Weekly update - Friday 11 July 2025

Published on 11 July 2025

Download PDF of news for Friday 11 July >(PDF, 2MB)

25 YEARS OF SERVICE

On 10 July in the year 2000, Sharon started as a casual helping out our Records Department with administration work. One day per week she also filled in on the Customer Service desk.

Word spread, and soon she was assisting several departments in Council to catch up on paperwork.

A few years later, when the main Council offices moved to Nolan Street, Sharon was fulltime helping our community at the front desk.

The job’s not always easy, but she still loves being closely connected with residents and businesses from across the Shire.

Her experience and familiar, friendly chats will continue to help you over the phone and at our Customer Service desk – hopefully for many more years to come.

Well done Sharon, and congratulations!

PARKING UPDATE

Central Business District

Our parking officers support local businesses by ensuring regular availability of convenient parking near their stores. As they rotate the areas covered throughout the week, they notice some vehicles repeatedly over-staying their welcome.

Exceeding the time limit incurs a fine of $70. Penalties for other offences, such as parking illegally or in a disabled space without an approved parking sticker, can be much higher.

Nature Strips

In response to community feedback, we’ve been focusing on nature strip parking. In areas of concern, we’ve dropped information flyers to remind residents why it’s important to stick to the rules:

It blocks footpaths and forces pedestrians to walk on the road
Vehicles can damage infrastructure both above and below the ground
It prevents emergency personnel from accessing key infrastructure
Pedestrians are less visible to oncoming cars
It restricts access for wheelchairs, scooter and pram users

We’ll soon begin issuing infringement notices to those putting community safety and nature strip infrastructure at risk. Infringement Notices will be sent by mail.

For further information visit:

www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/ParkedOver

HOT WATER SAVINGS

Learn how new technology can reduce energy using the latest in hot water appliances.

Join the free lunch’n’learn online session introducing hot water heat pumps on Tuesday 22 July from 12.30pm and screened live at Mill House, Maryborough.

These fascinating devices work the same way as your fridge – but in reverse by removing heat from outside air and transferring it to your hot water.

To see the full program of events and book in visit: www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/EmPower or call our Customer Service team on 5461 0610.

REGISTER NOW

Energy Breakthrough 2025 is just around the bend in November!

Community groups and clubs can join in to raise much-needed funds in our biggest community event of the year, plus contribute to the hosting of thousands of visitors.

The award-winning community event is run by a small team of staff and an army of fantastic volunteers.

Expressions of interest are now open for community groups to get involved. Opportunities range from track set up to, recycling, marshalling, bin fairies and much more.

Applications close 25 July.

To join in the fun, visit: www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/EnergyBreakthrough-EOI

HOLIDAY FUN!

There’s still plenty of fun for the holidays with a new book installed at the StoryWalk in Phillips Gardens, a third Sports Equipment Library opening for free lending, and the Maryborough Toy Library running regular stay’n’play sessions.

Sports Equipment Libraries:

Maryborough Regional Library, 91 Nolan Street – skateboards, scooters, safety gear. Library Cards accepted. Phone 5461 9111
Dunolly Neighbourhood House, 18 Havelock Street - basketballs, netballs, cricket bats, footies, tennis racquets, scooters, skateboards, and safety gear. Free registration. For bookings phone 5468 1511
Maryborough Community House, 23 Primrose Street - basketballs, netballs, cricket bats, footies, tennis racquets. Free registration. Phone 5461 4551

These free lending libraries have been set up with support from Healthy Loddon Campaspe.

For other events and activities over the winter holidays, be sure to check our Winter Holiday Calendar by visiting:

www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/WinterFun2025

TOILET REPAIRS

Our Facilities and Maintenance team has advised of the closure of the men’s toilet in the Pioneer Reserve, Talbot this week. The accessible female toilet is still open.

The toilet block at the Soldiers Memorial Park on Heales Street also remains open as an alternative public facility.

The combination of emergency sewer repairs and the necessary re-tiling will take until next week to complete, with the work prioritised so the facility is available for the next Talbot Farmer’s Market on Sunday 20 July.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

For years Josh has been walking on the footpaths around Maryborough, and during his week of work experience with our Roads and Works crew he learned how to build them!

It can be hard work – especially in extreme weather, but our crew takes pride in its work, knowing it will serve the community for decades to come.

Year 10 students have been with us for work experience across many roles in Council, learning how to provide valued services to our local community.

P1240905.josh.roads.works.GRAB.jpg

GRANTS OPEN

Our 2025-2026 Community Grants Program is now open, with $46,250 up for grabs by not-for-profit community groups who would like to deliver a project, activity or event, for example:

Community Development – encouraging participation, allows expansion of a program, enables an event
Creativity and Innovation - typically those that support creativity, artistic expression, or use of technology to provide services
Physical Infrastructure – building improvements, new equipment, design or prep work for future growth, participation in sport or other community activities
Climate Action - efforts to address the impacts of climate change like going solar, reducing impacts, improving resilience

Before applying, be sure to contact our Coordinator Community Development Terence Jaensch on 0477 621 577 or email: terence.jaensch@cgoldshire.vic.gov.au

Applications close 29 July. You can see a list of the grants received last year, or start your application online by visiting:

www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/Grants2024