GB Magazine December 2015

Greater Bendigo 

December 2015 

Team effort at 

Canterbury Park 

Page 20-21 

IN CASE OF AN 

EMERGENCY 

What is 

Your plan 

Be prepared for when an emergency strikes - see page 13 for your handy flip chart to help you plan ahead 

KNOWLEDGE 

HAVE A PLAN 

BE CONNECTED 

inside 

City supports small 

business development 

page 3 

Summer in Greater Bendigo 

page 6-9 

Marilyn Monroe 

set to star in Bendigo! 

page 10-11 

SAFETY & WELLBEING 

INFORMATION

4 CEO’s column 

Scooter recharge points 

5 Your local pools 

6-9 Summer in the Parks 

7 Fireworks and pool fun this New Year’s Eve 

8 Show your pride on Australia Day 

11 Marilyn Monroe set to star in Bendigo 

12 Spotlight on Bendigo 

13 Be prepared for when an emergency 

strikes 

14 Update bush fire survival plan 

New website to help survive extreme heat 

15-17 Ward news 

18 Discover Eaglehawk 

20 Canterbury Park precinct 

22 Revitalising Eaglehawk’s Town Hall 

precinct is a team effort 

23 Upskilling local business 

Strategy guides development of shopping 

and office areas 

24 What’s in the works? 

25 City prepares to start work on new bus 

commuter hub 

26 Energy upgrades add up to big savings 

Energy savings for Aquatic Centre 

28 Organics trial update 

Lighting the Regions 

29 A big picture plan for Bendigo’s public 

spaces 

30 City flicks switch on new floodlighting at 

North Bendigo 

31 Christmas arrangements 

32 What’s on? 

City welcomes new Director 

Your Councillors 

On the cover: 

Eaglehawk Bowling Club; Stephen Piercy, 

Eaglehawk Netball Club; Genevieve 

McColl, Dahlia and Arts Festival; David 

Richards, Eaglehawk Cricket Club; Jason 

Abbott, Eaglehawk Football Club; Sam 

Thompson and Corey Roberts. 

Greater Bendigo Magazine is printed on Australian 

recycled paper. 

Cr Fyffe back in the Mayoral robes 

Cr Rod Fyffe says he is looking forward to 

being Mayor for the next 12 months. 

And he is well-equipped to take on the key 

leadership role, having served as Mayor on 

three other occasions. 

The Lockwood Ward Councillor has been 

a local councillor since 1983 (excluding 

the term of the Commissioners) and is a 

recipient of the Order of Australia for his 

service to local government. 

During his recent installation as Mayor, 

he said it is always a great honour to be 

elected to the role. 

“Greater Bendigo is the best place to live 

in Australia and our job as Councillors 

is to ensure it continues to be so, as we 

A year of achievement 

By Cr Peter Cox 

It has been an 

enormous privilege 

to serve as Mayor of 

Greater Bendigo City 

Council. 

On being elected some 12 months ago, I 

set a number of goals and I am pleased 

to report that they have largely been 

achieved. 

These objectives included lower rate 

rises. The rise for 2015/2016 of 4.75 per 

cent is the lowest in five years and while I 

personally would have liked an even lower 

one, it was satisfying to break out of the 

cycle of rises of five or six per cent. 

More shared pathways for walkers and 

cyclists were high on my agenda. It is 

terrific that Council is funding a $1.07M 

New Paths Program to allow for new 

footpaths in the growth areas of Epsom, 

Ascot, Kangaroo Flat and Huntly and 

deal with the challenges that come with 

population growth,” Rod said. 

“Our top priority as Council is to deliver 

the projects and strategies we identified 

as priorities three years ago when we first 

sat down together to develop the Council 

Plan. 

“This includes having construction 

underway on the Greater Bendigo Indoor 

Aquatic Leisure and Wellbeing Centre, the 

Bendigo Airport redevelopment and the 

Bendigo Stadium expansion. 

