www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au

IMAGES ARE LOW RES AND NOT FINAL

September 2014

A magic milestoneIndigo Shire was formed from the amalgamation of Beechworth, Chiltern, Rutherglen and Yackandandah Shires on 15 November 1994.

We will be quietly and proudly noting our 20th anniversary year, so you will see some nice touches from time to time as we honour our achievements, and the people who helped create them.

Join us in remembering that our two decades of service has been for the community, of the community, and by the community.

You can email frank.connell@indigoshire.vic.gov.au or phone 03 5728 8063 to share your recollections, anecdotes, memorabilia and mementoes of all the great things which have made Indigo Shire the place we can all be proud of today.

INSET: Main Street Rutherglen in a postcard from the early 1900s.

Join the conversationThe latest news is at your fingertips! wherever you are. Visit www.facebook.com/indigoshire for all the latest Council news and information.

Excellence award for Museum managerThe Manager of the Burke Museum, Patrick Watt, has received a Museums Australia (Victoria) Award for Excellence.

Thanks to the development of innovative exhibitions, public programs, and school education programs, Mr Watt increased Burke Museum visits 32% in his first year.

Judges noted that Mr Watt has secured ongoing Council funding for museum repairs and staff, and started working closely with local historical societies and

athenaeums by acting as a mentor to support and promote their collections and to develop succession strategies.

The Indigo Shire Mayor, Cr Bernard Gaffney, said Patrick had been "an absolute star" since he took over the management of the Burke Museum.

"Not only has he increased numbers coming to the museum, he has instilled a strong interest in history in the many schoolchildren who visit," Cr Gaffney said.

ABOVE: TV historian Adam Ford, Patrick Watt and David Demant, of Museums Victoria.

Carbon Tax savings come back to you — P8

Yackandandah Council Office ... almost thereAt long last, the new Council office in Yackandandah is nearing completion. Residents are advised to note the following tentative dates for the big move:Friday 3 October. Yackandandah Office operating with skeleton staff. General enquiries go through to Beechworth.Saturday 4, Sunday 5 October. Staff move into the new office.Monday 6 October. Customer Service

temporarily moves to the Yackandandah Visitor Information Centre while current front office is demolished and a path to the new office and library is built.Wednesday 8 October. Surplus furniture available for purchase from Murphy's Salvage and Demolition, 4 Muller Street, Baranduda, phone 02 6020 8666.Tuesday 11 November. Customer Service returns to new office.HACC inquiries will not be affected.

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strength of community read all about it

Can you lend a hand?Indigo Shire Council is looking for more volunteers to deliver meals on wheels across the Shire. We are also looking for community car drivers in the Tangambalanga-Kiewa area.

If you can help out please contact Indigo Shire on 1300 365 003 and ask for Mandy Wallace.

Kids in the ParkCelebrate Children’s Week at our family fun afternoon at Coulston Park, Tangambalanga, 4pm-7pm Friday 24 October.

Bring the family to a great afternoon of free fun activities including workshops, entertainment, food, face-painting and more.

Community mealsCommunity Meals are held monthly at locations across Indigo Shire for residents over 65.

As well as providing a healthy meal, the gatherings are a great opportunity to catch up with friends and share some quality time together.

Meals are held every month at the following times and places:• Beechworth, 1st Wednesday each

month• Chiltern, 4th Monday• Rutherglen, 3rd Wednesday• Tangambalanga, last Friday• Yackandandah, 3rd Friday.For more information, contact Mandy Wallace 1300 365 003

Seniors WeekThe Sounds of Silent

• Wednesday 8 October, 2pm• Rutherglen Memorial Hall• This event is free for seniorsThe Sounds of Silent, a five-piece ensemble from Melbourne, recreate the silent movie experience from the 20s and 30s — a vibrant and entertaining musical and movie event for the whole family.

Victorian Concert Orchestra

• Back by popular demand!• Sunday 12 October, 2pm• Yackandandah Public Hall• This event is free for seniors. The Victorian Concert Orchestra has been touring for more than 80 years, and is one of Australia's longest serving orchestras.

It continues to expand its musical horizons and thrill audiences wherever they travel.

High Tea at the LibraryJoin us at your local library for High Tea at Rutherglen, Chiltern and Beechworth libraries, everyone welcome.

