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Greater Bendigo
August 2020 Piinpi
CONTEMPORARY
INDIGENOUS
FASHION
Love your local
Bendigo Invention
+ Innovation Festival
brings optimism
SECTION HERE 1
8 CONTENTS
NEWS
4 Love your local
5 The City of Greater Bendigo 2020/2021 Budget
6 Adapting to change
Bendigo Town Hall to return to original colour
SERVICES
7 BARC celebrates first birthday
Deadline extended to register backyard pools
and spas
8 Become a foster carer
10 Sharing the road with heavy vehicles
11 Recycling at its best
12 Swept up with pride
13 What's in the works?
COMMUNITY
14 City plans new Bendigo Botanic Gardens Central
Hub Precinct
Friends celebrating 20 years of volunteering
in 2020
15 Na-na-na-na bat facts!
16 Read all about it!
17 Local organisations advance gender equity
Life in lockdown
16 Greater Bendigo
August 2020
P iinpi
CONTEMPORARY
INDIGENOUS
FASHION
18 Committee life
19
20
GB quiz!
Spring Gully, a place worth writing about
22 Save money and the planet with cloth nappies
BUSINESS
23 Bendigo’s city centre to benefit from development
Business webinars support local industry
24 Bendigo Invention + Innovation Festival brings
optimism
Love your local
Bendigo Invention WARD NEWS
+ Innovation Festival
brings optimism 26 Councillors – a term in reflection
29 Do you want to be a Councillor?
20
SECTION HERE 1
ACTIVE AND HEALTHY
30 Get your skate on at Epsom
ON THE COVER: Piinpi: Contemporary Indigenous Want to go for a nice ride?
Fashion at the Bendigo Art Gallery.
Read more on page 34. 31 Hockey precinct redevelopment completed
A new look for Ewing Park
32 Census reveals we love to walk
Residents embrace walking and cycling during
33 COVID-19 restrictions
LIFESTYLE
33 Art brings city to life
3 for free!
34 Exhibition to showcase contemporary Indigenous
fashion
35 Save the date - NAIDOC week to take place in
November
Stories from the Dja Dja Wurrung people in new
art project for Bendigo
2
Looking good Bendigo!
Have you got a great photo of
Bendigo? Submit your image
to gbmag@bendigo.vic.gov.au
and you might just see it
featured here next edition.
FROM THE MAYOR'S DESK
The time has come for me to start saying jobs for Greater Bendigo. This work is well I think engagement with our rural As our Council term comes to an end
my farewells for this Council term. underway, particularly with the planning communities over this term of Council has Greater Bendigo is facing its greatest
approval for a new hotel for Hargreaves really improved, with ward tours regularly test, COVID-19. There is no quick fix to
It’s been an amazing four years and to
Mall, the lantern conversions underway to taking place in our rural communities the economic mess it has created but
have been your Mayor this entire time has
create new business opportunities in the and Councillors making the time to supporting local businesses is one way
been a privilege and it has truly caused
Mall, and the attraction of events that help hold listening posts in our small towns we can all do our bit. Our 2020/2021
me to pinch myself many times – yes,
to activate the city centre and bring people and villages. The Rural Communities Budget includes a range of capital works
it has really happened and I could not
into it. The continued work on the Mining Committee has helped Council to projects that will employ local contractors
have been more proud and honoured to
Exchange is also exciting and will give this understand more about the needs of and funding to attract events to Greater
represent the people of Greater Bendigo.
iconic building a new lease on life. rural residents. Bendigo. The $300M worth of major
Wherever I went, to community events, construction projects in our city centre,
The Bendigo GovHub will be a game For me, personal highlights have included
meetings with ministers, the Premier or the Bendigo TAFE redevelopment, new
changer. It will bring an additional 600 the arrival and debut of Dai Gum Loong
Deputy Prime Minister, meeting famous Bendigo Law Courts and Bendigo
workers into central Bendigo and create at the 2019 Bendigo Easter Festival and
visitors to Bendigo or my travels further GovHub, will also be essential to helping
100 new jobs, leading to greater activation leading our citizenship ceremonies. These
afield, the comments about our city and us recover.
by more people walking around and ceremonies are the most joyous occasions
region were always positive, optimistic
shopping. This development signals and it is a privilege to have a role in Finally, I would like to thank the
and encouraging.
confidence to others and we are already helping these residents become Australian Councillors for their commitment to the
When I look back, this Council has had the seeing planning applications for private citizens. Also, Meet the Mayor meetings role. It is both rewarding and challenging,
joy of seeing a number of major projects sector investment. have been very popular and I hope helpful but most of all it is a great honour to serve
through to completion but the decision for the people that have come to see me, the people of Greater Bendigo.
The new Greater Bendigo Industrial
making and hard yards to attract funding and meeting our friends in Maubisse
Land Development Strategy will also Mayor Cr Margaret O’Rourke
were done over many years by successive and seeing first-hand the work that the
help ensure a strong local economy
Councils. We now can’t imagine life Bendigo community has supported over
into the future and support our thriving
without Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre, many years was very special.
manufacturing sector to expand and help
the expanded Bendigo Stadium or the new
attract new businesses to the region.
Bendigo Airport runway, which ultimately
allowed us to attract the Bendigo to A number of strategic plans adopted
Sydney return Qantas flights! by this Council will drive generational CONTACT THE CITY OF GREATER BENDIGO
change for the presentation of our city and
Celebrating the opening of the Bendigo
region and for our community, particularly Main office Website
Botanic Gardens Garden for the Future
Greening Greater Bendigo, the Bendigo 15 Hopetoun Street, Bendigo www.bendigo.vic.gov.au
and now securing funding for the central
City Centre Plan, Food Systems Strategy, Postal After hours/emergency number
hub to complete this valuable green
Reimagining Bendigo Creek, Gender Equity PO Box 733, Bendigo 3552 5434 6000
oasis will be a project this Council will be
Strategy, Greater CREATIVE Bendigo and Telephone
passing onto the next. Operating hours
All Ages All Abilities Action Plan. 5434 6000 8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday
We were also pleased to see
Establishing a Youth Council Hearing or speech impaired? Follow us
projects like the Soldiers Call via National Relay Service on 133 677
has also been particularly
Memorial Institute upgrade
important to this Council and it Email
and expansion, Bendigo
is wonderful to have the voice requests@bendigo.vic.gov.au
Tennis Centre expansion and
of young people in Council
Eaglehawk Regional Play
decision making. I hope
Space come to fruition.
this is an initiative that
Want to read this document in an alternative format? The City is committed to
When I originally stood continues and future providing documents that are easy to read for all. If you would like to read the
for Council, my focus generations remain magazine in an alternative format e.g. large print or text only, contact Customer
was on improving engaged with Local Service on 5434 6000 or requests@bendigo.vic.gov.au and we will endeavour to service
our city centre Government. your request in the quickest time possible.
and securing new
NEWS 3
20
Why not take
Love Your Loca
the
l
2
challenge and
see how
many of these
items
you can tick off
when
it's safe to do
so!
