Next week is Children’s Week and to celebrate, Council, Mallee Family Care and Eloquent Speech Pathology have joined together to host a week-long playgroup.

All activities are free, open to children aged 0 – 12 years and will be held at the Presbyterian Church Hall, 325 Campbell Street in Swan Hill (with the exception of Roving Storytime at the Swan Hill Regional Library).

Council’s Children’s Advocate Leah Farrow said the week-long play group was designed to promote children leading play.

“We really wanted to highlight to families that often play is at its highest quality when it is child lead and has the support of invested adults,” Ms Farrow said.

“So we’ve created a program where families and carers can enjoy activities that offer the time, support and space that children crave to express themselves through play in its many different forms.”

For more information on activities, visit the events section on Council’s Facebook page or contact Leah Farrow on 0428 119 857.

Bookings for activities aren’t required, however all children must be supported by an adult.

This Children’s Week event is presented by Swan Hill Rural City Council, Mallee Family Care and Eloquent Speech Pathology in partnership with the Department of Education and Training.

Activities

Tuesday, 23 October
‘Play all day’ – 10am to 5pm
A time and place to include outlying communities for a play in town.
Refreshments and hospitality will welcome all with a focus on promoting the child directed nature of pop up play. Spaces and materials have been repurposed for play. Families will be exposed to the wide range of “scrap” we have access to in our everyday lives that inspires play.

Wednesday, 24 October
Roving Storytime – 10am to 1pm
Children, parents, carers and businesses will join together to share the enjoyment of reading and storytelling.
Beginning at the Library, roving storytime involves children, their parents and carers taking a guided walk along Swan Hill’s main street. Nursery rhymes are sung during the walk and children will stop in at different businesses along the way. Children will then finish up with a free healthy lunch at the park behind the clock tower, where they will be greeted by emergency services personnel.

Play in the dark – 6.30pm to 8pm
Includes calming play and story before bed.
Children and carers able to enjoy star gazing and “light” play both in and outdoors. A Yoga teacher will encourage relaxation and family stories will be shared.

Thursday, 25 October
Picnic and play – 11am to 3pm
Children are able to pack a picnic for themselves and arrange a space to eat with family and friends.
Nutritious food will be prepared and boxes provided and staff and parents will support children.
Play spaces will also be available for the expression of ideas through drawing, painting, sculpting, dancing and music with children leading the play.

Friday, 26 October
Friday fun day – 1pm to 5pm
Available until 5pm to be accessible to school children.
A festival environment will be created where children decorate themselves and the venue with their art and self expression. Children will be supported to create their own dress ups, music and face painting displays.

Saturday, 27 October
Sensory Saturday – 9am to 1pm
Children will be challenged to explore their senses and share their reactions with their families and community.
Taste, sight, touch, hearing and smell will be treated with a combination of natural and commercial play and learning activities.

Many of you would be aware by now that I am not re-nominating for the mayoral role at the Statutory Meeting of Council on 13 November.

I would like to thank the community for the support they have shown me during my five years as Mayor.

It has always impressed me the work that is done and the money that is raised by volunteer groups right throughout the Swan Hill municipality. We couldn’t go close to affording services if we had to pay for it all. These volunteers assist greatly in making the Swan Hill municipality a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Community members are also the best ambassadors for our region, so spread the word on what we have to offer and how great it is to live in Swan Hill. This will benefit our local attractions and businesses.

People have asked “what is your best achievement while being the Mayor?”.

As the Mayor, I am only one part in a large team of people that bring projects to fruition. We must always remember that some projects take years to achieve, and there will always be people who have worked on these projects that might have left Council. We cannot forget their involvement. Not one person should claim accolades for any project or achievement.

One of the major functions of a Mayor is to be the spokesperson for the Council. The support I have received from my fellow Councillors, Council’s CEO, Directors and staff has assisted me greatly in this role, and I thank them for that support.

I would like to acknowledge in particular Sharon Lindsay, Felicia Chalmers and Makayla Rust. These three had the unenviable task of making sure I was in the right place at the right time saying the right things. Not an easy task!

Recently I was asked by a community member, “is there anywhere you don’t go?”. My reply was “home”.

With that statement in mind, I would especially like to thank my wife Leigh for the support she has given me over the years, and look forward to spending more time together.