“It also includes investing in our city’s 

health and wellbeing by expanding 

our network of shared pathways for 

walkers and cyclists, and continuing to 

further development of the shared path 

along Back Creek between Williamson 

Street and Mundy Street. A further 

$1.3M is in the Budget to renew existing 

footpaths. Some councillors, including 

myself, are keen to use Bendigo Creek, 

which runs under Charing Cross, as a 

means of joining shared pathways to the 

north and south of the city. Watch this 

space. 

I also identified implementing the 

Residential Development Strategy 

and the Connecting Greater Bendigo: 

Integrated Transport and Land Use 

Strategy as priorities and both have been 

completed and are being implemented. 

These strategies promote a compact city 

where residents are encouraged to look 

at walking, cycling and catching public 

transport as an alternative to using the 

car. Even if people change their travel 

habits for just one day in five it will make 

a big difference to congestion on our roads. 

invest in maintaining the city’s existing 

infrastructure. 

“And it means continuing to implement 

Council’s big strategies – Connecting 

Greater Bendigo: the Integrated Transport 

and Land Use Strategy and the Residential 

Development Strategy, the Hospital 

Precinct Structure Plan and the Rosalind 

Park Master Plan. 

“Work must also progress on the Rural 

Development Strategy and the Greater 

Bendigo Public Space Plan – an 18-month 

project that will set out the big picture 

future for Bendigo’s public space. 

“As Mayor, I will continue the excellent 

work of my predecessors in building strong 

links with state and federal governments. 

“Doing so has reaped significant benefits 

for our city with funding for the indoor 

aquatic centre, the Ulumbarra Theatre, 

expansion of the Bendigo Art Gallery, the 

Bendigo Airport project and the Bendigo 

Library redevelopment. 

“But this does not mean that Council is 

compelled to agree with everything the 

State and Federal Governments do. 

“Rate capping strips councils of one of 

their key responsibilities – determining 

the amount of revenue required to fund 

projects for local communities. 

“It is local communities, through their 

elected councillors, that are best placed to 

know and determine how much money is 

needed. 

“And if councillors make the wrong call, 

they’ll soon know about it at election time. 

That’s democracy.” 

The introduction of a trial for an organics 

collection service has started a journey, 

which will see waste redefined as a 

resource and I look forward to continued 

community involvement over the coming 

months so we can get the best possible 

outcome for our residents. 

A major highlight of my Mayoral term was 

the official opening of the magnificent 

Ulumbarra Theatre. Transforming the 

historic gaol into a venue capable of 

seating around 1,000 people has been a 

truly remarkable achievement. 

Another highpoint was the recent opening 

of the Central Activity Area at Canterbury 

Park, Eaglehawk, which is providing 

new netball/tennis courts, a mixed-use 

pavilion, cricket nets and training area 

and a synthetic bowling green for the 

community. Like the shared pathways, 

projects like this sit well with Council’s goal 

of improving the health and wellbeing of 

our citizens. 

2 


www.bendigo.vic.gov.au

L-R: The City’s Small Business 

Development Coordinator, Peter Jeffery 

with True Brew owners Lachlan and 

Cameron Poyser and the City’s Business 

Innovation Coordinator Dawn Holland. 

City strengthens its support to small 

business development 

Are you starting a small 

business, wanting to grow 

your small business or just 

want to know what support is 

available? 

The City of Greater Bendigo has made small 

business development a priority and now 

has two dedicated staff members – Peter 

Jeffery and Dawn Holland who are available 

to assist small business owners. 

Some 85 per cent of Greater Bendigo’s 7,500 

businesses are small business employing up 

to five people, which makes small business 

the largest employer group within our 

region. However, many of these businesses 

don’t know the type of help that is available 

to them or how to access it. And that’s where 

Peter and Dawn come in. 

They work within the City’s Economic 

Development Unit (EDU) and can advise 

small business owners on a range of 

business development programs, grants, 

business events, marketing and networking 

opportunities. 

