lake Weeroona and the new hospital.”

City Active and Healthy Communities Manager Lincoln Fitzgerald said the City

was committed to providing high quality sports facilities to the community.

“Tennis is growing in popularity in Greater Bendigo, so it’s

important that we provide facilities to accommodate that growth,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

Works to start on Bendigo Tennis Centre upgrade

“It has been a real partnership project - three levels of government and three levels of tennis are involved.”

Concept.

FREE Green Waste DisposalThe City of Greater Bendigo is supporting residents to dispose of green waste at the Eaglehawk and Heathcote Landfills for FREE in April and May, 2017.

April 22 and 23

andMay

20 and 21

Playing in Greater Bendigo


Major projects

Discover what’s happening

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to find out what's happening in your area. You'll

find over 500 new event listings every week, so

you'll always know what’s on in your community.

Find out more at mycommunityconnect.com.au

And love the local life.

The City of Greater Bendigo’s three major projects continue to take shape despite recent wet weather.

Presentation and Assets Director Craig Lloyd said as a result of the prolonged wet weather new completion dates had been set for the projects.

“The runway at the Bendigo Airport will be commissioned early in 2017 but won’t be fully operational until the middle of next year when all stage two works will be complete, the Stadium is expected to be finished by the end of 2017 and the aquatic centre will open at the beginning of 2018,” Mr Lloyd said.

“It’s the nature of major infrastructure development that you are bound by the weather but our contractors have identified opportunities to make up for lost time and the City’s costs for the projects are fixed, so overall budgets will not be affected as a result of the rain.

“Progress continues across the three sites and the City is looking forward to completing these important infrastructure projects for the community.”

The Airport project is the most advanced, with the final two pavement layers of the runway down and sealing to begin this month.

Excavation at the Bendigo Stadium is complete, with footings and underground services in place and slabs being poured. The steel for the structure started to arrive in mid-November, which began to show the shape the new stadium will take.

Excavation is also complete at the site of the new aquatic centre, with the toddlers’, learn to swim, hydrotherapy and main pools all dug out. Slabs are now being finished in preparation for the steel structure to go up early next year.

Work continues on finalising the designs for the café and gymnasium, and the Kangaroo Flat Sports Club contributed $100,000 to the community fundraising drive to put $1M towards the development of the centre. The total amount raised is now $500,000.

Right: Bendigo Stadium works.Below: Aquatic Centre works.

Major projects continue to take shapeExcavation at the Bendigo Stadium is complete, with footings and underground services in place and slabs being poured.


Work underway on the new Garden for the FutureWork has commenced to build the new $4.6M Garden for the Future at the Bendigo Botanic Gardens, White Hills.

This exciting new garden is expected to open by January 2018 and is a two hectare expansion of the botanic gardens - one of our City’s most treasured parkland assets. The new garden is being built on vacant land located to the south of the existing heritage listed garden.

The Garden for the Future will include a stage and grassed amphitheatre for outdoor performances and cinema, new toilet facilities, a number of semi-intimate gathering spaces for weddings and corporate functions, and a promenade that can be used for markets and other events.

The garden will also function as an outdoor classroom and is expected to become a favourite destination for central Victorian schools.

The garden will feature over 4,000 square

metres of lawn, 30,000 plants, 500 trees and an incredible collection of over 600 varieties of plants.

The Bendigo Botanic Gardens is one of our city’s oldest and most iconic cultural assets dating back to Bendigo’s earliest days. The Garden for the Future project is a major new addition to the existing garden and will be an exceptional backdrop for outdoor events, informal recreation activities, gatherings, picnics, educational programs and horticultural research.

Stage one of the project is being funded by a $3.57M contribution from the City of Greater Bendigo, $1M from the State Government, $20,000 from the Friends of Bendigo Botanic Gardens and $20,000 from the Bendigo Northern District Community Enterprise. Stage two, which is yet to be funded, includes construction of the visitor centre, surrounding display, kitchen gardens and arbour.