Buy a coffee
Visit Golden
Dragon Museum
Get your nails
done
Get your hair cu
t
Visit the Great
Stupa of Unive
rsal
Compassion
Buy a birthday
present
Go down Centr
al
Deborah Gold
Mine
Go out for lunc
h
Learn something
new at the
Discovery, Scie
nce
and Technolog
y
Centre
Supporting the Love
your Local Campaign, Buy a piece of
owner of Evans Bendigo Potter
Shoes, Richard Evans y
(above), and Barista
Coffee van operator
Marlene Quay (below)
We know the economic favourite local businesses or love them
online if you can through a click and collect
recovery from COVID-19 is or delivery service.
going to be long. Also, when was the last time you visited
the Central Deborah Gold Mine, the Golden
To help our local small businesses and Dragon Museum, the Great Stupa, Bendigo
great local attractions bounce back, show Pottery or the Discovery, Science and
them some love! Technology Centre to name a few?
Love your local café, restaurant, pub, gym, Make a future date to experience your home
retailer, hairdresser, beautician, market town as a tourist and invite your friends and
or florist. When the time is right, visit your family to join you when it's safe to do so!
4 NEWS
The City of Greater Bendigo 2020/2021 Budget
020
Recover and thrive
The 2020/2021 Budget was adopted by
2021
Council in July. The Budget is balanced,
optimistic and supports Greater Bendigo
residents and businesses to recover and
thrive following the COVID-19 pandemic,
including $48M of capital works and
a $200M operating budget to deliver
essential community services.
The Budget supports the six key COVID-19 Budget response package:
goals outlined in the Greater Bendigo
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant Community
Community Plan 2017-2021: disruption to the Greater Bendigo economy • Deferral on rates payments to June 30, 2021
• Lead and govern for all and put financial strain on many households for residents experiencing hardship
and businesses. The City has included a
• Wellbeing and fairness • A freeze on fees and charges on a variety of
comprehensive response in the 2020/2021
• Strengthening the economy facilities and services
Budget which totals $7.8M, including $4.8M
• Presentation and managing growth from the State Government for 115 currently • Providing jobs for 115 community members
unemployed community members. that are currently unemployed through a
• Environmental sustainability
partnership with Working for Victoria
• Embracing our culture and heritage Business • Staffing and financial assistance for Bendigo
• Deferral on rates payments to June 30, 2021 Foodshare
for businesses experiencing hardship, without
incurring interest or late payment penalties Advocacy
Budget highlights: • A “Love your Local” campaign to increase local • Advocate to State and Federal Governments
and regional spend and assist with financial for stimulus funding for local infrastructure
• A new pavilion at Kennington
recovery projects and support for residents and
Recreation Reserve (Harry Trott Oval)
businesses
• New shade pavilion in Hargreaves Mall • A full waiver of various fees under the Local
Law such as A-frame, outdoor dining and goods • Partner with State and Federal Governments
• Extension of organics collection service for display permit fees for impacted businesses to identify ways for our community to access
to rural towns new and existing funding programs
• 50% reduction of food, health and
• Increased tree planting program across accommodation registration fees for the 2021 • Continue to provide coordination and
Greater Bendigo calendar year for impacted businesses assistance for
• Stage 2 of the Bendigo Town Hall renewal regional relief and
• Free business development webinars, in
• Stage 1 of the Wolstencroft Reserve recovery efforts
partnership with Be.Bendigo
Masterplan
• New shelter and soccer pitch renewal
at Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve
• Renewal of the Grevillea Road play
space (Huntly) Rates and charges:
• Detailed design of the Heathcote Civic The Budget is funded by a 2 per cent rate rise, which is in line with the
Precinct Victorian Government’s Fair Go Rates System. General waste charges
• Funding for City of Gastronomy initiatives will rise by a small amount ($8.55 for a 140L bin) and recycling and
organics will rise by 1 per cent. Waste charges cover costs, the City 2020
City of Greater Bend
2021
igo
Budget 2020/20
does not raise a profit from providing waste 21
Greater Bendigo
- Creating the
world’s most liveabl
e community
collection services. Those experiencing financial
hardship can apply to have their rates deferred
Essential infrastructure: or to pay via a payment plan. Fees for affected
community and sporting groups using Council- READ THE BUDGET
• $11.4M on roads
owned land/grounds have been reduced and To read the full Budget go to
• $510,000 on bridges
a 50 per cent reduction in commercial rent for www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/budget
• $1.5M for drainage works affected Council tenants will be applied from
• $3.5M in footpaths and shared paths June 30, 2020 to December 31, 2020.
NEWS 5
Adapting to change
teachers and students all deserve a gold star for in the use of walking and cycling paths across
The last time GB Magazine was the way they are managing to support our young Greater Bendigo.
delivered to letterboxes was people to continue to learn from home.
Hopefully we see these healthy habits return
just before Christmas last year. We also cannot overlook the amazing contribution
our health professionals and other essential
during the second round of restrictions and
they are something we continue to practice as
Since then, no-one could have workers have made and continue to make. They we adjust to our ‘new normal’, whenever that
are on the front line of this pandemic in helping to may be!
guessed what would happen. keep us well but also to ensure we have access to
This year we have also again been reminded
food and other essential supplies that we need.
that we all have a role in preventing racism.
