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SWAN HILLRURAL CITY NEWS

SPRING 2016

MOTORSPORT MANIA

The Guardian Swan Hill Festival of Motorsport is gearing up to be one of the region’s biggest events.

Eight of the region’s motorsport clubs will host racing over the weekend, including the sporting car, motor racing, 4WD, kart, motorcycle, Mallee Cruisers, drag racing and Ulysses clubs.

The hugely successful Lions Club Show and Shine will also join the festival this year.

And on the Saturday night, cars from all clubs will line the streets of the Swan Hill CBD for the Vehicle Showcase, including a mass vehicle start-up.

Mayor Les McPhee said the completion of the city’s new quarter-mile drag strip had sparked the

idea for the event, but all of Swan Hill’s motorsport clubs had banded together to make it a reality.

“The drag strip sits alongside speedway, autocross, karting, motocross and four-wheel driving at Chisholm Reserve, making Swan Hill an absolute motorsport hub,” Cr McPhee said.

“We want to tell everyone about the unique facilities we have here, and hope that people will travel from around Victoria and other parts of Australia to be part of the festival.”

He said Council hoped the festival would become a signature event on the Swan Hill region calendar.

“We expect the event will continue to gain significant momentum over the next few years, showcasing Swan Hill as the new home of motorsport for Victoria.”

Festival committee member and president of the Swan Hill Sporting Car Club Chris Gibson said the festival would highlight Swan Hill’s unique position in the world of motorsports.

“Being in a regional location can sometimes mean we don’t have the same opportunities as the bigger metro places, but here in Swan Hill we actually have access to an impressive amount of motorsport disciplines.

“There aren’t many places that boast a facility that caters for motor bikes, go karts, speedway racing, four-wheel drives, autocross and now drag racing.

“This festival has brought all of these clubs together and formed a motorsports community of sorts. It’s been a really positive process so far, and by working together we now have the opportunity to put Swan Hill on the map as the premier home of motorsports in Victoria.”

The festival will be held from 29-31 October. Like the Swan Hill Festival of Motorsport Facebook page to find out more.

REVVED UP: Members from the Mallee Cruisers, motorcycle, drag racing and go kart clubs are getting pumped for the upcoming Festival of Motorsport.

“...by working together we now have the opportunity to put Swan Hill on the map

as the premier home of motorsports in Victoria.

– CR LES McPHEE

SWAN HILL RURAL CITY COUNCIL NEWS | SPRING 20162

CR LES MCPHEE Mayor0427 319 394 les.mcphee@swanhill.vic.gov.au

We are only two months out from the 2016 Council elections.

In the Swan Hill municipality, elections will be held via postal vote between 6 and 21 October, with candidate nominations open from 15 to 20 September.

I really encourage community members to consider standing for this year’s election. The better mix of candidates we have offers the community a choice when they vote.

Being a Councillor gives you a chance to have a say on the future direction of our municipality. On a

personal level it is also very rewarding - you have an amazing opportunity to be involved in our community and all the services that Council provides.

If you are thinking about standing, please talk to one of our sitting Councillors and, if you can, talk to Councillors from other municipalities. It is important to understand what’s involved and talking to a Councillor will give you a first-hand account of that.

You can also find out more about the day-to-day activities of a Councillor, and check your eligibility to stand, at www.standforcouncil.com.au.

SPOTLIGHT ON MOTORSPORTYou will read in this newsletter

some of the exciting plans for celebrating our city’s new focus on motorsport, as well as some updates on work at Chisholm Reserve.

The new quarter-mile drag strip sparked the idea for a Swan Hill Festival of Motorsport, to be held on the Melbourne Cup long weekend, 29-31 October.

Swan Hill’s motorsport clubs have banded together to run the festival, with each hosting an event during the three days. All kinds of racing

will take place at Chisholm Reserve, along with tours around the region and a Vehicle Showcase in Swan Hill’s CBD. The hugely successful Lions Club Show and Shine will also be part of the festival.

We expect motorsport enthusiasts to travel from around Victoria and interstate for the festival, and hope it will become a signature on the Swan Hill region event calendar.

You can follow the event’s Facebook page to find out more, and please spread the word to all your friends and family.

Central Ward

CR GREG CRUICKSHANK0419 754 174greg.cruickshank@swanhill.vic.gov.au

Council elections are scheduled for 22 October. So as this term of Council draws to a close, it is a good time to reflect on the achievements of Council over the last four years.

We have seen the completion of the renovation of Campbell Street which is now a modern and inviting shopping park.

We have also experienced the continued enhancement of our riverfront through the Riverfront Masterplan.

The drag racing strip has been completed, awaiting its first meet in October when thousands of people will converge on Chisholm Reserve to witness the best quarter mile drag strip in Australia.

The Heartbeat of the Murray laser light experience has had a spectacular arrival at Pioneer Settlement. Tower Hill has continued to grow as a premier housing estate and the South West precinct will soon come on line providing an alternative housing front for our growing city. Diversity of choice is also on offer with the opening up of lake frontage land at Lake Boga.

All of these projects and much more has been achieved while we have been experiencing grant freezing from the Federal Government and rate capping at the hands of the State Government. With pressure on the finances some belt tightening has had to happen and Swan Hill has experienced some of the lowest rate rises in the state over the past few years.

All the while, Council has been able to maintain services to the public at the same or better level. This is truly a remarkable achievement.

After October, a new Council will have the chance to continue working on behalf of ratepayers and ensure we will still live in the best part of Victoria.

A WORD FROM YOUR COUNCILLORS

Central Ward

CR JESSIE KILEY0417 755 414jessie.kiley@swanhill.vic.gov.au

The winter has been a quiet one for me on the council front due to a massive change on a more personal level - the arrival of our gorgeous first child Lachlan. With it has come a huge shift in perspective and a renewed enthusiasm in the need for communities to reflect on our changing values.

As the local government elections approach, I urge you to ask yourself, what do you want from your council? Keep it simple - roads, rates and rubbish? Or something more comprehensive which includes services designed to enhance our community? For most, the true answer is that they don’t really understand the true scope of council’s role at present and therefore where their hard earned rates dollars are spent.

But what rates can’t buy is a happy, healthy community. It is up to each of us to help create it - to stop using the ‘I’m too busy’ excuse and to take a moment to start reconnecting - say hello to your neighbour, take your kids/dog/friend to the park or meet for dinner at someone’s home instead of at a restaurant. To me, every rate dollar I spend on infrastructure is infinitely more valuable if it is shared amongst a community that I love and can be proud of - that is the kind of place I want to raise my children and it costs us nothing!

So it is with a heavy heart that I will stand down from Council at this election. I have made the choice to fully focus on what I view as one of the most important roles in society, that of a mother. It has been a privilege to serve the Swan Hill municipality for the past four years and I do hope that it is a role I can revisit in the future, hopefully with a new swathe of experiences to draw upon.

