2 September 2025
We continue to mourn the tragic loss of two Victoria Police officers in Porepunkah, and our thoughts remain with their families, friends, and colleagues, as well as with the officer who was seriously injured. The pain of this loss is felt deeply across our Shire, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to all those affected. We honour their service, their bravery, and their unwavering commitment to keeping our community safe.
Earlier this week, I visited Porepunkah alongside Cr Ronco. We spent time speaking with local business owners and community members, hearing firsthand how people are coping and supporting one another. It was a humbling experience and a powerful reminder of the strength and compassion that defines our community.
From neighbours checking in on one another, to teachers providing calm and comfort to children during lockdowns and now back in routine, to local businesses prioritising the wellbeing of their staff and customers - your actions have shown what it means to stand together in difficult times. Thank you for your kindness, your patience, and your care.
We know the emotional toll of this event has been significant. For those in our community who are feeling shaken, uncertain, and overwhelmed, please remember that you are not alone. Support is available, and reaching out is a sign of strength. Whether you need someone to talk to, a safe space to process your feelings, or guidance on how to support a friend or loved one, there are services ready to help.
Council is working closely with state agencies to ensure additional mental health, personal and community wellbeing support is made available on the ground as quickly as possible. We are also having constructive conversations around increased resources to meet the needs of our community; not just now, but in the weeks and months ahead. We will continue to keep you informed as these services become available.
In the meantime, we encourage everyone to take care of themselves and each other. Check in with your neighbours, talk to your children, have a coffee, go to the gym or a walk with friends, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it. Our community’s strength lies in its cohesion and interconnection, and together, we will navigate this path forward.
To our frontline workers - especially Victoria Police - thank you. Your courage, professionalism, and compassion during this time have been extraordinary. We are deeply grateful for your service. Thankyou also to those who are delivering services, keeping businesses operational and supporting their community.
Let us continue to honour those we have lost by caring for one another, staying connected, and seeking support when we need it. Our community is strong, and together, we will heal.
Please stay safe, keep vigilant as well as considerate and caring and look out for each other.
Warm regards,
Cr Sarah Nicholas
Alpine Shire Mayor
Council has installed six portable toilets along the Kiewa Valley Highway in Tawonga South on land purchased by Council last year as part of the research phase for the scoping and design of permanent public toilets.
If you're a frequent traveller along the Back Porepunkah Road between Bright and Porepunkah, Council would like to hear from you.
Shelving is in place, tiling is complete, and the walls have been freshly painted at the Myrtleford Memorial Hall, bringing it ever closer to practical completion by September 2025.
Thanks to a grant provided by the Victorian Government, the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance invites tenders for the installation of 11 backup energy systems, comprising large scale behind-the-meter battery energy storage systems and solar PV.
Community members across Victoria are invited to contribute place names to their local area through the Department of Transport and Planning's Name a Place campaign.
Alpine Shire Libraries have partnered up with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to help older people in our community access aged care information and resources.
Residents and businesses across the Alpine Shire now have a new opportunity to embrace clean energy and reduce their power bills, thanks to the launch of the Goulburn Murray Solar Savers program.
Ten community groups and organisations have been successful in their applications for the Victorian Government's Tiny Towns Fund Rounds 1 and 2, which have provided crucial funding to enhance community infrastructure across Alpine Shire.
Alpine Shire Council is proud to announce the delivery of 100% of their capital works budget for the 2024/25 financial year, totalling $17 million.
We understand the current events in our Shire may be distressing to many people in our community.
As a key route between the towns, we're reviewing road safety concerns like speed limits, signage, intersections, and facilities for walkers and cyclists as part of our draft Back Porepunkah Road Safety Strategy.
The draft Strategy is now open for feedback, and we'd also like to hear any comments regarding safety concerns you may have with the road.
The final safety strategy will provide recommendations for safety improvements, including a prioritised list of actions for further investigation.
The draft strategy is now available to read online at Back Porepunkah Road Safety Strategy
You can have your say on the draft strategy by:
The survey will close on Monday, 8 September 2025.
The August Ordinary Council Meeting has been rescheduled for Tuesday, 9 September 2025 at the Bright Council Chambers from 5pm. The meeting will be livestreamed on Council’s YouTube Channel.
Community members are invited to attend in person or view online. The agenda will be available on the Friday prior to the Council meeting on Council’s website.
Please submit any questions on notice in writing to info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au by 5pm on Monday, 8 September 2025.
We’ve got two incredible opportunities for you - both delivered by Nick McEwan-Hall, The Mental Health Coach.
Mental Health Essentials
Gain a solid introduction to mental health and learn simple, practical ways to support others.
Mental Health First Aid
Learn how to provide initial help to someone experiencing a mental health crisis.
These sessions are open to Alpine Shire residents aged 18+
Funded by Emergency Recovery Victoria & the Australian Government in response to the October 2022 Flood and Landslip.
We're hosting free Community First Aid Sessions in Bright, Mount Beauty and Myrtleford this September, and still have space for people to take part and learn important lifesaving skills.
Submit your expression of interest for your preferred date: https://forms.office.com/r/siEZC4Ud7x
These sessions are proudly funded by the State of Victoria through Emergency Recovery Victoria’s Community Recovery Hubs grant program and the Australian Government, supporting recovery from the October 2022 flood and landslip events.
As of tomorrow - Wednesday, 3 September 2025 - the Porepunkah Transfer Station will reopen to the public.
This means all of Council's facilities - including Libraries, Vistor Information Centres, Transfer Stations and Customer Service Centre - will be back operating as normal.
Our cleaning contractor has also resumed all services across the Shire, during daylight hours only. There may be some disruptions to facilities as they endeavour to complete all cleans within the shorter timeframe.
Again, we thank you for your patience and understanding.
Led by our passionate Youth team, with support from many across our organisation, this special event brought together 45 First Nations school children from Alpine, Towong, and Indigo Shires for a day of art, culture, wellness, and yarning.
The day began with a powerful Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Taungurung Elder, Uncle Mick Harding.
The young mob then immersed themselves in:
This event was a beautiful opportunity for relationship building across small First Nations communities in the North East - and a celebration of identity, resilience, and joy.
Thank you to everyone who made this day so memorable.
Broadcasting every Thursday morning from 9am to 10am, this brand new weekly program will provide you with all the ins and outs what's happening at Council.
Hosted by Alpine FM's Mary Pike, you’ll hear directly from our Mayor, Councillors, Council CEO Will Jeremy, and Council staff, providing insights into Council decisions, upcoming events, ongoing projects, and everything in-between!
But let’s be honest, a little bit of responsibility goes a long way.
So just a friendly reminder that:
Please don't be the few people that ruin the fun for everyone else.
Follow the rules and you can ensure all dogs owners will have the chance to make snowy memories with their canine pals for many years to come.
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.