Locally, nationally and globally, the first half of
Local Government has been treated as an essential Recent international protests around racial
2020 has tested us all in ways we probably never
service, so from a City perspective we have inequality are a strong reminder about the
thought we would be.
continued to keep staff employed by operating importance of this and the impact inequality
First, we watched as our neighbours in other local services and constructing and maintaining continues to have around the world.
regional areas battled out-of-control bushfires necessary infrastructure.
Greater Bendigo is proudly a welcoming
and thought how lucky we were not to experience
Bins are still being collected, children continue to community and I look forward to City
a similar fate. Communities around the country
be immunised and cared for, we’re checking on our staff continuing to build important
demonstrated our great Aussie spirit and came
elderly clients, maintaining our parks and gardens, relationships with all members
together to raise funds, donate goods and give
answering customer phone calls and emails, and of our community, but
their time to help people and animals displaced by
are completing a range of maintenance projects on particularly our Traditional
the fires.
our facilities while they’re out of action. Owners and newcomers from
Then it was COVID-19. It was like watching a wave overseas.
Supporting businesses and community groups
coming that was making its way around the world
through the pandemic, sharing important health Everyone is welcome here.
and in March this year Australia was next in its
messages with our community, continuing with a Based on the year we’ve
path.
range of strategic work and processing planning had, we can’t be sure what
I am amazed and saddened by the impact COVID-19 applications also remain part of our day-to-day. the remaining months
is continuing to have, as we find ourselves living of 2020 will bring but I
We continue to provide the best level of service
through a second round of stage three restrictions. think it’s safe to say we’re
we can to the community and adjust as needed
more resilient, better
Many businesses are suffering greatly from having so as staff can to do this safely. Although parts of
able to adapt to change,
to close or significantly lessen their output, putting our business are closed again due to the latest
and more accepting and
individuals and families under huge financial restrictions put in place, when the time is right our
understanding.
stress. focus will be on helping them to operate in line
with the restrictions of the day. Look after yourselves.
I really do admire the businesses that have been
able to ‘pivot’ and change their delivery model to During the first round of stage three restrictions Craig Niemann,
operate in a pandemic, and parents and carers, we saw between a 100 and 120 per cent increase Chief Executive Officer
Bendigo Town Hall to return to original colour
The Bendigo Town Hall the building quite a patchwork, grey
appearance but evidence of its original
will be returned to its stone-coloured wash coat was discovered
during the repair work.
original render colour as
As part of the restoration, the City of
part of a major ongoing Greater Bendigo has colour-matched
project, which commenced the paint to the remnants of the original
colour so that the building can be returned
in 2019 to conserve and to its original appearance.
repair the exterior of the This work has been approved by Heritage
Victoria under the current permit for the
historic building. conservation works.
The Bendigo Town Hall is one of Greater
The restoration works include significant Bendigo’s most iconic heritage buildings
roof, window and door repairs, painting and since the mid-1990s the City has
and repairs to the external façade. invested considerable funds to not only
As the external render works progress, revitalise the building inside and out but
people will notice that the building also to maintain it, so that it can continue
is changing colour. Render repairs to be enjoyed and used by the people of
undertaken over the years had given Greater Bendigo well into the future.
6 NEWS
BARC celebrates
first birthday
The City of Greater Bendigo has celebrated a successful first year of
operating the Bendigo Animal Relief Centre (BARC), after bringing pound
and animal shelter services back in house after more than 20 years.
BARC is committed to providing a to the high number of unregistered BARC is currently looking for all
safe and caring temporary home for and non-microchipped cats, which types of foster carers, for kittens,
lost pets, reuniting pets and owners, makes tracing owners difficult. dogs and even young farm animals.
finding life-long homes for dogs and Registering to become a foster carer
BARC understands that pets are not
cats that need one, providing housing is easy and can be done by simply
just limited to cats and dogs and have
and veterinary care to lost or injured downloading the application form on
adopted out a total of 952 animals,
animals and educating the BARC website and sending it to
including sheep, goats, chickens,
the community about responsible pet the email address provided.
rats, ferrets, rabbits, birds and
ownership.
even a horse! Our goal is to see the BARC gratefully accepts any
BARC has had a brilliant start to number of reclaimed pets rise each donations of money, food, clean
providing the local pound service to year and to create an awareness of
towels and blankets to help provide
Bendigo, with news of its vision and responsible pet ownership.
additional comfort to the animals in
purpose spreading far and wide over
BARC has been able to offer our care.
the past 12 months.
rehoming services to animals from
BARC operates from 20 Piper Lane
In its first year of operation BARC other rural councils where there is
little opportunity for adoptions and and is open from 10am to 4pm
has placed 274 dogs and 595 cats
into forever homes, and has provided this has helped to build a positive Monday to Saturday and 10am to
food, shelter and medical attention reputation beyond Greater Bendigo. 12 noon on Sundays. You can
to over 2,611 animals, from rats and BARC has also formed alliances visit the BARC website at www.
rabbits to hounds and horses! with several rescue organisations bendigoanimalreliefcentre.com.au to
from across Australia and has view the animals that are available
The good news is that nearly 80 per
cent of stray dogs who make their
successfully transferred 152 animals
for rehabilitation and rehoming.
for adoption, follow us on Facebook
or phone us on 5441 2209.
In its first year of operation
way to BARC are reclaimed by their
owners. Unfortunately, this statistic is In its first full year of operation, 161 During COVID-19 stage three BARC has placed 274 dogs and
not as high for cats, with less than 17 animals from BARC have received restrictions visiting BARC is by
per cent being reclaimed largely due foster care. appointment only. 595 cats into forever homes.
Deadline extended to register backyard pools and spas
The Victorian Government has extended the deadline for residents to register their private
swimming pools and spas online with the City of Greater Bendigo until November 1, 2020.
This is a requirement under new legislation introduced in December 2019.
City of Greater Bendigo Safe and “The new legislation has introduced to the pool or spa owner to organise.