Central Ward

CR JIM CROWE0418 181 656jim.crowe@swanhill.vic.gov.au

I am very excited that drainage repairs are well underway at Chisholm Reserve. In recent months I have inspected Chisholm with some of the guys from motocross and speedway, and drainage has been a real problem for them.

There are great people running all the clubs at Chisholm and as a Council we need to give them as much encouragement as we can. That’s one reason we are behind the Festival of Motorsport being held on the Melbourne Cup long weekend. This event has huge potential and I look forward to seeing lots of locals there to support it.

On another note, it has been interesting to see the work that Goulburn-Murray Water is doing on its Connections Project. We had a project update from G-MW last month.

With channel closures happening this year, I think we can get on the front foot to make the land a multi-purpose area for the community – maybe some parkland, walking and bike riding tracks away from traffic, and even stormwater catchments.

Murray Mallee Ward

CR GARY NORTON0428 398 981gary.norton@swanhill.vic.gov.au

I had the privilege of attending the Regional Tourism Awards in Echuca last month and to see the Pioneer Settlement take out the Silver Award for Cultural Tourism. Being the first year the Settlement had been nominated for the awards, it was a fantastic outcome and will act as an incentive to build on the already significant improvements to the Settlement and hopefully take home the gold next year.

Speaking of wins for the community, the latest round of fruit fly traps have recently been delivered to households right across the municipality. I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this project - from those working behind the scenes, to the volunteers who have delivered the traps and to every person who has hung a trap in their own backyard. Fruit growing industry makes up an enormous part of our region’s agribusiness industry and is also one of our region’s largest employers. And now with the expanding international export options, it further highlights our need to be diligent in keeping the fight against fruit fly at the forefront.

Let’s continue to work together to support our local growers and to make the Greater Sunraysia Area a pest free area once again.

Robinvale Ward

CR JOHN KATISDeputy Mayor0459 077 532john.katis@swanhill.vic.gov.au

With the upcoming election I think it’s a great time to reflect on what a fantastic year it has been for Robinvale. The sense of community pride in our town is at an all time high. This was particularly evident with the amount of community participation in the review of the Robinvale Community Plan. I would like to thank everyone who attended information sessions, filled out surveys and gave their ideas on how they would like to see the future of Robinvale progress.

We also recently adopted the Bromley Road Masterplan. This project will see the beautification of the gateway to Robinvale, encouraging visitors to stop and spend time exploring our town’s attractions. Without the input from the community and the Friends of Bromley Road, we would not have such a comprehensive and detailed plan.

Lastly, it was also pleasing to see the level of input into the Draft Rural Land Use Strategy from both Robinvale and Wemen communities. This strategy has the potential to rezone land to facilitate future rural housing opportunities and therefore the possibility of addressing the current housing shortage.

COUNTDOWN TO 2016 COUNCIL ELECTION

Swan Hill Rural City Council and/or its employees do not guarantee that this publication is without flaw or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any loss or other consequences which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS >> 30 August at Robinvale Community Centre

>> 13 September at Swan Hill Town Hall >> 18 October at Swan Hill Town Hall >> 15 November at Swan Hill Town Hall >> 20 December at Robinvale Community Centre

Council meetings are held at 2pm. All members of the public are welcome to attend Council meetings.

Agendas are available at www.swanhill.vic.gov.au in the days leading up to the meeting.

Special Council meetings will also be held from time to time. Visit www.swanhill.vic.gov.au for details or check local media.

CONTACT COUNCIL

WWW.SWANHILL.VIC.GOV.AUEmail : counci l@swanhi l l .vic.gov.auPO Box 488, Swan Hi l l VIC 3585

Swan Hill Business Centre 45 Splatt Street Swan Hill VIC 3585 Phone 5036 2333, Fax 5036 2340

Robinvale Resource Centre 68-72 Herbert Street Robinvale VIC 3549 Phone 5051 8000, Fax 5051 8010

Both offices are open Monday to Friday 8.30am until 5pm

Swan Hill Rural City Council and/or its employees do not guarantee that this publication is without flaw or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any loss or other consequences which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

SWAN HILL RURAL CITY COUNCIL NEWS | SPRING 2016 3

WANTED: HOME LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS

SILVER FOR SETTLEMENT

Did you know Swan Hill Regional Library offers a home library service to house-bound people and nursing homes, providing them with ongoing access to new reading material?

Once a month a dedicated group of volunteers meet at the library, load up a car with new books and magazines and personally delivers these throughout Swan Hill.

Running for over 30 years now, the library is looking for more volunteers to ensure this fantastic service can continue.

Home Library Volunteer Eve Adams said the couple of hours she spends volunteering once a month are hours well spent.

“I started volunteering with the Home Library service about four years ago after I retired,” Ms Adams said.

“On top of it being a fantastic service to the community, it was also a great way to meet new people, as I haven’t lived here my whole life like most.

“It’s been really good getting to know the people that we deliver to regularly, and being an avid reader, we have some great conversations over a shared interest.”

Swan Hill’s Pioneer Settlement took out the Silver Award in the Cultural Tourism Category at the 2016 Regional Tourism Awards in July.

Each year the Regional Tourism Awards are held to acknowledge excellence in tourism in the four regional tourism areas of Central, Inland, Murray and Riverina.

Swan Hill Rural City Council Mayor Les McPhee was there on the night to accept the award.

“Council has been working extremely hard to enhance the offering of the Pioneer Settlement and the riverfront to attract more visitors to the region,” Cr McPhee said.

“Tourism plays a major part in boosting our local economy, and ensuring we have a state-of-the art attraction to draw visitors to the region results in a flow on effect for our local traders.

“We have seen so many improvements at the Settlement in the past few years, and this

award highlights just how much that hard work has paid off.

“Council will continue to work with and improve the Settlement, making it a sustainable attraction, a major tourism drawcard to our region and a destination that offers something for both locals and visitors.”

This award comes after another fantastic achievement for the Pioneer Settlement after it was recently selected as a category winner at the 2016 National Awards for Local Government.

The Pioneer Settlement Redevelopment - Heartbeat of the Murray project trumped a number of high quality projects from across the country to take out the Contributing to Regional Growth category.

The Pioneer Settlement is open 9.30am to 4.30pm every day, excluding Christmas and Boxing Day. The Heartbeat of the Murray Laser Light show screens every night.

SILVER WINNER: The Settlement's Glynis Pitts and Tony Jenkins at the award night.

HOME DELIVERY: Gunda Kiley with volunteer Eve Adams.

Residents thinking about standing for Council elections must nominate between 15 September and 12pm on 20 September.

Council Mayor Les McPhee encouraged community members to consider nominating for the upcoming elections.

“As a Councillor you have a chance to not only represent the community, but to provide input into the future direction of the Swan Hill municipality,” Cr McPhee said.

Candidates can check their eligibility to stand for Council and find about more about the day-to-day activities of a Councillor through the Municipal Association of Victoria website www.standforcouncil.com.au.

Local Government elections for the Swan Hill municipality will be conducted via postal vote between 6 and 21 October.

