growingglenelg - shire of glenelg

GrowingGlenelg EVENTS | SERVICES | COUNCIL | PROJECTS | PLANNING

Winter 2016Ph: 1300 GLENELGglenelg.vic.gov.au

Cinemareturns to Portland

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2 Growing Glenelg Winter 2016 glenelg.vic.gov.au

Your Councillors

For further enquiries relating to councillors or to make an appointment, please contact the council support

coordinator Kylie Walford, phone: 03 5522 2294 or email: [email protected].

Your council

Message from the MayorWelcome to the winter edition of Growing Glenelg – a snapshot of the great work and projects being completed by our talented council team.

It has been a busy start to the cooler months with delivery of $352,000 new drainage works at Heywood, the launch of our new engagement platform Your Say Glenelg, and the running of highly successful local events including Casterton’s iconic Kelpie Muster and the inaugural Portland Annual Tuna Fishing competition.

Our chamber was proud to implement one of the lowest overall rate increases in the state at 1.06 per cent. Prudent financial management has allowed for continued low rate increases.

This is a budget which provides for long-term financial sustainability whilst investing in important infrastructure to ensure we are a desirable place to invest, work and live.

This budget has a strong tourism focus, with a $275,000 commitment to continue partnership with the Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Board and implementation of a tourism and events strategy to ensure continued growth in these important markets.

Supporting this tourism push is the accreditation of Portland, Casterton and Heywood as RV (Recreational Vehicle) Friendly Towns. This RV Friendly status provides a safe and secure site for these self-sufficient motorhomes, campervans and caravans to stay overnight.

Signs have been installed directing the tourist traffic to the camping locations which are endorsed by the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia (CMCA), a club featuring more than 66,000 members.

This is great marketing exposure to one of the nation’s fastest growing tourism markets.

It was wonderful to see Nelson icon Leila Huebner recognised for her conservation work with a Medal of the Order of Australia in the recent Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Leila has spent the past half century based in Nelson, tirelessly campaigning for the protection of local flora and fauna. Congratulations to Leila - well-deserved recognition for a hard-working community member.

Cr Max Oberlander - Mayor 2015/16Mobile: 0427 377 847

Email: [email protected]

Cr John NorthcottMobile: 0417 512 263


Cr Karen StephensMobile: 0488 900 645


Cr Gilbert WilsonMobile: 0488 900 634

Email [email protected]

Cr Geoff WhiteMobile: 0419 320 954

Email [email protected]

Cr Anita RankMobile: 0408 276 563


Cr Robert HallidayMobile: 0427 573 672


Councillor info sessionGlenelg Shire Council is hosting an information session in July for aspiring local candidates in the 2016 Local Government election.

The session aims to give local community members and prospective candidates information about the role and purpose of local government, and the process involved in standing as a candidate in the October election.

Conducted by the Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV), it will include presentations by the MAV, a visiting CEO, Glenelg Shire Council Acting CEO Paul Healy and video presentations of elected representatives offering advice.

To learn more about standing in the 2016 Local Government elections visit www.mav.asn.au.

Event details: Venue: Glenelg Shire Council, Reception Room, Cliff Street, Portland. Date: Monday 25 July 2016 Time: 7pm to 9pm. RSVP – For catering purposes please RSVP to Rachael Fellows by email: [email protected] or call 5522 2249 by 18 July 2016.

Mayor Oberlander with Leila Huebner

Social mediaFacebook.com/GlenelgShire

Growing Glenelg

Twitter.com/GlenelgSC

Contact CouncilGlenelg Shire Council Customer Service Centres

Ph: 1300 GLENELG (1300 453 635) SHIRE-WIDE Postal Address: PO Box 152, Portland 3305 Fax: 03 5522 2290 Email: [email protected] Website: www.glenelg.vic.gov.au

Portland Customer Service Centre

71 Cliff St, Portland Office Hours: 8.30am to 5pm – Monday to Friday

Casterton Customer Service Centre

67 Henty St, Casterton Office Hours: 9.00am to 5pm – Monday to Friday Ph: 03 5554 2444

Heywood Customer Service Centre

77 Edgar St, Heywood Office Hours: 9.00am to 5pm – Monday to Friday Ph: 03 5527 0666

“Twilight Cinemas owns and operates cinemas Australia-wide, including the new three-screen cinema complex in Swan Hill, and we are looking

forward to this opportunity to returning a much-loved past-time to the Portland community,” he said.

“We are keen to bring new cinema audiences to the Portland Arts Centre

and work in with the existing Glenelg Arts Program to deliver a complete

movie-theatre experience.”

Minor works are being completed at the Portland Arts Centre to make way for the cinema equipment.

The cinema will include a candy bar and beverage operation, with pre-packed items and internet ticketing.

Winter 2016 Growing Glenelg 3

Entertainment

Movies are returning to Portland with plans to trial a new cinema at the Portland Arts Centre.

Glenelg Shire Council has entered a licence agreement with Twilight Cinemas, a national cinema operator, who aim to deliver regular screenings of the latest movie releases.

