A sincere thank you to the incredible group of community members who took part in our Community Panel for the development of the next Council Plan.

Over six in-depth sessions, this group gave their time, energy, and insights to help shape the future of our Shire.

It was a significant commitment, with each session running for two hours, and I was fortunate to be part of everyone. Participants learned about Council’s role and processes, delved deeper into community feedback, and explored the challenges local government faces. Most importantly, they worked together in a way that was truly inspiring - thoughtful, respectful, and constructive conversations led to well-considered ideas and feedback that will help guide Council’s priorities for the next four years.

It has been incredibly rewarding to see the group not only enjoy working together but also appreciate the process of shaping a shared vision for our community. We are grateful for their time and commitment - it’s a reminder of the strength of community engagement when people come together with open minds and a shared goal.

The next step in the process will be for the draft Council Plan to go on public exhibition around March/April. This will be another opportunity for the broader community to have their say, so keep an eye out for updates and get involved when the time comes!

On a different note, I had the pleasure of attending the Dederang Races last weekend - an event that has been bringing people together since 1865! With around 2,600 people in attendance, it was once again a fantastic day out, thanks to the dedication of the local community who make it happen each year.

Events like this showcase the incredible community spirit that makes our region so special. Congratulations to everyone involved in organising such a well-run and enjoyable event!

As we move into autumn, there will be plenty of opportunities to continue engaging with Council and the broader community. Whether through public consultations, community events, or just catching up for a chat, I encourage you to stay involved and share your thoughts.

Thank you once again to all those who have contributed to shaping our Shire’s future - we couldn’t do it without you.

Until next time,

Cr Sarah Nicholas
Alpine Shire Mayor

Children's Book Launch

Join us at Mount Beauty Library on Saturday, 1 March at 10am to celebrate the release of Mavis, The Little Plane Spotter - a brand-new picture book by local author Angela Toniolo!

• Live reading by the author
• Morning tea, games & prizes
• Copies available for purchase (cash only please)

No need to book - just come along and join the fun! See you there!

For more information, visit the event here: www.facebook.com/share/1BRWieDUMP/

Clean Up Australia Day

Help us Clean Up Australia on Sunday, 2 March!

Did you know that Clean Up Australia has been keeping our environment clean since 1990?

That's 35 years of people coming together to roll up their sleeves and help remove rubbish from our lands, roads, and waterways!

Come along to one of our three events across the Alpine Shire:

• Bright | Clean up Howitt Park along the Ovens River from 9am Meet at Sibley Soundshell at 9am and enjoy a post-clean up sausage sizzle for volunteers
• Mount Beauty | Clean up Bicentennial Park and Mount Beauty Pondage from 9am Meet at the BBQ shelter at 9am and enjoy a post-clean up sausage sizzle for volunteers
• Myrtleford | Clean up Happy Valley Creek, hosted by Myrtleford & District Landcare & Sustainability Group Meet at Jubilee Park Pavilion at 9.30am and enjoy a post clean-up morning tea and BBQ for volunteers

Find out more and register for each event by visiting: Community members encouraged to help Clean Up Australia | Alpine Shire Council

All volunteers are reminded to bring suitable footwear, a hat, water bottle, and sunscreen. Community members are encouraged to look out for volunteers on Sunday, 2 March 2025, who will be wearing high-vis as they help to Clean Up Australia.

Thank you to Myrtleford & District Landcare & Sustainability Group for once again hosting the Clean Up Australia Day event in Myrtleford.

Myrtleford Tip Shop opening

Get ready to reduce, reuse, and recycle at our very first tip shop in the Alpine Shire!

The Alpine Tip Shop will open for business from 10.30am on Thursday, 6 March 2025 at an official event taking place at its permanent location at the Myrtleford Transfer Station.

This facility will be available for community members to donate and purchase items otherwise destined for landfill, including:

• Building materials, such as clean timber, metal baths, sinks, and basins, and large pieces of tin, corrugated iron, or Colorbond
• Furniture, excluding mattresses
• Sports equipment
• Mechanical items in working order, including tools, petrol lawnmowers, and whipper snippers
• Electronic items in working order, such as TVs, small kitchen appliances, sports equipment, and electronic tools

For more info, including a list of items that will and will not be accepted at the Alpine Tip Shop, visit: Alpine Tip Shop | Alpine Shire Council

The Alpine Tip Shop will be open from 10am - 2pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Please note that all electronic items must be in working order and will be tested and tagged prior to sale.

The Alpine Tip Shop was supported by Round 3 of the Circular Economy Councils Fund, delivered by Sustainability Victoria under the Victorian Government's circular economy policy - Recycling Victoria: A new economy.

Wandiligong Community Emergency Planning Meeting

Join us for a multi-agency community meeting to discuss emergency risks and planning for the Wandiligong community. Topics will include fire outlook, vegetation management, roles of agencies and making a plan.

When: Tuesday, 11 March 2025

Where: Wandiligong Public Hall

Time: 7pm-8.30pm

For more information, contact Amanda Smith by emailing amanda.smith@cfa.vic.gov.au

Dads' Group Infant First Aid Session

Hey dads! Our next Dads' Group is happening on Saturday, 15 March 2025, at Bright Pavilion and it's one you won't want to miss.

Might First Aid will be running an Infant First Aid Class from 11.30am-1.30pm to help you feel confident handling little emergencies. Plus, we've got lunch covered.

Who's it for? Dads with kids aged 0-3

Where? Bright Pavilion

When? Saturday, 15 March, 11.30 am-1.30 pm

Lunch provided

Spots are limited - book now!