For information and bookings, contact us on 1300 365 003.

100 years of service to others

A PORTRAIT FOR THE AGESRutherglen Red Cross's newest recruits Joan Bowdren and Andrea Leonard, back, with two of the branch's longest-serving members, Aileen Terrill and Maree Terrill, who each have given more than 40 years' service to Red Cross.

The Beechworth branch of Red Cross celebrated both its centenary and the centenary of the national organisation recently with a ceremony in the Town Hall Gardens in Beechworth.

Red Cross chair Julia Smith said the local branch had begun in August 1914 as the Patriotic Women's League. Julia told the gathering of 40 that in the Chiltern and Howlong Times and Ovens Register of 17 August 1915 there was a record of the creation of the Beechworth branch of the Red Cross.

Total expenditure for the year was 214 pounds 10 shillings and 10 pence.

"At the annual meeting there was a raffle for a pig, a cruet set and a tablecloth whichraised a satisfactory sum of 6 pounds, 3 shillings," Julia said.

She thanked all past and present Beechworth Red Cross members for their dedication and loyalty.

Council made a plot available in the Town Hall Gardens for a plaque and three red rose bushes for the Red Cross centenary.

ABOVE: Red Cross representative Heather Stephens, Julia Smith, Valerie Branwhite who donated a rose, and Indigo Mayor Cr Bernard Gaffney.

Keeping Australia beautiful

Groups from Rutherglen, Chiltern and Beechworth head up no fewer than 17 Indigo Shire organisations named as 2014 Victorian finalists in the Keep Australia Beautiful Sustainable Communities Awards.

Joy Lee, of Chiltern, said the awards were "a great way to celebrate the good work that occurs all year round in our communities".

Frances Walsh, from the Rutherglen Tidy Town Committee, said such work often went unnoticed and unrewarded.

"This is an opportunity to acknowledge the valuable contributions that have been made by individuals and groups to make our towns better places to live, work and play."

The Tidy Towns and Sustainable Communities Awards ceremony will be held at Wangaratta on Saturday 11 October, where winners of each category will be announced.

Building something? Get a permit!ALL building works over 10 square metres requires a building permit, regardless of the value of the work.

All pools, including above-ground pools and even inflatable pools more than 30cm deep, also need a permit to ensure they conform to safety standards.

Mr Mark Florence, General Manager Sustainable Communities, has an important reminder for builders, renovators and property owners.

"Council is required to investigate all new structures, including sheds, outdoor areas and verandas, and to ensure they comply with safety and engineering regulations," Mr Florence said.

"If you are planning work on your home or property, please familiarise yourself with your requirements and responsibilities. All information is available on our website, www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/building, or by making an appointment with Council's building department on 1300 365 003."

Nominations are open for the 2015 Indigo Shire Australia Day Awards.

The awards celebrate the contribution of individuals, community organisations and businesses.

These prestigious awards are designed to pay tribute to those who make extraordinary contributions to society and those who are outstanding achievers in the community.

The Australia Day Awards are a great opportunity for you to recognise a friend, family member, community leader or colleague who has made a beneficial contribution to the Indigo community.

Council invites community members to nominate for the Australia Day Awards in the following categories:• Indigo Shire Citizen of the Year• Indigo Shire Young Citizen of the Year• Indigo Shire Community Organisation

of the Year• Beechworth and District Certificate

of Achievement• Rutherglen and District Certificate of

Appreciation

• Chiltern and District Certificate of Appreciation

• Yackandandah and District Certificate of Appreciation

• Barnawartha and District Certificate of Appreciation

• Kiewa-Tangambalanga and District Certificate of Appreciation

• Emma George Junior Sporting Scholarship

Nominations close Friday 28 November 2014. Nomination and application forms are available from Beechworth and Yackandandah Council offices, Chiltern and Rutherglen Customer Service Centres and from www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/australiaday.

Call to honour our achievers

Indigo Shire Libraries joined with libraries across Australia for the Children's Book Council of Australia Book Week celebrations.

The short-listed books covered six categories for readers from pre-school to young adult.

The 2014 theme Connect to Reading came alive when our libraries were

visited by seventeen classes from six primary schools.

