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Welcome to our issue for November 2021

In this Issue...

Congratulations to Gingin on your 150th

On behalf of Council, I would like to offer my congratulations to the Project Team, sponsors, volunteers and the community of Gingin on the occasion of your 150th Anniversary for the township of Gingin.

The 150th event, held in honour of the town ship of Gingin and it’s community, was simply a marvellous example of community spirit and hard work. In Western Australia only a small handful of communities have reached this momentous milestone. The 150th aimed to showcase the long and rich history of Gingin and what it means to be a resident of Gingin today with the event featuring many different activities. From the local produce to the history displays (showcasing Gingin’s strong pioneering stories and links to both the metro area, coast and with the Yuat Nation just to name a few) to lost trade demonstrations, competitions, live entertainment, market stalls, fireworks and more – this event exceeded all expectations.

It is an absolute credit to the Project Team that was formed just 12 months ago that this event was ultimately so successful. Council and I have heard nothing but wonderful comments from event attendees in relation to the Gingin 150th with a great number expressing their wish to hold an event of this scale annually in Gingin.

Council and I would specifically like to acknowledge the Project Team who have worked so hard on this event over the past year. Our thanks to Aaron Crofts, Carolyn Brodie-Hall, Carrie Edwards, Dianne Miller, Kerry Fewster, Rachael Brown, Robert Brodie-Hall, Robert Kestel and Robyn Kapor. I would personally like to also acknowledge my fellow Councillors who were part of the Project Team – Cr Kim Rule and Cr Linda Balcombe and also Shire staff Amy Gibbs (Team Leader), Meredith Taylor and Miranda Wallace. All involved committed to undertaking countless hours of work behind the scenes in order to ensure the success of this event so my congratulations and thanks to you all.

To the many other Shire staff that also assisted in the preparation and running of this event – my thanks to you. From the various garden and road works undertaken by the Operations team prior to and during the event to the direction of traffic and support to the main project team by  Administration staff on the day of the event – none of this would have been possible without your support.

To the team at Hills Billy Cart Inc, Shalom House, the community volunteers and all the sponsors who contributed to this event – thank you and congratulations. Your contribution made this event a reality for the Gingin community and without your support, it would not have been possible.

To the community of Gingin – Council and I offer our congratulations. The Gingin 150th will go down as a significant event in Gingin’s history and no doubt many of you now have special memories of this event.

To our residents in Guilderton, Lancelin, Ledge Point, Seabird and our estates – thank you for your support provided to your fellow community members in Gingin. Council and I look forward to the day that each of you also reach your respective milestones of 100 years and so forth since your gazettal. The events sure to be held then to mark those occasions Council and I are in no doubt will also create many more wonderful memories for our community residents.

Congratulations on your 150th Gingin. I hope that the next 150 years will continue to bring you more terrific community memories and opportunities as the township of Gingin continues to go from strength to strength.  

Cr Wayne Fewster
SHIRE PRESIDENT
Next Council Meeting

The Shire's next Ordinary Council Meeting is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, 16 November 2021 at 3:00pm. This meeting is open to the public.  

Questions for consideration during Public Question Time should be submitted prior to the meeting using the e-form available from the Shire’s website.
Council sworn in and
Shire President & Deputy Shire President Elected
Congratulations to the new Shire of Gingin Councillors duly sworn in at yesterday’s Council Meeting by Mrs Margaret Greenwell JP.  

Councillors Kim Rule and Frank Johnson were re-elected to office with Councillor Erik Sorensen being newly elected and Councillor Robert Kestel returning to office having previously served as a Councillor for the Shire in years past. Thank you to outgoing Councillors, James Morton and Jacquie Lobb, for their service to Council during the past 4 years.

Congratulations to Cr Wayne Fewster who was re-elected as the Shire President and to Cr Kim Rule who was also re-elected as the Deputy Shire President.

Council and the Shire would like to thank Mrs Greenwell for her services rendered as a JP for the ceremony. The new Council is looking forward to commencing their duties. 
There are 2 x Vacswim programs on offer at 4 x locations across the Shire this January 2022 to participate in. Locations include:
  • Gingin Aquatic Centre (Program 1 & 2)
  • Lancelin Beach (Program 1 only)
  • Ledge Point Beach (Program 1 only)
  • Moore River Beach - South (Program 1 only)
PROGRAM 1 - REGISTRATION CLOSES 7 NOVEMBER
8 days being 29 December 2021 to 7 January 2022
(There will be a lesson on 3 January 2022!)