Planning for our future

First of a kind plan to be rolled out in Greater BendigoA plan to shape the future development of the municipality will be rolled out jointly by the City of Greater Bendigo and the State Government.

Plan Bendigo is the first plan of its type and is part of the first phase of implementing the Loddon Campaspe Regional Growth Plan (formally the Loddon Mallee South Regional Growth Plan).

City Strategy Manager Trevor Budge said Plan Bendigo aimed to establish a list of infrastructure and service priorities for Greater Bendigo and the region.

“The City will work with government agencies including the Victorian Planning Authority and key local stakeholders to identify infrastructure priorities and projects relating

to transport, health, housing, environment, water, education and technology,” Mr Budge said.

“Plan Bendigo will help ensure the municipality can cater for our future population as the city grows towards 200,000 people and also support the implementation of the ‘10 minute neighbourhood’ concept from the City’s Connecting Greater Bendigo: Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy, which encourages the development of a compact city where people can access most daily needs within 10 minutes of where they live.

“Plan Bendigo will be completed by January 2018 and the community will be invited to participate in various consultation opportunities over the next year.”

Garden for the Future concept.


Introducing the new Executive Management Team

The City of Greater Bendigo has been pleased to welcome three new directors to the organisation this year. Their arrival marks the beginning of a new organisation structure, which saw five directorates become four.

City Chief Executive Officer Craig Niemann said it had been a year of significant change for the organisation.

“The introduction of rate capping, review of the Local Government Act and changing community expectations meant it was important for the City to consider how it was going to serve residents in the years ahead,” Mr Niemann said.

“The new structure positions the City to support the new Council and ensure both staff and Councillors are able to continue working towards our vision for Greater Bendigo to be Australia’s most liveable regional city.”

Chief Executive Officer:Craig NiemannBachelor of Business (Local Government), Master of Business Administration

Craig joined the City in October 2005 and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in December 2007.

Craig has more than 30 years' experience working in Local Government, including roles at the former Borough of Eaglehawk and Loddon Shire Council. Prior to joining the City, Craig was the Chief Executive Officer at Loddon Shire Council from 1997 to 2005.

Corporate Performance Director:Kerryn EllisBachelor of Arts, Master of Commerce, Graduate Diploma of Public Policy and Management

Kerryn is a passionate Local Government leader with extensive experience, who understands the changing environment and external pressures currently facing the sector. Before joining the City, Kerryn was the Governance and Innovation Manager at Knox City Council and has previously worked for the City of Melbourne and Bayside City Council.

Strategy and Growth Director:Bernie O’SullivanBachelor of Agricultural Science, Master of Public Affairs

Bernie has had extensive experience working for the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (and its predecessors) leading the Department’s state-wide regional operations. Prior to working for the Department, he held senior executive roles with the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales, a livestock peak industry body in Canberra and the New South Wales Farmers’ Association.

Presentation and Assets Director:Craig LloydMaster of Project Management, Master of Business Administration, Post Graduate Certificate in Community Development

Craig’s career has spanned the emergency services sector, working for the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, Rural Ambulance Victoria, and other national and international emergency services. Before joining the City he was the Executive Director Property and Assets at the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, which saw him oversee asset planning and construction, project management, fleet management, equipment and resource management, and engineering and facilities management.

Health and Wellbeing Director:Vicky MasonMaster of Public Health, Master of Business

Vicky has a strong health and Local Government background and joins the City from Mount Alexander Shire. Her previous roles include Community Development Director at Warrnambool City Council, Health Development Unit Assistant Director at the Department of Health, and Chief Executive Officer at the Darebin Community Health Service and Nillumbik Community Health Service.

“The new structure positions the City to support the new Council and ensure both staff and Councillors are able to continue working towards our vision for Greater Bendigo to be Australia’s most liveable regional city.”

Pictured above: Craig Lloyd , Bernie O’Sullivan, Craig Niemann, Vicky Mason and Kerryn Ellis.


Renewing the environment for the community Bendigo’s Ironbark Gully has received a new lease on life thanks to a partnership project focused on landscape restoration and community wellbeing.

