Shire Life

Issue 37 Summer 2020

Macedon Ranges Shire Council newsletter—Accessible

version

Table of contents

What’s on........................................................................4

Swim teacher receives award.........................................7

MCH consultations during COVID-19.............................8

Welcoming new citizens on Australia Day......................9

Is your dog under effective control?.............................10

Strong focus on Gisborne’s future................................11

Bin service expands.....................................................12

Get your bin calendar...................................................13

Partnering with op shops..............................................13

Recycling update..........................................................15

Start here for summer fire safety tips...........................16

Environment spotlight on 2019–20...............................22

Major project updates...................................................25

Welcome our new Councillors......................................29

How would you like to engage with us?........................30

Subscribe to eNews......................................................31

Find us on social media................................................32

Rates instalments.........................................................33

Contact Council............................................................34

Promotion: Free pool pass...........................................36

Promotion: Hanging Rock pass....................................37

Promotion: Have your say............................................38

What’s on

This Christmas Go Local First!

Make your Christmas shopping a breeze this year by

making the choice to ‘Go Local First’.

With our amazing shopping strips, regional experiences,

spectacular produce and accommodation options, we are

truly spoilt for choice in the Macedon Ranges shire.

Support local artisans and producers at the farmers

markets that run most weekends in the shire, and share

in the Christmas spirit at local twilight shopping nights.

To find out what’s on offer in the lead up to Christmas,

visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/buy-local

WindcraftingMake wind-inspired creations

Children of all ages are encouraged to get involved in

this hands-on workshop exploring the creative potential

of wind power.

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Combining art, science and design techniques, artists will

lead participants through the process of making and

decorating a range of wind toys such as twirlers,

spinners and pinwheels.

Using a mix of recycled and found materials, children will

construct their own colourful masterpieces to take home.

Thursday 14, Friday 15 and Saturday 16 January

9am–10.30am, 11am–12.30pm, 1.30pm–3pm

$12.50 per child

For more information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/arts-

workshops

Outdoor pool season startsWoodend and Lancefield outdoor swimming pools will

open for the 2020–21 summer season pending

confirmation of the Victorian Government COVID-19

regulations and Council approval.

Pool opening hours are determined according to Bureau

of Meteorology temperature forecasts for Kyneton at

4.30pm the day prior, with both facilities open as follows:

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Monday–Friday (during school terms)

26 degrees and above: 3.30pm–6pm (possible

extension of hours past 6pm dependent on

attendance and weather conditions)

Under 26 degrees: CLOSED

Monday–Friday (during school holidays) and weekends

26 degrees and above: 12 noon–6pm (possible

extension of hours past 6pm dependent on

attendance and weather conditions)

Under 26 degrees: CLOSED

Public holidays

12 noon–6pm

Note: The outdoor pools and aquatic centres will be

closed on Christmas Day.

For more information about opening hours and fees, and

to view our temperature policy, visit

mrsc.vic.gov.au/outdoor-pools

Visit or contact us

Gisborne Aquatic Centre

6 Aitken Street, Gisborne

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5421 1452

Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre

4 Victoria Street, Kyneton

5421 1477

Lancefield Memorial Swimming Pool

Chauncey Street, Lancefield

5429 1546

Woodend Swimming Pool

Forest Street, Woodend

5427 2268

Swim teacher receives award

Frog Peck, a learn to swim instructor at Kyneton Toyota

Sports & Aquatic Centre (KTSAC), was voted the

Aquatics & Recreation Victoria’s (ARV) 2020 Teacher of

Swimming & Water Safety of the Year.

The award recognises professionalism, dedication,

passion and commitment to providing the highest

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possible level of tuition to children when it comes to

swimming and water safety.

This is the sixth time a KTSAC staff member has been

recognised by the ARV with an award, and clearly

shows how lucky we are to have such a professional

and dedicated aquatics team.

For more information on available swim classes, visit

mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure

MCH consultations during COVID-

19

Our maternal and child health service is continuing to

operate throughout COVID-19 restrictions providing a

valuable, free service to families by alternative methods

such as telephone consultations, and our new parent

group sessions that have been conducted via Zoom,

enabling new parents the opportunity to meet virtually.

While the way our service is being delivered during this

time may alter, what has stayed the same is our caring,

qualified nurses supporting local families on their

parenting journey.

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If your child requires an appointment, contact 5422 0281

or mchadmin@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Welcoming new citizens on

Australia Day

Several citizenship ceremonies are held throughout the

year, but none bigger than the one held on Australia Day.