It has been a privilege and honour to be Mayor of the Swan Hill Rural City Council. I wish the incoming Mayor all the best and I will continue to represent the entire community as a Councillor to the best of my ability. Once again thanks to all.

Male black and tan cat.  Caught in cat trap around Burton Street Swan Hill.

The following fees may apply when collecting your pet from the pound:

• Registration fee ranges from: $22 to $220
• Pound release (first offence):  $75
• Sustenance fee: $11 per day
• Unregistered pet fee: $322
• Pets found wandering at large fee ranges from: $81 to $242
• Registration tag replacement $5

Please note: Dogs and cats may be re-homed if they are not claimed within 8 days.

Male black and white cat.  Caught in cat trap in Murlong street Swan Hill.

The following fees may apply when collecting your pet from the pound:

• Registration fee ranges from: $22 to $220
• Pound release (first offence):  $75
• Sustenance fee: $11 per day
• Unregistered pet fee: $322
• Pets found wandering at large fee ranges from: $81 to $242
• Registration tag replacement $5

Please note: Dogs and cats may be re-homed if they are not claimed within 8 days.

Saturday 16 February 2019.

Madotti & Vegas present The Paris Underground Cabaret.  Enter the Paris Underground and journey through the dark delights of the city of light.

Draw the curtain on a stage that will darkly seduce and intoxicate with a moveable feast of magic, song, dance, burlesque, comedy, circus and cabaret.  Witness astounding acts of magic, illusion, spectacular tap dancing, brilliant burlesque, breath taking aerials, quirky circus and incendiary song in a classic European cabaret and variety show.

A blend of surprises and visual attractions of international renown.  Including the rare magic of Julia Madotti, one of Australia’s few female illusionists, the beauty and grace of circus artist and aerial angel Hannah Trott, the rare joy and skill of tap-dance king Eden Read, the incredibly charming and risque repartee of songstress and chanteuse Aurora Kurth, the sultry smoulder of burlesque artiste and showgirl Mimi Le Noir and the host of this cavalcade of talent, MC maestro Monsieur Marveaux, actor, illusionist and magician extraordinaire Richard Vegas!

Gorgeous. Crazy. Sexy. Cool.

Welcome to the Underground, the dark side of Paris – a night to remember!

Audiences will witness the delights of a magic spectacular and French burlesque, cabaret and variety show,” says co-creator and director of the show Richard Vegas.
“The singers, dancers, aerial artists and illusionists will seduce and intoxicate the audience with a show that sits as a cross between Moulin Rouge, with a touch of Crazy Horse, high-art circus theatre, comedy and a magic cabaret” he continues.

“Sexy, alluring, atmospheric, accomplished, supremely entertaining vaudeville … absolutely delivers on all it promises, and then some.”
– Geoffrey Williams, Stage Whispers

Book your tickets now!

Male black and tan de-sexed cat.  Caught in cat trap around Murlong Street Swan Hill.

The following fees may apply when collecting your pet from the pound:

• Registration fee ranges from: $22 to $220
• Pound release (first offence):  $75
• Sustenance fee: $11 per day
• Unregistered pet fee: $322
• Pets found wandering at large fee ranges from: $81 to $242
• Registration tag replacement $5

Please note: Dogs and cats may be re-homed if they are not claimed within 8 days.

THE future of Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery is looking bright.

A new Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery Advisory Committee has been elected with a diverse and experienced membership. Designs are being drawn up for a new Gallery building. And Council is working to secure funding for a new Gallery through the Federal Government’s Regional Growth Fund.

Gallery Director Ian Tully said the advisory committee included visual, graphic and music artists, and community members with expertise in marketing, communication, agriculture, health and education.

“The Gallery is just so fortunate to have such a young and enthusiastic committee. This is the future – diverse, switched on, and able to bring an informed and broad range of views to the table,” he said.

One of the major focuses for the group is the Gallery’s redevelopment.

“We’re really excited that designs are being put together now, and that Council is one step closer to achieving the funds to make it happen,” Mr Tully said.

The Gallery is one of the major projects included in the Our Region, Our Rivers suite of projects across seven Council areas in Victoria and New South Wales. The councils will submit a full business case to the Federal Government by the end of January 2019.

Male German shepherd pup.  Picked up Woorinen road. No chip.