Rutherglen library was also fortunate to have a volunteer present two additional classes. Connect to Reading is about enjoying the experience of exploring story and, through story, connecting to other worlds.

CAPTION: Library Technician Katrina Mahoni with a group of eager pupils.

Connecting to other worlds through reading

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indigo informer September 2014

taking the leadbuilding a better futureIndigo trims budget in response to grant funding cutsIndigo Shire Council approved budget savings of $163,736 at its monthly meeting on 26 August.

On 3 June 2014 Council directed the CEO, Mr Gerry Smith, to trim $150,000 from the current operating budget in response to Federal Government cuts to local government grants over the next three years.

“The CEO and senior staff have identified $163,736 in savings across 23 individual expense items — $13,736 more than council’s targeted savings — which is a very satisfying result,” the Mayor, Cr Bernard Gaffney, said.

“The additional savings of $13,760 will be held in reserve for any unbudgeted expenditure which might arise.”

Cr Gaffney praised staff who worked through each budget area to identify possible savings.

“The clear priority for this work was to look first at areas of minimal operational risk before moving onto higher risk areas,” he said.

“Their work has resulted in a one-off savings list that is strongly weighted to administrative and back office functions, and

will have little if any short-term impact on services to the community.”

Areas identified for savings are:• $9,920 eliminated from advertising,

communications, and printing budgets• $11,950 from staff training, facilities, and

consumables• $5,800 removed from Information

Technology and Communications• $28,830 from contracts, materials and

suppliers• $102,236 from staff wages and recruitment

costs by deferring vacant, funded positions• $5,000 from the pool season extension

contingency.“These savings address the impact on the Council budget in the current financial year of the Federal Government freeze on indexation of grants to local government,” Cr Gaffney said.

“However, these cuts are ongoing for the next three years.

“So we are still faced with the task of finding additional savings of up to $1 million over the next three financial years because of these Federal Government cuts to grants.”

Capital Works Summary 2013-2014A total of $8.35 Million was expended over 68 projects within the Capital Works Program. This included a total of $2.05 million in Shire-wide projects.

This year saw a continued strong focus of capital investment on the revitalisation of community and historical buildings and road infrastructure. Figures in brackets indicate budget remaining for projects not yet completed

SHIRE WIDEAnnual Resealing Contract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $594,852Indigo Library Operating Equipment & Books . . . . . . . . $41,951Irrigation System Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,634Playground Equipment Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $37,901Public Toilets Renewal Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,777Roads Major Patching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $45,300Road Culvert Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $64,675Solar Hub Project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23,876Street and Park Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,386Street Tree Replacement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $85,629Water Refill Bubbler Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,348 ($5,652)Annual Gravel Resheeting Rural Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . $882,879Bridge Renewal Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $22,543Flood Damage Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $209,989

RUTHERGLEN Rutherglen Kindergarten Construction & Renewal . . . $253,011Rutherglen Town Hall, Water Pipe Renewal . . . . . . . . . $14,658Rutherglen Lions Club Renewal Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,934Drainage improvements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,239Lake King wall remedial works. . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14,140 ($9,062)Carlyle Road sealing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,148 ($1,012,852)

CHILTERNChiltern Flood Mitigation Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $206,564Chiltern RV Dump Point . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,539 ($5,961)Chiltern Main Street, Kerb and Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . $70,788Martins Lane kiosk and concrete works . . . . . .$15,947 ($8,213)

YACKANDANDAHYackandandah Sanatorium Road Sealing . . . . . . . . . . . $136,235Yackandandah Courthouse Repairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,192Yackandandah Kindergarten extension . . .$320,233 ($112,267)Yackandandah Sports Park Stadium floor repair . . . . . . . $7,350Yackandandah Library book stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $47,972Yackandandah Wellsford Street dust seal . . . . . . . . . . . $30,862Lot 5 Turntable Lane environmental audit . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,233Basin Creek Road widening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,402

BARNAWARTHABarnawartha Recreation Reserve Building Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,258,783 ($52,911)

WAHGUNYAHKerb and Channel, Elizabeth Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $67,310Footpath Sarah Street . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $34,055Wahgunyah Drainage Improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $118,868Wahgunyah Morley Park Shade Sail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,598Wahgunyah New Boat Ramp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ($4,000)