PROGRAM 2 - REGISTRATION CLOSES 14 NOVEMBER
10 days being 10-21 January 2022

To enroll visit www.education.wa.edu.au/vacswim.

Dog & Cat Registration Renewals due from 1 Nov

All cats and dogs within WA are required to be microchipped and registered (dogs from 3 months + and cats from 6 months +) as per the Dog Act 1976 and Cat Act 2011. Cats are also required to be sterilised unless exempt under the Cat Act 2011.

This is a reminder that dog and cat registration renewals expire as of 31 October annually so in order to renew, you need to touch base with the Shire from 1 November to undertake a renewal (unless your pet already has a Lifetime Registration). Registrations can be renewed for either one or three years. Lifetime registration is also available. Either download and complete the relevant form from our website and email it back to us via mail@gingin.wa.gov.au or pop into either our Gingin Admin Centre or our Lancelin Office to complete the form and pay for your renewal.

A breakdown of renewal fees as per the Dog Act 1976 and Cat Act 2011 can be viewed as follows:

DOGS - STERILISED
Standard - 1 yr = $20, 3 yrs = $42.50 or Lifetime = $100
Pensioner/Concession - 1 yr = $10, 3 yrs = $21.25 or Lifetime = $50

DOGS - UNSTERILISED
Standard - 1 yr = $50, 3 yrs = $120 or Lifetime = $250
Pensioner/Concession - 1 yr = $25, 3 yrs = $60 or Lifetime = $125

CATS - (to be sterilised unless exempt as per the Cat Act 2011)
Standard - 1 yr = $20, 3 yrs = $42.50 or Lifetime = $100
Pensioner/Concession - 1 yr = $10, 3 yrs = $21.25 or Lifetime = $50

MOVED HOME OR CHANGED YOUR CONTACT DETAILS?
Please update your pet's registration details with us if you've moved to the Shire of Gingin or within the Shire to a new address. By doing so, you will help us to be able to easily return your pet to you should they get lost and be collected by the Rangers.

If you have moved out of the Shire of Gingin, please touch base with your new local government to transfer your pet's details to them. You should also contact us when you move for your Registration Certificate to take to your new local government which will make it easier to do your pet transfer.

If you've changed your phone number or email then it is also a good idea to update those with us in order to ensure we can contact you quickly should your pet end up in the pound.

HAS YOUR PET PASSED AWAY?
If your fur baby has passed away, please let us know so that we can update their details in our system.

If you have any queries regarding the registration of your pet, please contact the Shire's Rangers on (08) 9575 5140.

Are your Fire Breaks ready for inspection?

From 1 November inspections of your fire breaks and your property for hazard compliance will commence.
As a measure to control and/or prevent the spread of bush fires within the Shire of Gingin, all owners and occupiers of land within the Shire's district are required to clear fire breaks and maintain those fire breaks from November to May annually (this includes re-doing your breaks should additional rainfall cause fresh growth throughout the summer season).

Your Fire Break Orders (issued by post earlier this year) contain instructions for what your requirements are. If you have misplaced your copy however, then copies are available online from the Shire's website

FIRE BREAK CONTRACTORS
Your Orders also contain a list of Fire Break Contractors and their contact details if you need assistance with undertaking your fire breaks.

ADDITIONAL WORKS
Once inspections commence you may receive a works notice to undertake additional work. This happens from time to time when your fuel load is calculated to be too high by the inspecting officer.

You are encouraged in the first instance to contact the officer who issued the notice to discuss the required works if you have any queries. More information about fuel loads is available from the following fact sheet on the Shire's website

Together we can help reduce the bush fire risk for this bushfire season to ensure the safety of our community, firefighters and yourself. 