It has been three years since Portland last had a cinema, which forced locals to travel outside of the shire to enjoy a cinema experience.

Glenelg Shire arts and culture manager Susie Lyons said the cinema was expected to open on 25 July.

“We are excited to reveal that people will no longer be forced to travel over an hour to experience the latest Hollywood releases on the big screen – they will be available right here in Portland,” she said.

“Our partnership with Twilight Cinemas, and the flexibility of the Portland Arts Centre, means we will still offer cutting edge theatre experiences

The cinema is returning to Portlandand cinema screenings independently but in the same theatre.”

Twilight Cinemas director Andrew Taylor said the Portland Arts Centre was an ideal location for the trial.

Ruby O’Brien - 6, Felix Gill - 6, Milly King - 7.


Glenelg Shire Council’s 2016/17 budget features one of the state’s lowest overall rate increases at 1.06 per cent.The $50.5 million budget includes a $20.62 million capital works program, including $14.6 million worth of investment in new and upgraded assets, in addition to $8.2 million for local roads and bridges.

Glenelg Shire Mayor Cr Max Oberlander said prudent financial management had allowed for the low rate increase.

“Council has worked hard to find operational savings and efficiencies to ensure a modest rate increase, which is believed to be one of the lowest in Victoria for a second year running,” Cr Oberlander said.

“This is a budget which provides for long-term financial sustainability whilst investing in important infrastructure to ensure we are a desirable place to invest, work and live.”

Cr Oberlander said the budget had a strong tourism focus, with a $275,000 commitment to continue partnership with the Great Ocean Road Regional Tourism Board and implementation of a tourism and events strategy.

This is partnered by $50,000 investment in the Open Space Strategy and $15,000 for the Disability Action Plan to ensure council assets support growing tourism trade.

Fees and charges have also been kept at a minimum with an increase of 2.5 per cent, as per State Government recommendations and consistent with CPI.

The budget

Further highlights of the budget include:

• $1.6 million building compliance program to ensure assets are inclusive

• $1.6 million parks, open space and streetscapes investment

• $857,000 recreatitonal facilities upgrades

• $6 million Portland Landfill rehabilitation works

• $100,000 public toilet renewal and upgrade program

• $1.5 million replacement of old town jetty, Port of Portland Bay

• $700,000 footpaths and street furniture

• $400,000 recreational leisure and community facilities.

State’s lowest rate increase

Port of Portland Bay manager Gary Bebbington and Cr Robert Halliday at the old town jetty.


A new roads campaign video is highlighting the urgent need to upgrade the Green Triangle region’s key freight routes in an effort to protect 18,000 local jobs and booming global export industries.

Glenelg Shire Council has produced a video clip

Fix our keyfreight roads

Our roads

which highlights the broken freight network leading to the Port of Portland. The video clearly shows vehicles dodging potholes on key arterial roads including the Princes Highway, Henty Highway, Portland-Nelson Road and Portland-Casterton Road.

The campaign video, released on social media, supports an industry launch of the Green Triangle Freight Action Plan Update – an important advocacy document used to attract urgent State and Federal government funding.

For the past 18 months a cross-border team, including timber industry, transport, local government, and Victorian and South Australian State Government representatives have been compiling data for the update.

Green Triangle Freight Action Group chair, Glenelg Shire CEO Greg Burgoyne said the evidence based analysis showed more than $180 million was required to fix the local freight network over the next 10 years.

The action plan research illustrates the region’s booming timber industry is generating more than $790 million in annual economic activity with a further 550 local jobs

To view the campaign video visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5qIf_4vL7o&feature=youtu.be

created this year. This is in addition to growing agriculture and mineral sand trade, exported to growing Asian markets from the Port of Portland.

Mr Burgoyne said the peak timber harvest had placed significant pressure on key arterial roads leading to the Port of Portland, jeopardising the safety of all road users.

“Our road network is broken and will not cope with increasing export trade in the coming years unless substantial investment is made to fix the road pavement,” he said.

“Conservative industry estimates predict there is potential for up to 700 per cent growth in this timber output in the coming years. It is critical that we have a freight network which can cope with this huge increase in wood flow.

“Without substantial investment in the near future we will be jeopardising the timber industries 18,000 jobs across the Green Triangle in addition to the estimated 10 per cent of Victoria’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product) exported from the Port of Portland.”

Mr Burgoyne said without targeted funding from the State and Federal Governments one of Australia’s most valuable export industries would be put at risk.

“This report provides a clear and detailed illustration – without investment in our road network thousands of jobs and export opportunities will be lost,” he said.

To view the updated report visit: www.glenelg.vic.gov.au/infrastructure

The Green Triangle Freight Action Group at the action plan industry launch


The Arts

Charlotte Brontë has a secretHow could an unmarried woman living in a secluded parsonage, with only her sisters for company, write one of the world’s greatest love stories? She had tasted love and her secrets echo in the pages of Jane Eyre.