KERGUNYAHKergunyah Hall water supply upgrades. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,087

TANGAMBALANGAKerb and Channel Kiewa East Road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $63,070Kiewa Bonegilla Road Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $121,499Kiewa East Road Development Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,488Coulston Park Land Purchase. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,231

SANDY CREEKRural Culvert Upgrade, McGrath Lane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $81,549

STANLEYStanley Hall and Athenaeum Renewal Works . . . . . . . . $21,584

INDIGO VALLEYIndigo Creek Road Reconstruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $78,771

BEECHWORTHBurke Museum air conditioning assessment . . . . . . . . . . $3,657Beechworth Dingle Road reconstruction . . . . . . . . . . . . $90,195Beechworth drainage improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $238,733Beechworth Neighbourhood Centre renewal $25,443 ($9,557)Beechworth Short Street dust seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,866Beechworth Smith Street dust seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,380Courthouse and Burke Museum renewal works . . . . . . $68,589Beechworth Pool drainage works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,514Church Street footpath, kerb and channel . . . . . . . . . . $35,163Transfer Station development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $27,779McFeeters Road bridge replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $101,597Lake Sambell dam wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$84,359 ($200,000)

OTHER WORKSBuller Gas reticulation upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . $579 ($29,421)Yackandandah Library Council office expansion . . . . . . . . . . . $1,357,104 ($2,746,009)Municipal office design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $54,292Fleet Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $191,427Plant replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $681,234Road design for future capex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60,688Beechworth Huon Rail Trail scoping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,472CFA water supply tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,850

Shire’s roads re-sheetedGravel re-sheeting works in the Rutherglen and Chiltern areas are scheduled for completion early this month, and work in the Beechworth and Yackandandah areas are expected to be completed later this month. In total, 39 Km of road will be re-sheeted with approximately 75mm of compacted gravel pavement.

LocationsElgin Rd BeechworthBarkly St BeechworthZigZag Rd BeechworthLondrigan Lane BeechworthRyan Lane BeechworthPund Rd BeechworthTomlinson Road BeechworthSilver Creek Road Silver CreekShennan Lane Silver CreekLittle Scotland Rd StanleyMcElhenny Lane StanleyO'Neill Rd Stanley

Star Lane WoorageeTarrant Lane YackandandahKirby Flat Rd YackandandahMeurants Lane YackandandahGarvey Rd Osbornes Flat

nnn Barns Lane YackandandahMillers Lane Osbornes FlatLwr Adams Lane Osbornes FlatAdams Lane Osbornes FlatSchilg Lane Osbornes Flat

Gentle Rd Tangambalangannn

Briggs Rd NorongChristmastown Rd RutherglenDugays Bridge Rd BriminHallens Rd NorongHaslers Rd NorongLilliput-Norong Rd NorongParkins Rd RutherglenSettlers Rd West ChilternWater Trust Rd ChilternMcPhersons Rd Lilliput

$2 million for repairs to Lake Sambell damThe State Government has promised $2 million toward the repair of the leaking dam wall of Lake Sambell in Beechworth.

The leak was discovered in January 2012 and Council immediately lowered the water level in the lake two metres to take pressure off the wall.

For safety reasons and on expert advice the water level in the lake has remained at this low level.

The wall is structurally compromised and represents a significant safety issue if it should fail. Repair work will require an extended dam wall with a gentler slope, which will reach further into the Chinese Gardens next to the lake.

The Member for Benambra, Mr Bill Tilley, announced the funding on site recently.

Council will contribute $500,000 to the cost of the repair. Tenders were recently called for the repair work and a report recommending a tenderer will come to a council meeting this year.

Heritage reviewCouncil has approved an independent heritage review to provide clarity for development within heritage areas, and to better reflect community aspirations.

The review follows community concerns earlier this year over the outcome of several planning applications and developments in Beechworth.

The review will be conducted by members of Panel Victoria at hearings in Beechworth and Rutherglen in October. Residents will be able to make submissions to the Panel, which will prepare a report for community feedback.

The hearing dates will be advertised.