The following fees may apply when collecting your pet from the pound:

• Registration fee ranges from: $22 to $220
• Pound release (first offence):  $75
• Sustenance fee: $11 per day
• Unregistered pet fee: $322
• Pets found wandering at large fee ranges from: $81 to $242
• Registration tag replacement $5

Please note: Dogs and cats may be re-homed if they are not claimed within 8 days.

Female tan mastiff cross.  Picked up from Deniliquin turn off. No chip.

The following fees may apply when collecting your pet from the pound:

• Registration fee ranges from: $22 to $220
• Pound release (first offence):  $75
• Sustenance fee: $11 per day
• Unregistered pet fee: $322
• Pets found wandering at large fee ranges from: $81 to $242
• Registration tag replacement $5

Please note: Dogs and cats may be re-homed if they are not claimed within 8 days.

Swan Hill Rural City Council and Robinvale College are working with the State Government to plan for and build the new community Library on the college grounds.

Now we want to hear from you about the services and opening hours you would like for your new community library.

Complete the survey below, or you can collect a hard copy from the Mobile Library in Robinvale between 11am and 7pm Thursdays, from the Robinvale Resource Centre and from Robinvale College.

For more information or questions about the survey, please contact Swan Hill Regional Library Service Manager Camille Cullinan on 5036 2473.

Key dates

Who’s listening

Bruce Myers

Director Community and Cultural Services

Have your say

If you could build a new Library, what services would you offer and what time of the day would you like it to be open? The broader Robinvale community is being asked exactly this as planning for the town’s new community Library progresses.

Swan Hill Rural City Council and Robinvale College are working with the State Government to develop the new Library on the college grounds.

Swan Hill Regional Library Service Manager Camille Cullinan said architects would be appointed in December and the Library was now looking for community input.

“We want to hear from you about the services and opening hours you would like for your community library,” she said.

“Please fill out the survey – we estimate it will take five minutes or so to complete – and it will provide us with vital information as we work with the College to plan how we deliver services from this great new Library.

“I will be on the mobile library at Boundary Bend and Robinvale on Thursday, 6 December to promote the survey and to talk with community members. But you can complete the survey any time online or by collecting a hard copy.”

The survey is open now, until 21 December. Complete the survey online here, or collect a hard copy from the Robinvale Resource Centre, Robinvale College and from the mobile library in Robinvale between 11am and 7pm on Thursdays.

For more information or if you have questions about the survey, please contact Ms Cullinan on 5036 2473.

Concept designs for the Yamagata Japanese Garden and Riverside Walk are out for public comment.

Yamagata Garden
The Yamagata Japanese Garden will sit proudly atop the bank of the Little Murray River, nestled into an existing cluster of mature trees at the southern entrance to the Big 4 Riverside Park.

To be opened in 2020, it will highlight and reinforce the commitment, growth of understanding and friendship that has evolved between Swan Hill and Yamagata, since its sister-city relationship began in 1980.

The design combines traditional Japanese garden style and the rural Australian landscape to create a contemporary public garden.

Riverside Walk
We also have designs for a new shared pathway and additional car parking.

These designs are for an extension to the riverfront walk that will connect the recently constructed shared path at the southern end of the Pioneer Settlement to the existing path at the Big 4 Riverside Caravan Park.

The path will include sections of boardwalk and shared access for pedestrians and cyclists, making it easier to navigate and improving the look of the area.

The project will also incorporate the development of much need new car parking along Monash Drive, opposite the Pioneer Settlement and a new raised pedestrian crossing.

Key documents

Yamagata Garden

Riverside Walk

Key dates

Who’s listening

Heather Green

Director Development and Planning

Have your say

Please provide your feedback using the form below.

Concept designs for the Yamagata Japanese Garden and Riverside Walk are out for public comment.

The Yamagata Japanese Garden will sit proudly atop the bank of the Little Murray River, nestled into an existing cluster of mature trees at the southern entrance to the Big 4 Riverside Park.

To be opened in 2020, it will highlight and reinforce the commitment, growth of understanding and friendship that has evolved between Swan Hill and Yamagata, since its sister-city relationship began in 1980.

Council’s Director Development and Planning Heather Green said the design combined traditional Japanese garden style and the rural Australian landscape to create a contemporary public garden.

“We really want this space to represent an authentic Japanese Garden as much as possible so it becomes a place of significance that will be enjoyed by locals and visitors,” Ms Green said.