Project RENEW is a joint venture funded by the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust involving the North Central Catchment Management Authority, the City of Greater Bendigo, the Northern United Forestry Group and La Trobe University.

The project is focused on two sites: Ironbark Gully in Bendigo and a farm site in Dunluce, near Maryborough.

As part of the project, La Trobe University is undertaking research about the community benefits of land restoration.

The research aims to establish whether or not work to regenerate landscapes has an impact on community wellbeing and mental health.

In Bendigo, the project is working towards the development of a trail and linear park along Ironbark Gully, and aims to bring the community together through the process.

The shared walking and cycling path would run from Eaglehawk Road through to Nolan

Street near the Kalianna School.

An Ironbark Gully concept plan has already been drafted, which will be taken to Council for endorsement. This concept plan will guide the development of the site and support applications for funding for various phases of the project.

On National Tree Day in July, a community planting at Ironbark Gully saw more than 200

community members gather to plant more than 5,000 seedlings.

Other plantings at the site this year have resulted in more than 15,000 seedlings being planted along the gully.

As well as community planting days, there have been other community events such as last month’s ‘shindig’, which featured music,

kids’ entertainment and food, that brought people together to engage with the site.

Project RENEW Manager Ken Beasley said the project is focused on building the health of regional communities through hands-on involvement in repairing the landscape.

“The aim is to try and develop a model of how we restore these degraded and under utilised open spaces, which are a relic of Bendigo’s mining history,” Mr Beasley said.

“We are looking at what we do with these areas and how we develop them so they align with Council’s various strategies, link in with other trail networks and contribute to environmental and community wellbeing.

“It’s important that we encourage local communities to take ownership of these spaces and contribute to developing their potential.”

The Ironbark Gully Friends coordinator Jacky Vincent said the gully linked the four suburbs of North Bendigo, Ironbark, Long Gully and Bendigo.

“There are not many parks in the area, so this project was a way to get the neighborhoods to take ownership of that unused land and

make it into a community park,” Mr Vincent said.

“There are also a number of schools and kindergartens that are located close to the gully, which we hope will engage with the space and use it as an educational tool.”

Mr Vincent said a shared path would become the backbone of the reserve and allow children to ride or walk safely to school.

“The potential of the gully is endless. Without the support of RENEW, it wouldn’t have been possible to achieve what we have.”

At the Dunluce site, near Maryborough, the project reinvigorated the Timor West Landcare group after a long recess and oversaw trials to increase carbon levels in the soil and improve the soil’s ability to support vegetation growth.

To get involved in the Ironbark Gully Friends (a Bendigo Sustainability Group action group) email [email protected] or find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/IronbarkGullyFriends

Our environment

“The potential of the gully is endless. Without the support of RENEW, it wouldn’t have been possible to achieve what we have.”

Ken Beasley and Jacky Vincent at the Ironbark Gully planting site.


City encourages residents to

TAKE2The City of Greater Bendigo is supporting Sustainability Victoria’s TAKE2 climate change pledge to help Victoria reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and keep the global temperature rise under two degrees.

The City is a founding member of TAKE2 and is now encouraging other local organisations, groups and individuals to get involved in the initiative.

TAKE2 encourages all sectors and communities to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and motivate and inspire staff, community members, suppliers and networks to take action.

TAKE2 is the first State Government-led voluntary climate change pledge program in Australia and one of the most comprehensive programs of its kind in the world. The long-term target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050 puts Victoria in line with other states and territories and shows that the state has a clear climate change agenda.

Members of the community can support the City’s pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and make their individual TAKE2 pledge at www.take2.vic.gov.au

Illegal dumping carries significant fines and clean-up costs. If you deal with construction and demolition waste, manage it responsibly. To find out more, or report suspected illegal dumping, contact EPA Victoria.

epa.vic.gov.au/builders 1300 EPA VIC (1300 372 842)

DUMPING? WE’LL COME

DOWN ON YOU LIKE A TONNE

OF BRICKS.

