Mayor's Message – 1 October 2025
Published on 01 October 2025
Hi everyone,
I hope you’ve been enjoying the beautiful weather. I’ve been spending lots of time in the garden enjoying the sun, with the cats and dog keeping me company. My kids have been in Queensland with their dad over the school holidays, so I’ve been appreciating having a little less to juggle – though I miss them a lot!
We’ve been keeping busy at Council as usual and I’d like to share a few highlights from the last month.
FLO and VM visit
It was a pleasure to get to spend some more time hanging out with young people this month, as I was invited to visit Flexible Learning Options (FLO) and Vocational Major (VM) students at Castlemaine Secondary College.
The FLO program offers students who are at risk of disengaging with “mainstream” school (or who already have) a more flexible and individualised way to learn. VM is a way to achieve VCE that is more focused on applied learning, work-related skills and personal development, and doesn’t require students to take exams.
As I told the students I got to spend time with, I would have been a FLO or VM student if those pathways had existed when I was in high school.
I speak openly about my challenging teen years. I had a rough time from Year 9 and did a lot of “wagging” from that time onwards, before dropping out of school at the beginning of Year 10 when I was 15. I just couldn’t be there anymore.
I got a job at the Old Castlemaine Gaol, which was then under the management of CVGT, a training provider, and worked in the kitchen while undertaking my Certificate III in Hospitality Operations.
I was also lucky to complete the rest of my schooling without going to school, through Netschool in Bendigo and then through Distance Education Victoria.
I like to share my story, especially with young people who are having a hard time with school. I think there are many different pathways in life and “mainstream” school doesn’t suit everyone.
It’s good to remind young people, and myself, that just because you have a rough patch or can’t do things the same way as others, you can still have a happy and fulfilling life, and achieve the things you want.
Getting there might just look a little different. I always end by telling them that they, too, could be the Mayor one day. Unfortunately, very few of them are keen.
Sorry, this devolved into a bit of a story about myself, but I think it’s worth sharing.
Spending time with the FLO and VM students was enjoyable and interesting. It was great to hear them talk about what they want for themselves in the future and to better understand some of the barriers they’re experiencing in getting there.
They told me some of the things they liked about living here, and lots and lots of things that they think would make our shire better for young people.
Gee, they had some great ideas, though I did have to inform them that I don’t think there’ll be a McDonalds or KFC coming anytime soon.
Citizenship Ceremony
It a joy to preside over another Citizenship Ceremony this month, our third and final one of the year.
As I’ve said before, Citizenship Ceremonies are one of the nicest things I get to be a part of as Mayor, and I’m always honoured that I get to play a small role in people’s journeys to becoming Australian citizens.
We welcomed 12 new Australians to our shire this month and celebrated with their friends and family afterwards, enjoying some classic Australian food.
As usual, Uncle Rick Nelson provided an individual blessing to each person after they’d taken their pledge, welcoming them to Djaara Country.
It was wonderful to talk to people and hear their stories, and how they’d ended up in our shire.
And, I got to meet a little girl called Rosie!
Castlemaine and Harcourt Bowling Clubs
As the pleasant days continue and the sun shines more and more, it can only mean one thing: bowls season is upon us.
I had the pleasure of attending two bowling season commencements this month, at Castlemaine Bowling Club and Harcourt Bowling Club, and I am happy to report that I am better at bowls than I used to be!
At the Castlemaine Bowling Club, I bowled the first bowl of the season, alongside two club members and gave a brief speech. The speech was pretty good, but I hadn’t got my aim in yet so my bowl wasn’t.
I spent a pleasant afternoon practicing on a rink of my own, chatting to club members and being very impressed at their bowling skills. I also did one or two very good bowls myself, and walked away with a beautiful bunch of flowers and a real sense of pride.
My kids accompanied me to the Harcourt Bowling Club the following weekend to celebrate, not only the start of their 2025/2026 season but also their 70th anniversary – a wonderful achievement!