Healthy Environments Manager Caroline mandatory requirements for all The inspectors will issue certificates
Grylls said under the new mandatory Victorian Councils to establish and of compliance or non-compliance,
requirements all residential swimming maintain a register of all private which owners will need to then lodge
pools and spas that fall within the swimming pools and spas, and residents with the City. Certificates of non-
requirements of Victorian Government must undertake the registration process compliance will also be acted upon.”
legislation and online via the City’s website at
Inspection compliance certificates will
regulation must have a compliant www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/poolregister by
be required to be lodged with Council
barrier in place and must be registered November 1, 2020, or within 30 days of
every four years. Owners wanting
with their local Council. completion if the installation is under
further information or wishing to do
construction at this date.
“Broadly, these include all permanent their own initial safety assessment
pools and spas and most relocatable “As part of the new registration process, can be guided by the checklists on the
pools and relocatable spas capable of pool and spa barriers will need to be Victorian Building Authority website at
holding a depth of water greater than assessed by registered private building www.vba.vic.gov.au
300mm,” Ms Grylls said. surveyors or inspectors and this is up
SERVICES 7
Become a
foster carer
Have you ever wondered what
it takes to be a carer for a
foster pet? Meet Emma
Lanera, she fosters
animals from BARC –
Bendigo Animal Relief
Centre. She provides
a safe, loving
environment for the
animal until they find
their furever home.
“I love seeing the
transformation in the animals
over the time they are with us.”
How did you become a foster carer? Why did you decide to do this? the bond created in those first moments fences and troughs. Then it’s off to work. I
and then following their progress through am lucky enough to work at Bendigo TAFE
Around 10 years ago I moved out of home. I There are so many animals that need updates (generally on social media) brings where I teach Animal Studies, so the foster
took my dog Murphee with me when I moved good homes and there is not enough me so much joy. dogs generally come along as well. This is
but the family dog, Turbo, stayed behind. As space in shelters and rescue centres to great for their socialisation. Then it’s home
I worked fulltime, Murph spent long hours accommodate them all. I feel that fostering What types of animals do you care for? for the afternoon feeding (pretty much the
by himself and was understandably lonely is the best way for me to help, as it allows same as the morning routine) before settling
so I started looking into a second dog. Murph an animal that might not have a chance I started with dogs, generally puppies or
in for the night. During this time I might
was older and a bit grumpy, so a puppy was otherwise to find their furever home. Also I young dogs, but recently have had a litter
do some training, such as crate training
out of the question. Someone suggested a feel this is a great way for me to give back, of kittens and their mum. They are very
or loose lead walking, just some basic
greyhound and after speaking to the guys as animals enrich my life so much I feel I different, the dogs require more hands-on
skills that will help the dog in their new
at Greyhound Safety Net, I decided to try need to give something back. I would be time especially in regards to toilet training,
life and these sessions are no more than 10
fostering to see how it went. From then on totally lost without my animals! while the cats/kittens are more independent.
minutes. The foster dogs sleep inside, either
I had fosters at various points, usually dogs While I have never done it myself, I do also in the lounge with my other dogs or in the
that I was helping to rehome for people, but What do you like most about being have a number of friends who have fostered bedroom. With the puppies, I teach them to
none through a group or organisation though. a foster carer? rabbits, rats, mice, guinea pigs and horses. sleep overnight in a crate as this is a great
I love seeing the transformation in the skill and also minimises mess/destruction.
When we moved to Bendigo I was
What is a typical day like for you when
approached by a friend about a dog who animals over the time they are with us. For the kittens – breakfast and a room
caring for a foster pet?
needed a home. We were able to take her I often take on animals with behavioural clean. Kittens are great at making a mess
on through a private rescue organisation issues, generally fear-related, and I love With the dogs/puppies – breakfast in the overnight, so I find that the morning clean
and since then we have had six dogs (four helping them to find their confidence and morning and then out to feed the horses/ is the most time consuming! This involves
through the private rescue and two from place within the world. The other thing alpacas. We have to supervise the horses washing and refilling food and water bowls,
BARC) and more recently a mum cat with I love is when they find their human. while they have their hard feed, so the foster washing and changing litter trays, a sweep
her six kittens who also came from BARC. Although it is hard to see them go, seeing dogs come for a walk with us to check of the area (while they are distracted
8 SERVICES
eating because it’s impossible if they decide we do, we know well in advance and plan
to ‘help’) and plenty of cuddles. Unlike the accordingly and tend to avoid having
puppies, the kittens don’t always come into foster pets if we know we will be away
work but when they do they will spend time for more than a night. Generally if we do
in our cattery. When they are at home during go away it’s my mum who looks after our
the day we provide plenty of toys (toilet animals, so having a foster pet there isn’t
rolls and wine corks are a hit!), cat climbing a problem. If my mum can’t do it I have a
trees and their favourite thing ever – a pile number of trusted house/pet sitters who
of washing that they use to play ‘King of the come in to take care of the animals/farm.
Mountain’ as well as sleep in. After their
night feed and clean, I spend some time Does it cost you anything to be a foster
playing with them for about half an hour. carer?
Is it easy to fit the pets into your lifestyle? BARC provides equipment such as collars “A warm heart and a
for dogs, litter trays, bedding and other items
Yes, I find it really easy. We have a farm and that will help an animal settle into foster comfy couch is what these
quite a number of animals ourselves, so the
fosters just fit into our normal routine. The
care. They also provide any medication the
animal might be on, and a little bit of food
animals need the most.”
first day or so can be a bit bumpy but after
to allow them to transition over to whatever
that they settle in and I find the routine
suitable food is used in the foster home.
really helps them to develop confidence.
Do you need any special skills or etc. and know that you are helping animals The second is Gecko, who was the second
How long do you have the pets for? in need while also being able to experience dog I fostered for BARC. Gecko came into
qualifications to be a foster carer?