Well done Bendigo and Marong residents for saving over 2,400 tonnes of organic food and garden waste from landfill in the first two months of the City of Greater Bendigo’s new organic waste service.

This is a fantastic result and residents are to be congratulated for doing such a great job using the new organics service.

The organics collection service was introduced to over 40,000 households in Bendigo and Marong in September and it is great to see a high percentage of households embracing the service by putting out their new organics bin for collection each fortnight.

Contamination levels have also been exceptionally low, which means residents are sorting their waste correctly into the new three bin system.

Instead of ending up in landfill and causing harmful methane and other greenhouse gases to be emitted, the organic waste that is collected is

turned into high quality compost for use on parks and gardens. This is a really great outcome for

our landfill and the environment.

We are off to a great start and the City is looking forward to the environmental

benefits that the new service will provide in the future.

The Victorian Government, through Sustainability Victoria, provided $500,000 in funding to help the City deliver this new service to residents.


Is your business or workplace looking for new ways to connect with the community? The Career Horizons program could be for you. Career Horizons links secondary and tertiary students with workplaces in Bendigo and central Victoria.

Businesses and organisations can offer a range of opportunities including work experience, guest speakers, workplace tours and internships.

The program provides a professional development and mentoring opportunity for employees and businesses benefit from helping to foster a skilled future workforce.

As part of the program, Weeroona College Bendigo Year 10 students Pa Naing Paw and Christ Po recently undertook a work experience placement with the City of Greater Bendigo’s Intensive Horticultural Unit.

The Intensive Horticultural Unit cares for the City’s conservatory and undertakes planting of kerbside trees throughout Greater Bendigo.

Across five days the students gained valuable skills in planting trees and the proper use of pruning tools to care for the plants the unit produces and are responsible for.

The Nursery’s Leading Hand and Supervisor

Richard Lawson said the students were fantastic to work with and picked up the skills they were taught very quickly.

“Even after a few days you could see that they were looking ahead to the next part of the job, which is pretty unusual for a lot of workers,” Mr Lawson said.

He said the experience had been one he enjoyed just as much as the students.

“It changes the day-to-day routine and brings a bit of excitement back into the workplace.

“You can sometimes get into a bit of a rut at work, so having students on work experience makes you think about training a future workforce and how to pass on your knowledge and experience to them.”

If you would like to offer a workplace opportunity, tour or to nominate an employee as a guest speaker, please contact 5434 6097 or email [email protected]

Career Horizons is supported by the State Government through Regional Development Victoria.

The City of Greater Bendigo is undertaking a study of Bendigo’s freight sector.

Economic Development Unit Manager Brian Gould said the Bendigo Freight Study - How goods are moved around Greater Bendigo was developed by the City in response to a key recommendation from the Connecting Greater Bendigo: Integrated Transport and Land Use Strategy (ITLUS) which highlighted the need for better understanding of the freight sector.

“ITLUS was formally adopted by Council in 2015 and while it was extensive, it did not provide a comprehensive understanding of the city’s freight networks,” Mr Gould said.

“Through the study we hope to gain an understanding of freight issues from local businesses and freight

operators, so we can make the freight network more robust and more responsive to innovation and change.

“We hope the study will also provide guidance to improve the sustainability of the freight sector now and into the future and make the movement of goods in our city safer, cleaner and more efficient.

“The study's final report will detail potential investment opportunities and infrastructure improvements.”

Interested members of the community will be invited to provide comment on the draft Bendigo Freight Study document, which is expected to be released in early 2017.

The freight study is a key part of the City’s ongoing commitment to support local business.

Our local economy

Weeroona College Bendigo Year 10 students Pa

Naing Paw and Christ Po recently undertook a work

experience placement with the City of Greater

Bendigo’s Intensive Horticultural Unit.

Expanding your horizons

Freight study to look at how goods are moved around Greater Bendigo


Beware when purchasing tickets online Residents looking to book tickets for performances at local venues such as The Capital and Ulumbarra Theatre are warned to make sure they visit the correct website www.gotix.com.au to avoid paying more than they need to through a ticket reseller.