ROAD VERGE SLASHING
It has been brought to the Shire's attention that there is some confusion around the slashing of road verges and who's responsibility it is. The Shire of Gingin can clarify the following: 
  • Residents are not liable for their own verges and will not be prosecuted if the verge isn’t maintained.
  • For safety reasons the Shire will slash one mower row width from the edge of seal as a minimum and may slash to the fence line if time and resources permit and if practical.
  • Residents are encouraged to mow/slash/maintain their verges for added fire safety (but do so at own risk, e.g. it is important to wear personal protective equipment, be traffic aware, etc. while undertaking any work)
  • The only liability to a landowner is if they do not install and maintain their fire breaks in accordance with the Shire’s Fire Break Orders.
The Shire is under no obligation to slash any verges within its district and it is not possible to do to the fence line for over 923km of roads throughout the district. However, for ease of line of sight and other safety reasons, the Shire will undertake as much verge side slashing as it is capable of doing annually prior to the commencement of the fire season. The Shire may also vary where it does slash annually dependent upon the fuel load levels within the verge. It should further be noted that: 
  • Roads act as 7m wide fire breaks. With the addition of 1m slashing either side of the road, this then becomes 9m. 
  • Vegetation in verges is also important for providing shelter for local wildlife and to create windbreaks which protects against wind erosion. 
For any queries in relation to your obligations (or the Shire's) please contact the Chief Bush Fire Control Officer on 0408 943 576

Lancelin Vaccination Clinic from 3-4 November

No bookings are required for this COVID-19 vaccination community clinic in Lancelin at the Lancelin Hall Community Centre on Miragliotta St. The clinic will operate on 3 November from 11am - 6pm and also on 4 November from 8.30am - 1.30pm. Pop in at any time. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What vaccines are available at this clinic?
A. Pfizer only

Q. Are non-Australians able to have the vaccination? For example foreign workers assisting with picking fruit.
A. Yes

Q. Are seniors who are not vaccinated and previously were eligible for Astra Zeneca able to be vaccinated at this Pfizer vaccine clinic?
A. Yes

Q. What identification and cards are required to be eligible for vaccination?
A. You can bring the following to your COVID-19 vaccination appointment:
  • Photo ID / Student Card / Driver’s License / Passport etc
  • Your Medicare card, ONLY if you have one
  • Relevant employee ID if you are eligible for a vaccine because of your employment
  • Information about any of your medical conditions, particularly allergies or bleeding disorders
  • Information about any medications you are taking
  • Information about any vaccines you have had in the past 14 days
  • Information about any previous COVID-19 vaccine received (vaccine brand and date of vaccination).
Further information is available at Roll Up for WA or HealthyWA.

Upcoming Events

Public Notices & Employment

ADOPTED POLICY 1.44 - REGIONAL PRICE PREFERENCE
 
On 19 October 2021 the Shire of Gingin adopted a regional price preference policy which applies to the following regions:

Region 1: The area encompassed by the boundaries of the Shire of Gingin

Region 2: The area encompassed by the boundaries of the Shires of Chittering, Dandaragan and Victoria Plains

Policy 1.44 forms part of the Shire’s Policy Manual which is viewable by clicking here. Alternatively, a copy of the policy can be obtained from the Shire’s Gingin Administration Centre or Lancelin Office upon request.

Aaron Cook
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

EMPLOYMENT - EXECUTIVE MANAGER OPERATIONS & ASSETS
UP TO A 5 YEAR CONTRACT POSITION - PACKAGE UP TO $186,200

The Shire of Gingin has an exciting opportunity available for a highly motivated, experienced and skilled person to take on the important role of Executive Manager Operations & Assets. This position is a key management and leadership role responsible for ensuring the Shire’s Works/Operations and Asset Management obligations are met including major Capital Works Projects, Contract and Project Management and all corporate reporting associated with the projects.

This position is being offered on the basis of a contract of up to 5 years with a remuneration package of up to $186,200 per annum, consisting of a cash salary between $102,000 - $134,000, private use of a council vehicle, superannuation up to 15%, subsidised housing (if required) and professional development.

TO APPLY 
Applicants may view a copy of the Position Description and apply online via www.gingin.wa.gov.au/employment.

Alternatively written applications may be emailed to mail@gingin.wa.gov.au or posted to Mr Aaron Cook, Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Gingin, PO Box 510, Gingin WA 6503 and marked “Private & Confidential” by 4pm on Monday, 8 November 2021. A police clearance and medical check will be required later in the process.

Applicants should include a Cover Letter outlining their interest in the position, a separate document (maximum of 3 pages) regarding their ability to meet the requirements of the role as outlined in the Selection Criteria (refer page 2 of the Position Description) and a current CV.

ENQUIRIES:
Contact Aaron Cook, Chief Executive Officer, on (08) 9575 5125.

*Note: Canvassing of Councillors will disqualify your application.

