The Mitchell Shire Committee

Minister Launches Connecting Mitchell !

The Minister for Planning, the Honourable Justin Madden, officially launched the Connecting Mitchell - Transport Connections project in Broadford at 2pm today. Members of the Connecting Mitchell Partnership Group, [which includes the Central Ranges LLEN], guests and community members were welcomed by Member for Seymour, Mr. Ben Hardman. Mr. Chris McDonald, CEO of Mitchell Community Health spoke of the social and health gains possible when communities where better connected and had better access to services. Transport Connections helps communities find practical solutions to improve existing transport services. This is achieved by: bringing community groups and organisations, individuals, transport providers and local businesses together to develop tailored transport solutions and making better use of existing transport resources (public and private) through new and coordinated approaches Transport Connections is a joint initiative of the Department for Planning and Community Development, Department of Human Services and Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. The Central Ranges LLEN is proud supporter and member of both the Murrindindi Transport Connections project and the Connecting Mitchell - Transport Connections project. Related Links: The Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD)    Posted by Bill Coppinger on 24 July 2008; 5:38:13 PM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. Discuss

New Vocational Preparation Course Available!

Certificate 1 in Vocational Preparation - Lower Hume Interested in developing skills to improve your employability while receiving a formal accreditation? OR Learning more about yourself, your skills and industry pathways? Berry Street Victoria through Adult Community Education, is offering a Certificate 1 in Vocational Preparation. The course will aim to support the participants to identify their personal skills and learning styles, Occupational Health and Safety laws and regulations, match them to industry and employment and understand the career pathways.  The course cost is $200 per participant or $53 for those with a health care card. This is costed in line with the government’s fee guidelines and the minimal charge possible. The course will run for a total of 130 hours on Wednesday afternoon’s from May the 23rd until December the 19th (with school holiday breaks) from 1pm to 5pm at 61 Victoria Street Seymour. The course is being delivered by a qualified secondary school teacher who is currently working in the adult education area and will be supported by a youth worker from Berry Street’s Job Placement Education and Training Program. Contact: Cameron Allan at Berry Street Victoria on 57990039 or drop into our Seymour office at 52 Station Street Seymour to complete an enrolment form. [Source: C. Allan] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 22 May 2007; 6:26:21 PM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. Discuss

Partnerships, Possibilities, Place:Mitchell South Community Plan

The Mitchell South Place Management Forum was officially launched today by Member for Seymour and Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Mr. Ben Hardman. Mr. Hardman congratulated the community and all stakeholders in their efforts [over almost two years] to develop a whole-of-government approach to the needs of the Wallan and Beveridge communities. Mr. Hardman pointed out that over 800 community members had been consulted in the first phase of this project and that this will continue in to the future. Mr. Hardman noted that the first phase of the project aims to develop a community plan based on the principles of place based management for the Mitchell South area, to help guide future decisions about services, facilities, resources and developments.   Mitchell Shire CEO, Mr. Bill Braithwaite, welcomed the gathering of approximately 50 community guests and project partners to the launch. Mitchell Shire Mayor, Mr. Bill Melbourne highlighted the importance of an integrated planning approach for the rapid and sustained growth in Mitchell South. The Mitchell South Place Management Project was developed as a response to the Mitchell South area defined as Wallan and Beveridge, which are experiencing rapid population growth which is outpacing developments in the social, economic, built and natural environments. The Central Ranges LLEN chaired the sub-committee of the steering committee working on local labour market and employment planning issues. The Central Ranges LLEN was also represented on the Youth and Education sub-committees. Initial planning components of the project could not have been undertaken without the support and guidance of the Steering Committee, which comprised representatives from key local, state and federal government departments and state bodies and key community services organisations. Mitchell Shire Council (MSC) Department of Human Services (DHS) Hume Region Department of Infrastructure (DOI) Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) Department for Victorian Communities (DVC) VicRoads Central Ranges Local Learning Network (CRLLEN) Department of Education and Training (DE&T) Goulburn Ovens Murray Regional Council of Adult, Community & Further Education Victoria Police Lower Hume Primary Care Partnership/Mitchell Community Health Service(LHPCP/MCHS) Regional Development Victoria (RDV) North East Victorian Area Consultative Committee (NEVACC) To read the full story and view a three minute multimedia presentation on the Mitchell South Place Management Project, please follow this link. Related Links: Mitchell South Place Management Web Site Mitchell Shire Web Site   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 26 April 2007; 10:01:24 PM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. Discuss

