Public notice - 15 December 2020

Victoria is now in the COVIDSafe Summer restrictions. These eased restrictions will let Victorians get back to doing the things they love, while also protecting everything we have worked so hard to achieve. This means that:

• You must carry a face mask with you when you leave home.
• Wearing a face mask is only mandatory on public transport, while in taxis or ride share vehicles, or when going to large retail venues, including shopping centres, supermarkets and department stores.
• Wearing a face mask is strongly recommended indoors and outdoors when you can’t keep 1.5 metres distance from other people.
• You can have up to 30 visitors to your home per day.
• Up to 100 people can meet outdoors in a public place.
• Density rules and limits have eased for restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs.
• Weddings, funerals and religious gatherings can occur with no limits on the number of guests or attendees. Density limits are in place.
• There are also changes to the number of people allowed at community facilities such as libraries, sporting facilities (such as gyms), and entertainment facilities (such as cinemas).

For the latest information on restrictions visit www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus or call the Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 675 398.

Congratulations to Maddison Zarb, who won a $50 voucher for participating in Council's youth survey.

People who live, work or play in the shire are encouraged to apply now to join the Mount Alexander LGBTIQ+ Steering Group (formerly the LGBTIQ+ Roundtable). Council is coordinating the steering group in partnership with Castlemaine Community House, CHIRP Community Health, local health organisations and representatives from the local LGBTIQ+ community. Find an application form and Terms of Reference at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/HaveYourSay. Forms are due by 5.00pm on Friday 18 December. For more information contact Sarah Gradie, Social Equity and Inclusion Officer, on 5471 1790.

Bookings are now open for the YMCA Summer School Holiday Program. The program offers a range of activities for school aged children, and runs from Monday 4 until Wednesday 27 January 2021. Find out more at the school holiday program section of www.childrensprograms.ymca.org.au.

Have you shared your brilliant ideas for local action on climate change? We are working with local organisations on a project to develop at Community Transition Plan to reach zero net emissions by 2030 and build a resilient shire that adapts to climate change. We invite you to join the conversation and share your views, opinions, concerns, values and ideas in all their diversity. Join the conversation at www.oursay.org/znetmountalexandershire.

As the weather warms it’s important to check in on vulnerable and frail-aged neighbours, friends and family. Some things to check when you pop in include:

• Is the cooling switched on?
• Are windows and blinds closed?
• Are they wearing loose, light clothing?
• Are they staying out of the sun and minimising activity?
• Are they drinking enough water? Place a water jug next to them to encourage drinking.
• What is their plan in the event of an emergency? How could you help them?

Find advice and tips at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/heat.

Still have Christmas shopping to do? Preparing for a get together? When it comes to buying presents, decorations, meals and treats, local businesses have got you covered. There is an amazing range of shops and markets to meet all your needs. Tap into local makers, growers and producers to access products or produce direct. If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate, don’t look past the wonderful range of cafes, bars, pubs, wineries and restaurants to relax with family and friends. After the year we’ve had it’s important to remember to shop where your money matters in our community, and help local businesses bounce back and recover.

Provide your feedback on a draft landscape plan for Norwood Hill Recreation Reserve on Maclise Street in Castlemaine. Complete a short online survey by Friday 18 December. We also invite you to provide ideas to inform the development of a masterplan for the Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve. Complete an online survey by Friday 15 January 2021. Plans and surveys are available from the Have Your Say section of Council's website. For more information or to request a printed survey, contact the Active Communities Team on 5471 1700.

Finance Officer – full time, ongoing.
Closes at 9.00am on Monday 4 January 2021.
For more information or to apply visit our website.

The next Council Meeting will be held at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15 December. It will be broadcast live to YouTube.

The Council Column is published in The Midland Express each Tuesday.

Public notice - 15 December 2020.


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