Voters in the Swan Hill (Central) Ward will elect four Councillors, while voters in the Lakes, Murray Mallee and Robinvale wards will elect one Councillor for each area.

Residents aged 18 years or over and on the State electoral roll for either their current address or if they own property in the municipality must vote in the elections.

Residents have one vote only, no matter how many properties they own in the municipality.

Voting is compulsory and the Victorian Electoral Commission will fine eligible residents who fail to lodge their vote. Only non-resident voters and voters aged 70 years or over are not obliged to vote at council elections.

Council urges residents to ensure that they are correctly enrolled. Victorian Electoral Commission enrolment forms are available at the Council office in Splatt Street.

Information in a range of languages and an Auslan video guide to voting is available from www.vec.vic.gov.au. For more information about the elections please call the Victorian Electoral Commission on 13 18 32 or visit www.vec.vic.gov.au.

COUNCIL ELECTIONS 2016

A MESSAGE FROM THE CEOThe rain has been an almost permanent fixture in our region this winter, creating renewed enthusiasm, and in some cases new challenges, for our region’s farmers.

This positive vibe was felt when I attended the Manangatang VFF branch meeting recently. They are a lively and active group of farmers working together to ensure the interests of local growers are well represented.

Similarly, the Swan Hill Rural City Council Agribusiness Committee is providing guidance to Council about issues relating to the agriculture and horticulture industries.

The group, chaired by Ann Young, has been running for one year and has already had input into the Draft Rural Land Use Strategy, attracting diversified agriculture and young people to the region, and has provided advice on simplifying Council processes. The group has also been involved in discussions on fruit fly and water modernisation, and have visited a number of farms.

If you are involved in agribusiness – either on your own farm or in a farm-related business – please consider joining the group. They are always looking for more and diverse representation. Contact the group through Council’s Economic Development Unit on 5032 3033 or ecodev@swanhill.vic.gov.au.

TOURISM PROJECTS AT BOGA, SWAN HILLI look forward to seeing upgrades at

two of our region’s key tourism areas in coming months.

At Lake Boga, the Catalina Museum will become home to a coffee shop and wine bar, with a large alfresco dining area beside the lake. This will create an entirely new experience for visitors and locals, and provide a unique space for special events like birthdays and weddings. An adventure playground will also be built next to the museum in 2017.

At Swan Hill’s riverfront precinct, the shared pathway will be extended from the PS Gem, past Spoons Riverside and to the Little Murray levee bank. A new deck and lawn area will also be built in front of

Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery.Both these projects have been

jointly funded by Council and Regional Development Victoria, and we were pleased to have RDV Regional Director Stan Liacos here in June to announce funding and visit the project sites.

SWAN HILL CAR PARKING The Swan Hill Car Park Management

Strategy sets out recommendations for car parking in Swan Hill’s CBD and was adopted at Council’s June meeting.

Council contracted traffic engineering firm The Traffix Group to complete the strategy, asking them to consider supply and demand, opportunities for additional car parking and costs associated.

The final strategy identifies eight locations where changes could be made to existing on-street parking, including changes to alignment, time allocations and metering. It suggests locations for additional long-term off-street parking as well.

The s t ra tegy a lso inc ludes recommendat i ons fo r pa r k i ng requirements in new developments and the cash in lieu payments that must be made when these requirements are waived.

Recommendations in the plan will be implemented as opportunities arise and as part of future developments. Anyone interested can view the plan on our website, under the Plans and Strategies section.

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer?Are you:• Available on the second Tuesday morning of each month? • Fit and able to carry a bag of books in and out of people’s homes, or push a trolley

of books in the nursing homes?• Willing to undergo a police check?• A holder of a current driver’s licence and willing to use your own vehicle to deliver

books to private homes or nursing homes in Swan Hill? If you answered yes, the library would love to hear from you! Contact the library on 5036 2480 or call into 53 Campbell Street, Swan Hill and fill out a Volunteer Form.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS TIMETABLEThursday, 15 September Nominations open.

12pm, Tuesday 20 September Nominations close. Anyone wishing to stand as a candidate must nominate by 12pm.

Between Tuesday, 4 and Thursday, 6 October 2016

Ballot packs are distributed (postal elections). Ballot packs are distributed via post to every enrolled person in a random order over three days. No more than 35 per cent of the ballot packs can be distributed on any one day.

6pm Friday, 21 October 2016 (one day before election day)

Close of voting (postal elections).

In postal elections, ballot papers must be posted by 6pm on the day before election day.

Saturday, 22 October 2016 Election day (vote counting)

Council CEO John McLinden

SWAN HILL RURAL CITY COUNCIL NEWS | SPRING 20164

PEOPLE’S DRAG STRIPThe keys have officially been handed over and the Swan Hill Drag Racing Club is gaining more traction as the highly anticipated first race meet in October draws closer.

With the recent announcement of Swan Hill’s Autobarn as a local associate sponsor, the club is reflecting on the generosity of the Swan Hill and drag racing communities.

Club President Gary Rovere said the support they have received throughout the entire project has been overwhelming.

“Since the announcement that the project was going ahead we have been overwhelmed with support, both locally and from out of town,” Mr Rovere said.

“Of course this project could not have gone ahead without funding from the State Government and Council, but without the local sponsorships, donations, in kind support and volunteers, we would not be where we are today.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Autobarn has come on board as the associate sponsor of the drag strip’s staging lanes. It highlights even more the confidence our local businesses have in us.

“We are also extremely grateful to the Whyalla Steel City Drags team, who will donate personnel, amenities and equipment to allow us to hold our first race meet. This initial event will allow us

to generate some income and put us in the position to purchase the remaining equipment we need.

“This facility isn’t just going to benefit those interested in the sport. The flow on effect of hosting nationally accredited events in Swan Hill will be huge.”

Autobarn Manager Nigel Decker said the business knew from the get-go that they would support the drag racing club.

“We knew straight away what the drag strip could do for Swan Hill. National events are massive, bringing huge crowds

of competitors and spectators – all who will need somewhere to eat, drink and sleep.

“Sponsoring the staging lanes seemed like the perfect spot – it’s where all the action starts.

“Spectators get their first glimpse of the cars and that’s when the adrenaline starts pumping. We can’t wait to see it all in action.”

The club will host its first open race meet on 8 and 9 October, in conjunction with the Whyalla Steel City Drags team.

JOB DONE: The upgrade at Swan Hill's Brown Street shopping area is complete.

NEW LEADER: Oliver McNulty (third from left) with some of his team members Roger Lambert, Gaye Cutajar, Graham Jarvie, Joyline Rovere, Kerry Young and Douglas Wood.

READY TO RACE: The drag club's Lucas Woodburn, Al Ward and Gary Rovere with Autobarn's Nigel Decker.

How good does this look?This is the new-look Brown Street shopping

precinct in Swan Hill.New footpaths, trees and street furniture

have been installed, creating a more vibrant and up-to-date shopping area. Carparking spaces have also been re-aligned to make them easier for shoppers to use.