Ticket resellers are a third party site that allows people to sell valid tickets that they cannot use for whatever reason. Quite often these sites appear at the top of the page after doing a Google search for tickets to a performance and you may not even realise you are purchasing from a ticket resale site.

Unfortunately, some ticket resellers sell tickets at inflated prices while there are still excellent tickets available direct from the venue. While this practice is not new in capital cities, it has recently expanded into regional centres including Bendigo.

You should always check with the venue first before paying over inflated ticket prices through a ticket reseller. It really pays to be aware, so if you are looking to purchase tickets for local performances please go direct to www.gotix.com.au or phone 5434 6100.

Maticevski exhibition extended for summer holiday periodThe closing date of Maticevski: Dark Wonderland at Bendigo Art Gallery has been extended to January 15, 2017 so there is still time over the Christmas holidays to catch this fabulous exhibition.

Maticevski: Dark Wonderland features a range of objects from the renowned Australian fashion designer Toni Maticevski’s early practice through to his most recent creations. Maticevski has achieved world-wide acclaim for his masterful approach to the manipulation of traditional fashion silhouettes and innovative use of materials, colour, texture and fabrics.

Highlights include the Monaco Gown worn by Crown Princess Mary to the 80th birthday celebration of her father-in-law Prince Henrik of Denmark and the specially commissioned gold lame

gown worn by Jessica Mauboy for Eurovision 2014.

The exhibition is the first time in his celebrated 20-year career that Toni Maticevski has opened up his archives for an exhibition that reveals the beauty and breadth of his body of work and the collections that have made him an international fashion icon.

Maticevski: Dark Wonderland has been curated by Bendigo Art Gallery and celebrates the designer’s unique skill in dressing the human form, his obsessive attention to detail and his continued interest in tailoring, line and reinventing classic forms and techniques.

Pictured: Maticevski Resort 2015 Lookbook, Star Shade Top and Filament Longline Skirt (detail) Photographer Duncan Killick.

For bookings please visit www.bendigoartgallery.com.au


Gimme Freedom (or gimme death) at Bendigo Art Gallery

The work of Kyneton artist Jud Wimhurst, is currently being showcased through the Gimme Freedom (or gimme death) exhibition at Bendigo Art Gallery until February 12, 2017.

In this new sculptural installation two opposing teams of oversized toy soldiers engage in a comic battle. Each team is outfitted in the corporate colours of an iconic fast food empire and fight with weapons of mass consumption including French fries and hamburgers. The messy scene is ultimately frivolous, highlighting the excess and wastefulness of contemporary convenience.

Like many of his works, Wimhurst utilises humour to draw attention to serious matters. In Gimme Freedom (or gimme death) he probes the darker side of consumerism and the freedom and happiness it promises. He questions if we really have as much choice as we think we do and if this choice actually brings us freedom? If so, do we take this freedom for granted and in western society are we so distracted by daily trivial choices (like what we will have for lunch?) that we are missing the bigger picture?

Wimhurst's recent solo exhibitions include Protection at La Trobe University Visual Arts Centre, Bendigo, and Safe/Secure at MARS Gallery, Melbourne. His work has also been included in exhibitions at the TarraWarra Museum of Art and McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park.

Wimhurst is the 2016 Bendigo Art Gallery Going Solo artist. This is an annual exhibition series offering one artist living and working in central Victoria with the opportunity to work with Gallery curators and technical staff to produce a significant work or body of works to be exhibited at Bendigo Art Gallery.

Image courtesy of the artist and

MARS Gallery. Photo: Ian Hill


Whether you’re looking for a stylish memento of your visit to the Gallery or that perfect gift for someone special, the Gallery Shop stocks a handpicked range of designer jewellery, homewares and accessories along with leading skincare products. Perfect gifts for Christmas!

Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 5pm

42 View Street, Bendigo | T: 03 5434 6088 | [email protected] | www.bendigoartgallery.com.au

Uncommon gifts

Throughout Bendigo's history animals have played a fundamental role in the survival, enterprise, prosperity and pleasure of the community.