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what’s onenvironmental matters

Regular EventsSaturday 20 September, Saturday 25 OctoberStar Theatre Chiltern, Australian Classic Movie night. Starts at 6.45pm, cost $28 includes barbecue tea, film showing, discussion and supper or come along at 8pm for film showing, without barbecue tea-cost $15. Children half price. Bookings essential for catering to Lois Hotson 03 5726 1358, hotson@westnet.com.au, or Emma and Matt, Chiltern Post Office. www.crceg.com.au. Please note the earlier start time.

Sunday 21 September, Sunday 19 OctoberLions Club Community Market (3rd Sunday of every month) Wellsford Street, Yackandandah from 9am-1pm. Local produce, fresh fruit and vegetables, olives and olive products, wine, jam, chutney and much more. Gold coin donation 0418 122 921.

Friday 17 OctoberYackandandah Cinema (usually fortnightly on Friday evening) located in the Public Hall, High Street commencing at 7pm. $9 for adults, $6 for childre, $25 for a family of four. Grahame Hutchings 02 6027 1077, www.yackcinema.com.au.

Saturday 4 OctoberBeechworth Farmers Market (first Saturday of every month) Christ Church cnr Ford & Church Sts. 9am to-12noon. Variety of fresh food and produce. Boyd Collins 0408 859 282, or Jenny Anderson 0427 251 657.

Saturday 4 OctoberSaturdays at St Leonards Vineyard Music on the Murray, Wahgunyah (first Saturday of every month). Join us for a lazy Saturday afternoon with the family. Enjoy fine wine, delicious food and great live music on the lush green grass. The cafe will be open and the atmosphere will be amazing. Concerts run from 12noon to 4pm. Strictly no BYO food or drink, entry free. Contact 1800 021 621, cellardoor@stleonardswine.com.au, www.stleonardswine.com.au

Saturday 13 September, Saturday 11 OctoberYackandandah Old Time Dance (2nd Saturday of every month) at the heritage-listed Yackandandah Hall. Entry $7. Practice lessons every Tuesday night, $5. 02 6027 1266.

Sunday 14 September, Sunday 12 OctoberRutherglen Farmers Market (2nd Sunday of every month) 9am to 12.30pm in Lions Park. More than 25 local and regional producers offering fresh local produce, Fruit and vegetables, extra virgin olive oils, hand-crafted chocolates, free-range eggs, nashi juice, marmalades and spreads, and more. 02 6033 6306, info@rutherglenvic.com, www.rutherglenvic.com.

Sunday 5 OctoberChiltern Markets (first Sunday of every month) 62 Main St Chiltern (next to Old Lodge Cafe). Wood-fired pizza, local coffee, fine foods, produce, arts, craft and hand-made items. Kids will enjoy the jumping castle, face-painting and balloons. Markets 10am-2pm. Come along for a fun day. Jenna Adams, 0431 821 347 jenna.r.adams@hotmail.com.

Sunday 5 October, Saturday 1 NovemberFriends of Chiltern Mt Pilot National Park Field Days. Friends meet at the Post Office every first Saturday and Sunday of the month at 9am to work in the park weeding, revegetating, checking nest boxes etc. All welcome. Eileen Collins, 0407 486 480, nulgerong@westnet.com.au.

September 2014Until Sunday 26 SeptemberArt Exhibition Perceptions by Lizabeth Sounessat. Spiritus Gallery, 2 High St, Yackandandah. Journey into the artist’s and your own subconscious to contemplate the moods and possibilities of each work. Perceptions allows us to question and challenge what we see and how we view our inner and outer worlds. Cheryl Webster 02 6027 1797, art@spiritusgallery.com, www.spiritusgallery.com.au

Friday 12 September-Sunday 28 SeptemberA Brush with the Past, Painting Yackandandah’s Heritage by Gordon Dickson Yackandandah Museum 21 High Street. See this stunning collection showcasing old Yackandandah by award-winning artist. All works for sale. Open Wed to Sun 11am-4pm and every day during Victorian school holidays. Official opening 3pm Sunday 14 Sep. 02 6027 6027 museum@yackandandah.com

Thursday 18-Tuesday 23 September126th Annual Rutherglen Wine Show, Australia’s premier non-metropolitan national wine show. Judging is carried out over six days with four judging panels assessing more than 2000 wines. Mark Eltringham, 02 6032 8044, wineagshow@westnet.com.au, www.rutherglenwineshow.com.au

Thursday 18-Tuesday 23 SeptemberThe Australian Fortified Wine Show, Rutherglen. This Fortified Wine Show is the nation’s premier event for the assessment of fortified wines and is supported by fortified wine producers throughout Australia. Mark Eltringham 02 6032 8044, wineagshow@westnet.com.au, www.rutherglenwineshow.com.au

Friday 19, Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 SeptemberSpring Migration Festival 10th Anniversary, Yackandandah. Regional Gay and Lesbian festival for all in Yackandandah. Gary Hayward, 02 6027 1114, gaz@springmigration.com.au, www.springmigration.com.au.