The Gray Street Shop owner Barbie Rowe said the upgrades were wonderful.

“Brown Street is one of a few outer retail areas in Swan Hill that are so important to our local economy, and in some cases provide a really unique experience for local shoppers,” Barbie said.

“They have modernised the area and we now have a beautiful space for outdoor dining.

“It was great to see this transformation happen so smoothly, thanks to the co-operation of retailers and a great team of Council staff.”

In line with Council’s commitment to a sustainable environment, some materials used in the upgrade were taken from Council’s store of materials saved from previous projects. This includes the blue stone and balustrades used in the new retaining wall.

The 2016 Swan Hill Fairfax Festival is back next month, with the event’s official opening on Tuesday, 13 September.

Now in its 20th year, the festival will see young people from Mildura through to Bendigo learn from leading artists and theatre companies during three days of workshops.

In line with this year’s theme Site Specific Storytelling, participants will work with some of the best physical theatre practitioners in Australia, learning new performing techniques including circus, hip hop, voice work and theatre.

On Thursday, 15 September the community is invited to see the results of the participants’ hard work at the free Gala Performance event at the Swan Hill Town Hall.

Festival Manager Dominique Haslam said the Fairfax Festival is specifically for young, geographically isolated people wanting to connect with others through their love of the arts.

“This year’s participants will be learning the performance styles and techniques from a number of very different companies, to help them create their own stories through art” Ms Haslam said.

“Each group will be perfecting their own performance piece through daily rehearsals with their partnered company as well as working with the other companies in daily workshops.”

Ms Haslam added that on the opening night, participants would also be treated to a special performance by renowned production company Y Space.

“Y Space is a project based performing arts company that works with rock climbers and dancers to create works in unusual and high places, so we are absolutely thrilled to have them on board.”

The 2016 Gala Performance event will be held at 7pm on Thursday, 15 September at the Swan Hill Town Hall.

For more information visit www.fairfaxfestival.com.au or visit the festival’s Facebook page.

The event is supported by Swan Hill Rural City Council, Hugh Williamson Foundation, Festivals Australia, Robert Salzer Foundation, The Arts Centre Melbourne, Muso’s Stuff and Stewart Street Accommodation.

FAIRFAX FESTIVAL IS BACK!

NEW LOOK BROWN STREET

A life-long connection to engineering and construction has led Council’s new Director Infrastructure Oliver McNulty to Swan Hill.

Mr McNulty heads a team of almost 80 staff, working in the areas of engineering, design, major projects, roads, parks and gardens, waste and saleyards. Getting to know this team, as well as the Swan Hill region and its people, were among his first priorities when he started in July.

“Every Council does things differently, so understanding what the differences are and getting to know the systems, people and the community groups is one of my initial challenges,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to getting out in the community and hearing what they say.”

Mr McNulty comes to Swan Hill from Campaspe Shire, where he worked as the Road Services Manager. He sees many similarities between the two regions, like industry types and community issues, and hopes his experience there will stand him in good stead.

“Reactivating small rural communities, making sure people can get around, giving people the ability to live and grow in this area – these issues are very similar to Campaspe,” he said.

Originally from Ireland, Mr McNulty’s association with the engineering industry started young.

“My father was a professor of engineering, I have seven brothers and sisters, and five of us are in engineering,” Mr McNulty said.

He studied Bachelor of Science in Engineering and later ran his own consultancy in County Sligo.

“I had a consultancy with civil and structural engineers and architects. We had about 15 or 16 staff. We also ran a small construction company, building housing developments and small shopping centres,” he said.

“Unfortunately I was impacted by the economic collapse and had to make the call to close my office down.”

Soon after, his brother James – already working as a planner at Campaspe Shire - called to tell him about an engineering job there. Mr McNulty moved to Australia in 2012, with his wife Leah and their two sons - Cathal, 18, and Senan, 15.

Both Oliver and Leah enjoy getting involved in the community. Mr McNulty is a keen athlete, having played county-level Gaelic football for 20 years before taking up cycling and triathlons after moving to Australia.

FROM IRELAND TO THE MURRAY

SWAN HILL RURAL CITY COUNCIL NEWS | SPRING 2016 5

PATHWAY TO SUCCESS: Mayor Les McPhee, Regional Director for RDV Stan Liacos, Council's Director Development and Planning Adam McSwain and CEO John McLinden at

the recent funding announcement for Stage 2 of the Riverwalk Enhancement.

Swan Hill residents should register their interest in having natural gas connected to their home.

Brookfield Infrastructure and Tas Gas Retail hope to start delivering natural gas to homes and businesses in the Swan Hill township before the end of 2017. Work to build the unique natural gas compression and delivery system is already well underway.

Brookfield’s Todd Henderson said construction of the gas receival station in Swan Hill’s industrial area, and the supply main, was in its final stages.

“We’re progressing very well with the supply main that will supply gas into town ... then we will be moving onto the smaller reticulation

network,” Mr Henderson said.“We’re keen to gain expressions of interest

from the public on connections so that we can really understand where the key areas of interest are in the township.”

After Swan Hill is connected to natural gas, Robinvale will be the next town to be supplied.

The natural gas connection is thanks to funding from the Victorian State Government, and an advocacy project in conjunction with Council and Murray River Group of Councils.

To register your interest, and find out more, visit www.vic.tasgas.com.au or call

1800 760 771.

GIVE GAS A GO

PLANS TO BEAUTIFY ROBINVALE

Swan Hill Rural City Councillors threw their support behind, and unanimously endorsed, the updated Robinvale Bromley Road Masterplan at the June Ordinary Meeting of Council.

After extensive community consultation and the dedicated efforts of the Bromley Road Working Group, the original Bromley Road Masterplan has been combined with new concept road design and landscape plans to create one working document.

Members from the Friends of Bromley Road Committee teamed up with Council officers, Councillor John Katis and local police to form the Bromley Road Working Group, collaborating to produce a new road design that was strongly supported by the Robinvale community.

Council’s Director Development and Planning Adam McSwain said the local knowledge the group provided was integral in developing a plan that would fit the needs and wants of the Robinvale community.

“The new road design was a concept put forward by the Friends of Bromley Road,” Mr McSwain said.

“The group took an idea from the original Bromley Road Streetscape Masterplan and adjusted the design to create a road plan they considered to be more practical and simplified.

“The new landscape concept design was also developed based on community ideas and feedback after extensive community consultation during the Robinvale Community Plan review weekend.

“This input has resulted in a masterplan that essentially has been developed by the Robinvale community for the Robinvale community.”

Surveying of Bromley Road has now been completed and a consultant engaged to begin mapping the new road design to assist with development and project timelines and to support future funding applications.

Copies of the Bromley Road Masterplan are available from Council’s website at www.swanhill.vic.gov.au or from the Robinvale Resource Centre.

For more information, contact Council’s Economic Development

Officer Amanda Young on 5032 3033.

A GREAT CONCEPT: A snippet of the updated road concept design, showing the potential new layout of Bromley Road.

