Weekly update - Friday 23 May 2025

Published on 23 May 2025

Download PDF of news for Friday 23 May >(PDF, 2MB)

COUNCIL MEETING

The May Council Meeting will be held on Wednesday 28 May at 6pm. 

The agenda will be available to view at: 

www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/councilmeetings

The meeting will be held in-person at the Maryborough Town Hall and is open to the community to attend. 

The meeting will also be livestreamed to our website at: www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/councilmeetings

NEW LEVY

Last week the Victorian Government passed its controversial Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund (ESVF) following last-minute discussions with crossbench MPs.

This new fund, which is actually a state tax, will greatly impact regional Victoria, particularly our farmers who will carry a disproportionate share of the tax burden.

Council continues to support our Emergency Services who work hard to keep our communities safe, however we do not support a tax that unfairly targets rural Victorians.

Council, through sector advocacy efforts has and will continue to advocate for a fairer and more transparent collection of State taxes, rather than using Council to collect increased taxes on their behalf.

For further information on exactly how this new tax will be calculated, visit:

www.dtf.vic.gov.au/ESVF

EXHIBITION LAUNCH

Join us at Central Goldfields Art Gallery for the exhibition launch of Allegories – Nick Dridan, to be opened by Central Goldfields Shire Mayor Councillor Grace La Vella tomorrow,  Saturday 24 May at 2pm.

Nick Dridan is an artist living in the Pyrenees Ranges of Central Victoria and this is his first solo exhibition at our Gallery. Having grown up in this area, both his memories and direct observation have a role to play in his working method, with each piece telling its own story.

The exhibition opening is free to attend and bookings are not required. Allegories – Nick Dridan is open until 5 October.

GRANDSTAND SAFETY

Following a recent inspection of the Princes Park Grandstand, it was found some sections needed temporary closure for safety reasons.

The staircases at the northern end of the structure are more severely weather affected and not considered safe for spectators. This also includes the standing area halfway up the stairs.

At the southern end, only the standing area has been closed.

We’ll keep you up to date as the problems are assessed and the remediation plan is developed.

GREEN SKIP

Our optional green waste service empties green bins twice monthly on Fridays. However, this May there are three Fridays in the month.

Records show less than half of participants use the service going into winter, which is why our calendar shows a pause in green waste collection and there is no pickup on Friday 30 May.

There are three Fridays in October 2025 as well, and we’ve decided to adjust the calendar and collect green waste three times during that month. Demand for the service is high during spring.

You can check the calendar by visiting:

www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/wastecollection

WORKING TOGETHER

Reconciliation Week is a time for all of us to learn about our shared history, culture, our achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

Two of our major projects, garingilang gatjin wii (‘water and fire garden’ in Dja Dja Wurrung language) and the Welcome Stranger Digital Animation in the Visitor Centre at the historic Maryborough Station, provide moving experiences to remind us of the past and a vision for the future.

Council partnered with DJAARA to deliver the garden and film and the resulting Truth Telling, Healing and Creating for Community on Djaara Country project has been selected as a finalist for the 2025 LGPro Award for Excellence in the First Nations Partnership category.

To see a listing of other events during Reconciliation Week 2025, visit:

www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/Reconciliation2025

HEALTHIER REGION

The Healthy Loddon Campaspe Active Living Census starts on Monday 26 May. This is your chance to share what you think our community needs to be active and healthy.

Plus, if you complete the survey early you have a chance to win a share in a $10,000 prize pool.

For further information visit: www.healthyloddoncampaspe.au/alc

PET REGISTRATIONS

A reminder that animal registrations were due Thursday 10 April.

Please let us know if you no longer have your pet, or if for some reason you have not received your pet’s renewal.

There are big discounts for de-sexed cats and dogs, with further discounts for pensioners. Registration helps us return your pet easily if lost. Fines up to $400 apply for unregistered pets.

You can pay your renewal online using BPAY, by phone on 5461 0610 or visit our Customer Service Centre, 22 Nolan Street, Maryborough.

For further information, including the form for a new registration visit:

www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/RegisterYourPet

NEW ZONE

To improve safety for primary children using the school crossing in Burke Street, Maryborough, a new ‘no parking’ zone has been marked with yellow lines on the road.

This follows persistent illegal parking near the corner of Kars Street, which carries heavy bus traffic at school crossing times.

We thank parents and carers for their cooperation as we improve safety in the area.

KINDER REGISTRATIONS

Registrations for 3 and 4 year old kindergarten in 2026 will open on Monday 2 June.

To find out which kindergarten is best suited to your child we encourage you to head along to the kindergarten open days:

• Californian Gully: Thursday 29 May, 2.30 to 4.30pm
• A.G. Leech: Friday 30 May, 2.30 to 4pm

You can book a tour of any of our other five kinders if you missed their open day by visiting:

www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/centralenrolment

POSITIONS VACANT

For our current career opportunities, please visit:

www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/currentvacancies

TENDERS

Tender documents can be downloaded from Vendor Panel, accessible via Council's website: www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/tenders