Along with celebrating contributions made by our

community volunteers throughout the year with our

Australia Day awards, we welcome new citizens from

around the world who have decided to make the

Macedon Ranges shire their home.

For updates on the0 2021 Australia Day awards and

citizenship ceremony, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/australiaday

To see what’s on around the shire on Australia Day, visit

mrsc.vic.gov.au/events

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Is your dog under effective control?

Summer is a great time to get out and about with your

dog. Having reliable recall is an important part of our

effective control requirements in off-leash areas, and vital

for your pet’s safety.

Reliable recall doesn’t ‘just happen’; it requires training

and lots of practice. Below are some tips from a local pet

behaviour vet.

• Choose a simple command word (cue) and stick to it.

• Use ‘high value’ food rewards.

• Don’t repeat the cue word multiple times, when your

dog is not responding; this just dilutes the value of the

word.

• Practice frequently with minimal distractions to reinforce

their response.

• Avoid using the cue only to mark the end of playtime or

fun.

• No matter how frustrated you get, avoid punishment

and reprimands.

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If you are unsure about your dog’s ability to respond and

recall, it’s better to keep them leashed in public places.

To find out where you can walk your dog off leash, visit:

mrsc.vic.gov.au/dogs

Strong focus on Gisborne’s future

We would like to thank the community for providing

feedback on Gisborne Futures draft plans. Your input will

help us to refine our vision for better managing future

growth in Gisborne.

A total of 647 people completed the online survey and

more than 200 lodged written submissions, with 80

people attending online webinars. The project team is

reviewing all phase 3 submissions and survey results for

a further round of consultation in 2021.

For updates, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/gisborne-futures

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Bin service expands

In the first seven months of delivering our FOGO (Food

Organics Garden Organics) service, together we have

saved 4,415 tonnes of organic waste from landfill which

has been turned into nutrient-rich compost used on

farms, parks and gardens across Victoria.

This has resulted in a reduction of over 6,900 tonnes of

CO₂ equivalent in greenhouse gas emissions, compared

to last year. This would provide enough electricity to

power more than 1,100 houses for one year.

Stage 2 of the FOGO rollout will commence in the first

half of 2021 with the service being introduced to the

townships of Bullengarook, Monegeetta, Tylden and

Malmsbury.

Learn more about FOGO by visiting

mrsc.vic.gov.au/FOGO

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Get your bin calendar

Your new 2021 bin collection calendar will be available

for digital download on our website from mid-December

2020.

To order a printed calendar or for more information, visit

mrsc.vic.gov.au/bins or call 5422 0333.

Would you like to be reminded to put your bin out on bin

day?

The Loddon Mallee Waste Info app can send you

reminder notifications on your collection day. Download

the app now from the app store on your smartphone.

Partnering with op shops

Did you know that up to a third of items donated to

charity stores are not suitable for sale?

We have partnered with op shops and charity stores to

combat the issues of dumping unwanted items and

rubbish.

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Every store is different in what they can accept. We

encourage all residents to check before you donate to

make your donation count. We are #InThisTogether, so

let’s free up op shops to help our most vulnerable

community members.

Some common items that cannot be accepted by op

shops and charity stores:

• Mattresses

• Ewaste (Electronic waste)

• Large furniture

• Broken and damaged items

Unwanted items can be disposed of at your local transfer

station.

For more information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/op-shops

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Meet Kerby the bin mascotOur recent bin mascot naming competition ran for two

months and was open to all residents and students of the

shire. Thank you to everyone who submitted name

suggestions.

We’d like to congratulate Alexander of Romsey who

submitted the winning name ‘Kerby’.

Kerby looks forward to engaging with schools and events

across the shire in 2021.

Recycling update

Since the start of our bin inspection program, there has

been a reduction in contamination, and an increase in

the right things going in the right bins, which has led to

more waste being recycled locally.

Items that belong in your recycling bin are:

• paper

• cardboard

• household metals, for example, aluminium foil and

cans

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• rigid plastic containers and bottles.

1,147 tonnes of glass has been collected in the new

purple-lidded glass only bins, and has been used in new

roads across Victoria.

We would like to thank residents for their commitment to

recycling, as every little action makes a difference.

Learn more about what belongs in your recycling bin by

visiting mrsc.vic.gov.au/recycling

Start here for summer fire safety

tips

Where to go for relief and recovery If an emergency

such as a bushfire occurs and you need to leave your

home, Council will open an emergency relief centre.