‘Perceptive, intelligent, fiery, romantic, poignant and packed into a potent 75 minutes…triumphant, tragic and riddled with moral dilemma.’

Theatreview

‘Mel Dodge’s performance burns bright.’

Dominion Post

Directed by award winning Lyndee-Jane Rutherford. Written and performed by Mel Dodge. Inspired by the letters and novels of Charlotte Brontë, Miss Brontë tells a story of ambition, forbidden love and the bond of family.

Years after her death, Charlotte’s love letters to her married French Professor were made known to the public. He had torn the letters to pieces, but his wife had found them in the rubbish – she was inclined to snoop - and sewn them back together without his knowledge. These letters are now housed in the British Museum.

Miss Brontë premiered at Circa Theatre in Wellington, New Zealand in 2014 and enjoyed a development season at Ayers House Museum in Adelaide in 2013. BRAVE Theatre is excited to be touring the work in regional Victoria.

A play for theatre and literature lovers alike –

don’t miss this opportunity to get an insight into the enigmatic Charlotte Bronte.

MISS BRONTË Charlotte Brontë has a secret. A play for theatre and literature lovers alike – don’t miss this opportunity to get an insight into the enigmatic Charlotte Brontë.

Portland Arts Centre - 3/9/16 - 7:30pm

$40 Full price $35 Concession $10 Student $85 Family

Adult themes. Not appropriate for children under 12 years. Running time 75 minutes. Q & A after the show.

Bookings: (03) 5522 2263 www.glenelg.vic.gov.au/ticketing

Miss Brontë Workshop - FREEWriting from History Workshop with Mel Dodge

Participants will develop skills to help them find authentic voices for characters from history. The workshop will include performance exercises which will help them to find their characters physically and in improvisation, as well as focused writing tasks. These workshops would suit writers and budding actors/theatre makers equally.

Date: Saturday 3 September

Time: 12.00pm – 2.00pm

Cost: Free

To register call the Portland Arts Centre on 5522 2263

Limited places.

Public art is a chronicle of our public and cultural history. Public art can project the identity of a place – it is one of the many voices of the public domain. Public art can be controversial and challenge thoughts and perceptions.

Public art is located in the public domain. It ‘belongs’ to the community. It can give a place a ‘point’ of difference. Public art is any work of art in any media.

In September 2014 Council adopted the Public Art Master Plan which was developed with broad consultation of the entire Glenelg Shire community.

Council’s master plan guides the development of public art in the shire.

The plan identifies the significant public art which already exists in the Shire – from the Flood Marker at Casterton by Portland artist Phil Cousins to Portland’s foreshore mural by Mitchell Parker and a group of community artists.

It also is a valuable resource to community groups, progress associations, festival committees, artists and others looking to initiate public art within the shire.

The Public Art Master Plan identifies 10 themed

What is public art?


Council’s exciting Arts Program for the second half of the year is out now.

The cover features the zany antics of Otto and Astrid, internationally renowned Prince and Princess of Europop with their tongues firmly planted in their cheek.

The program details 14 performances, some with associated workshops and 13 exhibitions presented around the Glenelg Shire during the next six months.

The Glenelg Shire Arts Program continues its tradition as a regional leader in the field, providing high quality touring shows across a wide range of genres. Some of these performances include music with Always….. Patsy Cline and Dave Arden and his band, comedy with Simon’s Final Sound, physical theatre with Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, drama with Miss Brontë, fun for children with an adaptation of Paul Jennings’s book, The Gizmo and the timeless charm of May Gibbs classic, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie for children and the young at heart.

The popular Gina Hogan will return with Night and Day, a morning music performance in both Portland and Casterton featuring the music of Doris Day and Shirley Bassey and La Mauvaise Reputation will present some high energy gypsy music at a night time performance in Portland.

Also presented in both Casterton and Portland is Promac Production’s Over There with the hits of the war years. This show also includes a special tribute to the songs of Normie Rowe and the Vietnam War.

The drama, Waking Up Dead is inspired by the true story of the intriguing case of Herman Rockefeller. It grapples with the complex nature of love, identity and betrayal.

A number of workshops and Question and Answer opportunities with several of the productions will also be available over the coming months.

Arts program packed with fun

locations for public art projects and offers detailed guidelines on the process of initiating these themes and has step-by-step information on the procurement process for public art.

To learn more attend one of three Public Art Master Plan information sessions across the shire in August. The sessions will educate communities on how they can bring art into their towns.

To read the Public Art Master Plan and Public Art Policy (Stage 1) visit: glenelg.vic.gov.au/Our_Community/Arts_Culture/Publications

Public art master plan sessionsCASTERTON

Casterton Town Hall, Council Chamber 67 Henty Street, Casterton Tuesday 23 August 2016, 5.30 - 6.30 pm

HEYWOOD

GSC Offices, Meeting Room 77 Edgar Street, Heywood Wednesday 24 August 2016, 5.30 - 6.30 pm

PORTLAND

GSC Offices, Reception Room 71 Cliff Street, Portland Thursday 25 August, 2016 - TWO SESSIONS 12 noon - 1.00 pm & 5.30 - 6.30 pm Light refreshments will be served

RSVP by 17 August 2016

to Trevor Smith 5522 2301 or email [email protected] .

