10 April 2026
Our newsletter brings together everything you need to know in one place - from the latest updates and engagement opportunities to important dates and upcoming highlights.
Have a quick read and stay connected with what’s ahead.
Free pads and tampons are now available at Alpine Shire Council libraries in Bright, Mount Beauty and Myrtleford, with new vending machines installed as part of a statewide initiative to improve menstrual health equity across Victoria.
Alpine Shire Council has developed an Emergency Dashboard on their website to provide community members with relevant emergency information in times of disaster.
Planning is advancing on the new amenities for Tawonga South, with building renders and site concept designs now in development.
Alpine Shire Council has released an interim engagement summary for the draft Alpine Shire Community Infrastructure Needs Assessment (CINA).
Crowds gathered at the RC McNamara Reserve on Friday, 6 March 2026 to celebrate the installation of the first community battery in Myrtleford.
Scrubbers Hut will experience a number of small upgrades to its internal facilities in the lead up to the upcoming winter season, resulting in partial closures during the month of April.
Alpine Shire Council is reminding local pet owners that annual dog and cat registration renewals are due by Friday, 10 April 2026.
The Mount Beauty Pondage walk renewal, Alpine Shire Aquatics and Indoor Stadium Feasibility Study: Final Options and Feasibility Report 2026, and the Domestic Animal Management Plan were on the agenda at last night's Ordinary Council Meeting.
Alpine Shire Council is inviting community feedback on its draft Domestic Animal Management Plan (the Plan), which proposes the introduction of a 24‑hour cat curfew across the Shire.
Alpine Shire Council encourages community members to review their Dog Incident Policy, a draft document that will outline the approach that Local Laws Officers will take when investigating and responding to dog attacks and related incidents.
Alpine Shire Council has taken an important step towards planning for the future of community sport and recreation services with the adoption of the Aquatics and Indoor Stadium Feasibility Study.
Community members now have an additional two weeks to submit their feedback on the draft Alpine Shire Rural Directions Strategy, with the engagement period extended until Monday, 27 April 2026.
Thank you to everyone who attended our in-person drop-in sessions and filled out our online survey for our draft Alpine Shire Rural Directions Strategy!
We have extended our engagement period for another two weeks, meaning that your opportunity to review our draft Strategy and provide feedback will now close on Monday, 27 April 2026.
Our draft Strategy outlines a vision for rural land across Alpine Shire and identifies six strategic directions that will guide our actions into the future.
You can chat one-on-one chat with one of our strategic planners or, alternatively, you can have your say by:
Find more information, as well as a link to our survey, by clicking the button below.
Did you know that we have 2,119 dogs in Alpine Shire? That's approximately one dog for every six people!
As much we know that our dogs are treasured members of our families and rarely set out to intentionally hurt anyone, our Local Laws Officers are still called out to investigate and respond to dog attacks and related incidents.
This is why we've developed our draft Dog Incident Policy, so that we have a transparent approach that can be applied consistently across different incidents.
This will also help you, so that you know what to expect if you or your pet is attacked by a dog, or if your dog attacks a person or another animal.
While this Policy is operational by nature and bound by the Domestic Animal Act 1994, we invite you to review our draft document and provide feedback to be considered before it is adopted by Councillors later this year.
Our draft Policy is available for review and feedback from now until Thursday, 30 April 2026.
Have your say on our draft document by click the button below.
Do you support a 24‑hour cat curfew in Alpine Shire?
Our draft Domestic Animal Management Plan is now on public exhibition, and we want to hear your thoughts. The draft Plan includes a proposed cat curfew, which would mean cats need to stay within their owner’s property, while still being able to enjoy safe outdoor time at home.
The change has been suggested to help protect native wildlife, reduce nuisance behaviour, keep cats safer from harm or getting lost, and reduce unwanted litters of kittens.
This is your chance to share your views on the proposed cat curfew and Council’s wider approach to managing dogs and cats across Alpine Shire. All feedback will be considered before the final Plan is presented to Council for adoption.
