Strathbogie Shire Council

Friday, 21 July, 2017

Strathbogie Shire Council is reminding residents of brand new State Government legislation that restricts people from smoking outside cafes, restaurants and licensed premises where food and alcohol are served.

The legislation, in effect as of Tuesday, 1 August 2017, affects all restaurants, cafes, take-away shops and licensed premises, including courtyard dining areas and footpath dining with new bans on smoking (and e-smoking) across Victoria.

Smoking will be banned in the following areas:

 In outdoor areas at hospitality and food venues during the times food is available

 In all outdoor areas at food fairs

 Within 10 metres of a food stall or food vendor at an organised outdoor event.

Council would like to work with all local business and the public to ensure people are made aware of the changes and of their obligations to comply.

As of 1 August, all venues will need to display ‘no smoking’ signage to indicate smoke-free areas.

However, snacks can be consumed in outdoor drinking areas where smoking is permitted (snacks must be pre-packaged, shelf stable food e.g. potato crisps).

Mayor Amanda McClaren said it was important business owners had a clear understanding of the reform requirements relating to their business.

"Failing to comply (with the new legislation) could mean people facing on-the-spot fines for not only the business owner but also any person smoking in the restricted area," she said.

"By keeping the Shire’s outdoor dining areas smoke-free, we protect the community from second-hand smoke, support people in quitting smoking and improves everyone’s outdoor dining experience."

Council has written to all food venue owners currently operating in the Strathbogie Shire, with the State Government providing relevant signage and information packs about the legislation.

If you require further information on the new tobacco reform, please visit www.health.vic.gov.au/tobaccoreforms or call the Tobacco Information Line on 1300 136 775.

Thursday, 20 July, 2017

Three bluestone pavers were installed at the Travellers Rest on Kirkland Avenue last week, in honour of the Strathbogie Shire’s Victoria Cross Recipients.

The pavers are part of a State Government initiative, in conjunction with the Victorian Anzac Centenary Committee, to help Victorians connect with their Anzac Centenary stories.

The three pavers, in honour of VCs Lieutenant Leslie Maygar, Corporal Alexander Burton and Lieutenant Frederick Tubb, provide a great opportunity for locals and visitors stopping in Euroa to acknowledge the gallant efforts of these men.

Victoria currently has 32 Victoria Cross recipients, and each town will receive a bluestone paver in their honour.

Euroa is a place of considerable significance as the only area in the entire Commonwealth to be home to three citizens granted the prestigious award.

Visitors to the Travellers Rest are also directed to the opposite end of Kirkland Avenue to the three bronze life-size statues immortalising Maygar, Burton and Tubb at the special tribute at VC Memorial Park.

Dubbed ‘Honouring Our Heroes’, the $300,000 was a five-year project, undertaken by a small group of locals to create a memorial for the three VCs and was officially opened in 2014.

The project was especially significant for the families of the VCs, with both the Burton and Tubb lines continuing in this district today and Maygar’s Hill, just north of Longwood, named in Lt Maygar’s honour.

The statues contain storyboards which give visitors the opportunity to discover their remarkable tales of bravery.

Thursday, 13 July, 2017

Strathbogie Shire Council is partnering with energy experts Yarra Energy Foundation (YEF) to bring Shire residents, businesses, clubs, farms, weekenders and off-grid properties the opportunity to learn more about solar energy and purchase at a bulk buy price.

The Bogie Bulk Buy Program, which will run for the next 12 months, gives residents the opportunity to gain free expert advice from YEF, 9am-5pm on weekdays.

Council are holding five free solar information sessions in Euroa, Violet Town, Avenel, Nagambie and Strathbogie, between July and September, to provide residents with impartial expert advice.

The launch of the program, and the first session, will be held at the Euroa Memorial Oval on Saturday 29 July, from 10am-12.30pm.

Council have engaged YEF as they are an independent board of industry professionals who have conducted a rigorous procurement and audit process of solar contractors to find the best fit for the Shire.

YEF has selected Cherry Energy Solutions, a reliable solar supplier with decades of experience in the solar and low-energy lighting industry.

Both parties have collaborated to produce a high quality and cost-effective solar offering for Shire residents.

Hayley Purbrick, Environmental Manager at Tahbilk Winery, said she believed the application of solar was a positive step in the right direction for the business.

"Our decision to move to solar made sense as we wanted to be able to support future generations to continue to work and enjoy Tahbilk, which means making decisions to ensure our future viability," she said.

She said with current energy prices on the rise, Hayley encourages businesses and individuals to take the time to explore solar as an energy option.

"Do your homework on your solar provider, complete a cost benefit analysis and get in before the renewable energy rebates expire in 2030.

"If you plan on being in business for more than five years, the investment makes sense," she said.

Strathbogie Shire Mayor Amanda McClaren said the Bogie Bulk Buy is one of Council’s on-the-ground approaches to helping residents live sustainably into and beyond the next decade.

Cr McClaren said the program aims to assist residents in overcoming the knowledge barriers associated with purchasing solar.

"The Bogie Bulk Buy program is one of several things Council is doing to bring to life our Sustainable Strathbogie 2030 Plan.

"We are committed to supporting residents, businesses and producers to live smarter and healthier in a changing climate by empowering our communities to make decisions about their energy future," she said.

A letter was sent out to households last week with all the information they need to be a part of the program.

To attend one of the information sessions, access Strathbogie Shire Council website and click on the ‘Bogie Bulk Buy’ button on the homepage.

From there you can follow the link at the bottom of the page to register.

Wednesday, 12 July, 2017

The Nagambie Lakes Men’s Shed has moved into its new home following a joint funding effort from several passionate community groups and government organisations.

Until now, the Men’s Shed have been using a single garage at the rear of the old Scout Hall, with all workshop activities having to be brought out into the weather, which limited members’ abilities and made it unviable for the shed community to grow.

But with a $60,000 grant from the Department of Health and Human Services, as well as funding from Strathbogie Shire Council ($5000), the Australian Men’s Shed Association ($12,500), Bendigo Bank ($8500) and the Men’s Shed itself, a brand new facility has been built on Filson Street.

This new facility provides a 22.5mx7.5m shed with a 15m long workshop, accessible toilet, sizeable kitchen and lounge area, which are perfect for meetings and social gatherings.

In the pipeline since 2015, the project is testament to the various organisations involved in getting it off the ground, such as the Men’s Shed and Nagambie Lion’s Club, who provided the plumbing.

The Men’s Shed has worked hard over the years to assist with funding, applications for additional works to complete the project, including three phase power, extra tools and many donations and resources by funding bodies and the community.

Strathbogie Shire Mayor Amanda McClaren said the new men’s shed is perfect for Nagambie and district.

"(It provides) members with a facility that men can use for workshop, tools, equipment and storage of materials," she said.

"Men Sheds are important parts of any local community. They provide a positive and uplifting meeting space for men of all ages who may want something extra to do during their retirement or spare time.

"They also provide a great service for the communities they are a part of, which is why now is the perfect time to get involved."

The Nagambie Lakes Men’s Shed is always on the lookout for new projects and minor repairs.

The Shed will be open on Wednesday and Friday from 9am-2pm, with tea and coffee provided.

For more information, contact Men’s Shed President David Keall on 0433 435 145.