The December issue of the Library newsletter is out now.

In this issue:

• Christmas operating times
• New books,
• e-books
• Christmas ideas
• Inspirational speaker
• Robinvale survey
• Summer Read
• Children’s activities
• Branch news
• Library volunteers

Local contractor Whitfield Excavations started work this week on the third and final stage of the Swan Hill CBD drainage upgrade.

Over five weeks, an additional supplementary drainage pipe will be installed along the south side of McCallum Street between Beveridge and Splatt streets.

Council’s Director Infrastructure Svetla Petkova said this was the last step in what had been a five year project.

“This entire upgrade was designed to reduce the impact on businesses and road users during heavy rainfall,” Ms Petkova said

“We set out to reduce the frequency and severity of flooding in the Swan Hill CBD and these upgrades have significantly increased the system’s capacity to drain stormwater to the river.”

During the upgrades McCallum Street will be limited to single lane with speed restrictions in place, however pedestrian access to businesses will be maintained at all times.

For more information about the project, contact Council’s Engineering Department on 5036 2324.

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.

Councillor Ann Young has been elected as Mayor of Swan Hill Rural City Council.

At their Statutory Council Meeting this afternoon, Councillors elected the Central Ward Councillor as Mayor for the next 12 months. It will be Ann’s first term as Mayor, having served as Deputy Mayor during 2017 and 2018.

Mayor Young thanked her fellow Councillors for the nomination.

“We have a unified Council that works together really well,” Cr Young said.

“And I think Swan Hill has a really bright future. There is so much growth happening, and a lot more planned for the near future – too many to mention now – but I think Swan Hill is on an upward trend.

“Having been born, grown up and educated in Swan Hill I just think it’s a great place to live. And I’m really excited to see what the future holds for this region.

At the meeting Councillors also made the decision to not elect a Deputy Mayor, to allow all Councilors the opportunity to assist with support duties.

The 2019 meeting schedule was also determined, which will see Ordinary Meetings held mostly on the third Tuesday of each month.

New backpacker and on-farm accommodation is being planned for Robinvale as private investors hear the call for more housing.

More than 40 new rooms will be created when two on-farm accommodation developments are built at Lake Powell and on Happy Valley Road. Council has also received planning applications for a backpacker’s hostel and for a two-unit subdivision in Robinvale itself.

Council’s Director Development and Planning Heather Green said the new housing developments were a step in the right direction.

“The housing shortage in Robinvale is well known, and Council is working on a number of levels to try to alleviate it. But we can’t do it alone,” she said.

“That’s why it’s fantastic that farmers and private investors are recognising this need and are willing to invest to help create solutions.

“While these four developments have either received their planning permits or are going through the formal planning process, we are also in conversation with other developers, and we’re hopeful that more applications will be forthcoming.”

Ms Green added that one of the roles Council could play was to create a long-term housing strategy for Robinvale. Funding has been received for this strategy and tenders are out now.

“Consultants will work to gain an understanding of Robinvale’s true population and will also create a long-term plan for housing in the area.”

And, she said, Council would continue its campaign to stamp out illegal and unsafe rooming houses in the Robinvale area.

“We have been really pleased with the community’s response to our campaign and will continue to investigate illegal rooming houses as they are reported to us. There are six properties under investigation in the Robinvale area now,” Ms Green said.

Click here for more information about rooming houses. You can also lodge complaints about potential illegal rooming houses at Council’s website or by calling Council’s Public Health team on 03 5036 2591.

If you want to start an accommodation business or legal rooming house, you should contact the Public Health team for more information.

Female Staffy cross.  Tan with white chest and feet.  Approx 4-6 months old.  Found wandering Campbell Street Swan Hill near Police Station.

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 cat approx 4-6 months old.  Caught in cat trap around McCallum Street and Weaver Drive 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.

Why didn’t the primary school students cross the road? Because they didn’t have a school crossing supervisor!

Swan Hill Rural City Council is looking to recruit school crossing supervisors in Swan Hill, Robinvale and Manangatang to help local primary school students cross the road safely.

Council’s Regulatory Services Co-ordinator Darren Rovere said school crossing supervisors were important in local communities.

“Kids are our most vulnerable road users and we all know that school zones can get chaotic during the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. This is where school crossing supervisors come in,” he said.

“If you can spare an hour a day to help keep our local primary school students safe, we would love to hear from you.”

Kerry White supervises the busiest crossing in Swan Hill and has been a dedicated School Crossing Supervisor since 1997.

“I’ve been doing this job for 22 years and I still enjoy it,” Kerry said

“I see kids grow up from prep to year six, and even though they’re only at the crossing for a minute or so, you really get to know them.

“It’s only about an hour a day, but in that hour you’re making a big difference; you’re making sure those kids get home safely.

“And if you’re the parent of school kids, you’d just need to bring them a bit earlier and go home a bit later – it’s a perfect fit.”