“Helping us achieve this has been overwhelming support from the Yamagata City Council, including assistance with the design phase as well as offering assistance to implement the garden.”

Ms Green added that the new designs also included a new shared pathway and additional car parking.

“We’ve also planned an extension to the riverfront walk that will connect the recently constructed shared path at the southern end of the Pioneer Settlement to the existing path at the Big 4 Riverside Caravan Park.

“The path will include sections of boardwalk and shared access for pedestrians and cyclists, making it easier to navigate and improving the look of the area.

“The project will also incorporate the development of much need new car parking along Monash Drive, opposite the Pioneer Settlement and a new raised pedestrian crossing.”

Subject to funding, work on the garden is expected to commence mid 2019, with the walking track and road upgrade to follow.

Design plans are available for public comment until Friday, 18 January 2019.

Click here to have your say online, or write to us at PO Box 488, Swan Hill. Alternatively you can attend the upcoming consultation session from 12pm to 2pm on Friday, 7 December 2018 at the Swan Hill Regional Information Centre.

For more information please visit council’s website or contact Nathan Keighran on 5036 2442.

The Swan Hill Regional Library invites you to an evening with Jeremy Scott next Wednesday, 5 December.

Major open heart surgery as a four year old child taught Jeremy that life was precious and something to cherish. He began to see life as a rollercoaster, filled with challenges and experiences. Some challenges were forced upon him, others were of his own design.

On 5 October 2011, Jeremy set himself a challenge; a journey that would be many years in the planning. Jeremy was going to embark on a two and a half year, 51,916 kilometre, unsupported bike ride from London to New Zealand. A journey that when complete would see him accumulate more than enough kilometres to circumnavigate the earth.

At the conclusion of this phenomenal journey, Jeremy wrote the highly successful book ‘The Long Road From a Broken Heart’ and now dedicates his life to inspiring others.

Because when Jeremy speaks, people listen. His courage, determination and relentless desire to persist through the most demanding situations, highlights what anyone can achieve in life if they muster the courage to take that first step. Through his inspiring and entertaining presentation, he shows that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary feats.

A true inspiration in every sense of the word, Jeremy is also the recipient of the Australian Heart Foundation ‘Heart Hero Award’, an Ambassador for Waterline challenge and has raised $60,000 for the Australian, British and New Zealand Heart Foundations.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hear about Jeremy’s incredible and inspiring journey.

Book signing will be available after the talk, with books on sale for $65 (eftpos available). Supper will be provided thanks to BR&C Swan Hill.

For more information or to book, contact the Swan Hill Library on 5036 2480.

Council would like to hear from community members about a proposal to transform the Lake Boga Sporting Complex (the old junior football grounds) into an equestrian centre.

A community consultation session on Tuesday, 4 December will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more about the possibility of an equestrian centre and ask questions about the planned facility.

The proposed Lake Boga Equestrian Centre will be the new home for the Swan Hill Pony Club, which is relocating from its Feldtmann Lane site. The Lake Boga Riding Club and Northern Rivers Equestrian Club also plan to use the facility as a home base.

Council’s Director Development and Planning Heather Green said the Lake Boga Sporting Complex offered a range of suitable options for local equestrian clubs.

“After exploring several options, the sporting complex was determined by Council to be the most appropriate site to meet the needs of the Swan Hill Pony Club, and that of other clubs,” Ms Green said.

“The site already has a clubhouse and toilet block, a sporting oval and an access road. An upgrade of the amenities is required; however the site already has the basic infrastructure in place.

“The Lake Boga Sporting Complex hasn’t been used for organised sport for many years,” Ms Green added.

“The proposed equestrian centre will provide an alternative outlet for sporting activities in the Lake Boga area, and encourage new visitors to the town.”

Ms Green said the December consultation session was a chance to hear the views of residents and interested parties about the proposal.

“This will be an initial consultation to enable Council to hear people’s views and gauge opinion before a decision is made,” Ms Green said.

“A more formal process will follow once Council has taken the next steps, including development of a masterplan and the community will have an opportunity for further input during this stage.

For more information contact Council’s Economic Development Coordinator Muriel Scholz on 5032 3033.

Consultation session

Female tri coloured staffy cross.  Picked up in Thurla Street Swan Hill.  No chip.

