Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 14 May 2025
Published on 14 May 2025
2025 Australian Living Census
Join us in taking part in the 2025 Australian Liveability Census and have your say on what matters most to you about where you live.
The Australian Liveability Census, conducted by Place Score, and the Active Living Census, conducted by Sport and Recreation Victoria (SRV), are separate and unrelated initiatives. Each is independently managed, with distinct objectives, methodologies, and data collection processes. Participation in one does not include or replace involvement in the other.
By taking this 15-minute survey, your feedback will not only have an impact on planning and investments for our region but you will go into the draw to win a $1,000 grand prize or one of 40 $100 vouchers.
Complete the survey at https://survey.placescore.org/s3/lc25?channel=vic_loddon.
The census closes 30 June 2025.
The Australian Liveability Census, conducted by Place Score, and the Active Living Census, conducted by Healthy Loddon Campaspe are separate and unrelated initiatives. Each is independently managed, with distinct objectives, methodologies, and data collection processes. Participation in one does not include or replace involvement in the other.
Active Living Census – Coming soon
The 2025 Active Living Census (ALC) opens on Monday 26 May and we want to hear from you.
Run by the Healthy Loddon Campaspe, this region wide survey asks about your health, wellbeing and daily activities.
This information helps schools, sporting clubs, community groups, government, and local leaders make better decisions about health programs, new recreation spaces, and services. It also helps the community get funding to make the region a healthier place for everyone.
The survey looks at things like:
- How often people play sport or are physically active;
- What they eat and drink (like fruit, vegetables, water, and sugary drinks);
- Smoking and gambling habits;
- How happy people feel about their lives; and
- What stops people from being healthy and active.
Almost 25,000 people took part in the 2019 ALC, providing the region with detailed data about our communities' health and wellbeing, and we're looking forward to hearing from you again.
Early Bird Prize Draws
Complete the ALC online between Monday 26 May and Sunday 1 June and you could win:
- 1 x $1000 Grand Prize Voucher – to your favourite local sporting store or nursery.
- 6 x $500 Runner-Up Vouchers – to your favourite local sporting store or nursery.
- 9 x $250 Prizes – choose JL King or your favourite local sporting store or nursery.
For more information or to complete the survey, visit https://www.healthyloddoncampaspe.au/alcprizedraw
Turn your business idea into reality
Do you have a great business idea? Dreaming of launching your own startup? Ready to turn your innovative idea into reality?
Startup Central Victoria’s is offering a FREE 12-week pre-accelerator program to help you test your idea and put it into action.
It’s open to anyone in the region, no matter where you live or what kind of business you’re planning.
This program includes weekly masterclasses that will be held online every Tuesday evening and two in-person bootcamps in Bendigo on Sunday 22 June and 24 August 2025.
Expressions of Interest close 17 June 2025.
For more information or apply, visit https://startupcv.com.au/events/accelerator-program/
Help deliver Victorian elections so voters can have their say
Applications are now open to work at the 2026 state election with the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) recruiting more than 1,000 senior election officials across Victoria.
Senior election officials play an invaluable and significant role in coordinating elections for entire districts and local councils.
Acting Electoral Commissioner Dana Fleming said that the role is a critical pillar of delivering democracy at a local level during elections.
‘You don’t need previous election experience. It’s all about the skills and life experience you can bring to the role – if you’re organised, have a good eye for detail, and most importantly bring a positive attitude, that’s what we’re looking for,’ Ms Fleming said.
The VEC plays a critical role in the education and inclusion of Victorian communities who are traditionally under-represented at the ballot box. For the 2026 state election our senior election officials will be engaging with these communities by delivering outreach services, raising awareness about the democratic processes.
Applications are open until 25 May, at careers.vic.gov.au/job/senior-election-officials-855486