Mayor's Message – 4 March 2024
Published on 04 March 2024
It's a busy time of year in our region, with lots to see and do.
We've got beautiful weather, and there're so many opportunities to get out and see live music, art, film, enjoy nature and much more.
We’ve had some fantastic local events of late – from the recent Newstead Live Music Festival to the Town Folk Festival in Castlemaine.
Across a range of venues, we’ve seen some world-class performers take to the stage to the thrill of many.
We're proud to have supported both events with funding through our Event Grants Program.
We have a selection of grants programs here at Council, and this one is for local groups and individuals who are looking for additional support in running a public event.
The program’s seen a lot of success over the years; in fact, last round 15 different groups benefited from the program. The recipients included names such as Hot Moves No Pressure, Run the Maine and the Resonance String Orchestra.
We love seeing all the different ideas people, and we’re proud to be able to support events and initiatives that align with our goals here at Council.
Applications are now open for our Event Grants programs, and will be open until Monday 18 March – so get your application in!
If you have questions, enquiries or are looking for support with your application, contact our Event Grants team on 5471 1700 or email grants@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.
Just a reminder too, that if you're interested in having a say on Council projects and initiatives, to take a look at our engagement website, Shape Mount Alexander at www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au.
This is the place where we highlight any opportunities for you to provide input into projects and initiatives, and contribute to decision-making.
It's not always possible to incorporate community feedback into every project we deliver at Council – there may be limitations due to the project scope or budget.
Where possible and appropriate though, we will look to you for input to help guide our thinking before we make considered decisions.
We know the importance of working collaboratively with our community, and we want to keep making sure your voice is heard.
Visit www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au to see what opportunities there are for you to have your say.
Finally, we know the issue of housing affordability is a concern for many people in our shire.
Council's committed to working where we can to make more homes available for more people.
We're providing bi-monthly updates on work that we're doing in this area through our engagement website, Shape Mount Alexander.
Visit www.shape.mountalexander.vic.gov.au/affordable-housing, and click ‘Follow’ to receive updates about what we’re doing.
For a large print hardcopy update, please call our Customer Service team on 5471 1700.
Don’t forget to contact your local Councillor if there’s an issue you’d like to raise – we are here for you.
Till next month, take care.
Mayor Matthew Driscoll
Mount Alexander Shire Council