Council adopts Annual Report 2024-2025

Published on 23 October 2025

Mount Alexander Shire Council formally adopted the Annual Report 2024-2025 at the Meeting of Council on Tuesday 21 October.

The report outlines Council’s performance and achievements over the past financial year. It also provides a summary of highlights and shares the progress made towards objectives in the 2021-2025 Council Plan, under the pillars of:

• A healthy, connected and inclusive community
• An environment for people and nature
• A resilient and growing local economy

It also includes a number of case studies, service performance indicators, and detail about Council’s financial sustainability and governance arrangements.

Council’s Mayor, Cr Rosie Annear, said the Annual Report is a celebration of Council’s collective effort and shared achievements over the past financial year.

“The Annual Report is informed by our ten-year Community Vision and four-year Council Plan, and highlights the yearly progress we’ve made towards achieving strategic goals and priorities, and how our values guide everything we do,” said Mayor Annear.

“It captures the many ways we’ve worked to strengthen and celebrate our community, protect and enhance our environment and support and enrich our local economy over the past financial year.

“The case studies and Year in Review are a fantastic reminder of the breadth of projects and initiatives we’ve delivered for, and with, our community.

“I’d like to thank our dedicated and passionate Council staff, who provide more than 100 essential services to our community, and my fellow Councillors for their leadership and commitment.

“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved over the past year, and I encourage everyone to explore the report and celebrate the positive impact we’re making together.”

The Annual Report 2024-2025 is available online at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/AnnualReport.

A hard copy is available to view at the Castlemaine Civic Centre.

Mount Alexander Shire Council – Year in Review

Below is a snapshot of our achievements in the 2024-2025 financial year. More detailed information is provided in the ‘Progress Report’ and ‘Performance Statement’ sections of the report.

July 2024

• Hosted the FLIP Winter Children’s Festival, an exciting program of events for kids aged 0-12 and their caregivers.
• Launched the 2024-2025 Phee Broadway Theatre Foyer Exhibition Program, showcasing local artwork.
• Hosted two education sessions for local sporting clubs to learn how to foster safe and positive sporting club environments.
• Commissioned Djaara artist Daikota Nelson to create a mural at the Norwood Hill Recreation Reserve.

August 2024

• Invited community input on improving the streetscapes of Baringhup, Fryerstown, Metcalfe and Sutton Grange.
• Hosted Battle of the Bands, supporting young musicians to perform in a safe and supportive environment.
• Completed reconstruction works on the Baringhup Road Bridge.
• Completed stone drainage works in Maldon, preserving some of the original historic stones.

September 2024

• Delivered the Emergency Planning Assistance program, a community-led free service that helps residents prepare for emergencies like bushfires, floods and storms.
• Became an approved provider of veteran home care services, building on our commitment to continue supporting our older residents.
• Appointed the Mount Alexander Affordable Housing Trust Advisory Committee, continuing our work to address the housing crisis.
• Funded 16 community groups with almost $50,000 as part of our Community Grants program.

October 2024

• Offered our community free green waste disposal to prepare for high-risk weather season.
• Awarded Community Christmas Celebration Grants, supporting festive celebrations across the shire.
• Received the Economic Development Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Award from Economic Development Australia in partnership with Castlemaine Institute.
• Delivered the Be Connected program, providing older residents with digital support.

November 2024

• Celebrated International Day of People with Disability with a free community event.
• Supported 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence by promoting resources and hosting free community events.
• Councillor Rosie Annear was elected Mayor, and Councillor Toby Heydon appointed Deputy Mayor, of Mount Alexander Shire.
• Awarded almost $50,000 in funding to 16 groups to host events across the shire as part of our Event Grants program.

December 2024

• Awarded the 2024 Youth Awards and celebrated with a free community event.
• Opened the all-gender facilities at the Bill Woodfull Recreation Reserve in Maldon.
• Opened the summer Market Building Art Exhibition in Castlemaine, which featured works by over 100 local artists.
• Hosted local artist Julie Millowick’s exhibition at Mechanics Lane in Castlemaine.

January 2025

• Welcomed $12.19 million in funding from the federal government for the redevelopment of Frederick Street and Mechanics Lane in Castlemaine.
• Delivered the Community Satisfaction Survey, an opportunity for residents to rate our performance.
• Hosted the Australia Day – Survival Day community event which included a citizenship and awards ceremony, live music and food trucks.
• Held an emergency relief centre exercise with 35 local government staff across the Loddon Mallee Region, 20 emergency service staff, 15 community members and three training organisers.

February 2025

• Delivered the Castlemaine Careers Fair, which hosted over 500 attendees for workshops, panels, mentoring, networking and an expo.
• Partnered with Hepburn Shire Council to deliver building services across both shires.
• Launched the Eco Art Truck project, celebrating local artists and promoting sustainable living.
• Refurbished the toilets at Victory Park in Castlemaine.

March 2025

• Completed community consultation for the Council Plan 2025-2029, Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025- 2029 and a mid-term review of the 2021- 2031 Community Vision.
• Advocated for federal government funding to deliver a new 22-apartment development in Templeton Street in Castlemaine.
• Awarded almost $50,000 in funding to 17 community groups as part of the Community Grants program.
• Completed drainage upgrades along Campbell Street in Castlemaine. Completed maintenance works on the Froomes Road bridge in Castlemaine.

April 2025

• Opened the Vaughan-Tarilta River low-level crossing.
• Opened the Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve changerooms.
• Secured funding for a community battery at Wesley Hill Stadium.
• Completed upgrades to the Newstead Flood Gate.

May 2025

• Recognised and commemorated Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week with two community events.
• Supported Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson, local artist and illustrator Trace Balla and the Mount Alexander Shire Council Indigenous Roundtable to deliver the Djaara Cultural Mud Map.
• Provided free flu vaccines for children from six months to five years at the Maternal Child Health Centre.
• Re-established the Supported Playgroup program, supporting local families.

June 2025

• Awarded almost $50,000 in funding to 14 community groups to host events across the shire as part of our Event Grants program.
• Partnered with Castlemaine Art Museum and Creative Victoria, who committed $6 million, to begin the redevelopment of the heritage-listed, 1931 building.
• Adopted the 2025-2026 Budget following extensive community consultation.
• Delivered Micro and Small Business Day which hosted over 400 aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners for workshops, panels, mentoring, networking and a business expo.