Budding actors, theatre makers and writers will have the opportunity to advance their craft at the Miss Bronte workshops and sessions with Jens Altheimer. The creator of Loose Ends will showcase the joys of wacky inventions and fun with quirky puppetry.

A wide range of exhibitions will be featured at the Portland Arts Centre showcasing the works of local and other artists using a wide variety of topics and media. It will feature ceramics, recent acquisitions to the Cultural Collection, our talented shire students, textiles and photography.

The program details several current and continuing exhibitions from the Glenelg Shire Council Cultural Collection, which are on display at a number of locations throughout the shire, including the Casterton Town Hall, Portland Customer Service Centre, Portland Library and History House. They include The Portland Foresters, A Woman’s World, 20 Years of Kelpie Sales, Portland Baths and Bathing Boxes, War at Sea and a look at offfices in the days before computers.

The July to December 2016 program has been posted to more than 2000 arts patrons and is also available from

council customer services centres in Casterton, Heywood and Portland, the Portland Arts Centre and other council facilities. Alternatively full program details are available on council’s website in the Arts and Culture section and in the events calendar.

Tickets are now available for performances and can be purchased online at www.glenelg.vic.gov.au/ticketing.

For further information contact the arts and culture team on 5522 2263.

GLENELG SHIRE COUNCIL

ARTSPROGRAMJULY TO DECEMBER 2016

Always Patsy Cline show


The Arts

5/10/16

SNUGGLEPOT & CUDDLEPIEa CDP Production

Portland Civic Hall

Wednesday 5 October 1.30pm & 6.30pm

$25 Full price $20 Concession $10 Child $55 Family

Running Time: 55 minutes, no interval 5 -10 year olds and their adults


Arts Calendar22/7/16

AUSSIE AUSSIE AUSSIECircus Beer & Tricks on a Barbie. Have you ever seen beer can juggling? Aerial keg tricks? A three meter high handstand? This trio will amaze you with a circus show full of laughs, strength and danger.

Portland Arts Centre - 7:30pm


WARNING: Adult themes. Suitable for ages 15 and older.


1/8/16 & 2/8/16

NIGHT & DAY - Doris & Shirley togetherAfter rave reviews for her shows The Women of the 60’s and The Belles of Broadway, the fabulous Gina Hogan returns to the stage with another standout show featuring songs from Doris Day and Shirley Bassey.

1/8/16 2/8/16 Portland Arts Centre Casterton Town Hall 10.30am 10.30am

$15 Full price $10 Concession Running time 65-70 minutes – no interval


22/8/16

SIMON’S FINAL SOUNDA rib aching adult Aussie Comedy

Portland Arts Centre - 7.30pm

$40 Full price $35 Concession

Running time 2 hours 10 minutes. Strong language, adult themes, general naughtiness


2/9/16

DAVE ARDEN & BANDGunditjmara, Kokatha songman, and storyteller. The audience loved him when he opened our program back in January and now he’s coming with his band to Heywood.

Heywood Community Hall 7.30pm

Running time 70 minutes



13/9/16 & 15/9/16

LOOSE ENDS - Jens AltheimerYou loved him with his show Squaring the Wheel. Journey to an eccentric place where gadgets are poetic, puppets are naughty, machines are untamed, and circus tricks pop up when you’re least expecting them.

13/9/16 15/9/16 Portland Arts Centre Casterton Town Hall 7.30pm 7.30pm

60 minutes. No interval $25 Full price $20 Concession $10 Child $55 Family

Highly recommended for ages 5 - 12 and their families


16/9/16

La MAUVAISE REPUTATIONPortland Arts Centre - 7.30pm

$30 Adult $25 Concession $10 Student $65 Family

60 Minutes plus interval


Loose Ends


10/9/16 – 7/10/16

Ceramic Exhibition – Peter AustinPeter’s ceramic pieces are influenced by his engineering background and the environments he has lived in.

After completing studies in ceramics at Ballarat University, Peter works in his studio ‘Parkland Ceramics’ where he continues to create both decorative and functional pieces with symmetrical roundness, flowing curves and fine details.

Location: Portland Arts Centre.

Exhibitions18/7/16 – 12/8/16

SmART ArtYou are invited to celebrate the creativity of Portland Secondary College students, exhibiting under the smART Art banner..

Portland Arts Centre

Open weekdays 10.00am – 5.00pm Open most weekends 1.00pm – 5.00pm

Admission free

Contact 5522 2263 for additional information

On now

A Woman’s WorldSelected items from council’s Cultural Collection and the Portland Historical Society collection have come together in a display which includes items with a feminine association from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Portland History House

Open until 15 January 2017. Open daily 10am to noon and 1pm to 4pm. Admission fee applies.