Saturday 20 SeptemberPfeiffer Wines Spring Farmers Market, Wahgunyah. Our dedicated regional producers and growers will showcase an array of the freshest spring produce available, from crisp asparagus to new season garlic, gourmet cheese and tender spring goat to artisan sourdough breads. There will be hot food and fresh coffee all day and of course all of our award winning Pfeiffer wines will be available for tasting and sales. 9am-3pm, no charge, 02 6033 2805, cellardoor@pfeifferwines.com.au or www.pfeifferwines.com.au.

Thursday 25 SeptemberAwards Dinner, The Rutherglen Wine Show incorporating The Australian Fortified Wine Show. Each year the Wines of the Show Awards are presented at an awards dinner. This exclusive dining experience matches the best of Rutherglen cuisine with award winning wines from previous Rutherglen Wine Shows. Limited tickets are available to the public. Mark Eltringham, 02 6032 8044, wineagshow@westnet.com.au, www.rutherglenwineshow.com.au

Friday 26 SeptemberPublic Tasting, The Rutherglen Wine Show incorporating The Australian Fortified Wine Show. An opportunity to taste the best commercial wines Australia has to offer plus some of the rare and exclusive fortified wines for which the Rutherglen wine producing region is renowned. A unique tasting experience. Mark Eltringham, 02 6032 8044, wineagshow@westnet.com.au, www.rutherglenwineshow.com.au

Sunday 28 SeptemberHead in the Hole Festival, Art Exhibition, Barnawartha. Family fun and activities, all day entertainment, market stalls, wood chopping, live music, vintage cards and motor cycles, Fruit Fly Circus, raffles, $500 art competition and more. Gold coin entry. Recreation Reserve on Soldiers Road. Ann Hawking, Fiona Murray 02 6026 7827 headinthehole@gmail.com.

Planting for a greener future October 2014Saturday 11-Sunday 12 OctoberBeechworth Oktoberfest Bridge Road Brewers. The brewery’s award-winning ales will be on tap, along with real German music, their own Ohmpah band, German cuisine and plenty of activities for the kids. 03 5728 2703 info@bridgeroadbrewers.com.au www.bridgeroadbrewers.com.au

Saturday 11 October

Barnawartha Community Garage Sale More than 25 sites with arts & crafts, woodwork, new & old bric-a-brac, household items, gardening and building supplies, books, homemade cakes and much more. Site maps available for $2 on the day from the Barnawartha Store. 8am to 1pm. Paul Schirmer 0412 404 770 or 02 6026 7358 paul.schirmer@westnet.com.au.

Wednesday 15 & Wednesday 22 OctoberYackandandah Open Gardens Six beautiful locations. Maps available from the Yackandandah Information Centre, High Street. Gold coin entry to each garden. 10am-4pm. Inquiries to Jill Whitford 02 6027 1723.

Friday 17 OctoberAlbury-Wodonga Comedy Festival in Beechworth Memorial Hall. The Festival comes to Beechworth for the first time. The night will feature Tom Siegert, comedy legend Chris “Bloke” Franklin and will be headlined by one of the biggest names in comedy, Fiona O’Loughlin. Tickets are $25 pre-sale and $30 at the door. Tom Siegert 0413 247 266 tomsiegert@hotmail.com alburywodongacomedyfestival.com.au

Saturday 18 OctoberThe Yackandandah Huge Town Garage Sale More than 40 homes selling their goodies. Gold coin donation for map. 8am-3pm. 02 6027 1988 admin@uniqueyackandandah.com.au www.uniqueyackandandah.com.au

