Loddon Shire Mayoral Column
Published on 03 August 2020
COVID-19 updates
As you will be aware, the number of COVID-19 cases across Victoria continues to increase. Residents of Loddon Shire like all rural residents are not immune to the effects of COVID-19 and we wish to remind everyone to follow the State Government advice to help keep yourself, your family and our community safe at this time.
This includes the State Government direction that it is now mandatory for all of us to wear a face covering whenever you leave home.
Other measures we can take include: limiting your contact with other people, maintaining a good hygiene regime and do not go out or go to work or school if feeling unwell.
The Victorian Government is providing support payments to ensure that people can afford to stay home if they are feeling unwell and stay home and self-isolate while they are waiting for test results.
This is in response to the news that people without leave entitlements or income support were putting others at risk by continuing to work while they were potentially infectious.
To find out more about COVID-19 Worker Support payments, including who is eligible, how to apply and how much the payments are, visit the Department of Health and Human Services website: www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus. Here you will also find details about current restrictions, face coverings, testing locations and other health information.
The resources have also been translated into range of languages to make sure that everyone has access to the information they need.
Stand for council
Victorian council elections are held every four years and give people an opportunity to influence the change they would like to see in their communities by standing for council.
On 24 October this year, people will be voting to elect councillors to represent them at the local level to work towards building a better, stronger and more sustainable future.
This year, due to COVID-19 restrictions, campaigning for community support will be quite different and will offer significant challenges. However now, more than ever, we need committed, motivated people, reflecting a diverse range of people, to stand for council because local leadership is vital to drive the recovery of local communities and economies.
Potential candidates can access a range of resources, including training and information sessions, by visiting the Vic Councils website www.viccouncils.asn.au.
The Municipal Association of Victoria is running two sessions for the Loddon community and potential candidates to gain a greater understanding of what is involved in running for council. For information on these sessions and how to take part, visit our website: www.loddon.vic.gov.au/News-and-public-notices/News-articles/Stand-for-Council.
The Victorian Government is also hoping to encourage and support more women to run for council across the state. Currently women account for just 38 per cent of elected representatives in council, with the aim to increase that to 50 per cent at the coming elections.
Women play a pivotal role in the leadership of their communities, but this work is often underappreciated and not formally recognised. Women’s connections to their community, their skills and their unique perspectives mean they are rich with potential to be terrific local councillors.
Follow this link to view the Women Leading Change sessions and candidate development workshops www.vlga.org.au/advocacy/womens-policy/online-workshops.
Rural women to lead the way
On the subject of women in leadership, applications are now open for the Victorian Rural Women’s Leadership and Mentoring Program. This program is for rural women connected to agriculture or the agriculture supply-chain who want to improve their leadership skills or gain board experience.
The program aims to inspire, resource and connect rural and regional Victorian women to lead in their business and communities. There are fourteen funded places across three programs and they will be delivered online until restrictions are lifted.
To find out more, including which program is right for you, visit: www.extensionaus.com.au/VRWNetwork/leadership-and-mentoring-program/.
The Loddon Shed
An exciting partnership between Loddon Shire Council and The Food Purveyor is set to put the quality produce and unique creations of the Loddon Valley makers at the fingertips of discerning shoppers through Australia.
I will be launching ‘The Loddon Shed’ on Tuesday 11 August at 7.00pm via Facebook live stream. This new online store will showcase the best of Loddon food producers, growers and microbusinesses to offer our wonderful local products in one easy shopping experience.
The Loddon Shed will not only be a perfect way for small businesses to extend their reach and sales as part of the recovery of COVID-19, it will also be a fantastic opportunity for our local producers to show the rest of Australia what we have to offer.
You will be able to visit The Loddon Shed at www.theloddonshed.com.au or our Facebook page www.facebook.com/Visitloddonvalley.
Squirrel Gully Saffron
One of the local companies to jump at the opportunity to expand the reach of their business is Squirrel Gully Saffron. This quirkily-named company makes use of the hot dry summers and cold winters of our region to produce saffron.
Chosen for its potential use as an exciting food product and also because the crop requires little energy to produce, the saffron is grown above ground in tubs. The tubs enable the plants to grow in light, sandy soil, to be watered, weeded and harvested by hand and for minimal water use.
While jars of saffron are expensive, the product is used sparingly in recipes and is extremely versatile. As a chef, Squirrel Gully Saffron owner Rosie delights in producing and sharing innovative and delicious recipes featuring her saffron, as well as other ingredients grown locally. The versatility of saffron is endless and Rosie has highlighted its use with rice, paella, chicken, fish, sweet dishes and cocktails.