Community Development Facilitator - Position Open

The Mitchell Shire Council in partnership with ‘The Seymour We Want Committee’ is seeking an enthusiastic person for the role of Community Development Facilitator. Part Time up to 3 days per week / 22.80 hours The role involves building on initiatives already identified in Seymour 2015 Community Plan in environmental, educational, economic, health and wellbeing and arts & culture areas. The position is a temporary appointment until 30 June 2007 and will be based in Seymour as a collaborative role with ‘The Seymour We Want Inc.’ All interested persons may obtain a Position Description by contacting Customer Service Officers on telephone (03) 5734 6200 or from Council’s website: www.mitchellshire.vic.gov.au.  Previous applicants need not re-apply. Applications should address the selection criteria and it is preferred that they are e-mailed to Mitchell@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au in either MS Word or pdf format.  The application should be clearly marked “Confidential – Community Development Facilitator”. Applications close at 4pm on Friday 6 October 2006 and if you are unable to submit an electronic application it should be addressed to Mr. Chris Gillard, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mitchell Shire Council, 113 High Street, Broadford 3658 and the envelope clearly marked as above.   Rob McVernon Community Services Manager Mitchell Shire Council   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 22 September 2006; 8:27:44 AM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. Discuss

Mitchell Business Forum 2006

The lovely Trawool Valley Resort was once again the venue for a successful Mitchell Shire Business Forum Breakfast. An unseasonably 'mild' morning greeted approximately 100 business owners and guests to the Trawool Valley. Mitchell Shire Mayor, Cr. Bob Humm welcomed State Member for Seymour, Ben Hardman and Member for Central Highlands, Robert Mitchell. Cr. Humm gave Federal Member for McEwen, Fran Bailey's apologies. Cr. Humm congratulated the organisers of the forum and was pleased to introduce Business Forum Members to the assembled guests as well as thanking Mr.Mark Amos for his previous efforts in support of the forum. The Mayor welcomed the guest speaker for the morning, Mr. Simon O'Donnell. Simon is well known not only as a local resident but as a sporting champion. The sporting career of Simon O’Donnell reads like a schoolboy’s dream come true. After excelling in sport at Assumption College in Kilmore, Simon moved to Melbourne to play Australian Rules Football with St. Kilda. After two successful seasons with the Saints, Simon was faced with a difficult but enviable decision – whether to concentrate on cricket or football. He chose cricket and has never looked back.   Whilst it may appear that Simon’s sporting career followed a sure road to success, life away from sport has not been so kind. Returning to Australia in 1987, after playing in the winning World Cup Team, Simon was diagnosed as having cancer. He fought the disease for twelve months and survived. Since his retirement from cricket after the 1992/93 season, Simon followed his lifelong passion of thoroughbred horse racing. His company O’Donnell Thoroughbreds International, a horse Purchase and Management Consulting Company, was formed in 1994. Since its inception the company has had many successes on the racetrack, winning their first Group One event in 1997. Simon is now also host of all racing telecasts with the Nine Network. It is no secret that Simon is one of the Nine Network’s shooting stars and he has various key hosting roles in the Nine Networks national/international coverage of sport. The presentation to the assembled forum was extremely humorous yet presented in a way that provided a simple and lasting message for the business networks in the district. All would agree, a very enjoyable morning. Congratulations to all involved. [Source: ICMI] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 7 July 2006; 4:57:59 PM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. Discuss

Connect.Ed - Seymour puts its best foot forward!