This really depends on the animal, but I the joy of having animals in your life. care as a skinny, terrified young dog with a
would say the average length would be Not at all! For myself I teach animal studies wild look in his eye. I met him out at BARC
around three or four weeks. Some will and am a dog/animal trainer, but honestly Have you ever kept a foster pet, giving and offered to foster as I felt there was
stay longer if they need a bit more time, anyone can foster as long as you are it a furever home? something special about him. Within two
others flourish in care and find homes committed to giving the animal the best start days of him coming home I knew he was
to their new life. A warm heart and a comfy Yes, two of my four dogs are fosters that staying, however it took another two weeks
really quickly. I think the shortest I had
couch is what these animals need the most. have found their furever home with us. (and a promise to do the dishes forever) to
was two weeks, the longest was about 10
weeks for a dog who was super sweet but The very first foster all those years ago was convince my partner! He has been with us
also super smart and quite a handful, so it Is fostering a pet a good way for people for three months now and has developed
Dharma, my beautiful sweet greyhound
took a while to find a good match for him. to enjoy having one in their life if they into a confident and outgoing young man
who found her place on my couch within a
can’t have one full time? who is my constant companion.
week of coming home. She is still with us
What if you are going away for the
Yes. I know of a number of people who foster but older, slower (if that’s possible!) and If you would like to learn more about
weekend or on holidays?
because they can’t commit to having a pet with only half her teeth left, and is now becoming a foster carer with BARC, please
Having a farm and a lot of animals means long term. With fostering you can fit having living out her twilight years on the same phone 5441 2209 between 10am and 4pm,
we don’t often get away. However when an animal around a busy lifestyle, travelling couch she claimed that first week. Monday to Saturday.
Follow us on
Facebook
Whether you’ve lost your best wormed, desexed and vaccinated,
friend or you’re looking for a new and you can check them
one, the Bendigo Animal Relief out on our website at www.
Centre, or BARC for short, can help. bendigoanimalreliefcentre.com.au
if you’re looking At BARC we provide a safe and
caring temporary home for your
Our Facebook page is full of
special tips, information and
for a new lost or new best friend. of course great cats and dogs
best
needing a new home.
BARC has a variety of cats and
dogs available for adoption. All our So make sure you follow us
friend
animals are temperament tested at BARC, Bendigo Animal
and our staff work hard to ensure Relief Centre, where
that new pets are a suitable match you might find your new
for potential adoptees. best friend!
All our cats and dogs available
for adoption are microchipped,
Bendigo Animal Relief Centre
20 Piper Lane, East Bendigo t. (03) 5441 2209 www.bendigoanimalreliefcentre.com.au
Proudly operated by the City of Greater Bendigo
SERVICES 9
Sharing the road
with heavy vehicles
You may have spotted some new, important road safety
messages rolling around Bendigo and central Victoria.
Local Bendigo freight operator, Power’s several local truck operators, including
Country Express, has provided one of Agri-Trans A & M Stone and Power’s
its trucks to feature the messages on its Country Express.
13.5m-long truck curtains. The messages
This exciting project takes advantage
are aimed particularly at young car drivers
of Deakin University’s expertise in
who are at greater risk of being involved
Virtual Reality (VR) and 360-degree
in truck and light vehicle crashes.
video to help immerse young drivers
On one side of the truck the message in virtual real-life scenarios and gain a
reminds drivers to stay out of a truck’s better understanding of the experiences
blind spots, while the other side focuses of heavy vehicle drivers. This young
on the importance of giving a truck room age group will experience the VR as a
to turn. passenger of both a car and a truck to
get a sense of what it is like to be high up
These messages are part of an innovative
in the truckie’s cabin in a realistic virtual
Truck Wise pilot project targeting novice
setting.
drivers aged between 16 to 18 years.
The pilot project is in the final stages of The challenges of a truck’s blind spots, the
development and being led by the City extra distance needed for a heavy vehicle Mayor Cr Margaret O'Rourke with Marla Stone, owner of Agri-Trans
of Greater Bendigo, in collaboration with to brake, and the amount of space and skill A & M Stone and Damien Power of Power's Country Express.
Deakin University. needed to turn a long and heavy vehicle
are highlighted in these realistic scenarios.
Other partners involved in the campaign an important issue that needed urgent The Truck Wise pilot project targets 16 to
include the Transport Accident By using cutting-edge technology, the attention. Over 60 per cent of fatalities 18 year-olds to complement their on-road
Commission, Bendigo Tech School, the aim is to support young novice drivers occur on country roads and the focus is on supervised driving practice and encourage
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and to think about their behaviour around young learner drivers because of the high an empathetic approach to driving at a
trucks, encourage them to empathise with risk of death and serious injuries among time when they may be more receptive to
truckies, and to better understand the young drivers. road safety awareness programs.
The crash rate for serious risks and challenges of interacting
with heavy vehicles. The crash rate for novice drivers is 10 The pilot project is expected to be
novice drivers is 10 times higher than that of middle-aged completed later this year with plans for
The City secured Australian Government drivers. There is an extremely high crash an educational portal for schools and a
times higher than that funding for the Truck Wise pilot project and fatality rate during the first year of roadshow for youngsters to experience
in response to the City’s Bendigo Freight driving, particularly during the first six to the VR and 360-degree scenarios as part
of middle-aged drivers. Study (2017). It identified road safety as 12 months of unsupervised driving. of the safety campaign.
10 SERVICESRecycling at its best
The City of Greater Bendigo has led by example by making
use of recycled products to create a new domestic waste
drop off and weighbridge area at the Eaglehawk Landfill.
The new drop off area features an keen to support the use of recycled materials
environmentally-friendly asphalt mix where possible.
containing recycled materials including
“We hope that this project inspires a greater
approximately 586,000 recycled plastic
acceptance of using recycled products in
bottles, 303,000 recycled glass bottles and
this way and that it creates a lot of interest
66.5 tonnes of recycled asphalt.
from other local governments, business
City of Greater Bendigo Director Presentation and organisations throughout Australia who
and Assets Debbie Wood said the area had also want to utilise recycled material in their
been paved to provide a better experience for projects.
customers when they visited the landfill to
“While the landfill itself only has a limited life
drop off their waste.
span, the facility will continue to
“When the opportunity to use an operate as a transfer station into the future
environmentally-friendly asphalt in and this project is about preparing for that
the construction of this project was transition.” “The City was excited to
first presented, the City was excited to
demonstrate a project using recycled
The City has also implemented a range of demonstrate a project
other improvements at the landfill site, from
materials,” Ms Wood said.
creating the new domestic drop off area to using recycled materials.”