The following fees may apply when collecting your pet from the pound:

• Registration fee ranges from: $22 to $220
• Pound release (first offence):  $75
• Sustenance fee: $11 per day
• Unregistered pet fee: $322
• Pets found wandering at large fee ranges from: $81 to $242
• Registration tag replacement $5

Please note: Dogs and cats may be re-homed if they are not claimed within 8 days.

Many of you would be aware by now that I am not re-nominating for the mayoral role at the Statutory Meeting of Council on 13 November.

I would like to thank the community for the support they have shown me during my five years as Mayor.

It has always impressed me the work that is done and the money that is raised by volunteer groups right throughout the Swan Hill municipality. We couldn’t go close to affording services if we had to pay for it all. These volunteers assist greatly in making the Swan Hill municipality a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Community members are also the best ambassadors for our region, so spread the word on what we have to offer and how great it is to live in Swan Hill. This will benefit our local attractions and businesses.

People have asked “what is your best achievement while being the Mayor?”.

As the Mayor, I am only one part in a large team of people that bring projects to fruition. We must always remember that some projects take years to achieve, and there will always be people who have worked on these projects that might have left Council. We cannot forget their involvement. Not one person should claim accolades for any project or achievement.

One of the major functions of a Mayor is to be the spokesperson for the Council. The support I have received from my fellow Councillors, Council’s CEO, Directors and staff has assisted me greatly in this role, and I thank them for that support.

I would like to acknowledge in particular Sharon Lindsay, Felicia Chalmers and Makayla Rust. These three had the unenviable task of making sure I was in the right place at the right time saying the right things. Not an easy task!

Recently I was asked by a community member, “is there anywhere you don’t go?”. My reply was “home”.

With that statement in mind, I would especially like to thank my wife Leigh for the support she has given me over the years, and look forward to spending more time together.

It has been a privilege and honour to be Mayor of the Swan Hill Rural City Council. I wish the incoming Mayor all the best and I will continue to represent the entire community as a Councillor to the best of my ability. Once again thanks to all.

The Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery invites you to their end of year celebration next Friday, 7 December.

Open to all members of the community, the free event will feature live music, drinks, nibbles and the opening of two exhibitions.

The first exhibition will showcase recent acquisitions to the gallery while the second exhibition, From One to Another, pays homage to 14 local artists and their interpretation of works from the gallery’s permanent collection.

Art Gallery Director Ian Tully said the event was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the gallery’s collection and local artists.

“We will be celebrating on many levels – our recent gallery renovations, our collection, our recent acquisitions, the work of local artists and a really successful year for the gallery,” Mr Tully said.

“And From One to Another is really the perfect exhibition for this time of year as it showcases works from our permanent collection and from local artists.

“It features 14 artists who are local to our area or have a local connection, who were asked to select a piece from our permanent collection and respond to that piece using their own style and interpretation.

“And the results are as breathtaking as they are unique – it’s truly a special collection.”

Mr Tully went on to highlight the importance of celebrating the gallery’s permanent collection.

“Many of these works have been donated, and some purchased using funds donated by local people, people who love art and want to support the gallery, and we are so grateful and appreciative for this support.

“And to top off what has been an incredible year and to finish off our renovations at the front of the Gallery, we’ll have some new street furniture installed just in time for our outdoor celebration.”

The gallery’s end of year celebration will be held next Friday, 7 December on the front deck of the gallery from 6pm to 8pm. All welcome.

Female black and tan Kelpie.  Picked up from Swan Hill vets.

The following fees may apply when collecting your pet from the pound:

• Registration fee ranges from: $22 to $220
• Pound release (first offence):  $75
• Sustenance fee: $11 per day
• Unregistered pet fee: $322
• Pets found wandering at large fee ranges from: $81 to $242
• Registration tag replacement $5

Please note: Dogs and cats may be re-homed if they are not claimed within 8 days.

Male ginger and white cat.  Caught in cat trap in Nyah West.  No chip or collar.

The following fees may apply when collecting your pet from the pound:

• Registration fee ranges from: $22 to $220
• Pound release (first offence):  $75
• Sustenance fee: $11 per day
• Unregistered pet fee: $322
• Pets found wandering at large fee ranges from: $81 to $242
• Registration tag replacement $5

Please note: Dogs and cats may be re-homed if they are not claimed within 8 days.