15/8/16 – 9/9/16

Recent Acquisitions 2009 – 2016This exhibition includes paintings, photographs and works on paper acquired by Glenelg Shire Council for the Cultural Collection over the past 8 years including those of Kenneth Jack.

Portland Arts Centre

Open weekdays 10.00am – 5.00pm

Open most weekends 1.00pm – 5.00pm

Admission free

Contact 5522 2263 for additional information

Portland Arts CentreOpen weekdays 10.00am – 5.00pm Open most weekends 1.00pm – 5.00pm Admission free Contact 5522 2263 for additional information

What’s On27 August 2016

Gorae ClassicHandicapped bike ride, including junior and senior racers 11am – 4pm Gorae Fire Shed – Cashmore

17 September 2016

Freeza Battle of the BandsCivic Hall, Portland

8 October 2016

South Coast Show and Go, Swap Meet9am to 4pm South Coast Raceway

8 October 2016

Kyeema Spring SaleLive music, great food, huge variety of stalls 10am – 2pm

23 October 2016

MAGIC – Music Art Gardens in CastertonOpening of variety of private gardens across township

28 October 2016

Rotary Art ShowCivic Hall, Portland 7pm

29 October 2016

Upwelling FestivalPortland Foreshore 7.30am to 5pm

30 October 2016

Port of Portland 3 Bays MarathonA foot race from Portland to Bridgewater and return


As a talented racing cyclist, Andrew Lindsey reaped many accolades during his productive career.

Victory in the 1983 Melbourne to Warrnambool Classic as a 22-year-old followed an impressive debut win in professional ranks in the 1981 Casterton 50, one of the most popular cycling events in Victoria’s Western District region.

He netted fastest time honours in the 1986 version of the Casterton 50, and in 1987 pedalled to one of his most impressive victories in the Hamilton 75, also capturing fastest time.

Lindsey, born and raised in Portland, harboured an ambition to win the Mount Gambier 100 over the South Australian border, but despite about 10 attempts the best placing he could muster

was fifth behind the crack professionals Terry Hammond and Peter Besanko in 1984.

“Of the four big ones in our corner of Australia, I was fortunate to win three of them,” Lindsey proudly recalls. “The Mount

Gambier race eluded me. It wasn’t for want of trying.”

The Glenelg Shire Council bestowed another honour on the cheerful Portland builder, naming him as ambassador for the upcoming Lakes Oil-Fulton Hogan Tour of the Great South Coast, the five-day Subaru National Road Series classic which will be contested by a classy international field from August 10-14.

The 511-kilometre race will be conducted for the opening two-and-a-half days in the South Australian municipalities of Mount Gambier, Grant and Wattle Range, followed by the final two-and-a-half days exclusively in the Glenelg Shire in Victoria.

“I’m a Portland patriot, so I’m very pleased to be the tour ambassador,” Lindsey beamed.

“Anything I can do to help cycling in this corner of the world I will do.”

Lindsey stamped his influence on the fifth annual tour earlier this year when he persuaded the race promoters – Cycling Victoria and Caribou Publications – to include a stage at Cape Bridgewater.

The 121.4km stage will be contested on Saturday, August 13, and shapes as the highlight of the tour, with riders challenged by eight tough hill climbs and a similar number of intermediate sprints.

“It’s where I used to train early on in my career,” he says. “The race will be won and lost on that stage. It will be a great stage for spectators.”

Lindsey will also manage one of the expected 20 teams in the event – the Anchor Point South Coast cycling team.

The line-up will include his youngest son Dylan, the Satchell brothers – Allan and Todd from Horsham - Port Fairy’s Nathan McLaren and Simon Burchell, and Ballarat’s Ash Key.

Mount Gambier rising star Jack Patzel, 17 will also be on the tour as a crew member for the Anchor Point squad.

“I rate the Tour of the Great South Coast as the best tour we ride in the National Road Series,” Lindsey says.

“It has superior organisation, it’s in our corner of the world, it’s tough, and it’s raced over a spectacular course.”

The tour is programmed to start with a 30-lap criterium around Mount Gambier’s Vansittart Park at 11 am on Wednesday August 10.

The TourAugust 10 - WednesdayStage 1 – Mt Gambier CBD Circuit – 36km

Stage 2 – Mt Gambier Blue Lake Circuit – 65km

August 11 - ThursdayStage 3 – Port MacDonnell Regional circuit – 137.6km

August 12 - FridayStage 4 – Penola CBD Circuit – 39km

Stage 5 – Penola to Casterton Road circuit via Lake Mundi – 64.2km Start 1pm (SA Time) – Finish 3pm (Vic Time)

August 13 - SaturdayStage 6 – Cape Bridgewater Four laps of 29km circuit, start and finish at Portland Surf Lifesaving Club – 121.4km Start 12 noon – Finish 3pm

August 14 - SundayStage 7 – Finale Criterium, 30 laps of 1.6km CBD circuit, including water front – 48kms Total Distance 511.2kms Start 12:30pm – Finish 1:45pm (approx.)

