Weekly update - Friday 4 July 2025

Published on 04 July 2025

Download PDF of news for Friday 4 July >(PDF, 2MB)

WELCOME!

This week we welcomed our new CEO, Peter Harriott.

From Bendigo, Peter takes over the reins with extensive Victorian local government experience and knowledge, having worked in the sector for the past 30 years.

His appointment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for our organisation.

We extend our gratitude to Sally Jones for her contribution, support and guidance during her time as Interim CEO.
For more details visit: www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/NewCEO  

POOL FUNDING

Our $3 million funding application to the Victorian Government’s Regional Community Sports and Infrastructure fund for the heritage-listed Maryborough Olympic Outdoor Pool Complex has been successful.  

This follows the Federal Government’s $4.5 million funding announcement in April.  

Council will co-contribute a further $1.5 million ($150,000 in the 2025-26 Annual Budget and $1.35 million in future borrowings in the 2026-27 Annual Budget) to the project which will be delivered in two stages.

Stage one will follow negotiations with our contractor to open the learn to swim and octagonal pools with refurbished, accessible changeroom facilities. Stage two will focus on the replacement of the heritage, 50 metre pool.

For further information visit:

www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/PoolFunds

DISABLED TOILETS

The accessible toilet in the Phillips Gardens facilities block was closed last month following a vandal attack.

Due to the seriousness of the damage, our Facilities and Maintenance crew decided to refurbish rather than patch up. The work commenced on Tuesday and is expected to take a few weeks.

Accessible toilets are available at the Maryborough Resource Centre, or at Clarendon Street opposite the Court House.

Male and Female facilities at Phillips Gardens remain open.

GREENING OUR FUTURE

We know that the move to electric vehicles (EVs) is moving fast with plenty of people use our EV charging station outside the Community Hub in Maryborough.

But what about all of the many machines we operate out of our Council Depot?

Road graders, tractors, brush-cutters, lawnmowers, gutter cleaners, water tankers, diggers - the list goes on!

This week our Parks and Open Spaces team took a look at a battery-powered ride-on mower, to assess its performance in comparison to the many "fossil fueled" units we currently use.

There's a plan to take one on board to test properly later in the year, and the idea looks promising.

Watch this space!

SHRINK YOUR BILLS

Learn how insulation can improve the comfort of your home and shrink your power bills, plus dispel the myths and insulate for maximum impact.

Join this free lunch’n’learn online session from 12.30pm to 1.15pm on Monday 7 July. There will also be a live screening at the Talbot Town Hall.

Another lunch’n’learn online session introducing hot water heat pumps will be held 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 to heat your household 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!

The school holidays are here!

Warm up with our big program of fun events and activities over the winter holidays from Central Goldfields Art Gallery, Maryborough Regional Library, our Visitor Centre and the Maryborough Toy Library.

To read, download or print the full calendar of events visit: www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/WinterFun2025

FUTURE PROSPECTS

Playing with puppies and kittens is Jade's reward for the hard work of daily cleaning out of cages at our pound.

It's all part of the job when working with our Local Laws team who manage our animal pounds, parking, school crossings, and a host of other tasks through the week.

Jade chose Local Laws because she'd like to join the Victoria Police Canine Unit after she finishes year 12.

Year 10 students from Maryborough Education Centre and Highview College have been with us for work experience across the many roles in Council providing services to our local community.

OUT NOW

Our free Community Update – Winter Edition is now spread far and wide. Our Shire’s seasonal magazine is released four times each year and is a vital connection to our ongoing work across Central Goldfields.

To learn the latest on the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund, our new tourism guide, Community Grants, compost production, the progress of our Council Plan, and much more, be sure to pick one up.

Read it online at:

www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/communityupdate

or look for a copy in your letterbox.

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 through:

• Community Development – encouraging participation, expansion of a program, enabling 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

You can see a list of the grants received last year, or start your application by visiting:

www.centralgoldfields.vic.gov.au/Grants2024

YOUR HEALTH: OUR REGION

The Active Living Census closes this Sunday, but there’s still time to have your say and win prizes.

Plus you’re helping the Victorian Government’s Healthy Loddon Campaspe initiative develop new programs to improve the health of everyone in our region.

You can start the Census right now by visiting:

www.engage.cgoldshire.vic.gov.au/activelivingcensus

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