Yarri Yarns

COVID UPDATE

Current as of 18 February 2021: Premier Daniel Andrews has announced from 11:59 pm Wednesday 17 February, Victoria will return to a COVID safe summer situation with slight variations on the pre-lockdown restrictions experienced across the state. To review the updated restrictions, please click here.

Council Services

Council services are now back up and running as normal. Please note that we are still at 50% capacity in the office and staff are still working remotely.

Proposed sale of 51 Gardiner St, Warracknabeal

Council is seeking community feedback about the future sale of 51 Gardiner Street, Warracknabeal. Council has determined that the house is surplus to Council needs and is looking to sell the property.

Community feedback is welcome until 5pm, 28 February 2021. A decision to proceed or not on the sale will be made at the March Ordinary Council meeting.

Recycling Victoria Business Support Fund – Stream 2: Implementation grants

The Recycling Victoria Business Support Fund will support businesses (including not-for-profits and charities) and business-led groups (including trade and industry associations) to identify, develop and implement circular economy approaches within businesses or across supply chains and sectors.

The Fund will primarily target waste prevention and reuse/remanufacture. Innovative recycling approaches will also be supported, where they develop new recycling markets in Victoria. Applications close on 12 March 2021. Click here for more information.

Time to move your business online?

Now is a great time to work ON your business, not IN your business but how can you better adapt your business to a digital operating environment? Maybe it's time to update your website, implement e-commerce or streamline your finance and digital business management. The Small Business Digital Adaptation Program supports eligible Victorian micro and small businesses to trial and then receive access to digital products, tools and training to build digital capability. Applications close 28 February 2021.

We're looking for two new people to join our team!
People & Safety Officer - Warracknabeal (Full-Time)
Community Support Worker - Warracknabeal (Full-Time)
Early Years Teacher - Hopetoun/Beulah (Full-Time)
Click here for more information on these roles and how to apply.

Community Engagement Sessions are now back on as scheduled prior to the 5-day lockdown.

Council invites all residents across the shire to attend a Community Engagement Session to discuss the future needs of their town. The Community Engagement Sessions are the first activity in the extensive process of developing the 2021 – 2024 Council Plan.

The 2021 – 2024 Council Plan will include:

A community vision for the next 10 years: in 2031, what does your town look like, who lives here, what services and infrastructure are needed?
A strategic plan to work towards for the next 4 years: What can we do by 2024 to achieve these community goals?
A financially stable budget plan for the next 10 years: How do we best use Council funds to achieve these goals? What grants and alternative funding opportunities are required?
An Asset Management Plan: We need to plan for maintenance as well as new projects. How do we balance this over time?

This is your opportunity to tell Council what your community needs!

Councillors and Council staff will visit each town to discuss the future needs of each community, including areas such as roads and infrastructure, sport and recreation, economic development and tourism and family and health services.

These forums will assist Council in making informed decisions about the next 10 years for each of our communities. It is important to us that we engage with all members of the community during this process. Tier 1 sessions are a general forum covering all aspects of Council and community. Tier 2 sessions will include specific discussions with Councillors and the extended Senior Leadership Team on 5 areas:

Roads and Infrastructure
Family and Health
Economic Development And Tourism
Sport and Recreation
Council Services

In addition to the community engagement sessions there has been a survey developed to obtain additional information. The survey is available here or at the Customer Service Office. A copy of the survey, as well as a flier detailing the community sessions has been distributed via Australia Post.

For enquiries regarding the sessions please contact Director Community Development and Wellbeing Mr Gavin Blinman on (03) 5398 0131 or email gblinman@yarriambiack.vic.gov.au.

We can't fight this virus alone. Please get tested if you have any of these symptoms: Fever, Runny nose, sore throat, cough, chills or sweats, shortness of breath, loss of sense of smell or taste and then stay home until you get your results.
Help keep you, your family and community safe. Staying apart keeps us together. For details go to https://www.vic.gov.au/coronavirus

Ratepayers are reminded that the third installation of rates is due on 1 March.

Payment can be made at Council’s offices located in Hopetoun and Warracknabeal, Australia Post Offices, POSTbillpay, BPAY or by mail to Yarriambiack Shire Council, PO Box 243, Warracknabeal VIC 3393.

All rates not paid by the respective due dates will be charged interest at the rate of 10% on and from the date which each missed instalment was due.

If you think you may have difficulty paying your rates, please contact Council on 5398 0127 immediately to discuss more suitable methods of payment.

The Warracknabeal Library has commenced this week with new opening hours. Pop in and check out all the new books that arrived during lockdown!

BorrowBox is always open!
BorrowBox is now available online or as an app you can download to your smartphone or mobile device. It allows you to borrow either e-audio or e-books from your local library any time of day from anywhere!

Find us on Instagram!
Yarriambiack Libraries has joined the world of instagram, giving you another way to share, recommend and engage with us. Find us at https://www.instagram.com/yarriambiacklibraries/

YOUR YARRIAMBIACK

19 February 2021 Newsletter