Lindsey named tour ambassadorEvents and Tourism

Andrew Lindsey

Lindsey winning the Melbourne to Warrnambool


Wattle Range Mayor Cr Peter Gandolfi, Glenelg Shire Councillor Karen Stephens, and District Council of Grant Mayor Richard Sage.

Glenelg Shire Council has partnered with its neighbouring South Australian council’s in an effort to boost the region’s tourism profile.

Council’s tourism and economic development managers have formed a new partnership with the Wattle Range and District Council of Grant municipalities, in addition to Tourism Mt Gambier, in an effort to boost visitor numbers in the Green Triangle.

Glenelg Shire CEO Greg Burgoyne said the group had been in discussions with both state’s tourism bodies to tailor cross-border marketing strategies.

A focus of early discussions has been directing 2017 cruise ship visitors to key destinations such as Limestone Coast vineyards with plans being made for specific day-tour experiences.

“This collaboration will strengthen tourism opportunities in both of our states,” Mr Burgoyne said.

“Our research has shown that cruise visitors, particularly on more of the high end vessels, are looking for experiences that only our SA neighbours can cater for.

“We want to ensure these visitors have the best possible experience so together we are doing everything we can to ensure our region is a must-see stopover point.

“Growing our tourism economies together will provide significant economic outcomes for the Green Triangle, creating more local jobs for our communities.”

Cross-border tourism plan

The inaugural Portland Annual Tuna Fishing Competition has further positioned our region as the capital of Australia’s Bluefin tuna catch following four successful weekends of fishing in June.

The competition, organised by Glenelg Shire Council with support from the Portland Lions Club and Portland Sport Fishing Club, attracted 190 anglers from across the state vying for more than $12,000 in prizemoney.

Tuna comp attracts statewide interestPortland based angler Brodie Carter’s 20.5kg tuna was the heaviest catch, earning him the top prize of $5000. Cottles Ridge fisherman Grant Kellow was second with a 19.2kg catch with Richard Knight of Bulleen third with his 17.1kg effort. Weekly prizes of $500 were also awarded to the heaviest catch.

The award ceremony, on the June long weekend, included a presentation by Australian Fishing

Network host Bill Classon, who has been filming in Portland for an upcoming series of the popular 7Mate television series.

Proceeds from the competition have been directed to local community projects.

Tuna winner Brodie Carter.

Lions Club of Portland representative Michael Hunter, Glenelg Shire Mayor Cr Max Oberlander, Lions Club of Portland president Brian Cabble and Glenelg Shire Council tourism and events officer Gerri Torpy.


For more than 30 years Glenelg Shire Council has been assisting local property owners to restore and maintain significant heritage buildings and sites.

Grants of up to $5000 are available in the Heritage Loan Grant Scheme which provides support to complete important restoration and reconstruction works, ensuring the continued use of the heritage asset. These grants must be matched by an equal contribution from the applicant, and be to a maximum of 50 per cent of the value of the works.

Loans of up to $20,000 are also available, to a maximum of 50 per cent of the works, and

Portland Library users will enjoy extended hours this winter with new evening hours.

The library is now open Wednesday evenings until 8pm providing patrons with alternative access to library services outside of normal business hours, in addition to the existing Saturday hours of 10am to 4pm.

Library manager Yvette Parker said the extended hours, to be trialled over the next 12 months, would ensure a broader percentage of the community could use the branch services.

“We had feedback from many users that they were finding it difficult to visit during normal working hours. To assist in growing our user base we will open late every Wednesday to ensure everyone can gain access to loan the latest book, use our IT services or just sit back and relax away from the winter chills,” she said.

LIBRARY2GO supporting regional communitiesGlenelg Libraries is on the move, providing an outreach mobile service to support the shire’s regional communities.

The Library2Go vehicle regularly visits Dartmoor, Merino and Digby, supplying library users with a large selection of books, magazines, DVDs and other library materials.

The vehicle also includes free wifi internet and a coffee machine.

Library2Go visits every 3 weeks on a Wednesday at the following locations and times;

- Dartmoor General Store 10.30am to 11.30am; - Merino Community Health Centre 1pm to 2pm; - Digby Mechanics Institute from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

VISITING DATES

July 20 October 12 August 10 and 31 November 2 and 23 September 21 December 14

Your Council Working for You

Grants supporting our heritagematched by an equal contribution from the applicant. There is no interest paid on residential projects, with non-residential and commercial projects charged at 1.5 per cent interest.

Glenelg Shire Council planning and economic development general manager Stephen Kerrigan said three grants had been allocated during the past 12 months.

“These approved grants were to complete works on heritage buildings across our shire, places included in council’s heritage overlay. The funding assisted to replace a roof on a former church, replace windows at a historic homestead and

replace a veranda on a CBD shop front,” he said.

“Application is easy with friendly support provided by our heritage advisor, who is happy to meet and discuss the project to support application.”

Application forms are available online at Glenelg.vic.gov.au/heritage_loansgrants_scheme or hard copy from a council customer service centre.