GAS GOES AHEAD: RDVs Peter Harrison, Mayor Les McPhee and representatives from Brookfield Infrastructure and Tas Gas were on hand for the

official sod turning to mark the start of bringing natural gas to Swan Hill.

RIVERFRONT REVAMP A water, skate and play area is being planned for Swan Hill’s Riverside Park.

Designs for an Active Play Precinct near the park pond are being finalised, and will include a water play space, new skate park, nature and pioneer-themed playground, a double flying fox and a massive climbing net.

Community Development and Riverfront Co-ordinator Fiona Gormann said the play space was identified as a community priority when the Riverfront Masterplan was put together.

“The masterplan highlighted a water play area as a priority, and young people have been telling us for a long time that they would like a skate park in a more central and accessible location,” she said.

“We’ve engaged a landscape architect to bring all this together, and are also talking to local young people to make sure we get the design right.”

Once designs are finalised, Council officers will seek external funding to complete the project across a number of stages.ART GALLERY AND GEM PRECINCTWork will start next month to give the area near the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery and Spoons Riverside a facelift.

The shared pathway will be extended from the PS Gem, in front of Spoons Riverside and to the levee bank. Designs are being

finalised, but the pathway will complement the existing timber wharf and be up to three metres wide.

A deck will be built across the front of Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery, along with a performance stage on the Gallery’s west end and a large lawn for outdoor performances and events.

The road and carparks in the area will also be re-aligned and formalised.

The $342,000 project has been funded by Regional Development Victoria and Council, and is expected to be finished by May 2017.

The project will be completed in two stages to avoid disruption during the summer tourism season. SCULPTURE PARKDesign work is being completed to join the pathway near the caravan park to the pathway near the Pioneer Settlement.

The project will also include the Japanese-inspired garden to mark Swan Hill’s Sister City Relationship with Yamagata, a river edge boardwalk and viewing platform overlooking the train turntable, and landscaping of the area near the turntable.

You can find out more about these projects at the next Riverfront Open

House. Keep an eye on Council’s website, Facebook page and local media

for details.

WORKS UPDATEOur works teams and contractors have been busy completing these projects over the past few months ...>> A six-kilometre section of Pental Island

Road has been reconstructed and sealed through the Roads to Recovery program.

>> River Road in Swan Hill, between Arnoldt Street and Douglas Road, has been upgraded.

>> Meatian West Road, 4.5km resheeted.>> Cemetery Road, Lake Boga, 1.4km resheeted.>> Magee Road, Woorinen, 1.3km resheeted.>> Shoulders resheeted on Nyah West Road,

between Nyah Two Bays and Nyah West, 2.7km.

>> Shared pathway along Yana Street completed, between Charlie Gray Close and Werril Street.

COMING UP>> New bench-style seating will be installed at

the Swan Hill Showgrounds grandstand. All existing seats will be replaced with 175 linear metres of durable steel seating, which should increase capacity from the current 392.

>> The Chapman Street shopping area in Swan Hill will be upgraded with new trees and improvements to the footpaths and road pavement.

>> A new all-abilities/family changeroom will be built at the Swan Hill Outdoor Pool, including a hoist and manual change table.

>> The River Road upgrade will continue to the Swan Hill Abattoirs early in 2017.

>> Designs are being finalised for the upgrade of Nyah Road in Swan Hill. The project, funded through the Roads to Recovery program, will start early in 2017.

As of 1 July 2016 all enquiries and requests for aged care services should be directed to the Commonwealth’s national aged care service - My Aged Care.

My Aged Care is a national one-stop-shop for aged care services in Australia and provides information regarding:

• the different types of aged care services• your eligibility for services and how to help

find local services• assessments and referrals to the providers

that can meet your needs• the costs of your aged care services,

including fee estimatorsIf you are already receiving aged care

services you do not have to contact My Aged Care unless your circumstances or care needs change.

To access aged care services call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or you can access the website at www.myagedcare.gov.au

If you have a hearing or speech impairment My Aged Care can assist through the National Relay Service on 1800 555 677 and asking to be connect to 1800 200 422.

If you need an interpreter My Aged Care can assist through the Translating and Interpreting Service. Call 131 450 and ask to be connected to 1800 200 422

The My Aged Care contact centre operates from Monday to Friday – 8am to 8pm, and Saturday – 10am to 2pm.

If you are unable to make contact to My Aged Care please contact Council’s Community Care Services on 5036 4700 and a member of our friendly staff will assist you with your enquiries.

CONTACT HACC

SWAN HILL RURAL CITY COUNCIL NEWS | SPRING 20166

Solar panels just installed on Council’s Splatt Street and Beveridge Street offices will save as much as $20,000 a year in energy costs.

The 274 panel, 85kWh system was installed last month, at a cost of $110,000. The panels were installed on tilt frames, with the addition of optimisers helping Council get the most out of each panel, even on cloudy days.

When operating at its maximum capacity,

the system will generate enough electricity to power most of the Splatt Street office.

“Once we have paid off the cost of the system – in about five years’ time – it will save ratepayers money,” CEO John McLinden said.

“We hope it will also inspire other local businesses to investigate the benefits of large scale solar energy production on their own buildings.”

MARKET DAY IN OCTOBER Market Day will be held on 22 October in Swan Hill’s CBD, from 9am until 2pm.

It is a chance for businesses normally located outside the CBD, as well as sport clubs, associations and home based businesses, to promote and sell their products and services in the CBD. Stall sites are $30. To book, contact Julie Wiggins at Swan Hill Inc on 0407 826 177 or info@swanhillonline.com.

Entertainment on Market Day will include a mobile zoo, local musicians, horse and carriage rides, jumping castle, face painting and treasure hunt. Young people will provide

entertainment as part of the Youth Arts Festival and S Factor.

CONNECTIONS PROJECTGoulburn-Murray Water is busy undertaking work in and around Swan Hill as part of its Connections Project.

This includes current work to lower the height of the Little Murray Weir and extend its lifespan, as well as installing fish passages at both the Little Murray and Fish Point weirs.

For more information on the project visit http://www.gmwconnectionsproject.com.au/swan-hill-modernisation-project-works/.

ROBINVALE COMMUNITY PLANAfter extensive community consultation, the Robinvale Community Plan is expected to go to the 30 August Council Meeting in Robinvale. The plan is the result of an initial community meeting, held to identify and prioritise key areas within the plan.

Locals unanimously decided that upgrading Robinvale’s infrastructure was the top priority. A second community meeting will be held in the coming weeks to discuss which projects can be undertaken to improve and build on the current infrastructure within Robinvale. If you would like be involved in shaping the future of Robinvale, contact Community Planning Officer Chris Rowlands on 5036 2447.

BOUNDARY BENDNew entrance signage at Boundary Bend Memorial Park is currently under discussion with the Boundary Bend community planning committee. The new entry signage is hoped to be installed this financial year.

MANANGATANGChildren’s seating has recently been installed in Lowan Park. The Manangatang Improvement Group is also sourcing fitness equipment for the Manangatang Recreation Reserve, with the hopes of having it installed early next year.