A selection of stories featuring animals, including monkeys at the Bendigo Botanic Gardens, goat racing, horse-drawn transport, pests and animal exhibits at the Bendigo Show, have been compiled for display in the Post Office

Gallery exhibition Menagerie: animals in Bendigo history.

In the exhibition oral histories sit alongside historic photographs, ephemera, taxidermy and other objects surveying relationships between people and animals throughout the history of the city.

These stories help build a picture of the

role animals have played in creating the distinct composition and character of the Bendigo we know today. The exhibition is on display at the Post Office Gallery until February 12, 2017.

The Post Office Gallery is a satellite space of the Bendigo Art Gallery and is located at 51 – 67 Pall Mall (next to Bendigo Visitor Centre).

Exhibition features a history of animals in Bendigo

Main image: Allan Doney, Bendigo Agricultural Show grand parade, 1957, gelatin silver print. Allan Doney Photographic Collection, National Trust of Australia (Victoria).

Inset: Monkeys at Bendigo Botanic Gardens, White Hills, c1960, gelatin silver print. Courtesy of Jenny Carrington and Friends of Bendigo Botanic Gardens.


The following businesses offer one free entry with a full paying adult:

• Bendigo Tramways Talking Tram tour

• Bendigo Town Hall, Post Office and Sandhurst Gaol tours

• Bendigo Joss House Temple entry

• Bendigo Bowling Centre (one standard game, excl. special events)

• Bendigo Pottery – Interpretive Museum entry

• Bendigo Walking Tours• Central Deborah Gold Mine

Experience tour• Discovery Science and

Technology Centre• Golden Dragon Museum entry• Simply Tomatoes tour and

morning tea picnic box• Victorian Goldfields Railway

train ride

The following businesses offer these exclusive offers:

• Best Western Crystal Inn: Free upgrade to an Executive Spa Room when booking a two night stay

• Bendigo Holiday Rentals: Stay three consecutive nights and receive a $50 dining voucher

• Clogs Bendigo: 10% off your entire bill (max. discount $30)

• Bendigo Art Gallery: 20% off full priced adult entry to any ticketed exhibition

• Rocks on Rosalind: Free glass of selected wine with any tasting banquet

• Sandhurst Ridge Winery: 20% off all wine purchased

• Schaller Studio – Pantry Cafe & Bar: 20% off all orders over $40

Greater Bendigo residents expecting a visit from family or friends over the Christmas holiday period should take advantage of a great initiative from Bendigo Tourism and local attractions – the Bendigo Ambassador Pass.

The Bendigo Ambassador Pass provides local residents with free entry to a range of Bendigo’s major attractions if they are accompanied by a full paying adult.

Bendigo is highly visited by friends and families of local residents; in fact almost half of the city’s total visitor market is visiting friends and relatives. These visitors

are often looking to explore the city and to spend money as part of their experience.

The economic benefits from this market are important to our local economy and the Bendigo Ambassador Pass is a way to encourage locals to share more of Bendigo with their guests and to enjoy it themselves.

Anyone wanting to become a Bendigo Ambassador can collect their free Bendigo Ambassador Pass from the Bendigo Visitor Centre in the Historic Post Office building on Pall Mall or the Heathcote Visitor Centre between 9am - 5pm every day of the week.

Got visitors coming over the holidays?

Golden Dragon Museum.

Discovery Science and Technology Centre.

Bendigo Art Gallery.


Bendigo Art Gallery The Bendigo Art Gallery will be open to the public Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm every day except Christmas Day.

Bendigo Livestock ExchangeClosed from 12noon Friday December 23 and re-opening 7.30am Thursday January 5, 2017.

The truck washdown facility will be closed Friday December 23, re-opening 7.30am January 5, 2017 (entrance gate will be locked, no vehicle access permitted).