To learn more contact council’s heritage advisor on 5522 2187.

Twilight hours for Portland Library

“Over the coming months we will introduce evening programs and other sessions to further attract people to using our service.

“Twilight hours are popular at many city library services and we are pleased to offer these flexible hours to our regional community.”

The Portland Library opening hours are as follows:

Mon 10.00am - 5.30pm Tue 10.00am - 5.30pm Wed 10.00am - 8.00pm Thu 10.00am - 5.30pm Fri 10.00am - 5.30pm (prev 6.00pm) Sat 10.00am - 4.00pm

Casterton Library is currently trialling Saturday morning hours, which will continue for a further three months.

The library, situated at the town hall, is now open

from 10am to 1pm every Saturday.

Ms Parker said the service had been welcoming more than 50 users each weekend since the trial began earlier this year.

“The response to Casterton’s weekend hours has been phenomenal. The community have embraced the Saturday morning openings with people making the most of our wealth of services. It is great to see a rural community so passionate about their library services,” she said.

“We are working hard at the moment at enticing more big name authors to sessions across the library network, with hopes of some big announcements in the coming months.”

To learn more about the latest library news visit www.glenelglibraries.com.au or follow the library on its Facebook page.

Ella, Sara, Aisha and Tanya enjoying the twilight hours.


Glenelg Shire Council has been rated as one of the best performing large rural municipalities in Victoria in the latest community satisfaction survey.

Glenelg out-performed almost all average performance ratings for large rural councils, surpassing the state average in a number of categories including council’s overall performance, advocacy, consultation, direction and customer service.

The results were compiled from a phone poll conducted earlier this year by the State Government department, Local Government Victoria (LGV), which provides annual assessments of the performance of all councils across the state.

Customer service recorded the highest score increase, polling 71 points, with one quarter of residents rating the service as “very good” with half rating their experience as “good”.

Heywood Customer Service Centre officer Marian Hoggan with Heywood resident June Macintire.

Furthermore, community consultation increased to a rating of 57 points. Both areas were significantly higher than the large rural average.

Overall council direction experienced one of the most significant improvements increasing to 59. Performance in this area has increased by 10 points over the past two years.

Of the 400 resident’s surveyed, people aged over 65 years provided the highest overall praise for council.

The lowest survey result was in response to the condition of sealed local roads – a trend which was consistent state-wide.

Glenelg Shire Mayor Cr Max Oberlander said the overall positive results were a credit to council’s hardworking staff.

“I applaud the efforts of our dedicated employees who are always willing to go above and beyond to help residents across our shire,” he said.

“Council is constantly looking for ways to improve its service delivery and this Community Satisfaction Survey provides valuable feedback on where we can target improvements.”

Cr Oberlander said road investment continued to be one of council’s highest priorities, in the interest of public safety and to assist in driving economic investment.

“Council is well-aware that the condition of our local road network needs considerable investment. Our team is working tirelessly lobbying both State and Federal Government in an effort to attract this much-needed funding,” he said.

“The launch of the Green Triangle Freight Action Plan and supporting campaign video is another major step forward in proving the critical need for key freight road investment in this region and I remain confident it will result in a positive outcome for our community.”

Glenelg sets high customer service standard


A new tech system is ensuring Glenelg Shire Council’s Home and Community Care staff always arrive at their destination safely.

Ezitracker, a time keeping system, allows staff to register when they arrive at a client’s home ensuring management are aware of their safe arrival, and expected time back at the office.

If a staff member does not arrive in the scheduled timeframe, it sends an immediate alert back to the office to ensure the staff member can be tracked down.

Glenelg Shire Council group manager community and culture Edith Farrell said Home and Community Care staff travelled significant distances to see some clients.

“These dedicated staff visit clients across various

Our community

Ezitracker supporting stafflocations, spread across a large geographical area at widely varying times of the day and evening,” she said.

“This new system will ensure that our staff members safety is not compromised, tracking their movements to ensure they arrive safely and complete their task.

“A QR code has been affixed with a magnet to the client’s refrigerator, allowing our staff to scan in with their smart phone and register their arrival time.”

Ms Farrell said Ezitracker mobile had reduced operating costs, streamlining rosters and reducing administration tasks.

“There has been no change to our service delivery, except that our staff simply log into the

Jaycee Kindergarten is building new relationships with some of Portland’s oldest residents as part of an innovative new educational program.

The four-year-old group are regularly meeting with Portland’s Bupa Aged Care Facility residents, reading, singing, talking and playing together as part of a plan to build greater connections between the kindergarten and wider community.

Each month the pupils pack their favourite books, toys and games and make the short walk along Wellington Road to the neighbouring aged care facility for what is becoming a highlight of the early learning curriculum.

Jaycee Kindergarten teacher Jessica Waite said the children recently hosted the Bupa residents at their campus with a morning of fun activities, including playdough and craft sessions, planned.

“It is fantastic to see the resident’s faces glow as the children interact with them through song, story and conversation,” she said.