Aaron Cook
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

EMPLOYMENT - SENIOR RATES OFFICER
FULL TIME

The Shire of Gingin is seeking the skills and talents of a dynamic, experienced person to take on the position of Senior Rates Officer. This full-time role would suit someone that has the ability to gain cooperation and assistance from clients, members of the public and other employees in the administration of defined activities and in the supervision of other employees.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU
  • Sound knowledge of rating systems and previous experience with rates modelling, budget and budget review principals;
  • Working knowledge of land transfer and valuation processes, ability to update the rates system in line with subdivision advice; and
  • Previous experience carrying out pensioner rebate claims and sound knowledge of debt recovery procedures.
WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOU
  • A welcoming, supportive team environment;
  • Salary range of $71,195.80 - $74,899.65 plus superannuation up to 15%;
  • Four weeks paid annual leave, 17.5% leave loading plus 2 additional government holidays per year;
  • Professional development opportunities;
  • Provision of salary packaging options; and
  • Attractive working location and free parking.
TO APPLY
Applicants may view a copy of the Position Description and apply online via www.gingin.wa.gov.au/employment.

Alternatively written applications may be emailed to mail@gingin.wa.gov.au or posted to Mr Aaron Cook, Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Gingin, PO Box 510, Gingin WA 6503 and marked “Private & Confidential” by 4pm on Tuesday, 9 November 2021. A police clearance and medical check will be required later in the process.

Applicants should include a Cover Letter outlining their interest in the position, a separate document (maximum of 3 pages) regarding their ability to meet the requirements of the role as outlined in the Selection Criteria (refer pages 1 & 2 of the Position Description) and a current CV.

ENQUIRIES
  • Genesia Koorasingh, Human Resources Officer – (08) 9575 5124
  • Karina Leonhardt, Coordinator Corporate Services – (08) 9575 5147
*Note: Canvassing of Councillors will disqualify your application.

Aaron Cook
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Community Opportunities & Information

STRONGER COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAMME NOW OPEN

Grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 are available for community organisations and local governments in Pearce for small capital projects that deliver social benefits for local communities.

For more information, visit Christian Porter's website

*Note - although it has been announced that the Federal region the Shire is in will be changing to Durack (from Pearce) this won't take effect until the next Federal election next year. Hence, this is why residents of the Shire of Gingin need to apply for this through Christian Porter's website as the Shire remains part of the Pearce region for now. 

 
HERITAGE GRANTS OPPORTUNITY

The Heritage Council’s Heritage Grants Program is now open for applications. This program offers matched-funding assistance to projects that conserve or celebrate one or more State Registered Heritage Places. If you are an owner of a State Registered place, a local government, not-for-profit organisation or business, you may be eligible to apply for funding assistance under the program. If you are an owner of a place on the Heritage Council’s Assessment Program you may also be eligible to apply.

For more information and to view the eligibility criteria visit www.wa.gov.au/heritage-grants.

An information webinar on the Heritage Grants Program will be held on Wednesday, 20 October 2021. To participate in the webinar, please register your interest via the above link.

If you have any questions in relation to the program, please contact the Senior Heritage Grants Administrator via HCWAincentives@dplh.wa.gov.au or call (08) 6552 4031.

Applications close 4pm on Friday, 10 December 2021.

Got Questions? We've got Answers! 

Local government is more than just roads, rates and rubbish – in today’s modern world we handle a wide range of services and issues right across the Shire of Gingin.
 
We’ll continue working hard to keep you informed and up-to-date with the latest happenings throughout the Shire however sometimes you may have a question on a topic we haven’t talked about in a while or perhaps you want to report an issue you’ve noticed. In this case we more than welcome your questions, feedback and reports!
 
Contact the Shire on (08) 9575 5100 / mail@gingin.wa.gov.au or drop us a line on our Facebook page.

Let's work together to stop the spread of COVID-19

Please practice good hand hygiene and social distancing

 WA COVID-19 HOTLINE 132 68 43


AUSTRALIAN COVID-19 HOTLINE 1800 020 080

For more information visit: 
WA State Government's website -  www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus
Shire of Gingin's webpage -  www.gingin.wa.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19.aspx
COVID-19 Disclaimer: The information contained in this publication is general guidance and should not replace professional advice concerning individual circumstances. The pandemic continues to evolve and the accuracy of the information contained in this newsletter cannot be guaranteed should the situation have changed following the date of issue for this newsletter. 
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