Seymour Racecourse was the venue today for the 'Connect.ed' forum, staged by the Seymour District Interagency Team coordinated by Cameron Allan and Judi Pay from Berry Street Victoria, in partnership with the Department of Education and Training - Hume regional office. The purpose of the forum was to begin the process of developing and implementing coordinated programme planning and service delivery to support all young people and the broader community within Seymour. The forum brought together over sixty representatives from government departments, community service and welfare agencies, schools and local government to begin the process of a 'place-based' management approach in Seymour. The forum was opened by the Member for Seymour, Mr. Ben Hardman. Mr. Hardman remarked on the importance of such a coordinated approach and congratulated organisers and participants on the bold approach being taken to support the Seymour Community. Councillor Robert Parker also welcomed participants and commented both as a councillor and employer on how important the preparation of young people was to employers and the broader community. He commended the organisers for such a positive initiative. The day was facilitated by Rowena Allen, CEO of Cutting Edge Youth Services. The programme was a lively and relevant mix of information sharing and strategic planning. Over the course of the day, morning and afternoon sessions were divided in to key workshops, covering a range of plans and strategies to support young people across all age ranges and levels of need. Early childhood, health, education, safety, employment and personal well-being were just some of the themes connecting the extremely positive and lively discussions within the forum. Leon Kildea, Senior Education Officer from the Dept. of Education and Training for the Hume Region, provided the key organising framework for the day and worked closely in support of all forum participants. Leon pointed out that the challenge of the day was not simply to have held an 'event', but to ensure that a genuine process begins and that actions flow directly from the discussions and commitments made on the day. The forum concluded with all of the participants showing new levels of energy and commitment to the goals of supporting coordinated and synchronised action in the support of young people of all ages in Seymour. Seymour most definitely had its best foot forward today! Even to the point of participants knowing each others shoe size!! [You had to be there to understand that little joke!] Congratulations to all involved in the organisation and staging of the forum, an outstanding immediate success that promises much!     Posted by Bill Coppinger on 9 May 2006; 8:28:28 PM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. Discuss (2 responses)

Seymour Business Report Launched

Adam Cockerell, Employment and Learning Coordinator for the Seymour Neighbourhood Renewal Program and Central Ranges LLEN Board Member writes: Following an extensive process of nearly two years in the making, I am pleased to finally present the Seymour Business Retention and Expansion Program findings and report.   This report gives great insight via a snap shot into the business activities of the Seymour Business Community, the strengths, impediments and potentials.   It has always been the intentions of all involved to make the findings of this report available to as many people as possible to inform and create wisdom from the collective findings and provide opportunities for insight and potential within the community.     A special thankyou to all involved in the process with particular thanks to the primary partners • Neighbourhood Renewal – Funding Body • Seymour Neighbourhood Renewal • Mitchell Shire Council • Cutting Edge UnitingCare • Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network • The Volunteer Surveyors (NR residents) • The Task Force Members and • The Seymour Business Community   Please feel free to circulate this report and make contact with either myself or any of the other partners for further information. To download the full report, please follow this link.     Adam Cockerell Employment and Learning Coordinator For the Seymour Neighbourhood Renewal Program Cutting Edge UnitingCare Posted by Bill Coppinger on 3 February 2006; 8:59:28 AM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. Discuss

A week is a long time in the life of a NEW school!

Activity in support of the new Wallan Secondary College hits over-drive! If you are a parent wanting more information, a community member wanting to offer support or interested in working in one of the most modern secondary colleges in the country, then follow the links below! The First Interim Committee is formed with huge community support! The roof is on! New Photos! Recruting for new staff is well under way!! View the temporary Website at: www.centralrangesllen.org.au/wallansc/     Posted by Bill Coppinger on 12 November 2005; 10:08:40 AM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. Discuss