Saturday 18 OctoberWAW Hard Yacka Community Run and Ride Yackandandah Sports Park. The WAW Hard Yacka is a community run and cross-country cycling event in which competitors will be invited to participate in one of two disciplines: a mountain bike ride of 40Km or 80Km; or a cross-country run of 5Km or 10Km. A junior Hard Yacka (2.5Km run or 5Km ride) will also be on offer for all primary school aged children. Andrew McKenzie-McHarg 0422 279 186 hardyacka01@gmail.com www.hardyacka.com.au

Saturday 18 October Please note revised dateSpring Fling at St Leonards Winery Wahgunyah This event, dedicated to the love of great food and great wine in great company, is the perfect way to celebrate the start of Spring. Enjoy a Spring-inspired long lunch on the banks of the Murray River then dance your day away to lively tunes. 1800 021 621 cellardoor@stleonardswine.com.au or www.stleonardswine.com.au

Sunday 19 October126th Annual Rutherglen Agricultural Show, Rutherglen Showgrounds. The last remaining Agricultural Show in the Indigo Shire, the Rutherglen Show provides a traditional agricultural show experience with horse events, animal exhibits and the best of country cooking, arts and crafts. A true family experience with lots to see and ample free entertainment to enjoy. Mark Eltringham 02 6032 8044 wineagshow@westnet.com.au www.rutherglenwineshow.com.au

Indigo Shire Council and Beechworth Urban Landcare and Sustainability celebrated National Tree Day on Sunday 27 July with a very productive tree-planting along Spring Creek Beechworth. The enthusiastic actions of 23 people saw more than 400 seedlings planted in just a few hours.

Roadside Weeds InitiativeFor the twelfth consecutive year Indigo Shire Council is delivering the Roadside Weed Initiative program.

This program aims to help landholders prevent the spread of weeds on roadsides next to their properties.

It provides an opportunity for residents to take ownership of their roadside and look after it to the same standard as their own property.

Application forms can be obtained from Indigo Shire offices or from Indigo's website. For more information call Council's Natural Resource Management Officer on 02 6028 1100.

Applications close on Friday 26 September 2014.

Let the sun shine inCutting energy use reduces Council’s operating costs as well as its environmental impact.

Environmental Projects Officer Helen Jones has recently overseen a small-scale energy efficiency project at the Yackandandah Council Depot.

“We focused first on low cost measures including lighting upgrades, ceiling insulation and draught-proofing, “ Helen said.

LED technology was used to upgrade energy inefficient high bay lighting and fluorescent tubes and solar panels were installed to generate energy.

For your energy-saving guides, see: www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/toolkit and www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/solar.

Give our native birds and animals a helping handThe unwelcome and quarrelsome Indian myna (sometimes spelled mynah) is expanding its territory, and has recently been sighted in Indigo Shire around Rutherglen.

Indian mynas were introduced into Melbourne's market gardens in the 1860s to control insects. However, the intelligent and aggressive birds have overrun native species from Cairns to Melbourne.

Indian mynas are noisy, territorial and unafraid of humans. They seek out nesting hollows which they take over from native birds and animals, after harassing and evicting them. Mynas kill the chicks of other birds or destroy their eggs, or build their own nests on top and smother them.

To help discourage Indian mynas:• Clear away food scraps after eating

outdoors. • Feed pets indoors, or clear away

when they've finished. • Plant native shrubs to reduce open

areas in gardens. • Avoid planting trees with dense

foliage, such as pencil pines, in which mynas will roost at night.

• Block holes in roofs or eaves to prevent mynas from roosting or nesting — make sure you don't trap a possum, bat or other native species.

• On farms, feed stock only as much as they need, cover the feed bins and clean up spills.

Note: Not to be confused with the Indian mynah, left, a chocolate-brown bird with a black head, the native noisy miner, below, is a grey nectar-feeding bird indigenous to Australia.

Flushing rubbish down the toilet or putting chemicals into drains dramatically affects the efficiency of processing and treating water. So whether in the bathroom, kitchen or laundry, keep our rivers clean and Never Ever flush waste away. See newater.com.au for more information.