“This has been a great project for the City, extending the waste loading shed to allow
as we are committed to sustainability and waste to be transported from the site.
SERVICES 11Swept up
At 5am when most people are still cosily
tucked up in bed, a dedicated team of “Residents are
Sweepers from the City’s Resource,
Recovery and Education unit set to work
pleased to see us out
to ensure the city centre looks as good as
a picture postcard every day.
and about making a
Team Leader Dale Tranter said there were difference so people
20 staff in the Sweepers unit who each
take great pride in what they do to present can enjoy a clean and
with pride
Bendigo in the best possible light.
tidy environment.”
“Pride is the pillar of what my team stand
for. They are an extremely proud bunch,
“The members of the street sweeping team
very humble and somewhat shy. They tend
come from all walks of life, but they all
to want to just get on with the task at hand
possess patience, attention to detail and a
without too much fuss. They work 363 days good work ethic. They’re a great bunch of
of the year regardless of the weather,” fellas who work towards a common goal to
Dale said. present the city as best they can,” Dale said.
The Sweepers take advantage of the early The city centre plays host to over 100
SERVICE IN THE SPOTLIGHT: STREET SWEEPERS start when the streets are predominantly events a year, and the Sweepers are busy
empty, so their tasks can be done quickly behind the scenes cleaning the streets.
and efficiently before the early commute It’s incredible to see that within just a few
begins. It’s their responsibility to ensure hours of an event finishing and the crowds
Come rain, hail or shine the City of Greater Bendigo’s city centre streets and footpaths in the dispersing, the Sweepers and other City
retail and public areas are swept, cleaned units endeavour to restore order. It’s a
team of Sweepers take immense pride in ensuring and cleared. Median strips, roundabouts testament to them that their work leaves
and bus stop surrounds also get a tidy
Bendigo’s beautiful public areas are kept clean and before the city starts to wake up.
no hint that an event has even taken place.
“We come in and deliver extra event bins
presentable for all to enjoy. Others in the team focus their attention on and we clean up before and after the event
clearing street gutters, unblocking storm to make sure the city is back to looking its
water pits and clearing and cleaning drains. best,” Dale said.
“My role is the day-to-day delegation of Street sweepers, a footpath sweeper,
tasks, ensuring that the City’s standards electric blowers, a pressure cleaner and
are met. Autumn is the busiest time of the light trucks are also on hand to get the job
year, as we still have our normal work to done when it's time to clean up.
carry out, plus keeping on top of cleaning Dale acknowledges that dealing with so
up all the leaves,” Dale said. many tasks across the municipality can
Dedicated street sweepers are manoeuvred sometimes be a challenge.
to remove dirt and debris from residential “You’re trying to meet and fulfil competing
streets and a smaller one handles the bike demands and expectations and there are
lanes and narrow footpaths. The Sweepers also other issues, such as trying to get a
visit residential areas on a rotational necessary job done in traffic and navigating
basis, including Elmore, Goornong and narrow streets and tight court bowls,” he said.
Heathcote, to target public areas that need
to be regularly maintained. “The community response is really
positive and members of my team are
You may even spot the team members often thanked for the work they are doing.
delivering and maintaining waste, recycling Residents are pleased to see us out and
and organics bins while they are out and about making a difference so people can
about in the suburbs. It’s all in a day’s work. enjoy a clean and tidy environment.”
12 SECTION HERE
SERVICES1
2 3
2. An upgrade to the footpath in Mundy EAGLEHAWK
Street, Bendigo (between Myers Street Canterbury Park - lighting
WHAT’S IN THE WORKS? and Mollison Street) to create a city
centre-style footpath with bluestone GOLDEN SQUARE
paving and asphalt bays is valued at
As part of the Council’s commitment to deliver improved Belle Vue Road/Sullivan Street - road
$101,000 and is expected to be completed reconstruction
infrastructure, a range of works are currently underway mid-August.
or have recently been completed.
3. Works are underway to replace the SAILORS GULLY
aged bridge under Allies Road at Myers Sailors Gully Road - footpath construction
Creek. Valued at $448,000, completion is
expected mid-September. This section of SPRING GULLY
1. Construction of a new roundabout at Fixing Country Roads Scheme and Allies Road will need to remain closed
Averys Road/Jobs Gully Road, California developer contributions. The project Burns Street - major drainage upgrade
for the duration of the works. Detours
Gully is now complete. Works were cost was $810,000 and involved are in place.
made possible through joint funding upgrades to drainage, lighting and a To keep up to date with works in your area,
from the City of Greater Bendigo, the realignment of the intersection. visit www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/roadworks
SERVICES 13City plans new Bendigo Botanic
Gardens Central Hub Precinct
One hectare of vacant land located at the bottom of Hamelin Street, between the
Bendigo Botanic Gardens Heritage Gardens and the new Garden for the Future,
is set to be transformed into a new Central Hub Precinct.
The new precinct will form the heart of This exciting project will enhance Greater new elements and facilities where people
the Bendigo Botanic Gardens by creating Bendigo and the wider region’s arts and can meet.
a new entrance to the gardens and will recreation strengths, and will provide
The Central Hub Precinct buildings and
feature a visitor centre, café, amenities, unique opportunities for people to interact
landscaping is an important project
wetlands/ponds, stormwater harvesting with the Bendigo Creek and learn more
featured in the City’s award-winning
system, and landscaped gardens and about our region’s indigenous heritage
Bendigo Botanic Gardens Masterplan,
areas where people can gather. and culture.
which will form the heart of the Bendigo
There is currently a void between the Importantly it will be a place for everyone, Botanic Gardens.
Heritage Gardens and the Garden for from the very young to the not so young
Plans for the new precinct are advancing
the Future, so the new Central Hub and everybody in between, by offering
and the City has received $3.75M from the
Precinct will provide a seamless opportunities to attend events, recreate,
Victorian Government and $1.75M from
transition between both the old and the learn, play, eat, drink and enjoy.
the Australian Government to undertake
new gardens.