NYAHStage 1 of the AN Lewis Park upgrade in Nyah is progressing, with the installation of two wooden sculptures expected to take place in the coming weeks. The sculptures have been carved from Cedar and Cyprus

wood using a chainsaw and pay tribute to two of the park’s namesakes – A.N. Lewis and William Lewis.

NYAH WESTThe Nyah District Action Group is hosting a town garage sale in the main street of Nyah West on 18 September from 8am to 3pm. The day will include a boot sale for smaller items as well as street markets. To register for the event see Linda at the Nyah West Cafe.

JAYCEE PARK, SWAN HILL The Jaycee Park Meeting Place is complete and was officially opened on 26 August. The community celebrated the fantastic addition to the park with a Welcome to Country, smoking ceremony, traditional dancing and didgeridoo performance followed by a delicious barbecue lunch. Thank you to all those that attended.

WOORINENThe Woorinen District Progress Association is currently reviewing its Community Plan and recently held a community information session to consult with community and prioritise projects. The plan will be released in the coming weeks, with the group looking for more people to get involved in upcoming projects.

For more information or to be involved with community planning in your town, contact Council’s Community Planning Officer Chris Rowlands on 5036 2447 or

email chris.rowlands@swanhill.vic.gov.au.

Residents will have recently received their first rates notice for the 2016/17 financial year.

Council offers payment of rates by quarterly instalments.

DUE DATES FOR INSTALMENTS ARE:First instalment – 30 September 2016Second instalment – 30 November 2016Third instalment – 28 February 2017Fourth instalment – 31 May 2017

LUMP SUM PAYMENTCouncil also offers a one per cent

discount on rates and charges if all four instalments (the total rates charge) is paid in full by 30 September 2016.

PAYMENT OPTIONSIn person - At our Swan Hill or Robinvale offices. By mail - Forward your rates notice with a cheque or money order payable to Swan Hill Rural City Council to: PO Box 488, Swan Hill VIC 3585. Late payment will be subject to interest penalties regardless of the date of posting.

At Australia Post - Present your rates notice intact. Payment online or by phone - Pay online at auspost.com.au/postbillpay or phone 13 18 16. By Bpay - Using your telephone or internet banking. The biller code and reference number are on your rates notice.Centrepay Use Centerpay to arrange regular deductions for your Centerlink payment.Direct Debit - Direct payment from your bank account or credit card.

HAVE YOUR NOTICE EMAILLEDWe’ve introduced a new emailing service

for our rates notices. You can now register to receive your rates notices via email instead of post.

Receiving your rates notice via email will not only help cut down on paper and reduce your carbon footprint but also give you faster and easier access to your notices. To register visit www.swanhill.formsport.com.au and follow the prompts.

SOLAR POWERED

SWAN HILL NEWS IN BRIEF

COMMUNITY PLANNING UPDATE

YOUR RATES NOTICEBIRD'S EYE VIEW: Just some of the panels on Council's Beveridge Street office in Swan Hill.

LOOKING GOOD: Jaycee Park's new meeting place.

WALKING PATHSCouncil is finalising a project that will see four new walking paths constructed throughout the region.

These paths, which also link in with Council’s Active Transport Strategy, have been identified as priorities in Community Plans by the following communities: • Manangatang Improvement Group – path

from the Community Centre to the pool.• Nyah District Action Group – path joining

Nyah West to Nyah Two Bays.• Nyah District Action Group – a path loop

from AN Lewis Park around the recreation reserve.

• Boundary Bend Progress Association – a path loop along the highway and along the river.

BIKE RACKSSeven new artistic bike racks will be installed through the region later this year.

Nyah, Piangil and Robinvale will each be home to a new Murray Cod bike rack, while Lake Boga will receive four new pelican bike racks around the lake.

LIFESAVER: Swan Hill Genealogical and Historical Society President Lyn Cunningham, volunteers Dot Harvey and Barbara Patterson and Library OH&S Officer

Tracey Free with the Library's AED.

BLOCK VISIT: Woorinen grower Mick Young talks to National Fruit Fly Council Chairman John Durham , new National Manager Darryl Barbour,

and new Victorian Government State Wide Fruit Fly Co-ordinator Kathy Mansfield.

SWAN HILL RURAL CITY COUNCIL NEWS | SPRING 2016 7

A HEARTFELT INITIATIVE

KEEP UP THE GOOD FIGHT

REMOVING BARRIERS

GRANT APPLICATIONS CLOSE SOON

THE SALEYARDS TEAM

The lives and safety of locals and visitors to our region have been drastically improved with seven Council buildings now fitted with Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

An AED is a small, portable easy to operate lifesaving medical device designed to deliver an electrical shock to a person who is having a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA).

They are designed to be used by a first responder who is usually a non-medical layperson to save the life of an unconscious victim.

The Pioneer Settlement, Swan Hill Regional Library, Swan Hill Region Information Centre, Robinvale Resource Centre, Swan Hill Regional Livestock Exchange, Swan Hill Town Hall PACC and the Swan Hill Indoor Sport and Recreation Centre have all been installed with AEDs and onsite staff have or are currently undertaking training.

Mayor Les McPhee said having access to an

AED can increase the survival rate of someone experiencing Sudden Cardiac Arrest by up to 75 per cent.

“AEDs were designed to be used by non-medical people with little or no previous experience or instruction, Cr McPhee said.

“Ideally it would be fantastic if everyone was trained in CPR, however having these modern AEDs means any motivated bystander, regardless of training, can save a life.”

All six of Council’s AED machines have been registered with Ambulance Victoria, allowing emergency services to direct the public or Ambulance Victoria to the closest AED within the area.

The purchase of these machines was made possible thanks to funding from the Neighbourhood Justice Centre Court Fund, the Swan Hill Genealogical Society (towards the Swan Hill Regional Library AED), and Council.

The campaign to rid the region of Queensland fruit fly is ramping up again ahead of the 2016 summerfruit season.

And there’s extra reason to keep the fly at bay this year, with nectarine growers having access to the Chinese market for first time, after the new import/export protocols were agreed in May.

“It’s a massive opportunity for fruit growers, so the importance of fruit fly control is even higher this year,” Mayor Les McPhee said.

“Please, if you live in Swan Hill or another township in our municipality, get hold of a fruit fly trap, ensure you maintain your backyard fruit tree and dispose of fruit properly,” he said.

The next load of traps will arrive in Swan Hill by the end of September and be distributed to Swan Hill households through a network of volunteer organisations.

Woorinen grower Mick Young said the township control program, now in its third year, was making a dent in fly outbreaks.

“It’s starting to create awareness. People are asking me about what they can do and when the next traps are coming. It’s starting to work and that’s a really good thing,” he said.

Mr Young was just one of the growers who met with delegates from the National Fruit Fly Council and the Victorian State Government when they visited the region in July. The group was conducting a case study on the Swan Hill region’s fruit fly control program, considered to be a great example of industry, Council and community working together.