“Our last visit included performances of favourite children’s songs such as ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’ and ‘Old MacDonald had a Farm’ which the residents enjoyed interacting and singing along to. I am sure it brought back many fond memories of when they sang to their own children.”

Ms Waite said the social connections created through the regular visits where bringing widespread benefits to both services.

“These visits greatly support both the residents of Bupa and our children. Some of these residents suffer from dementia, memory loss and cognitive limitations. They find new energy when

Jaycee builds lasting relationships

system on their arrival, and log-out when they leave. It’s quick, easy and ensures the safety of our staff,” she said.

these enthusiastic little four-year-old visitors race into the room,” she said.

“They are building lasting relationships and our children are gaining new confidence, particularly in their conversation skills.

“It is an absolute delight to watch them interact and enjoy each other’s company.”

Images: Jaycee Kindergarten’s four-year-old group interact with residents from Bupa Aged Care during a recent visit.

Maureen Crisp logs into the new Ezitracker system at a client’s home.


Green living is now the mantra of more than 300 Glenelg Shire Council’s Home and Community Care Clients who are realising the financial and social benefits of energy saving.

The Glenelg SAVES (Seniors Achieving Value Energy Savings) program has assisted low-income households to make simple steps to reduce their energy use whilst saving hundreds of dollars in the process.

The final results of the two-year program, a partnership between Southern Grampians Glenelg Primary Care Partnership and Glenelg Shire Council’s Aged and Disability Services Unit, showed significant reductions in energy costs for participants.

Council’s 22 community support workers implemented the program in their own homes, before passing on the green living tips onto the Glenelg-based clients.

Project coordinator Anne Deam said program participants were supported with energy efficient products from door draft stoppers to larger items such as microwaves to help reduce their energy costs.

“This program has illustrated that small steps, such as installing florescent globes, new shower heads and using cold water to wash clothing, can significantly reduce energy costs around the home,” she said.

“For many of these clients, every dollar counts

Mavis Jennings with the new microwave that she received through the program to reduce cooking time and as a result energy costs

Brian McNamara (contractor) installing blinds in the home of Meredith Newman Debens to reduce summer heat and keep home warmer in winter

Glenelg saves with green living

in their household budgets. Some participants saved hundreds of dollars on their annual energy costs and are now sharing the green living tips with their broader family and social networks.”

Glenelg Shire Council intends to consider the findings from the Glenelg SAVES program in the development of key strateiges including the Climate Adaptation Plan and Municipal Public Health and Well-being Plan ,in addition to other future initiatives.

To see a video regarding the Glenelg SAVES program visit: www.vimeo.com/167996900

Your Say GlenelgJoin the conversation todayA new online engagement platform will assist Glenelg Shire residents to have a greater voice on council matters.

Your Say Glenelg: yoursay.glenelg.vic.gov.au is a new consultation tool allowing Glenelg Shire Council residents to have a direct online link to council’s decision-making processes.

The website provides access to key information of council’s core business, such as new strategies and plans, providing a variety of tools for the public to have their say and provide feedback.

These tools include online discussion forums, guestbook feedback, surveys and forms, a storyteller mapper, quick poll and a Q&A section. The site also includes news feeds, photo galleries and project libraries with links to social media.

The Your Say Glenelg platform is used by more than 85 Local Government’s across Australia.

Current consultation projects on the new site include the Portland Heritage Gap Study, Glenelg Rural Land Use Strategy, the future of Portland’s Old Marina Jetty and the council’s budget for the new financial year.

Register today at www.yoursay.glenelg.vic.gov.au. All user details are confidential, and only used for consultation purposes.

8,800people are employed in Glenelg Shire

the majority work as managers (1477)

followed by tech/trade workers (1382)

WHO WE ARE

9,786Females

19,578GSC Population

9,792Males

Glenelg Fast Facts

8 - 15°CAverage winter temperature

857 mmAverage rainfall

13 - 23°CAverage summer temperature

OUR WEATHER

13,870rateable properties in Glenelg Shiremore than 6,000registered pets – the south west capital of pet ownership.

OUR HOMES

95 %of fishers to Portland are from

outside the local area

More than 7,000

cruise ship passengers welcomed to

Glenelg Shire this year, with five more

cruise vessels booked to dock in 2017

Budj BimIf successful, Budj Bim will become Australia’s

20th world heritage site and the first exclusively

recognised for its Indigenous cultural values

OUR TOURISM

6.46 million tonnesof cargo left Portland’s docks last year - plantation forestry products, mineral sands and aluminium dominate this trade.

More than 60 %of cargo was delivered to China to support its growing demand for consumer products.The Port of Portland is the world’s biggest exporter of wood chip.

$30 millionthe annual worth of Portland’s commercial fishing catch - the biggest in Victoria

$8 millionThe annual worth of Portland’s recreational tuna catch

9 %The Port of Portland’s share in the state’s total exports, with $3.6 billion worth of annual trade

OUR MARINE INDUSTRY

growingglenelg - shire of glenelg

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