Loddon Shire Mayoral Column 19 September 2023
Published on 19 September 2023
Dipper is coming to Loddon
I am excited to share with you all that Hawthorn Football Club legend Robert `Dipper' DiPierdomenico will be coming to Loddon. Dipper will be visiting the Loddon Region over Spring to film an upcoming edition of Dippers Destinations.
This popular travel show broadcasted on 7mate, 7Plus and other online channels showcases unique and compelling visitor experiences throughout Australia. Filming will commence early October with a release date of February 2024.
This is a fantastic opportunity to put a spotlight on our unique local attractions, small businesses and close-knit community.
Dinner with Dr Rob Gordon
Last Wednesday (13 September), Dr Rob Gordon returned to Loddon for a second presentation, this time, in the Dingee community. A crowd of around 40 local people – including myself, joined Rob at the Dingee Hotel for a great night of sharing stories and learning about how we can take different steps to help maintain resilience in challenging times.
Rob spoke about the difficultly many of us have ‘downing tools’ and taking time out to connect with loved ones and the importance of prioritising “pleasure and leisure” to maintain wellbeing.
Rob’s messages come at a timely moment when many of us are gathering our strength for the warmer months ahead. Whether we’re looking ahead to irrigating, shearing, harvest or just the hustle and bustle of the upcoming silly season, a gentle reminder to make time for pleasure, leisure and rest is always worth taking to heart.
For anyone keen to hear Rob’s messages, the recording of his March presentation in Boort is available on the National Centre for Farmer Health’s #Buildingfarmspirit page at: https://youtu.be/aEWf626xLsg
Loddon Healthy Minds
The results are in for our Loddon Healthy Minds Network 2023 Art Competition. This year we received 305 entries from 10 different schools – talk about community participation.
Hats off to every single young artist who entered this year’s competition. Your creativity and talent displayed were truly mind blowing. Thank you to our teachers and schools who continually encourage and support these young talents.
This competition plays an important role in tackling a much more serious issue – youth mental health. This platform gives us a way to open up healthy conversations around mental wellbeing and fight the stigma surrounding it.
Below you’ll find a list of winners.
- Best in Show – Bridget Perryman (Boort District School)
Year 9-12 – 1st prize:
- Wedderburn College – Isabelle Arnup
- Boort District School – Laci Streader
Grades 5 to 8 – 1st Prize:
- St Marys Catholic Primary School – Ruby Scolari
- Bridgewater Primary School – Rylea Bailey
- Inglewood Primary School – William Canham
- St Patricks Catholic Primary School – Jace Pacala
- Pyramid Hill P-10 – Ayeshia Michaella
- Boort District School – Archer Lee
- Tarnagulla Primary School – Shiloh Bass
- East Loddon P-12 – Matilda Smith
- Wedderburn College – Ava Rose
Prep to Grade 2 – 1st Prize:
- Pyramid P-10 – Amelia S
- East Loddon P-12 – Lisa W
- Inglewood Primary School – Jaxon N
- St Patricks Catholic Primary School – Svea A
- St Marys Catholic Primary School – Emmett H
- Bridgewater Primary School – Emily B
- Boort District School – Sebastian H
- Tarnagulla Primary School – Lucy B
- Home School – Tilly N
Grades 3 to 4 – 1st prize:
- St Patricks Catholic Primary School – Aziel D
- East Loddon P-12 – Emily L
- Inglewood Primary School – Skyla N
- Pyramid Hill P-10 – Olivia S
- St Marys Catholic Primary School – Olivia M
- Bridgewater Primary School – Ryan F
- Boort District School – Carrie B
- Tarnagulla Primary School – Archie R
For more information about the Loddon Healthy Minds Network, visit http://www.loddonhealthyminds.com.au
Sporting season comes to an end
I want to extend my congratulations to all the football, netball and hockey teams that took part in the North Central League Grand Finals at Boort on Saturday, 16 September 2023.
As the 2023 winter sport season wraps up, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the players, supporters and officials involved in local club sports like football, netball and hockey.
Council remains committed to supporting our sporting leagues throughout our region and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who continues to support local sport – including the tremendous effort of volunteers.
Thank you to all who contributed to this season. Here’s to an even more exciting 2024 season!
Loddon Victorian Seniors Festival
This year’s Loddon Victorian Seniors Festival has many fantastic opportunities for our senior citizens to get out and about with a range of activities.
One of the feature events for this year’s festival will be the free Gala Day on Tuesday, 10 October at the Boort Memorial Hall from 12.00 pm to 3.30pm.
Luncheon will be offered and entertainment by Lonnie Lee, who is sure to get you moving.
Loddon Victorian Seniors Festival celebrates ageing positively and recognising the important contribution older people make to our community. As we know, seniors are an integral part of Loddon Shire's story – this includes their highly valuable contribution to our community via a range of volunteering roles.
Additionally, this year’s festival provides a range of opportunities for reconnection among attendees and local service providers.
On behalf of Council, I encourage all our Loddon Seniors to get involved in this year’s festival including attending the Gala Day and other activities available across the Shire during this time.
For more information about this year’s Loddon Victorian Seniors Festival, please call Loddon Shire Council on 5494 1200 or visit Council's website https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Services/Services-for-our-older-residents-and-people-with-disabilities/2023-Loddon-Victorian-Seniors-Festival?fbclid=IwAR1Js3JyGbWV1aeY9iRFLuLqYBuwrrNTsYCrIj3gNhiipW2lERXvg1eaDr4
Upcoming Council Meeting
Council’s September meeting will be held Tuesday 26 September at 3pm in the Loddon Shire Council Chambers, located behind the Wedderburn Council Office, off Peters Street.
You can also watch the Council meeting live via Council’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LoddonShire
To view the September Council Meeting agenda visit
https://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/Agendas-and-minutes/Agendas-and-minutes-2023
School holidays
I wish all the students, teachers and parents a safe and enjoyable school holidays.