School holiday success
IT was wonderful to welcome visitors to the region during the school holidays.
Council services had a novelty dinosaur theme, which proved to be very popular, while Pioneer Settlement created their very own dinosaur park providing fun for the whole family.
Our visitor services, Pioneer Settlement, art gallery, library services and the town hall hosted fun activities for all ages.
The dinosaur trail competition was popular with 173 entries. Congratulations to the three lucky winners – Emily Diederiks, Lylah Anne Tucker Paine and Titus Lambert. They each received Swan Hill shopping dollars.
Congratulations to Emily Tonkin, aged four, who won our dinosaur colouring competition. With over 100 fantastic entries, Emily won a family ticket to see the Dinomaniacs at the Swan Hill Town Hall.
Extraordinary weather
THIS year we have seen wetter conditions than we have experienced for many years.
On September 13, the Bureau of Meteorology declared the third consecutive La Nina event and we have been advised that we should be prepared for above-average rainfalls over spring and early summer.
Staff have been busy trying to keep up with regular maintenance schedules and deliver on capital works projects, but with consistent rain impacting roads, drainage and our open spaces, our community is advised that we may experience some delays to our normal service delivery, as we endeavour to keep up.
Sustained periods of rain and wet conditions can create damage to our roads, including potholes and shoulder-width damage, as well as drainage issues.
It is going to take some time to get to every pothole, especially as we continue to experience wet weather. We do ask for your patience as we work to repair our roads.
Please stay vigilant when driving in wet conditions and observe all warning signs.
Residents are encouraged to report any dangerous potholes or washed away roads that need addressing. Service requests can be made via the customer experience team on 5036 2333 or via email at council@swanhill.vic.gov.au.
Potential for hazardous mosquito season
WITH increased water around, this could now also mean a hazardous mosquito season. Mosquitoes can breed even in the tiniest amounts of water.
They are not just annoying – some mosquitoes can carry serious diseases.
Council has an annual mosquito surveillance program that runs from November until April each year.
However, we have started trapping mosquitoes earlier this season due to the increased rainfall and the threat of Japanese encephalitis.
We will respond with adult treatment in specific locations to reduce the threat to community in the future.
Please be mindful of mosquitos and protect yourself, your family and your loved ones.
Sending thanks to the Swan Hill Australia Day committee
SWAN Hill’s Australia Day volunteer committee has worked tirelessly for over 40 years to prepare Australia Day celebratory events – a task that involves planning many months in advance.
The committee has brought together many volunteer groups and provided a very special occasion each year, leaving a lasting legacy.
They have decided to take a well-earned step back from the organising of this event.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to members of this committee – some members have been personally involved for over 40 years.
An expression of interest process will commence to identify organisations willing to partner with council for future Swan Hill Australia Day events, with the format to be determined by council and the community.
Coffee with a councillor
WE are beginning to roll out our coffee with a councillor sessions across the municipality, once again.
These sessions are an opportunity for the community to discuss ideas, issues or concerns relating to council services.
We are looking forward to catching up with residents at one of our sessions.
Upcoming sessions:
· Friday, October 14 (4pm-6pm) at Ultima Hotel
· Saturday, November 12 (9am-11am) at Lake Boga Cafe & Newsagency
· Sunday, December 4 (9am-12noon) at Swan Hill Farmers Market
· Saturday, December 10 (9am-12noon) at Robinvale Euston Rotary Country Market