This centre is located well away from the affected area

and the location will be broadcast on radio, social media

and relevant websites.

Services available at relief centres include:

• food and water

• personal support

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• temporary accommodation

• emergency updates and information

• a place to bring your pets (make sure you bring a leash

or cage, food, water bowls and anything else they may

need).

Following the immediate emergency, as soon as

possible after the event and where necessary, we will

open a recovery centre. This centre will be located as

close as possible to the affected area.

Services available at a recovery centre include personal

support and information about emergency grants,

property clean-up, health and wellbeing, housing and

insurance.

Immediately following an event, we will work with other

agencies to assess the impact of the event. You may

receive a visit from staff or volunteers who will be

checking to see how you are managing after the incident

and assessing damage to your property, animals, trees

and fencing.

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Experience shows that those people who have prepared

their property and have a bushfire survival plan recover

more quickly from an emergency.

Are you ready for the summer fire season?

• Pack an emergency kit, including medication.

• Keep at least 72 hours’ worth of emergency supplies

on hand.

• Consider vulnerable members of your family, such as

the elderly or those living with a disability.

• Plan for the welfare of your pets, horses and livestock.

• Review your home insurance to ensure you are

properly covered.

• Maintain your property over the fire season.

For more tips, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/fire-ready and

www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare

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How to beat the heat

Heat kills more Australians that any other natural

disaster. Know the effects of extreme heat, who is at risk

and how you can prepare yourself and others.

When the heat hits

• Drink water: even if you don’t feel thirsty, drink water.

Take a bottle of water with you always.

• Hot cars kill: never leave kids, adults or pets in hot

cars. The temperature inside a parked car can double

within minutes.

• Keep cool: seek out air-conditioned buildings, draw

your blinds, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in

light and loose clothing made from natural fabrics.

• Plan ahead: schedule activities in the coolest part of

the day and avoid exercising in the heat. If you must go

out, wear a hat and sunscreen and take a bottle of water

with you.

• Help others: look after those most at risk in the heat—

your neighbour living alone, the elderly, the young,

people living with a disability or with a medical condition,

and don’t forget your pets.

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• Chill out on days of extreme heat at our airconditioned

libraries in Gisborne, Kyneton, Romsey and Woodend.

During normal operating hours these libraries will have

free water, toys out for the kids, free wifi and internet

access and of course books, magazines and

newspapers to read.

Visit ncgrl.vic.gov.au to check library opening hours.

Staying informed

Hear

Listen to the radio

Ring the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

See and do

Actively patrol your property

Download the VicEmergency app.

Visit VicEmergency, a single all-emergencies

website: emergency.vic.gov.au/respond

Find us on Facebook

The Macedon Ranges Emergency Alerts Facebook

page aims to help you to prepare for and respond to an

emergency, such as fire, flood or heatwave. This page

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does not replace official emergency alerts from

VicEmergency, the CFA, Victoria Police or the SES.

Insure it. It’s worth it.

If you and your family were affected by an emergency,

could you repair, replace or rebuild your most valued

possessions?

Now is the time to financially prepare to make sure you

and your family are ready if things go wrong. Insurance

gives you peace of mind and helps you bounce back

financially if an emergency does affect you.

Getting insurance is easy if you follow four steps:

1. Know your risk.

2. Calculate the value of your belongings.

3. Insure what matters.

4. Protect your important documents.

Our experience in supporting residents affected by

emergencies is that those who are well insured, have a

better experience when they are trying to get their lives

back on track.

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Now is the perfect time to check your cover and

increase your insurance if needed.

For more information, visit insureit.vic.gov.au

Environment spotlight on 2019–20

Our annual environment report for 2019–20 was recently

published and identified the following achievements.

Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions

We reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 10.4 per

cent from last year, equating to 30 per cent reduction

from our baseline year of 2014–15. This is largely due to

changes to our operations and service delivery as a

result of the global pandemic, as well as realising the full

benefits of our investment in solar arrays and low

emission street lights.

Reduction in waste transferred to landfill

Last financial year saw an 11 per cent reduction in

waste transferred to landfill per household. This is

largely due to the introduction of the four bin kerbside

collection service.

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For more information on our annual environment report,

visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/environment

A wealth of biodiversity on roadsides

We collaborated with Newham & District Landcare

Group to conduct a series of spotlight fauna surveys

along 10 roadsides in Newham. These surveys resulted

in 683 wildlife observations. Species recorded include

the brush-tailed phascogale, the feather-tailed glider and

the koala.