Youth Forum Success

The second in a series of "Voices from the Future" podcasts for the Mitchell Youth Forum has been launched!   You can listen to the second podcast here! or you can subscribe through iTunes! The Youth Forum, On September 7th 2005 at the Seymour Campus of the Goulburn Ovens TAFE was a great success, with just on 100 young people attending and really getting involved on the day. To read the full story and see more pictures of the day, please follow this link. Glenn Manton, ex Carlton Footballer and Co-founder of Whitelion, was the facilitator for the day, allowing local young people to speak out about the issues that affect them. Whitelion supports young people to build better lives for themselves and helps make our community a more inclusive and safer place. Just on 100 young people attended the day from schools and communities from around and adjacent to the Mitchell Shire. Almost 30 youth work students from Victoria University were also in attendance to assist with the day, as well as a number of teachers and community agency staff from across the district, making almost 150 involved. We are encouraging you to record your thoughts and let us PODCAST them right here! Watch this space! We also hope to be PODCASTING the music of LOCAL bands. If you want us to podcast your music, or you want to send us an audio file or comment, you can contact us at audiostuff@centralrangesllen.org.au Related Links: Voices From the Future Website Whitelion Website iTunes Music Store Podcasts Posted by Bill Coppinger on 8 October 2005; 10:56:12 AM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. 02_Voices_From_The_Future_02_071005.mp3 Discuss

Wallan SC Stage 2 Drawings released

Stage 2 Presentation Drawings. Architects Hayball Leonard Stent PTY LTD have released the Stage 2 Presentation Drawings for the Wallan Secondary College. These plans include the Stage Two drawings of the Music, Drama and Science facilities. Master Plan Stage 2 Stage 2 Science elevations You can download the Wallan Secondary - Stage 2 presentation drawings from the Photo Gallery Reproduced with Kind Permission Posted by Bill Coppinger on 25 September 2005; 11:23:27 PM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. Discuss

Voices From The Future!

We are live! Welcome! www.centralrangesllen.org.au/ourfuturesvoices Approximately one hundred young people from across the Mitchell Shire will gather on Wednesday the 7th of September at the Seymour Campus of the Goulburn Ovens Institute of TAFE to share their points of view about living, learning and working in Mitchell Shire. A series of activities and workshops will include: Collage, Beat Box, Graffiti, Hip Hop and other Music. These workshops will encourage and allow young people to express yourselves through their choice of medium, and share their views on what it is like to be a young person in Mitchell Shire. We will be recording and podcasting their voices and music to the Shire, to Victoria and to the world! Apple Computer has agreed to add a link to our podcasts on the iTunes Podcasting Directory! This is a great opportunity to have young peoples voices heard. The Voices from the Future Project is proudly supported by:     Posted by Bill Coppinger on 1 September 2005; 1:46:49 AM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. 01_VFTFPromo1_270705.mp3 Discuss

Stage 1 of Wallan School underway

A number of members have enquired about the progress of the new Wallan Secondary College. It is a very significant time in the history of any community when it gets its first secondary school.   Stage 1 of the planned School is due to accept the first Year 7 Students at the beginning of the school year in 2006. Construction on the $ 5.1 Million dollar stage 1 has begun. This will include classrooms, Art, Library, Staff and Administration facilities, plus associated works.   We will post a series of pictures, for the benefits of members and the wider community as the project develops at the Wallan Gallery page. Early work can be seen in these photos. Huge amounts of soil have been moved, some concrete slabs and all related plumbing has been laid. The selection of the first College Principal will occur in August.       Related Links: Wallan Secondary College Photo Gallery May 2004. Minister Kosky in community consultation. June 2004. Wallan Community meeting.   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 28 July 2005; 9:09:21 PM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. Discuss

