It’s been great to see so many businesses and services going online. It means we can all stay connected while keeping our distance.
On Tuesday, we livestreamed our Council meeting for the first time. Because of coronavirus, we couldn’t physically open the meeting to the public, so it was livestreamed on our website instead.
Thank you to all those who tuned in.
One of the decisions we made at the meeting was to grant planning approval for the eight-lot housing development on Council-owned land in Ronald Street, Robinvale.
Last year, we announced a plan to subdivide the 3400 square metre block of land beside Robinvale College, to build houses on it, and then sell those houses.
This plan fits with the goals of our Robinvale Housing Strategy, to provide new housing in Robinvale. We believe it will also encourage a local building business to expand or bring a new builder to town.
This week’s planning approval is just one step in this process.
Songs, art and services online
I’ve been impressed to see work going on to keep delivering Council services – both on and offline – during coronavirus.
Swan Hill Regional Library is having some fun running weekly Facebook live events for kids like storytime, move and groove and baby rhyme time.
Plus, they have lots of online programs that I hope people will take up, like Borrowbox where you can download e-books and e-audiobooks; and Studiosity which connects students with qualified tutors online.
Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery has a virtual tour of their latest exhibition on their Facebook page – it’s called Floodplain.
Other Council services are delivering online straight to their users, like Maternal Child Health consultations with parents, and Youth Inc, which is supporting young people with one-on-one and family web chats.
The Pioneer Settlement is using online too, sharing videos of butter making and pioneer school with students who were going to visit on excursions, but have had to cancel due to coronavirus.
Anzac Day
Anzac Day will be very different this year. But I want to ask people please to do what they can to mark it on Saturday.
Some will be up before dawn to stand in their driveways as a show of respect – if you can do that please do.
You can watch services on TV or online; make red poppies with the kids and talk to them about Anzac Day; or call a friend who you would normally see at the Anzac service.
Just because we can’t be there for an Anzac service, doesn’t mean we remember any less. Lest we forget.
Bill Moar,Mayor