Averaged out, 93 animals were observed per kilometre

on these roadsides compared to 10 animals per

kilometre in the 2018 spotlight surveys conducted in the

Wombat State Forest and Mount Macedon. This

highlights the important role roadside vegetation plays in

providing habitat for the shire’s wildlife.

This project was delivered with funds from the Australian

Government’s Communities Environment Program.

For more information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/biodiversity

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Dja Dja Wurrung signs installed at Malmsbury Common

New cultural signage has been installed at Malmsbury

Common Reserve in conjunction with Djandak, the

business enterprise of the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans

Aboriginal Corporation. The signs speak to the values of

the Djaara people as reflected in place, the waterway

and specific food and fibre plants that you would find

there.

The project forms part of our broader objective to build

relationships with the shire’s Traditional Owners and

understand and raise awareness about its Aboriginal

heritage and values.

For more information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/malmsbury-

common

Climate change action plan for Woodend

Our Cool Changes program is now being conducted for

the wider Woodend district.

A climate change action plan has been produced

through a community-led process, and provides

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Woodend residents with a foundation for individual and

collective action on climate change.

The project was supported with funding from

Sustainability Victoria’s Zero Carbon Communities

Transition program.

The plan is now available at mrsc.vic.gov.au/cool-

changes

Major project updates

Shared trails underway

We have started on the first section of the Macedon

Ranges shared trails in Woodend. The $9.75 million

project will deliver a 24 kilometre walking, running, low-

volume cycling, and commuting trail, running between

Woodend, Macedon, New Gisborne and Riddells Creek

townships.

The project will take approximately 2 years to complete

and is supported by the Victorian Government through

the Crisis Committee of Cabinet–Infrastructure Stimulus

Fund.

For more information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/shared-trails

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Get outdoors, get fit

A range of outdoor exercise equipment has been

installed at four locations around the shire.

Gisborne: John Aitken Reserve

Kyneton: Corner of Mill Street and St Agnes Place

Romsey: Five Mile Creek, off Drovers Retreat

Woodend: Campaspe Park, Five Mile Creek

The exercise equipment is suitable for all ages and

abilities.

Funding for the equipment has been provided by the

Campaspe River Land Management Group ($20,000),

the Victorian Government ($150,000) and Council

($75,000).

Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct

We have received a strong and encouraging response

to the community consultation process following the

updated concept design for Council’s largest ever

building project.

Council officers will present the findings from the

consultation process to the new Council before seeking

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a decision on which elements of the project scope will

be constructed first as stage one, based on the current

funding commitments from Council, the Victorian

Government and AFL Victoria.

For more information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/sports-

precinct

IR Robertson Reserve pavilion

The new pavilion has now been completed at the IR

Robertson Reserve in Gisborne South, and replaces the

old building that had termite damage and was becoming

uninhabitable.

The reserve is home to the Gisborne Pony Club and the

Gisborne & District Adult Riding Club.

Funding for the pavilion was approximately $330,000

and included contributions from both clubs.

Romsey Ecotherapy Park next stage underway

Detailed design planning for stage 2 of the Romsey

Ecotherapy Park is underway, with construction

scheduled to start next year.

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Stage 2 of the master plan will deliver a sensory

therapeutic space, and an arts and culture open space

for people of all ages and abilities.

We are working in partnership with the community group

Romsey Ecotherapy Park Inc. to deliver stage 2 of the

park, which will provide a unique experience for both

local residents and visitors to enjoy.

The park is located on the corner of Main and Palmer

streets and is being developed in three stages. Romsey

Ecotherapy Park Inc. and Council conducted an

extensive community consultation phase to develop a

concept for the park in 2017.

Stage one, the active nature space, has been completed

and includes landscaped areas, seating, paths, a flying

fox and nature-based play elements including a climbing

forest (which was funded as a result of community

voting through Pick My Project).

Stage 2 of the park is jointly funded by the Victorian

Government through Regional Development Victoria

($718,000), Council ($702,000) and the Lancefield and

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Romsey branches of the Bendigo Bank contribution for

the sensory therapeutic space ($80,000).

To find out more and keep updated on the progress of

the project, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/Romsey-Ecotherapy-

Park

Welcome our new Councillors

A new Macedon Ranges Shire Council was due to be

formed following the local government elections in

October.