Mr Young told the group about the strict and high-cost control standards that commercial growers must meet to sell overseas and domestically, after the suspension of the Greater Sunraysia Pest Free Area status.

This includes fumigation, cold storage, fruit fly trapping, fruit and orchard inspections, and a range of administrative processes.

He said many growers were also going beyond that to improve control methods on-farm. One of those processes, he said, was post-harvest hygiene and waste disposal to deter fruit fly, including composting, mulching, treatment and deep burial.

To find out more about how you can help control fruit fly, visit Council’s website or

www.pestfreearea.com.au

After extensive community consultation, the development of Council’s Community Access and Inclusion Strategy (CAIS) is in its final stages.

Replacing the Disability Action Plan 2012-15, the CAIS will have an accompanying action plan to identify how Council can contribute to removing barriers of all kinds for people with a disability.

The CAIS will detail Council’s commitment to improve the overall quality of life of people living in and visiting our region and ensuring that services and facilities provided by Council are accessible and equitable.

KEY OBJECTIVES The key objectives of the CAIS are:

1. Reduce barriers to Council services, programs and facilities for people with a disability.

2. Reduce barriers to people with a disability obtaining and maintaining employment.

3. Increase inclusion and participation in the community for people with a disability.

4. Improve community attitudes and perceptions that discriminate against people with a disability.

REGISTER YOUR INTERESTIf you are interested in keeping up-to-date with the development of the CAIS, register your details by one of the following methods:Online: www.swanhill.vic.gov.au Email: chucker@swanhill.vic.gov.au Phone: (03) 5036 2404

Community, sporting, cultural and other not-for-profit groups have until Monday, 5 September to apply for up to $3,000 from Council’s Community Grants Program.

Application forms are available at www.swanhill.vic.gov.au or in person at the Swan Hill Region Information Centre and Robinvale Resource Centre.

Funding will be provided for applications that target projects such as structural repairs or minor upgrades to community facilities, current OHS or risk management issues, promote local sustainability initiatives including responsible water use and conservation, creating proud community spaces, equipment upgrades, local community events or new programs and activities within a community.

Council’s Director Development and Planning Adam McSwain said projects might include purchasing safety gear, water saving initiatives like water tanks, structural upgrades or purchasing new equipment.

“Last year, successful applicants included the Swan Hill Childcare Co-operative, Woorinen

District Progress Association, Manangatang and District Bowling Club, Lake Boga Sports Club, Piangil Memorial Park Reserve, just to name a few,” Mr McSwain said.

“Funding went to diverse projects like family fun days, building upgrades and improvements, new and improved equipment and assisting clubs to conduct events.

“A record 70 applications were received last year, with 43 projects receiving funding. We look forward to seeing more community projects come forward in the 2016/17 funding round.”

Groups and organisations based in the Swan Hill Rural City Council or organisations based outside the municipality but with a project delivering services to residents of the municipality are eligible to apply. Groups and organisations must also be an incorporated body, or be auspiced.

For more information, contact Meagan Monk at Council on 5032 3033

or email mmonk@swanhill.vic.gov.au.

The sights, sounds and smells of the saleyards are a world away from the usual confines of a Council office. But for Hannah Robins and Robert ‘Shorty’ Evans, it’s all in a day’s work.

The pair has overseen operations at the Swan Hill Regional Livestock Exchange for the past eight and a half years, with Shorty having spent another eight years working there on a casual basis.

The exchange is the largest in north west Victoria. In the last financial year, a massive 212,105 sheep and 27,091 cattle were sold, with a combined value of more than $54 million.

For Hannah and Shorty, it means both a busy and rewarding job. They plan sales, maintain and clean the yards, and are continually working to improve safety and efficiency.

On sale days they work alongside local stock agents and casual saleyards staff to run the sales, record and document sale information, and ensure the welfare of livestock.

According to Hannah, sale days can be fast-paced.

“On a cattle sale day there can be up to 40 staff working at the yards,” she said.

Before joining Council, Hannah grew

up on a sheep farm at Kangaroo Island, studied agriculture and then worked at Wakool’s Yambinya Feedlot. She said that since starting as the saleyards supervisor, she had seen throughput and livestock prices continually increase.

“As the prices have climbed and our facilities continue to improve, people are also travelling further to sell at Swan Hill,” she said.

“We are running a successful Council-run livestock exchange, and that is one of the most rewarding parts of my job, as well as working alongside such a diverse group of people.”

The future is looking bright for the exchange too – a major redevelopment is planned, and Council has submitted an application for funding.

Hannah said the redevelopment would include new yard set-ups to improve efficiencies, which would ultimately allow for weekly sales of cattle and sheep rather than the currently fortnightly cycle.

The next sheep sales will be held on 1, 15 and 29 September (at 1pm), and cattle sales on 8 and 22 September (at 7.30am). Special sheep sales will also be held on Friday, 2 September at 12.30pm and Friday, 30 September at 10am.

MEET THE TEAM: Hannah Robins, Robert Evans, Michelle Berg and Carolyn Harrop.

WHAT’S ONSEPTEMBERSat 3 Sept NEIL MURRAY LIVE IN CONCERT, Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery. Don’t miss this intimate performance from one of Australia’s most engaging and acclaimed songwriters. To book call 1800 625 373 or online at www.visitswanhill.com.au.

Fri 2 and Sat 3 Sept INNER WHEEL TABLE SETTINGS display and fundraiser for Riding for Disabled. Contact 0402 800 086.

Thurs 1 Sept and 15 Sept CREATE, Women of all ages are invited to inspire each other through the sharing of stories and craft activities. The Create program is being held at the Grain Shed, 2 King Street, Swan Hill.10am to 12pm. For more information contact the Grain Shed on 5032 9449.

Wed 7 Sept to Sun 2 Oct DANCING WITH THREADS, Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery. Richly embellished works from Swan Hill textile artist and dance professional Raylene Richardson.

Tues 13 September – Thurs 15 Sept FAIRFAX FESTIVAL, Workshops and activities for youth between the ages of 12 to 17. Free Gala Performance on Thurs, 15 September at Swan Hill Town Hall PACC.

Sun 18 Sept NYAH WEST COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE. Community garage sale. Contact Nyah West Café on 5030 2862.

Wed 28 Sept ALWAYS...PATSY CLINE, Swan Hill Town Hall PACC. This show is more than attribute to the legendary country singer, featuring 27 unforgettable hits and starring award winning country music sensation Courtney Conway. To book call 1800 625 373 or online at www.visitswanhill.com.au.

Fri 30 Sept – Sat 1 October SWAN HILL AGRICULTURAL AND PASTORAL SOCIETY SHOW, Swan Hill Showgrounds. For more information contact swanhillshow@bigpond.com or visit the Swan Hill Show Facebook page.