Early learning centres Childcare centres will be closed as follows:

Annie Galvin Early Learning Centre Closes from 6pm on Thursday December 22 and re-opens 7am Tuesday January 10, 2017. The centre is having some painting works completed. Part of the centre may operate from Wednesday January 4, 2017. Please discuss arrangements with Delina Wyatt, Nominated Supervisor on 5441 2307 prior to the centre closing on December 23.

Helen Jessen Early Learning Centre Closes 6pm on Thursday December 22 and re-opens 7am Wednesday January 4, 2017.

Home Support ServicesCity offices will be closed from 3pm Friday December 23 and will re-open 8.30am Tuesday January 3, 2017.

Domestic Assistance, Respite Care and Property Maintenance will not be provided from Monday December 26 until Tuesday January 3, 2017.

Food Services meals will be delivered prior to the holidays for clients as requested. Food Services will be closed on Monday December 26 and recommence on Wednesday December 28. If arranged prior, meal assistance can be provided on Christmas Day. Food Services will also be closed on Monday January 2, 2017.

Social Support will be closed on Monday December 26 and Tuesday December 27. Social Support will be open on Wednesday December 28, Thursday December 29 and Friday December 30. Social Support clients will be contacted about attendance during the holiday period. Social Support will be closed on Monday January 2, 2017.

If you do not require any services or wish to make changes to your services for the Christmas period please notify our office on 4408 6560.

If you have an urgent matter while the office is closed during the Christmas and New Year period, please contact our after-hours services on 5434 6000.

Garbage, recycling and organics collections With Christmas Day being Sunday December 25, residential garbage, recycling and organics collections remain unaffected. Please put your bins kerbside before 6am as per your normal collection day.

Eaglehawk LandfillClosed Christmas Day only. Open all other days from 8am to 4.30pm.

Heathcote LandfillClosed Christmas Day only. Open all other scheduled days from 8am to 5pm.

Goornong Transfer StationClosed Christmas Day only. Open all other scheduled days from 8am to 5pm.

Strathfieldsaye Transfer StationClosed Christmas Day only. Open all other scheduled days from 8am to 5pm.

Maternal and Child Health All Maternal and Child Health Services will close at 3pm on Friday December 23 and will re-open Tuesday January 3, 2017. During this period the 24 hour Maternal and Child Health Line is available on 13 22 29.

Multi-storey car parks in Edward Street and Hargreaves StreetThe multi-storey car parks in Hargreaves Street and Edward Street will be open in line with extended retail shopping hours:

Monday December 12 ................. 7am - 7.30pm

Tuesday December 13 ................ 7am - 7.30pm

Wednesday December 14 .......... 7am - 7.30pm

Thursday December 15 .............. 7am - 7.30pm

Friday December 16 .................... 7am - 9.30pm

Saturday December 17 .....................7am - 6pm

Sunday December 18 ................. 7am - 6.30pm


Tuesday December 20 ................ 7am - 7.30pm




Saturday December 24 ............... 7am - 6.30pm

Sunday December 25 ........................... CLOSED


Tuesday December 27 ......................7am - 6pm




Saturday December 31 .....................7am - 6pm

Sunday January 1 .................................. CLOSED

Monday January 2 ................................. CLOSED

New Year's Eve fireworksFireworks will take place at approximately 9.15pm and midnight on New Year’s Eve Saturday December 31 from the Rosalind Park Poppet Head. For safety purposes, revellers are reminded that there is an 85 metre exclusion zone surrounding the Poppet Head.

The City would like to advise that the Queen Elizabeth Oval car park off View Street will be closed from 6am, Saturday December 31 until approximately 9am, Sunday January 1, 2017 for safety reasons associated with the New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

It is strongly recommended that appropriate measures be put in place by animal owners to ensure animals are safe.

The Capital, Ulumbarra Theatre and Box OfficeThe Capital, Ulumbarra Theatre and the Box Office will close at 3pm on Friday December 23 and reopen at 9.15am Tuesday January 3, 2017. Tickets may still be purchased online at gotix.com.au

Tickets for the Maticevski: Dark Wonderland exhibition at Bendigo Art Gallery are available for purchase and collection from Bendigo Art Gallery reception, when the box office is closed.