Read the draft Plan and have your say by clicking the button below.
Tourism and events play a big role in our local economy, lifestyle, and identity - and now we’re inviting the community to help shape its future.
Tourism and events have been identified as a key priority in our current Council Plan 2025-29; however, we understand both the value of these industries and the importance of ensuring it remains sustainable, well‑managed, and aligned with local values.
We're developing a new Tourism and Events Strategy, including a refresh of our Alpine Shire Events Strategy 2021, and we want to hear your ideas, priorities, and aspirations.
You can have your say by:
We encourage all community members - whether you work in tourism or simply enjoy what the region offers - to take part and share your thoughts.
Submissions close on Sunday, 24 May 2026.
Click the button below to find more information, complete the survey and register for our in-person workshops.
The time is now! Help us create a sustainable, resilient Alpine Shire by contributing to one of our four Community Climate Action Plans!
After declaring a climate emergency in 2019, we have been working towards developing ambitious and tailored Climate Action Plans that reflect the unique needs of our different areas across Alpine Shire.
What this means is that we need you to help us develop Community Climae Action Plans - one for Dinner Plain, one for the Kiewa Valley, one for Lower Ovens, and one for Upper Ovens.
Over the next six months, we will be working with you to shape practical, community-led climate action that is specific to the needs of the different communities in our region.
There are three ways for you to contribute:
We want to hear from everyone who lives, works, or spends time in Alpine - no matter your age, background, or knowledge of climate change.
Ready to help create a sustainable, resilient Alpine Shire?
Our engagement for our Community Climate Action Plans will close on Sunday, 28 June 2026.
For more information and to get involved, click the button below.
To help keep riders, spectators and motorists safe during the Alpe De Buffalo Junior Cycling Event, there will be some temporary traffic changes this Saturday, 11 and Sunday, 12 April 2026.
Saturday 11 April | 9am–12pm
Saturday 11 April | 1.30pm–4.30pm
Sunday 12 April | 7.30am–10.30am
Traffic marshals will be on site. Please plan ahead and allow a little extra travel time. We appreciate everyone helping make this a safe and successful event for our young riders!
From 2027, four‑year‑olds across Alpine Shire will be able to access more hours of kindergarten.
The Victorian Department of Education is popping up in Bright next week to chat with parents and carers of kindergarten‑aged children from across the Shire about what this change means.
You'll find them from 10am until 5pm on Monday, 13 April 2026 at Bright Library, 14 Ireland St, Bright.
Drop in and speak directly with Department staff to learn more about:
• Free kindergarten
• What the extra hours could look like for your child
• When and how to enrol
For more information about our local kindergartens and what’s available in the Alpine Shire, visit: Kindergartens & Early Childhood Services | Alpine Shire Council
Just a heads‑up that the Wandi Nut Festival is changing things up this year.
To avoid ANZAC Day, the festival has moved dates and will not only be held a week earlier than normal, but run this Friday, 17 and Saturday, 18 April 2026, rather than the usual Saturday and Sunday.
With the festival comes some temporary traffic changes to help everything run safely and smoothly. If you’re heading through the area, planning a visit, or dining nearby, here’s what to know.
Friday, 17 April | 7.00am–9.00pm
Saturday 18 April | 7.00am–5.00pm
A traffic controller will be on site.
Access during these times will be limited to local residents, businesses and their customers (meaning access to 5 Acres Restaurant will remain available throughout the event).
Public parking will be available on Centenary Ave. Please avoid parking on the roadside.
In addition to our monthly immunisation clinics for children aged 0 to 5 years and high school vaccination catch-ups as per the Victorian Immunisation Schedule, in April we are also providing the influenza vaccination for people aged over 65 years.
Childhood Immunisations
Over 65s
️For full details on immunisation clinics in 2026, visit: Immunisation Clinics | Alpine Shire Council
If you are aged over 65, please ensure that you select Over 65s when booking your immunisation appointment.
If you are unwell, we ask that you please do not attend for the safety of others.
We will also be providing influenza vaccinations for people aged over 65 years again in May.