If you like working outdoors, love kids or are just looking for some extra money, consider dedicating an hour a day to helping our littlest community members get to and from school safely.

For more information, please contact Council’s Regulatory Services Co-ordinator Darren Rovere on (03) 5036 2346.

The November issue of the Library newsletter is out now.

In this issue:

• Young Writers Awards
• Books coming soon
• BorrowBox e-books
• Social seniors
• Author talks
• Mallee Writers
• Libraries change lives
• Branch news
• Photo gallery

Local contractor Whitfield Excavations started work this week on the third and final stage of the Swan Hill CBD drainage upgrade.

Over five weeks, an additional supplementary drainage pipe will be installed along the south side of McCallum Street between Beveridge and Splatt streets.

Council’s Director Infrastructure Svetla Petkova said this was the last step in what had been a five year project.

“This entire upgrade was designed to reduce the impact on businesses and road users during heavy rainfall,” Ms Petkova said

“We set out to reduce the frequency and severity of flooding in the Swan Hill CBD and these upgrades have significantly increased the system’s capacity to drain stormwater to the river.”

During the upgrades McCallum Street will be limited to single lane with speed restrictions in place, however pedestrian access to businesses will be maintained at all times.

For more information about the project, contact Council’s Engineering Department on 5036 2324.

Our Region Our Rivers – a $34 million suite of projects across seven Council areas – has progressed to Stage 2 of the Federal Government’s coveted Regional Growth Fund.

Swan Hill Rural City Council has led the charge for this funding, which will deliver riverfront projects in the Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Buloke, Loddon, Murray River, Edward River and Balranald council areas.

The councils have committed a combined $16.8 million to the projects and is seeking matched funding from the Federal Government.

Swan Hill Rural City Council Mayor Les McPhee said only 16 projects had been chosen to go to the next stage of the application process, from the 300 that were submitted Australia-wide.

“We are especially proud to have led the group of seven councils across two states to this stage. These seven council regions face some challenging times with drought, shifting population bases and ongoing changes in government water policy,” Cr McPhee said.

“Seeking this Federal investment and hopefully delivering these projects is our councils’ way of taking back some control and transforming our regions,” he said.

“Modelling shows that these projects would create more than 160 jobs during construction, and then 147 permanent jobs once the projects are complete – a huge boost to our local economy and the livability of our towns.”

In the Swan Hill municipality, projects valued at $20 million are included in the Our Region Our Rivers suite of projects. They include a new Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery, other Swan Hill riverfront projects, the Bromley Road development in Robinvale, a Robinvale walking trail and smaller projects in our municipality’s other riverfront towns.

The councils will now work together to produce and submit a full business case to the Federal Government by the end of January 2019.

Nanna’s Family Apple Pie 

(600g, Best Before dates 21 Oct 2020 and 22 Oct 2020 only)

Problem

The recall is due to the potential presence of glass in an ingredient used in the 600g Nannas Family Apple Pie. This is a result of an equipment failure with the supplier. No other Nanna’s products are affected by this recall.

Food Safety Hazard

Food products containing glass may cause injury if consumed. We have initiated a recall of the affected batches as a precautionary measure.

What to do

Customers should not eat this product. They should return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

For more information please contact

1800 650 069 or info@patties.com.au

Colway

Real Mayonnaise – 466 g

Affected batches: All batches

Problem

The recall is due to faulty packaging and potential for glass breakage.

Food safety hazard

Faulty packaging could cause injury or result in glass contamination.

What to do

Consumers should not consume this product. Customers should return the product to the place of purchase for a full cash refund. We apologise for any inconvenience

For more information please contact

ALDI Food Recall Hotline on 1800 709 993

New lots have been released at Swan Hill’s Tower Hill today.

Stage 11 includes 24 new lots on Acacia Street, and on the newly developed Bramble Drive and Wallowa Drive.

Lot sizes range from 511m2 up to 893m2, giving you have plenty of choice. Keep it compact and easy to maintain, or go for a larger lot with space for that outdoor entertaining area, wide driveway or extra garden you’ve always wanted.

And most unique to this stage of Tower Hill is the availability of natural gas, providing a safe and efficient way to heat your home, for cooking inside and out, and for hot water systems.

The blocks are all fully serviced, including connection to the NBN.

Tower Hill has become a popular place to build quality new homes in Swan Hill. It features walking and cycling paths, an all abilities playground, wetlands and easy access to schools and parkland.

Lots in Stage 11 start at $84,000.

Visit the Tower Hill website for more details and plans.

Contact your preferred selling agent for details today – LJ Hooker Swan Hill, Ray White Swan Hill, Wood and Co Real Estate, Noel Watson Real Estate and BR&C Real Estate.