It’s an exciting cultural project for the City the project, which the City hopes will be
of Greater Bendigo that will enhance the completed by June 2022.
flow of the existing gardens by adding
Artist impression
Friends celebrating 20 years of
volunteering in 2020
The City of Greater Bendigo congratulates Through their various activities the Friends
the Friends of Bendigo Botanic Gardens play an important ongoing role in the life
for providing 20 years of voluntary service of the gardens. The City acknowledges
to the promotion, protection, restoration all past and current members for their
and ongoing redevelopment of the Bendigo contribution to making the Bendigo Botanic
Botanic Gardens since the group formed in Gardens one of the most significant botanic
April 2000. gardens in Australia.
14 COMMUNITYNA-NA-NA-NA
BAT FACTS!
Grey-headed Flying Foxes (Pteropus poliocephalus) first arrived in
Bendigo in March 2010 after heavy rains in New South Wales and
Queensland destroyed their food sources.
Since that time they have taken up under pressure from food shortages. • Eats fruit from a range of native and
permanent residence in Rosalind Park There is only one population of Grey- introduced species and nectar and
and their population has fluctuated from headed Flying Foxes in Australia. The pollen from native trees, especially
the 100s up to over 30,000, depending on colony in Bendigo is part of the same gum trees, and are important to
the time of the year and the food that is population that lives in Yarra Bend, New healthy forest ecosystems because
available to them. South Wales and Queensland they pollinate and disperse the seeds
of many important tree species
Rosalind Park is now an established • Is one of the largest bats in Australia
breeding and maternity camp for the with a wingspan of over 1 metre and • Is nocturnal however the colony is a
Grey-headed Flying Fox. able to cruise at speeds of up to 25km/h busy place during the daytime where
the bats spend part of the day sleeping
Love them or hate them, it appears they • Is mostly dark brown, except for a grey Enjoy Rosalind Park
and part of it interacting with their
are here to stay, so maybe we need to head and orange-red mantle encircling and its Flying Fox
neighbours. Bats are very talkative
learn more about them! the neck population but remember,
and it’s estimated that they make 20 to
40 different sounds if you come across a sick
You may not know that the Grey-headed • Navigates by eyesight, scent and
or injured bat don’t touch it.
Flying Fox: sound, and their senses are so sharp
• Is pregnant for six months, giving Instead, please call the Department
that a mother can always find her baby
• Is protected under the Victorian birth to a single baby around October. of Environment, Land, Water and
amongst the thousands of other bats
Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act and The young cling to their mother’s fur Planning on 136 186 or contact your
in the colony, flying directly back to
for the first few weeks and are suckled nearest wildlife shelter. If Flying Foxes
the Federal Environment Protection them after a night’s feeding. They can
until around five months old are not handled, there is no risk from
and Biodiversity Conservation Act. see better than humans and their night
Therefore, it is illegal to scare, harm or • Young bats will start to fly short any disease. If for any reason you do
vision is as good as a cat's
disturb them without a permit distances after three months, heading get bitten or scratched by a Flying
• Is the only mammal capable of sustained Fox, you should seek medical attention
out with the rest of the colony once
• Although they often appear in large flight and may travel up to 50km at immediately. If you come into contact with
they are a year old
groups, numbers of Grey-headed Flying night in search of food or to reach a faeces from any wildlife you should take
Foxes are declining because of habitat feeding area. They also hang by their • With enough food and habitat, a Flying Fox the usual hygiene precautions of washing
clearing. They are a threatened species feet because it’s very energy efficient will survive in the wild for up to 15 years with warm, soapy water.
Rosalind Park is now an established
breeding and maternity camp for
the Grey-headed Flying Fox.
COMMUNITY 15The move to the
Lockwood Road site is a
strong investment in the
future of Kangaroo Flat.
Read all about it!
The new Kangaroo Flat Library is now completed and it’s hard not to notice
the amazing transformation of the former Senior Citizens building when
travelling along Lockwood Road.
As part of the redevelopment, a bright and colourful Local Dja Dja Wurrung artist Daikota Nelson has been
building façade has replaced the old brown bricks commissioned to develop an original piece of art work
to create an enticing new entrance and the removal for the library. This artwork is the first of a range of art
of some interior walls has opened up the inside to projects across Goldfields Libraries to acknowledge
provide a range of fantastic new library spaces. and celebrate Aboriginal people and culture.
Works to modernise and repurpose the building The Kangaroo Flat Library is also looking forward to
commenced in late 2019 and have included repairs to developing partnerships with other local community
the building structure, services upgrades, the groups, including the City of Greater Bendigo’s Social
creation of a new entrance, removal of interior walls Support Group co-located in the building. This could
to create more open, accessible spaces, and plastering involve programs that include interactions between
and painting. young children and their parents/carers and the older
residents who use this service.
New windows, high-grade insulation and solar
panels were also installed to allow more natural The move to the Lockwood Road site is a strong
light in and make the building more sustainable and investment in the future of Kangaroo Flat and
comfortable. A new car park and landscaping works surrounding communities by the City, the Victorian
were also completed. Government through the Living Libraries Grant Fund
and Goldfields Library Corporation. It provides an
The new library features free public computers and
exciting new library that is double the size of the
Wi-Fi, a children’s area complete with reading nook
former Kangaroo Flat Library and fit for purpose for
and special story time chair, a lounge space with tea
the whole community to enjoy.
and coffee facilities, and a baby change room and
accessible toilets. There is also an outdoor courtyard An official opening will be held when residents
and a shared group space for special library events, can attend the celebration in line with COVID-19
including adult programs and children’s activities. restrictions.
16 COMMUNITYWhat’s life been
like for you in
lockdown?
Local organisations Have you caught yourself in
recent times talking about when
life goes back to normal?
advance gender equity Have you stopped and wondered if there could be a
‘new normal’ that might be even better than the ‘old
normal’? We’ve been asking ourselves these questions
during lockdown at Goldfields Libraries and we want to
The Greater Bendigo City Council recently endorsed the Greater hear from you too.