Book now by clicking the button below.
Want to have a quick chat with the Mayor and CEO?
Each month, community members can book a 15-minute one-on-one chat with Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, and Council CEO, Will Jeremy.
The next sessions are happening on Friday, 24 April 2026 from 9.00am until 10.00am at the Bright Committee Room, Council Offices, Bright.
It’s a great opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, or discuss a topic that matters to you. Spots are limited, so make sure you book early to secure your time.
Bookings are open online now via the button below.
Join us for Anzac Day events on Saturday, 25 April 2026, as we honour the brave men and women who served our country.
Myrtleford - AD Lowerson VC Memorial Square (Clyde St)
Dawn Service commences at 6am followed by gunfire breakfast at Buffalo Hotel (gold coin donation)
March commences at 10.45am, followed by the main service at 11am. All are welcome at the RSL Hall in Smith St afterwards for light refreshments.
Bright - Mafeking Square (Ireland St)
Dawn Service commences at 5.50am
March commences at 10.40am followed by the main service at 10.50am. All are welcome at the RSL Hall in Camp St afterwards for light refreshments.
Mount Beauty
Dawn Service commences at 7.00am at Bicentennial Park (Lakeside Avenue)
March commences at 10.45am followed by the main service at 11am at Memorial Park (corner of Lakeside Ave & Hollonds St). All are welcome at Mountain Monk Brewers afterwards for light refreshments.
To ensure the safe delivery of local Anzac Day services, there will be a number of road closures and changes.
To view the full list, please visit: Road Closures & Changes | Alpine Shire Council
Whoever said black cats were bad luck has never met our girl, Sootie!
Sootie is an active, affectionate girl who is ready to ascend the throne as queen of her new home. She is desexed and would do best in a single-cat household so that she can have you all to herself.
If you're looking to add another cat to your multi-animal household, Mrs Potts is still looking for her furever home. She's a desexed, domestic long-hair tabby with the softest fur, perfect for curling up to on these colder nights.
Organise a meet and greet with our Local Laws team by emailing info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au or calling (03) 5755 0555.
We extend our sincere thank you to the caring and generous foster family who is currently looking after Mrs Potts. We welcome short-term foster homes for Sootie while she is waiting for her furever family.
All applications will be assessed for suitability. Please remember that a new pet is not for now, but forever. No holds will be taken over the phone or on social media.
Exciting news - the Bright Skate Park is back open!
We thank you all for your patience as we completed some much-needed short-term upgrades.
Not only is the park now safer for all riders, we've made sure the features are also a lot more intuitive to help you with your progression.
Some of the more fun things include:
Please be mindful that temporary fencing is still up, with landscaping to come.
We'll post future updates on Engage Alpine, as well as on our website and right here on socials.
Make sure you're following our Bright Skate Park page on Engage Alpine to be first to know.
As per the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978 and in accordance with Council policy, notice is hereby given that Alpine Shire Council intends to enter into direct negotiations with the current lessee for the purpose of securing a Crown lease over:
1. A part of land in Crown Allotment 3 Section H Parish of Bright, known as the Bright Tennis Club; and
2. A part of land in Crown Allotment 20A Section E Township of Myrtleford, known as the Myrtleford Lawn Tennis Club.
In accordance with Council policy, notice is hereby given that Alpine Shire Council intends to enter into direct negotiations with the current lessee for the purpose of securing a lease on freehold land including:
1. A part of Lot 2 LP215137, located at Tennis Court Avenue, Mount Beauty, known as the Mount Beauty Tennis Club.
So, what does this mean in simple terms?
Council plans to formalise or renew lease arrangements for the Bright, Myrtleford, and Mount Beauty tennis clubs by negotiating directly with the clubs that already use the land, rather than offering the leases to anyone else.
If you'd like further information, please contact Council's Property and Contracts Coordinator at info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au or (03) 5755 0555.
Alpine Shire Council acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work, live, and play. We recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters, and communities of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures across Australia and pay our respects to Elders past and present.