Under Schedule 11 of the Local Government Act 1989, Council approves the following road closure for the Nyah District Christmas Carnival on Friday, 7 December 2018 between 6pm – 9pm as follows:

• Monash Ave from the intersection of Station Street to the intersection of Fredrick Street

Mazen Aldaghstani
Engineering Projects and Assets Manager

Our Region Our Rivers – a $34 million suite of projects across seven Council areas – has progressed to Stage 2 of the Federal Government’s coveted Regional Growth Fund.

Swan Hill Rural City Council has led the charge for this funding, which will deliver riverfront projects in the Swan Hill, Gannawarra, Buloke, Loddon, Murray River, Edward River and Balranald council areas.

The councils have committed a combined $16.8 million to the projects and is seeking matched funding from the Federal Government.

Swan Hill Rural City Council Mayor Les McPhee said only 16 projects had been chosen to go to the next stage of the application process, from the 300 that were submitted Australia-wide.

“We are especially proud to have led the group of seven councils across two states to this stage. These seven council regions face some challenging times with drought, shifting population bases and ongoing changes in government water policy,” Cr McPhee said.

“Seeking this Federal investment and hopefully delivering these projects is our councils’ way of taking back some control and transforming our regions,” he said.

“Modelling shows that these projects would create more than 160 jobs during construction, and then 147 permanent jobs once the projects are complete – a huge boost to our local economy and the livability of our towns.”

In the Swan Hill municipality, projects valued at $20 million are included in the Our Region Our Rivers suite of projects. They include a new Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery, other Swan Hill riverfront projects, the Bromley Road development in Robinvale, a Robinvale walking trail and smaller projects in our municipality’s other riverfront towns.

The councils will now work together to produce and submit a full business case to the Federal Government by the end of January 2019.

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.

The incredible work of the Robinvale College Student Representative Council (SRC) was recognised last Thursday night when they took out the top prize for the VicSRC Student Voice Group Action Award.

Celebrating best practice in student voice, leadership and student-led action in Victoria, the Robinvale SRC won the award for their commitment and focus on reducing instances of bullying.

Council’s Youth Support Officer Nellie Patterson said she was extremely proud of what the students had achieved in such a short time.

“The Robinvale SRC actually underwent a complete restructure last year, so they’re a relatively new group,” Ms Patterson said.

“Interested students from Grade three to Year 12 were invited to join the SRC and their first task was to redefine the group’s guidelines, goals, vision, and mission statement – which is something they took really seriously.”

Ms Patterson added that it was this new found direction that prompted the students to reach out to VicSRC.

“VicSRC helped them work alongside their teachers to conduct a survey of all students so they could get a better understanding of any areas of concern.

“When it was identified that bullying was the top issue, they researched and prepared a presentation, addressed teachers at a staff meeting and split into small student-teacher groups to brainstorm some tangible and realistic solutions.

“And following the workshop they implemented a number of changes at the College, including the creation of their ‘Just Say No’ anti-bullying project, which resulted in a real cultural shift in their school environment.

“These students truly lead this program from start to finish. They have made such a huge difference to the school environment and are worthy recipients of the Student Voice Awards. Congratulations, Robinvale SRC!”

Wednesday, 19 December 2018.

Come along to a special Christmas event at the Swan Hill Regional Library.

Join in with our local carolling group as they sing all your favourite Christmas carols like Jingle Bells, Away in a Manger, Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer, Santa Claus is Coming to Town and Silent Night, just to name a few!

Children can also write and post a letter to Santa and pop it into the special express post box!

A great way for the whole family to get into the Christmas spirit!

The Lake Boga Sea Scouts are doing their bit to help the fruit fly fight.

Residents will now be able to register to have fruit collected from their backyard trees if they are unable to do it themselves due to ill health or physical limitations.

The sea scouts will visit people’s homes, and collect and dispose of the fruit. And thanks to funding from the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, the scouts will receive a donation for their efforts.

Swan Hill Rural City Council Economic Development Co-ordinator Muriel Scholz said the program was another way the community can continue the fight against fruit fly.

“We know that some people can’t quickly pick up fruit that has fallen, and this is a way we can help them deal with the risk of infestation,” Ms Scholz said.

“Removing trees that can’t be managed is the preferred solution and people will also be encouraged to register their interest in the free tree removal program.

“But this new initiative will be a quick response to help those unable to collect fruit from their residential trees due to ill health, physical limitation or compassionate circumstances”.

Ms Scholz said fruit fly remained a threat to the Swan Hill region horticultural industry, putting millions of dollars and hundreds of jobs at risk.

“The community continues to put up a great fight, and we are making inroads, but we cannot be complacent. This program is just another way to help fight the fly in our towns,” she said.

The program has been developed by Council, the Lake Boga Sea Scouts, Sunraysia Area Pest Control Industry Development Committee and the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources.

To find out more, or to check your eligibility for the program, contact Council’s Economic Development Unit on 5032 3033.