Bendigo Coalition for Gender Equity Strategy to help guide the In the future, historians and others will look back at
this time with interest. They will want to know how
Coalition’s collective work over the next five years. we lived, what we did and how we felt. The team at
Goldfields Libraries has created the ‘Life in Lockdown’
The strategy identifies structural change, relational “While gender equity means different things to project to record this moment of history in the making,
change and attitudinal change as key objectives different people, it is hoped the strategy will help and to offer an opportunity for the community to reflect
and focuses on six priority areas – workplaces, to level the playing field by helping guide activities on and share their experiences of this moment in time.
education, community, health, sport and recreation, across our community and monitoring the
Community members can get involved in the project in
and emergency management. progress towards achieving gender equity.”
a variety of ways. Your contributions will be developed
It’s an important piece of work because gender The strategy is available online at www.bendigo. into an online blog and exhibition, which will then
inequity is unfair, unjust and unacceptable. vic.gov.au/coalition-gender-equity become a physical exhibition and book for future
Addressing it is critical in preventing violence generations to reflect on and enjoy.
against women, recognising and respecting the
• Workshops: Join local writers, photographers,
value of all people, and delivering the social and
cartoonists and poets as they share their own work,
economic benefits that arise from communities Members of the Coalition include: AFL and encourage and support you to create and share
that are safe, fair and just for everyone. Central Victoria, Annie North Women’s your own ‘history catching’ from this time
The Coalition for Gender Equity is made up of Refuge, Be.Bendigo, Belgravia Leisure,
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank, Bendigo • Postcard to the future: Collect a ‘Life in Lockdown’
more than 30 local public, private and community
postcard to the future from one of our libraries
organisations and groups, including the City, who Community Health Service, Bendigo
and jot down what ‘normal’ was like for you before
are committed to advancing gender equity and Health, Bendigo Interfaith Council, Bendigo
and during coronavirus, and what you hope a ‘new
preventing violence against women and children. Loddon Primary Care Partnership,
normal’ might look like in the future
Bendigo Kangan Institute, CatholicCare
Mayor Cr Margaret O’Rourke said the Coalition had Sandhurst, Centre Against Sexual Assault • Take part in our “I pledge” campaign: As the country
a broad and extensive reach throughout Greater
Central Victoria, Centre for Non-Violence, starts to emerge from isolation, we want to pause,
Bendigo, with member organisations employing
City of Greater Bendigo, Coliban Water, reflect and document what new habits we'd like to
over 8,000 staff with direct and regular contact
Country Fire Authority, Department hold onto. What part of 'Life in Lockdown' do you
with the community through the delivery of core
of Education and Training Victoria, pledge to maintain? We'd love to know! Take a photo
programs, services and facilities.
Department of Environment, Land, Water of you with your pledge or find the campaign on your
“Our vision is to see a community where all and Planning, Department of Health and local library’s Facebook page, join in and share
people are respected, safe to participate in all Human Services Victoria, Dja Dja Wurrung
• Write a letter to your pre-Covid self: Most people
aspects of community life and have equitable Aboriginal Clans Corporation, Goldfields
who write a letter to their past selves find it very
access to the resources they need to succeed Library Corporation, Greater Bendigo
beneficial. Thinking on different timescales can help
and to achieve their aspirations, whilst living in Against Family Violence Committee, La us to reimagine our present and shows us just how
a community that is free from violence against Trobe University, Loddon Campaspe strong we can be. Join this national campaign and
women,” Cr O’Rourke said. Multicultural Services, Murray Primary share with us!
Health Network (PHN), North Central
“We know that gender inequity happens when
Catchment Management Authority, Parks • Read inspiring local stories on the library’s Life in
people are living and working in unfair, unjust and
Victoria, Sport and Recreation Victoria, Lockdown blog
unacceptable circumstances, which then impacts
on access to health, education, work outcomes and Sports Focus, Victoria Police Bendigo, • DIY: Email us your photos, poetry, journaling,
community participation. It’s not just a women’s Women’s Health Loddon Mallee and YMCA. art or stories of your experiences of this time to
issue, it affects men and gender diverse people too. programs@ncgrl.vic.gov.au
SECTION
COMMUNITY
HERE 17Disability Inclusion Reference Committee. Strategic committee role
Please note this image was taken before COVID-19.
For example, the Creative Industries
Advisory Committee takes on a strategic
role and provides advice to Council
on developing and implementing the
Committee life
Greater CREATIVE Bendigo strategy.
Community group/organisation role
with integrated support
These are independent boards
or committees, however they are
Did you know that the City of Greater Bendigo has over 40 committees operationally integrated or reliant
on support from the City of Greater
that bring together community members, representatives from relevant Bendigo. These include the Bendigo
organisations and Councillors to share knowledge, exchange ideas and Easter Festival Committee, Bendigo
Tourism and Bendigo Stadium Limited.
encourage debate? Council connects with the community in many ways to
Community advisory or reference
seek public engagement and feedback. One very important way is the positive group role
contribution from community members who are involved in committees. These committees provide advice or
support to Council on a specific matter
The committees may have different Mayor Cr Margaret O’Rourke an important process that encourages or service. For example, the Greater
roles, but they all have one thing said committees provided an all involved to share information, Bendigo Heritage Advisory Committee
in common. Community members excellent opportunity to seek public knowledge and discuss matters which provides strategic advice to Council to
who sit on these diverse committees engagement. can only benefit the wider community. ensure that our built, Indigenous and
have a strong interest, a passion or a natural heritage matters are given
“Councillors benefit hugely from the due consideration, as well as advice
specialism and wish to contribute and
committee process as they provide on the management, conservation
engage with the other members where
a valuable forum to challenge and restoration of places of heritage
discussions, views and questions are
our thinking and help broaden significance. They also raise awareness
part of proceedings.
discussions,” Cr O’Rourke said. in the community regarding heritage
matters.
“People who join “The committees attract people
from all walks of life and the
Independent community group
our committees are Councillors and the organisation can
learn a lot from them. Community These are independent boards or
surprised at the members ask a lot of questions
and that’s an important part of
committees, but a Councillor provides
support to the group. For example, the
diversity of work committee life. They make us more
accountable and keep us better
Bendigo Agricultural Show Society and
Rosalind Park Advisory Committee. the Bendigo Volunteer Resource Centre.
carried out at the City.” connected with our community. It’s
18 COMMUNITYYou can also read
