This year brought with it Council elections, and I’m thrilled to welcome six new Councillors to the team. Together, we’re excited to work as a cohesive group, focussing on improving customer satisfaction, streamlining planning processes, and delivering meaningful outcomes for our communities. I’d also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our outgoing Councillors for their dedication and service over the past four years and more.

I’m honoured to take on the role of Mayor once again and look forward to getting out and about, connecting with our community, and continuing the important work of serving our Shire.

Reflecting on the year, there have been many highlights. Securing funding for the tip shop, improving waste management, including expanding soft plastics recycling, were significant achievements. The fantastic feedback and results from the FOGO program highlight our community’s commitment to sustainability. Additionally, our Climate Action Plan has been instrumental in helping us achieve net-zero emissions through offsets – a great step forward for our Shire.

It's been a special year for our family, with my daughter graduating secondary school, and I'd just like to congratulate all Year 12 students across our region who have completed their studies. This is a tremendous achievement, and I wish you every success as you embark on the next exciting chapter of your lives.

This Christmas, I’m looking forward to spending time with my family, welcoming a visit from Santa, and relaxing at the beach. Whether you’re enjoying the festive season in our beautiful region or travelling during the holidays, I wish you a safe and joyful time surrounded by your loved ones. Please stay safe on our roads and take care of one another.

As we look ahead to 2025, there’s much to be excited about. Finalising the Council Plan will be a key focus, alongside strategic planning initiatives like the Rural Land Use Review and infrastructure planning for our service towns. These projects will provide a robust framework for decision-making, help meet the evolving needs of our communities, and streamline our statutory planning processes.

Community engagement will remain a priority as we continue to seek feedback, ensure our residents have a voice, and strengthen partnerships with groups like our Chambers of Commerce. Our Tourism Strategy and other collaborative efforts will further enhance our region.

I’m also incredibly proud of our organisation and the passionate local people who work tirelessly to deliver excellent services. Together with the CEO and our dedicated team, we’ll continue striving to make a positive impact in our Shire.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to making our Shire such a wonderful place to live, work, and visit. I look forward to an amazing 2025 as we continue building a stronger, more connected community.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a safe New Year.

Cr Sarah Nicholas
Alpine Shire Mayor

Alpine's Vision Starts with You: Council Plan 2025-2029

As you may know, Council is in the process of developing its Council Plan 2025-2029; a document to guide Council’s direction for the next four years.

You’ve already shared what you love, what you’d like to see continue, and where we can improve. Now it’s time to help us narrow down our priorities via our online survey and at upcoming pop-ups. Your feedback will shape the future of Council services and initiatives, so every voice counts.

Get involved by completing the online survey here.

A big thank you to everyone who dropped by for a chat and to provide feedback at our pop-ups in Bright and Myrtleford. We'll be continuing these in early January, so you can also visit us at:

Mount Beauty Market
Saturday, 4 December from 9am - 1pm
Hydro Park, Mount Beauty

Harrietville Bush Market
Sunday, 12 January from 8.30am - 1pm
Tavare Park, Harrietville

Council Holiday Closures and Services Update

Heading into the festive season, here’s what you need to know about Council services:

• There will be no changes to our kerbside bin collection service. Bins will be emptied as scheduled, even on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.
• Our Customer Service Centre in Bright closes at 12 noon on Tuesday, 24 December and reopens on Thursday, 2 January 2025 at 9am.
• Libraries: Open with adjusted hours. Closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day. Full schedule available on Council's website.
• Transfer Stations: Closed Christmas Day only.
• Visitor Information Centres (VICs): Alpine VIC and Mount Beauty VIC will be closed Christmas Day, but back open as per their usual hours from Boxing Day onwards. Myrtleford VIC will be closed from 23–27 December.

Road and Carpark Closures in Bright

Howitt Lane, the Soundshell carpark and Howitt Park car park in Bright will be closed to traffic from 11am – 9.30pm on Thursday, 2 January 2025 to allow for the safe staging of the Rotary Club's annual Twilight Market. They kindly request that all vehicles are removed from the carparks by 11am.

Riverside Avenue will remain accessible for local traffic only (accessible via Star Road only).

The event will run from 3pm - 8pm.

School Holidays at our Libraries

Get ready for a magical adventure with music, dance, and dress ups!

Join us at our local libraries for 45 minutes of fun and creativity, perfect for kids aged 5–10 years! Featuring the fabulous Sniff & Fluff, this interactive event promises laughter, music, and a chance to dress up as your favourite characters.

Bright Library | Monday, 6 January from 2pm | (03) 5755 1540
Mount Beauty Library | Thursday, 9 January from 2pm | (03) 5754 4305
Myrtleford Library | Monday, 13 January from 2pm | (03) 5751 1591

Bring your little ones for a fun-filled afternoon of singing, dancing, and imaginative play. Don’t miss this unforgettable experience presented by the Friends of Myrtleford Library and Council.

Costumes optional but highly encouraged! Bookings are essential - please contact your local library on the phone numbers above to book.

Keep an eye on our website and social media accounts for more school holiday activities at our libraries!

Australia Day Community Events 2025

The annual Australia Day Community Events are scheduled to take place across the Shire on Sunday, 26 January.

All events are free to attend and everyone is welcome. Please bring your own chairs and picnic rugs to all events, excluding Mudgegonga. You are invited to enjoy breakfast or morning tea with a gold coin donation.

Myrtleford | Jubilee Park, Great Alpine Road
7.30am - Barbecue breakfast hosted by Rotary Club of Myrtleford
9.00am - Official ceremony including presentation of Alpine Shire Community Awards

Bright | Howitt Park, Riverside Ave
7.30am: Barbecue breakfast hosted by the Rotary Club of Bright
Entertainment by Adam Lindsay
9.00am: Official ceremony including presentation of Alpine Shire Community Awards

Mount Beauty | Hydro Park, Lakeside Avenue
8.00am: Barbecue breakfast hosted by the Upper Kiewa Valley Lions Club
Entertainment by Mount Beauty Community Band
9.30am: Official ceremony including presentation of Alpine Shire Community Awards

Harrietville | Pioneer Park, Great Alpine Road
10.00am: Official ceremony including presentation of Alpine Shire Community Awards
11.15am: Morning tea hosted by the Harrietville Historical Society

Mudgegonga | Mudgegonga Community Hall, Myrtleford-Yackandandah Road
7.00am: Barbecue breakfast hosted by the Mudgegonga Community Hall Committee
9.00am: Official ceremony including presentation of Alpine Shire Community Awards

January Ordinary Council Meeting

The next Ordinary Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 28 January 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, 27 January 2025.

The first citizenship ceremony for the year will be held prior to the meeting, starting at 4pm, in line with our practice of hosting ceremonies quarterly, prior to scheduled Council meetings.

This approach ensures the attendance of all Councillors and allows the ceremony to take place in a single, central location, providing a streamlined and inclusive experience for all participants.

2025 Immunisation Schedule

Our Maternal and Child Health (MCH) team provide free monthly immunisation clinics in Mount Beauty, Myrtleford, and Bright for children aged 0 to 5 years and students in Years 7 and 9, including students aged 15 to 19 years requiring a catch up.

Our 2025 immunisation schedule is now available to view.

Please follow these reminders when booking:

• Book online before attending your session by visiting the Central Immunisations Records Victoria;
• Bring your Medicare Card and Child Health Record book; and
• Allow for a 15-minute wait after the immunisation.

All children need an Immunisation Status Certificate to enrol in a Victorian primary school. Certificates are available from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register.

Our immunisation schedule follows the Victorian Immunisation Schedule.