OCTOBERSun 2 – Sun 16 October SENIORS WEEK FESTIVAL. Held each year to celebrate the inspiring contribution of older Victorians. Events held across the region. Contact 5036 4700 for more information

Fri 7 Oct – 9 October SWAN HILL COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION INAUGURAL “WALK UP ARTISTS” CAMPOUT, Nyah Recreational Reserve. For more information visit swanhillcountrymusicas-sociation.com.au, or to enquire contact Ken Smith on 0418 500 093.

Sat 15 Oct THE BIG BASH IN THE BIG SHED, Manangatang Recreation Reserve. Kuntrymembas The Manang Crew hosts day with motorbikes on show, live music, catering

– a fundraiser for local pre-school and hospital. Contact 0411 646 866, 0447 041 158 or 0439 818 012.

Fri 21 Oct THE GIZMO, Swan Hill Town Hall PACC. Adapted from the Paul Jennings novel, this family friendly energy packed performance includes great music, gadgets, physical storytelling and amazing visual effects. To book call 1800 625 373 or online at www.visitswanhill.com.au.

Sat 22 Oct SWAN HILL MARKET DAY, Campbell Street, from 9am. Come to the heart of the CBD to enjoy the special entertainment, activities, bargains and special offers for the annual Swan Hill Market Day.

Sat 22 Oct JUNIOR BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT, Swan Hill Basketball Stadium

Sat 22 Oct BLACK TIE GALA, Swan Hill Town Hall. Fundraiser for Blue Ribbon Foundation, tickets from Swan Hill District Health.

Thurs 27 Oct SWAN HILL BUSINESS BREAKFAST. Check Council’s website closer to the date for details.

NOVEMBER17 Nov – 20 Dec CHRISTMAS STOCKING COMPETITION. Show

locally to go into the draw to win fantastic prizes from local businesses.

Sun 20 Nov DEATH BY SOPRANO, Swan Hill Town Hall. Death by Soprano satirically catalogues operatic death scenes in an A-Z, cabaret romp, created with a great love of opera, although it also embraces a loving irreverence for her occasionally over-inflated ego. To book call 1800 625 373 or online at www.visitswanhill.com.au.

WHAT ELSE?There are also regular PYAP CRUISES (weekdays 2.30pm; weekends, Victorian school holidays and public holidays 10.30am and 2.30pm) and the HEARTBEAT OF THE MURRAY LASER LIGHT SHOW (every night) at the Pioneer Settlement. Call 5036 2410 for details.

And don’t forget STORYTIME each week at the Swan Hill Regional Library for the kids. Saturday Story Time 11am, Wednesday Story Time 10.30am, Thursday Baby Rhyme time 10.30am. Call 5036 2480 for details.

MARKETS1st Sat of the month MURRABIT MARKET (about 45km south east of Swan Hill), 8.30am to 1pm. Contact 5457 2205.

1st Sun of the month SWAN HILL FARMERS MARKET, Riverside Park Swan Hill. 9am to 1pm. Contact 0456 531 606.

2nd Sat of the month NYAH LIONS CLUB MARKET, Nyah Recreation Reserve, 9am to 12pm. Contact 5030 2519 or 0409 302 519.

2nd Sat of the month ROBINVALE COUNTRY MARKET, Caix Square, Robinvale, 8.30am to 12.30pm. Contact 5026 3095.

3rd Sat of the month ANGLICAN BOOT SALE MARKET, Anglican Function Centre, Splatt Street, Swan Hill, 9am to 12pm. Contact 5032 2506 or 5032 3765.

3rd Sun of the month ROTARY CLUB OF SWAN HILL MARKET, railway car park, Curlewis Street, Swan Hill, 8am to 12pm. Entry by gold coin donation. Contact 0417 372 654.

>> LOOKING FOR SOMETHING MORE? This is just a taste of the events happening across the Swan Hill and Robinvale regions from September to November. There are other regular community events listed at www.visitswanhill.com.au.

>> GET A FREE EVENT L IST INGAnyone can have their events uploaded to the www.visitswanhill.com.au site for FREE!Please email the details to tourism@swanhill.vic.gov.au, or get in touch with the friendly team at the Swan Hill Region Information Centre.

SWAN HILL RURAL CITY COUNCIL NEWS | SPRING 20168

EMAIL OPTIONWould you like to receive a copy of our newsletter delivered straight to your inbox? Just send an email with ‘newsletter’ written in the subject line to media@swanhill.vic.gov.au.

THEY’RE YOUNG AT ARTYoung people are learning from the best and having their work exhibited through a new program at Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery.

The Gallery has started using a $25,000 Creative Victoria grant to run workshops for young people. But, according to Gallery Director Ian Tully, the workshops have an added bonus for their young participants.

“We are running workshops with an outcome, and that outcome is that the young people will exhibit their work in the gallery,” he said.

“For example in July, Jake Holmes came

from Adelaide to run a screen printing workshop, we had about 10 people at that. Their work formed an exhibition in the small gallery space in August.”

He said Kerang artist Kerryn Finch ran a spray painting and stencil workshop in Robinvale during the last school holidays, with those works put into a pop-up exhibition at the Mallee Almond Blossom Festival.

Similarly, the results of a recent collage-based workshop with artist Jacqui Stockdale will be exhibited in the Gallery in December,

alongside a collage-based exhibition from Sydney-based Deborah Kelly, titled No Human Being Is Illegal.

“We’re trying to hold exhibitions that support each other, so that young people can see what it is like to be a professional artist, exhibiting your work in a public gallery,” Mr Tully said.

The remainder of the funding will be used between now and December 2017 to run more workshops. Keep an eye on the Gallery’s Facebook page and website for details.

My Life in Boxes is the story of Elise, a hoarder coming to grips with everything that she has lost.

Elise welcomes us into her life near its end as council workers are sent to clean up the hoarded relics of her short, 35 year life, and the memories her dead husband Teddy.

Before this reality is even allowed to sink in, the story relocates to Elise’s mid-twenties, where she and Teddy fall in love and marry soon after.

Their love is overwhelming, but their dreams are in contention. Teddy longs to start a family, a proposition Elise likens to a prison sentence. Fate will not let them resolve their differences; Teddy dies of a heart attack and Elise is left to carry on her journey alone. But she is not alone.

Comforted by the all too realistic memory of her late husband Teddy, Elise continues life like he never left, until, he suggests a deadly truth: either ghosts exist or there is something wrong with her. She then must choose, receive treatment and lose Teddy

forever, or hoard her memories, hoard their love, and let her illness consume her.

My Life in Boxes is a bittersweet journey; Elise and Teddy’s love and interactions so endearing, their fights so humorous. It is a beautiful, fragmented story explored both through text and circus, sequences on trapeze, aerial rope, and adagio expertly weaved throughout the story. You will laugh, you will cry, you will love My Life in Boxes.

PERFORMING ARTS: MY LIFE IN BOXES

Running time: 60 minutesSwan Hill Town Hall PACCSaturday, 8 October at 7.30pmTickets: Adults $36, seniors and concession $32.50, 18 years under $20Show contains mild course language.Tickets available online at swanhillperformingarts.com.au or at the door 45 minutes before show, if not sold out prior.