Southern Grampians Now - October 2022

Welcome

We have have seen devastating floods and intense rain events hit the State with, thus far, thankfully minimal impact within the Southern Grampians region. While we watch the massive clean up effort underway across Victoria, we send our best wishes to all those impacted and give a massive shout out to everyone involved in keeping our communities safe during these catastrophic events.

In Council news, this month we have seen some great initiatives and projects progress with round one of the Greater Grants program delivering over $70,000 to support our local community groups. The Greater Grants plus a sponsorship deal with Cricket Victoria, and funding allocated to the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre seating replacement project will have a positive impact on our community for years to come.

October Council Meeting

Outcome highlights from the Wednesday 12 October 2022 Council Meeting:

Council noted $35,384.97 for Greater Grants as approved under delegation and resolved to allocate $35,449 as per the projects outlined in the Council minutes.

Council adopted the recommendations from Arborist reports to remove 13 Lagunaria Paterson (Itchy Bomb) trees from May Street in Hamilton between Park Street and Bree Road and replant with more suitable species. Council adopted the recommendation to remove two London Plane Trees in Whyte Street Coleraine. Removed trees will be replanted with more suitable species and remaining trees will be subject to a maintenance schedule. Council also endorsed to continue to engage with Coleraine residents to resolve infrastructure issues in Whyte Street.

Council accepted the grant of $150,000 through Creative Victoria's Creative Neighbourhoods Infrastructure Support Program and reallocated $50,000 from savings in the 2022/23 operational budget with the balance of the cost of works of $70,000 to be funded from the capital works program for the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre seating refurbishment.

Council considered the Annual Report for the 2021/22 year including the progress of the implementation of the Council Plan 2021-25.

Council resolved to enter into a three year sponsorship agreement with Cricket Victoria to support the Under 16 Premier League Carnival in December and other Cricket Victoria activities with $10,000 allocated per annum to be reviewed each year.

Australia Day Award Nominations Now Open

Did you know our Australia Day Award nominations are now open? Each year, the awards are presented to individuals and groups in recognition of their achievements across the Southern Grampians which are celebrated with the community.

If you know someone who has gone above and beyond to support or demonstrate a commitment to the Southern Grampians community, nominate them for an Australia Day Award.

Categories include Young Citizen of the Year for residents aged under 25; Citizen of the Year for residents over 25; Community Event of the Year; and Community Recognition.

You can nominate easily online (using the link below) or visit Council's Customer Service Office at 111 Brown Street for a paper copy. Nominations close Friday 18 November 2022.

Greater Grants - Round One

Congratulations to everyone who took the time to apply for funding assistance via round one of our Greater Grants program. This round, we have been able to allocate almost $71,000 which will enable approximately $120,000 worth of community driven and innovative projects to get off the ground.

We are continually impressed with the ideas and quality of projects coming from the grassroots of our community with this round being no exception. Applications were spread across a number of categories including community strengthening, arts and culture, infrastructure, events and tourism, sustainability, and heritage.

Round two of the 2022/23 Greater Grants program will open early in the new year. Visit our website or contact staff on 5573 0444 for eligibility criteria and information on the next round.

Hamilton Performing Arts Centre Seat Replacement

The Hamilton Performing Arts Centre (HPAC) new seating project continues to progress with Council allocating $120,000 to the refurbishment at the October Council Meeting.

The funding will bolster the $150,000 received from Creative Victoria’s Creative Neighbourhoods Infrastructure Support Program for the seating replacement in the Handbury Auditorium. $50,000 has been reallocated from an underspend in the 2022/23 budget and an estimated $70,000 from the long-term capital works program will see this important project through to completion.

With seating now close to three decades old, this much needed refurbishment will ultimately improve overall access for those with mobility challenges while importantly bringing HPAC up to industry standards.

Cricket Victoria Sponsorship

Southern Grampians Shire Council has committed to a three-year sponsorship agreement with Cricket Victoria to support the Under 16 Premier League Carnival and other local Cricket Victoria events.

The agreement will be reviewed annually with $10,000 to be allocated from Council’s events budget each year as the events bring clear, long-term community benefits to the region.

The three-year agreement supports key performance indicators of the 2021-25 Council Plan to encourage participation in leisure, recreation and sporting opportunities; to promote appropriate services, facilities and activities for young people; whilst also improving the reputation of the region as a destination of choice for events.

With other Cricket Hubs being finalised in Victoria, there will be greater competition for junior carnivals. This approach locks in Southern Grampians hosting of this event for years to come.

Seniors Festival

It's been great to see our senior residents out and about and enjoying the activities on offer for this year's Seniors Festival.

Our Library staff hosted the extremely popular armchair travel at the Hamilton Cinema followed by a free movie. Residents were able to virtually travel to exotic destinations without leaving the comfort of their chair. We have seen speakers and residents enjoying morning and afternoon teas with Council's final celebration event to be held this Friday 21 October 2022 at the Hamilton Performing Arts Centre with a special Beatles tribute show - The Beatlez.

Thanks to everyone who has attended or organised an event in celebration of our senior residents.