Premier,Treasurer, Ministers Launch SmartOne

Upper Plenty welcomes Premier, Treasurer, Ministers and Local MPs   I am not sure if Principal Tierney and the students and staff at the beautiful Upper Plenty Primary school realised that when they woke this morning they would be hosting what almost amounted to a State Cabinet meeting for the announcement of an $89 million dollar initiative that according to Ministers Thomson and Allan will make the Victorian Government education system a world leader in access to broadband services! Student leaders warmly welcomed the Premier, Mr. Steve Bracks, The Treasurer, Mr. John Brumby, Minister for Education Services, Ms. Jacinta Allan, Minister for Information and Communication Technology, Ms. Marsha Thomson, Local members Mr. Ben Hardman [Seymour], Ms. Danielle Green [Yan Yean] and Mr. David Thodey, Group Managing Director from Telstra Business and Government. The Premier and Treasurer also met with Principal Kim Tierney and had the added opportunity of viewing the new playground! A number of students thought it was very exciting to see that "the government had turned up to see our playground!!" For the full story and pictures, please follow this link.   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 4 May 2005; 2:57:13 PM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. Discuss

Seymour Draft PLan 2015

The Seymour We Want Group Inc has launched its Draft Community Plan 2015 for comment. In August 1999 a Social Jesuit Study called “Unequal in Life” was published by the Jesuit Social Services. This document identified Seymour as the 10th most disadvantaged town in Victoria. This incident spurred the residents of Seymour into action and a group called Seymour 2020 was formed. In 2001 The Seymour We Want Inc was formed, a group working as a clearing house for ideas about Seymour and acting as a lobby group for the progress of Seymour. Two very successful public planning days were held and the living document “The Seymour We Want” saw the light.  The Draft Community Plan is now available for comment. It can be downloaded from here . [264Kb] All comments can be forwarded to: Renee Laan Community Development Coordinator Seymour We Want Inc. Ph. 0357352458 Email: renel@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au Posted by Bill Coppinger on 6 April 2005; 5:50:14 PM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. Discuss

Seymour We Want AGM

The Seymour We Want group will hold their Annual General Meeting on 29 March at the Seymour Campus of the Goulburn Ovens TAFE. Light refreshments will be served. The positions are: Chairperson (currently occupied by Marc des Landes),Secretary (held by Mary McGillian, now vacant), Treasurer (currently occupied by Robyn Parish) and Public Officer (currently occupied by Adam Cockerell). The executive meet monthly before each meeting (usually for breakfast on the Thursday) and also on an ad hoc basis as required. Not too much work is involved since the Community Development Facilitator is employed by the Mitchell Shire, thus board members can have a more strategic role than a management role. The next meeting of the Seymour We Want is 21st March - if you have any agenda items, please forward it to René Laan as soon as possible. The agenda closes on 14 March 2005. Contact details: René Laan Community Development Facilitator The Seymour We Want c/o Goulburn Ovens TAFE Wallis Street,Seymour, VIC 3660 Email: renel@mitchellshire.vic.gov.au 03-5735 2458 (work) 03-5735 2441 (fax) 0408 514 419 (mob) Related Links Seymour We Want Planning Day [Aug 2004] www.seymour.org.au Mitchell Shire Posted by Bill Coppinger on 1 March 2005; 5:06:59 PM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. Discuss

Seymour Special School wins CBA Literacy Grant!

Seymour Special School is one of 98 secondary schools across Australia awarded a grant through the Commonwealth Bank Foundation Financial Literacy Grants program. The Commonwealth Bank Foundation encourages developments in education, including financial literacy skills for young Australians. Seymour Special School was selected out of more than 400 applications to enhance the financial literacy skills for students in years 7-12. This runs as part of their VCAL programme. On Tuesday the 14th December Seymour Special School were presented with a cheque from the Commonwealth Bank for $3500.   David Anderson, [above] local area manager for the Commonwealth Bank presents the cheque to Venita Rutley and Principal Julie Atkins. The schools program will support students with a learning disability in years 9 and 10 to manage money effectively through the Earn and Learn program, where students are given a wage to pay for simulated living expenses.   Sue Donavon, the local Commonweanlth Bank Manager and David Anderson area manager for the Commonwealth Bank look on as Venita Rutley accepts the grant.   [ Submitted by Venita Rutley] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 16 December 2004; 9:28:17 PM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. Discuss