Visitor Information CentresBendigo Open seven days, 9am – 5pm Closed Christmas Day

HeathcoteOpen seven days, 9am – 5pm Closed Christmas Day

City of Greater Bendigo offices in Bendigo and Heathcote will be closed from 3pm Friday December 23 and will reopen at 8.30am on Tuesday January 3, 2017.

Over the Christmas holiday period, the City will continue to provide residents with access to services. For general information on our services visit our website at www.bendigo.vic.gov.au

The City has a 24 hour responsive telephone service. For emergency services at all hours please phone 5434 6000.

The City wishes you and your family a happy and safe Christmas and New Year.

arrangements


Contact us

City of Greater Bendigo195-229 Lyttleton Terrace, Bendigo

Postal PO Box 733, Bendigo 3552

Telephone 5434 6000

Hearing or speech impaired? Call us via the National Relay Service on 133 677

Fax 5434 6200

Email [email protected]

Website www.bendigo.vic.gov.au

After hours/emergency number 5434 6000

Operating hours (Lyttleton Terrace office) 8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday

Executive Management TeamCraig Niemann Chief Executive Officer

Kerryn Ellis Corporate Performance Director

Bernie O’Sullivan Strategy and Growth Director

Craig Lloyd Presentation and Assets Director

Vicky Mason Health and Wellbeing Director

Want to read this document in an alternative format? The City is committed to providing documents that are easy to read for all. If you would like to read the magazine in an alternative format eg. large print or text only, contact Customer Service on 5434 6000 or [email protected] and we will endeavour to service your request in the quickest time possible.

Councillor emails, like other correspondence, are the property of the City of Greater Bendigo and may be referred to a staff member for action. As with any correspondence, if you would like emails to be kept private and confidential please place ‘private and confidential’ in the subject line.

Cr James WilliamsT: 4408 6698 M: 0427 211 677 E: [email protected]

Cr Julie HoskinT: 4408 6689 M: 0499 011 432 E: [email protected]

Cr Andrea MetcalfT: 4408 6697 M: 0499 009 096 E: [email protected]

Cr George FlackT: 4408 6690 M: 0429 083 993 E: [email protected]

Cr Yvonne WrigglesworthT: 4408 6694 M: 0429 117 600 E: [email protected]

Mayor Cr Margaret O’RourkeT: 4408 6692 M: 0429 061 096 E: [email protected]

Your Councillors

Cr Jennifer AldenT: 4408 6695 M: 0499 005 735 E: [email protected]

Cr Matt EmondT: 4408 6696 M: 0499 007 473 E: [email protected]

Deputy Mayor Cr Rod FyffeT: 4408 6688 M: 0419 874 015 E: [email protected]

For more details visit www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/events

January

13 - 16 Darts Victoria Open Teams Championships All Seasons Bendigo

20 - 21 Neangar Park Pro Am Neangar Park Golf Club

26 - 29 Bendigo Junior Basketball Classic Bendigo Stadium

28 - 30 Little Athletics Victoria State Multi Championships La Trobe University Athletics Complex, Bendigo

29 - 30 PGA Bendigo Pro Am Heathcote Golf Club

February

3 - 4 Sanguine Music Festival – Bendigo The Capital

9 - 10 Sanguine Estate Music Festival – Heathcote Sanguine Estate

12 - 19 Basketball National U20s and Ivor Burge Championships Bendigo Stadium

19 - 26 ICC World Cricket League - East Asia Pacific Various cricket grounds

21 - 22 (ORM) Grains Research Update Conference The Capital

26 - 27 Weet Bix TRYathlon Queen Elizabeth Oval

March

10 - 13 Volunteer Fire Bridgades Urban State Championships Tom Flood Sports Centre

11 - 13 Bendigo International Madison Tom Flood Sports Centre

What’s on

splash into summer - city of greater bendigo · goornong elmore mandurang huntly myers flat raywood...

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