Lisa Chesters MP and Maree Edwards MP were also in attendance, as well as a number of other VIPs. There were speeches, comradery, good food, lots of laughing and even a cake!
After the formalities, I took the kids outside and “taught” them how to bowl, until a kind club member gave us all an actual lesson. We all really enjoyed it!
Congratulations to the Harcourt Bowling Club on 70 years of bringing people together for bowls, community and connection.
And to all those starting their bowling season, I wish you all the best!
September Council Meeting
Our September Council Meeting was a BIG one!
Of particular note, though, was the adoption of the Council Plan 2025-2029 and the Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan 2025-2029.
These are two of the biggest pieces of work that we develop during our Council term, and will guide our priorities and strategic direction over the next four years.
I baked two cakes to celebrate – that’s how important they are!
Essential to developing these plans is hearing from community members and local businesses and organisations, so thank you to all those who contributed to shaping these plans!
Council Plan
The Council Plan comprises five focus areas, with objectives and strategic priorities under each. The focus areas are:
- Communities – Healthy, connected and inclusive communities
- Natural environments – Enhanced and protected natural environments
- Infrastructure – Appropriate, accessible and climate-resilient infrastructure
- Wellbeing economies – Thriving economies that serve the wellbeing of people, place and the environment
- Organisation – A responsive, trusted and effective Council
You can view the entire plan here.
It’s a fantastic document and something we’re very proud of. I know we’re all excited to start putting the plan into action and achieving good things for and with our communities.
Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan (MPHWP)
The MPHWP, you’ll be unsurprised, focuses on what Council, in partnership with other government, health and community organisations, will do over the next four years to protect, promote and improve community health and wellbeing across the shire.
It’s structured around six strategic priorities, informed by extensive consultation, alignment with key local organisations and some worrying statistics.
The strategic priorities are:
- Improving wellbeing
- Increasing healthy eating and food security
- Increasing active living
- Reducing harm from alcohol and drug use
- Tackling climate change and its impacts on health
- Preventing violence and promoting gender equity
You can view the entire MPHWP here.
Again, it’s a fantastic document and it’s something we’re very proud of. From here, we’ll work with partner organisations, including Dhelkaya Health, Women’s Health Loddon Mallee, Nalderun, Castlemaine Community House and Healthy Loddon Campaspe to turn this plan into actions.
Community consultation opportunities
There are a few pieces of work that we’re currently asking for community feedback on, including:
- Industrial Strategy and Industrial Design Guidelines (until 3 October)
- Council Property Leasing and Licensing Policy Review 2025 (until 8 October)
- Rural Land Use Strategy (until 12 October)
You can view these documents and provide feedback on Shape Mount Alexander.
Mount Alexander Business Awards
It’s not too late to vote for your favourite of the 46 local businesses, nominated for a Mount Alexander Business Award, to determine the winner of the People’s Choice Award!
The winners for all categories will be announced at a special event on 19 November. Voting closes on October 12 so click here and get your vote in now!
Australia Day Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, presented each year at our Australia Day – Survival Day event on 26 January.
These awards acknowledge people whose actions make a difference in our shire and our communities, as well as celebrating a local community event.
The categories are:
- Citizen of the Year
- Young Citizen of the Year (under 26)
- Senior Citizen of the Year (over 65)
- Community Event of the Year (including online events)
So, do you know an outstanding community member who deserves recognition, or want to celebrate a local event that made your year?
Find more information and get your nominations in here before 5.00pm on 1 December.
Listening post
Finally, if you’re keen to chat to me about something in person, I’m holding a listening post this Saturday 4 October at the West End Fair, at the West End Hall, from 11.00am to 1.00pm.
Check here for details of other upcoming listening posts or face-to-face consultation opportunities!
That’s it from me (for now).
Mayor Rosie Annear
Mount Alexander Shire Council