Mitchell celebrates Community Based VCAL

Family, friends and community partners gathered in the VRI Hall in Seymour tonight to celebrate the achievements of students involved in the Mitchell Community-Based VCAL. Coordinator of the programme, Sarah Hurren welcomed students and their families and introduced Bill Coppinger from the Central Ranges LLEN. Bill congratulated the students for their commitment and perseverance in completing so much over the course of the year. He made special mention of the partners in the Community-Based VCAL, namely Berry Street Victoria, Seymour, Seymour Technical High School, Goulburn Ovens TAFE and the Seymour Community House.   A special thankyou was reserved for Sarah and her work and dedication in managing the programme and all of the students needs over the course of the year. Sarah made special mention of her assistant, Shane Barnbrook and thanked him for his work this year. Students had a range of art-work and sculptures on display for all in attendance to admire. Presentations were made to each of the students, receiving certificates of completion. A short film produced by the students in the programme was also on display. Congratulations to all involved!     Posted by Bill Coppinger on 14 December 2004; 10:17:04 PM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. Discuss

Crisis Team wins National Award!

One of the CR LLEN's Board Members, Marc DesLandes reports that the Active Response to Crisis Team [ARC], a traumatic emergency response team established in Mitchell Shire, and made up of volunteers from the staff of 8 local social service agencies, has won the National 'Safer Communities Award' for this year. The presentation occured on Thursday Dec 2 in Canberra. The team of 16 is especially excited as national recognition of something from Seymour is something of a rarity The Attorney-General, Mr. Phillip Ruddock, announced the national winners at a special ceremony at Parliament House in Canberra, celebrating the achievements and community spirit that drives the commitment of so many people across the emergency services sector. “Today’s award winners reflect the diverse and unique challenges met by those remarkable men and women who dedicate themselves to making our communities safer places in which to live,” Mr Ruddock said. [Source: Marc Des Landes]   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 4 December 2004; 4:31:28 PM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. Discuss

Seymour We Want Planning Day

Approximately 40 participants gathered in the Goulburn Ovens Tafe in Seymour this morning to participate in the 'Seymour We Want' planning day. A pledge book was circulated and all participants were encouraged to write their commitment to Seymour in the book.  The pledge could be as small as painting a fence or giving an hour of time as a volunteer.  Marc deLandes, from Berry Street Victoria and Seymour resident, opened the proceedings by welcoming everyone to the days sesssion, thanking everyone in attendance for their commitment and reminding people how far they had come form the original idea about the 'Seymour We Want' many years ago. Marc pointed out the large number of contributions that had been made by Seymour community members over the course of the week, by making contributions to an "ideas wall" that was based in a local shop-front and encouraging community members to write down to their comments, concerns and ideas for a better Seymour. Renee' Laan, Community Develeopment coordinator, detailed the overwhelmingly constructive feedback from the community, including education and training needs, economic needs, social, cultural and environmental needs.   Marc desLandes welcomes participants Related Links Image Gallery from the day www.seymour.org.au Mitchell Shire   Posted by Bill Coppinger on 28 August 2004; 7:15:24 PM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. Discuss (11 responses)

Community Development position Launched - Mitchell

The Community Development Coordinator will foster community development in the Mitchell Shire community. The role involves coordinating community activities and events that will build links and relationships between all sectors and individuals in the community. It involves enabling the community, by empowering individuals, to become pro-active about taking responsibility for its own future.   This position will work to ensure activities are complimentary to the implementation of Council’s Community Development Policies and strategic documents, and to the objectives of the CRLLEN. This position is a collaborative arrangement between Mitchell Shire Council and Central Ranges Local Learning & Employment Network (CRLLEN). [Source: Mitchell Shire Council Employment Section] Posted by Bill Coppinger on 8 August 2004; 7:59:39 PM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. Discuss (1 response)

Wallan community gathers to talk School..

On Tuesday evening the 22nd of June, over 120 residents of Wallan and surrounding districts gathered at Wallan Primary School to discuss options for a new secondary college. Posted by Bill Coppinger on 23 June 2004; 11:50:38 PM from the The Mitchell Shire Committee dept. Discuss (2 responses)