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indigo informer September 2014

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T: 1300 365 003 , 03 5728 8000F: 03 5728 1676E: info@indigoshire.vic.gov.auwww.indigoshire.vic.gov.au

Customer Service CentresBeechworth: 1300 365 003Chiltern: 1300 365 003Yackandandah: 1300 365 003Rutherglen: 02 6033 6801

Councillor Contacts

Cr Bernard Gaffney — Mayor bernard.gaffney@indigoshire.vic.gov.au 0419 181 234

Cr Peter Croucher — Deputy Mayor peter.croucher@indigoshire.vic.gov.au 0438 273 260

Cr Barbara Murdoch barb.murdoch@indigoshire.vic.gov.au 0400 839 524, 0407 821 221

Cr Don Chambers don.chambers@indigoshire.vic.gov.au 0408 654 209

Cr Jenny O’Connor jenny.oconnor@indigoshire.vic.gov.au 0417 126 409

Cr James Trenery james.trenery@indigoshire.vic.gov.au 0429 417 420

Cr Roberta Horne roberta.horne@indigoshire.vic.gov.au 0417 587 885

Special committees of Council are open to the public. For meeting times see ww.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/committees

indigo informer September 2014

Transfer StationsBeechworth: Diffy Road. Fri-Mon, 1pm-5pm.

Rutherglen, Cornishtown Road. Fri-Sun, 1pm-5pm.

Free: White goods, scrap metal, fencing wire, corrugated iron, car bodies, waste engine oil, plastic engine oil containers up to 15 litre capacity, E-waste such as computer equipment, televisions, fax machines. Free throughout the year.

Free: Domestic recyclable materials including bottles, cans, and plastics, silage wrap, domestic LPG cylinders and car and truck batteries.

Free: Clean fill as accepted by site supervisor

DrumMuster: Approved plastic or metal animal health or crop protection containers at Rutherglen only. Drop-off available first Friday of every month. Quantities of 20 or more must be booked on 1300 365 003. See www.drummuster.com.au

All items accepted at the discretion of the site supervisor.

Mobile phones: Mobile Muster collection points are available at Council's customer service centres at Beechworth, Rutherglen and Yackandandah, and at the Chiltern Post Office.

www.indigoshire.vic.gov.au/waste

Council Meetings• Tuesday 23 September

Coulston Park Community Centre, Tangambalanga 6.30pm-9.30pm

• Tuesday 28 October Soldiers Memorial Hall, Barnawartha 6.30pm-9.30pm

• Tuesday 25 November Senior Citizens Hall, Rutherglen 6.30pm-9.30pm

Community Forums• Tuesday 21 October

(Note new date) Chiltern Senior Citizens Rooms 7pm-8pm, light meal 6.30pm

• Tuesday 11 November Sandy Creek Hall 7pm-8pm, light meal 6.30pm

• Tuesday 9 December Beechworth Supper Room 7pm-8pm, light meal 6.30pm

the last word

Cr Chambers heads resource recovery groupIndigo Shire’s Cr Don Chambers has been appointed chair of the North East Waste and Resource Recovery Group.

"Seven new groups have been formed from the existing 13 Waste Management Groups, a recommended outcome of an independent review into how to best deliver Victoria's 30-year waste and recovery plan Getting Full Value," Cr Chambers said.

"Establishing the regional waste and resource recovery groups delivers on the Government's commitment to support a more sophisticated approach to waste and recycling and get the best outcomes for Victorians, while maintaining all existing employees and offices."

The North East Waste and Resource Recovery Group commenced operations on 1 August 2014.

Carbon Tax savings go back to youIndigo Shire Council will pass on Carbon Tax savings to ratepayers as a result of lower landfill disposal costs introduced at the Albury Landfill. • The Garbage Collection fee will fall from $178.35 to $164.70• The Domestic Garbage Collection - Extra Service fee will be reduced from

$178.35 to $164.70, and• The transfer station General Waste Rate will be cut from

$34.00 to $29.60 per cubic metre.The changes came into effect on August 30 and are reflected in the Rates Notices accompanying this issue of the Indigo Informer.

"The reduction in landfill rates as a result of the abolition of the Carbon Tax is significant," the

Mayor, Cr Bernard Gaffney, said.

"The changes Council has made to the kerbside and transfer station fees are an appropriate response to these recent

changes."

In addition, Council has resolved to adjust fees and charges related to Buller Gas, electricity

and landfill, after information and advice from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.