Reserve your place here: Mighty First Aid - Booking

Redi & Resilience Fair

Enjoy an afternoon of good music and quality company by the river at Howitt Park in March!

You're invited to the Redi & Resilience Fair, a free, fun-filled event for the entire family to come together and enjoy an afternoon of connection, information, and practical support.

With a line-up of local artists, as well as food vans, science shows, and face painting, it's promising to be an exciting afternoon with something for everyone.

Come along and enjoy:

• Vikki Dornam
• Tahlia Brain
• Sons of the Motherless Goats
• Benny Williams
• Liv Cartledge
• The Itchy Feet Pep Band
• Fizzics Education
• Indigo Face Painting

The Resilience & Redi Fair will be held on Saturday, 22 March at Howitt Park in Bright.

Find out more by heading online to our website: Resilience and Redi Fair

The Resilience & Redi Fair was generously funded by the State of Victoria through Emergency Recovery Victoria's Community Recovery Hubs grant program and Australian Government in response to the October 2022 Flood and Landslip which impacted Alpine Shire Communities.

March Ordinary Council Meeting

The next Ordinary Council Meeting will be held on Tuesday, 25 March 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, 24 March 2025.

Free Wildlife Education Training

One of the best parts about living in regional Victoria is being surrounded by wildlife.

But sometimes these animals get hurt and it's not always obvious how to help them.

That's why we're offering free Wildlife Education Training, to give everyday people the skills to become effective first responders in wildlife emergencies.

Together with Reach Out Wildlife Australia, you can learn how to care for injured and vulnerable wildlife at one of three sessions across the Alpine Shire:

• Bright | 6pm – 8pm on Wednesday, 26 March
• Mount Beauty | 6pm – 8pm on Tuesday, 1 April
• Myrtleford | 6pm – 8pm on Thursday, 10 April

Please note that only residents of the Alpine Shire are eligible to apply. For more information and to register, head to Wildlife Education Training

All participants will receive a Wildlife Rescue Kit for their car.

Wildlife Education Training is proudly funded by the State of Victoria through Emergency Recovery Victoria’s Community Recovery Hubs grant program and the Australian Government as part of recovery efforts following the October 2022 floods and landslip.

Brighter Days Traffic Management

Bright is once again gearing up for Brighter Days at Pioneer Park. To keep everyone safe, there will be changed traffic conditions from Friday 7th - Sunday 9th March 2025.

Amplified Noise

Friday: 4pm-10pm

Saturday: 1pm-10pm

Sunday: 2pm-10pm

Road Closures & Detours

Friday 7th March (3pm-11pm)

Coronation Ave (between Mystic Lane & Hawthorn Lane) - CLOSED - Detour via Churchill Avenue

Cobden St at Hawthorn Lane - CLOSED

Pioneer Lane - CLOSED (Access via Cobden St)

Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th March (8am-11pm)

Coronation Ave (between Mystic Lane & Hawthorn Lane) - CLOSED - Detour via Churchill Avenue

Cobden St at Hawthorn Lane - CLOSED

Pioneer Lane - CLOSED (Access via Cobden St)

Only local traffic and authorised vehicles will be permitted in closed roads. Traffic marshals will be in place.

Plan ahead and allow extra travel time. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Peaks Challenge Falls Creek 2025 Traffic Management

The Peaks Challenge Falls Creek cycling event will take place on Sunday, 9th March 2025, bringing 2,000 riders through the region. Expect changed traffic conditions and road closures throughout the day.

Road Closures & Timing

• Bogong High Plains Road (Falls Creek to Mount Beauty) will be closed from 5.30am to 9.00am.
• Tawonga Gap Road (Tawonga to Germantown) will be closed from 6.30am to 10.30am.
• Great Alpine Road (Harrietville to Hotham Heights) will be closed from 8.00am to 1.30pm.
• Bogong High Plains Road (Turnoff to Falls Creek) will be closed from 12.00pm to 8.30pm.

Additional traffic changes: Expect speed reductions and traffic controllers in some areas for safety. These changes have been coordinated with Council, VicRoads, and Victoria Police.

For more details, visit www.peakschallenge.com.au

Construction at Myrtleford Transfer Station

Work on capping the Myrtleford Landfill to meet EPA requirements and protect the environment is currently underway.

This is a big step forward in keeping our waste management safe and sustainable.

While works are happening:

• All waste will still be accepted
• Drop-off locations may have changed – check with staff on-site
• There will be traffic changes – please follow signage

Works are expected to finish by June 2025, weather permitting.

Thanks for your patience while we complete this important project!

Elm tree poisoning

We've discovered a large Elm tree near the Myrtleford Bowls Club that appears to have been deliberately poisoned, with drill holes and a strong-smelling substance at its base. The tree is now more than half dead.

If you’ve seen or heard anything relating to the poisoning of this tree, we'd like to know.

Please report it to Council by emailing info@alpineshire.vic.gov.au or call (03) 5755 0555.

Looking for loving homes

We currently have three beautiful cats looking for loving homes.

Luna is an eight-year-old domestic short hair with grey, white, and tabby colouring. She is a sensible, mature lady who is well-mannered and caring.

Poppy is a black and white six-year-old girl who is loving, curious, and loves a pat.

As we know, Dobby is a tabby kitten who, at approximately ten-months-old, is ready for his forever home.

See more photos of Luna, Poppy, and Dobby online at our Animal Hub – you can also put in an expression of interest if you'd like to meet them in person: Animal Hub

If you're unsure about adopting, but would be interested in keeping any of these cats short-term, we also offer a fostering program.

All applications will be assessed for suitability by our Local Laws team.

Please remember that a new pet is not for now, but forever.

No holds will be taken over the phone or on social media.