Our new Councillors were due to be sworn in during

November and were provided with an induction to help

them settle into their new roles. At the time of

publication, the election results were unknown.

To find out who your new councillors are, visit

mrsc.vic.gov.au/councillors

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How would you like to engage with

us?

We’re preparing a new community engagement policy

that covers when, why and how we will consult with the

community.

Consultation is the process by which we gather

information to make decisions that impact on the

community.

We are committed to clear and meaningful consultation,

and would like your input to ensure the policy reflects

our community’s needs and expectations.

Under the new Local Government Act 2020, we must

adopt a community engagement policy which gives

effect to the community engagement principles, and also

details that we will use deliberative engagement

methods in creating at least 4 key documents.

Following a review of community feedback, the draft

policy will be reviewed and presented to Council for

consideration and adoption at a future Council meeting.

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For more information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/feedback-

and-consultation

Subscribe to eNews

Receive updates on Council projects and services direct

to your inbox. Subscribe to one or more of the following:

Aquatics and Leisure: get the latest on fitness classes,

sports programs, swimming and more.

Arts and Culture: find out about festivals, exhibitions,

arts events and opportunities.

Business: discover events, support and other

opportunities for local business.

Disability: news on local programs and services that

cater to people with a disability.

Environment: find out more about local environmental

projects and events.

Family: information for local families with children aged

up to eight years.

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ShireLife: bi-monthly newsletter on Council projects,

activities, opportunities and more.

Waste: quarterly newsletter with waste and recycling

service updates, local events and waste reduction tips.

For more information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/newsletters

Find us on social media

Get regular updates about our services, projects, events

and activities via our social media channels.

Facebook:

Macedon Ranges Shire Council

Gisborne Fitness & Aquatic Centres

Kyneton Toyota Sports & Aquatic Centre

Macedon Ranges Over 55s Connect

Macedon Ranges Arts & Culture

Macedon Ranges Emergency Alerts

Macedon Ranges Naturally Cool

Macedon Ranges Youth

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Twitter: @MacedonRangesSC

Instagram: @MacedonRangessc

LinkedIn: Macedon-Ranges-Shire-Council

Rates instalments

Rates and charges must be paid in four instalments by

no later than the due date. Instalment reminder notices

will be sent prior to each instalment date.

Please note: During the current coronavirus COVID-19

pandemic, interest is not being charged for overdue

rates or other payments that were due 30 September

2020.

The instalment dates for 2020–21 are:

30 November 2020

28 February 2021

31 May 2021

You can pay your rates via BPay View®, online with

Visa or Mastercard via Council’s website,

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mrsc.vic.gov.au/payments or in person at a Council

customer service centre.

If you have any questions about rates payment

methods, or if you have difficulty paying your rates on

time, contact the Rates department on 5422 0322.

Contact Council

5422 0333 or 1300 656 577

mrsc@mrsc.vic.gov.au

mrsc.vic.gov.au

PO Box 151, Kyneton VIC 3444

* Our 1300 number offers residents living in the south of

the shire the ability to contact us without incurring an

STD call rate.

Visit one of our service centres:

40 Robertson Street, Gisborne

129 Mollison Street, Kyneton

96−100 Main Street, Romsey

Cnr High and Forest streets, Woodend.

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Residents who are deaf or have a hearing or speech

impairment can contact Council through the National

Relay Service:

TTY users phone 133 677 then ask for 03 5422

0333

Speak and Listen (speech-to-speech relay) users

phone 1300 555 727 then ask for 03 5422 0333

Internet relay users connect to the NRS (see

relayservice.com.au for details) and then ask for

(03) 5422 0333.

If you or someone you know may benefit from receiving

a large print version of this newsletter, contact us on

5422 0302 or email comms@mrsc.vic.gov.au

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Promotion: Free pool pass

Present this voucher at either the Lancefield or

Woodend outdoor pool and receive free entry.

Valid for 1 adult or 1 child until 31 December 2020.

Limit 1 per person.

Visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/leisure

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Promotion: Hanging Rock pass

Complete and present this coupon at the Hanging Rock

Café to receive your exit ticket.

Name:_______________________________________

Address:_____________________________________

____________________________________________

Offer valid until 31 December 2020.

Not valid on event days and not to be used for

commercial purposes.

Limit one coupon per household per annum.

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Promotion: Have your say

Passionate about local issues? Have your say on

Council projects and decisions, and participate in our

consultation activities.

For more information, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/yoursay or

phone 5422 0333.

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