Peter and Dawn can also help small 

business owners to navigate the different 

departments within Council, provide 

important statistical and other information 

and have access to extensive industry sector 

networks. 

But don’t just take our word for it. 

Deb McAliece from Oliver Birch recently 

participated in a “Six Steps to growing your 

business” seminar organised by EDU and said 

it was a great seminar. 

“The seminar was very engaging with lots 

of helpful information. I got a lot out of it 

and I want to thank the City’s Economic 

Development team for organising these types 

of relevant sessions for local small business.” 

Cameron Poyser from True Brew, who 

recently took part in a seminar delivered by 

the City’s EDU, said Peter suggested it would 

be a good move for his business to take part 

and he wasn’t wrong. “The information we 

gained was invaluable and we found the 

whole experience to be not only positive but 

also enjoyable.” 

Sam Spence from Executive Virtual Associate 

is just one of a number of small business 

owners who partnered with the City to 

deliver the Small Business Day event in 

Hargreaves Mall last year. 

“The Economic Development staff listen 

and support the needs of the mum and dad 

businesses and sole traders, who represent 

such a large portion of our local business 

community.” 

If you are a small business owner and 

want to hear more about the assistance 

and opportunities available to local small 

businesses please phone Peter Jeffery on 

5434 6241 or Dawn Holland on 5434 6247. 

Greater Bendigo www.bendigo.vic.gov.au 3

Reflecting on another busy year 

By Craig Niemann, CEO 

There is no doubt that 

2014/2015 has again been 

busy and a great deal has 

been achieved in creating 

improved facilities for 

our growing population 

and in planning for future 

growth. 

“I am pleased to report that 53 

of the 69 recommendations that 

arose from the 2013 Independent 

Review have been completed” 

Much of what we do has a regional focus and 

the City played a key role in the development 

of the Loddon Mallee Regional Strategic 

Plan 2015-2018. As Chief Executive Officer, 

I represented the City as a Committee 

member of Regional Cities Victoria and 

Regional Development Australia and as 

the local government representative on an 

External Advisory Board appointed by the 

State Government to independently review 

regional development. 

Importantly, the strong association between 

the City and State and Federal Government 

politicians and departments has been 

maintained and we will continue to ensure 

a successful working relationship. Doing so 

has secured significant funding support for 

regionally significant projects including the 

Bendigo Airport redevelopment, Bendigo 

Stadium project and the Greater Bendigo 

Indoor Aquatic Leisure and Wellbeing Centre. 

In 2014/2015, the Marong Business Park 

Planning Scheme Amendment was reported 

to Council and has been placed on public 

exhibition. Identified as a priority project by 

Council and in the Loddon Mallee Regional 

Strategic Plan, the business park would 

accommodate industrial growth for the next 

30 years. 

The Council approved the partnership 

between the City and Marist College Bendigo 

to deliver a range of facilities to be shared by 

the school and the community in the new 

educational precinct development in 

Maiden Gully. 

A highlight of the year was the opening of 

the Ulumbarra Theatre. This facility truly has 

the wow factor and is being extensively used 

by the community and visitors to our region. 

This is a project in which we should all be 

very proud. 

Another highlight was the Active Living 

Census sent to all residents in 2014. Over 

17,000 people responded to the survey 

and the results are helping the City to plan 

for Greater Bendigo’s future health and 

wellbeing. 

A detailed review was undertaken of Home 

and Community Care Services. Following 

consultation with staff and the community, 

Council decided to continue providing the 

service after significant opportunities for 

savings were identified. 

I am pleased to report that 53 of the 69 

recommendations that arose from the 2013 

Independent Review have been completed. 

This is two more than was forecast for 

completion at the end of 2014/2015 and 

Concept image: Bendigo Stadium. 

includes eight of those nominated by 

Councillors as their top 10 priorities. 

While there were some overall highlights and 

improvements, the results of the Community 

Satisfaction Survey showed a decline in 

satisfaction across a number of areas, 

including Council decision making and 

community engagement. Improvements in 

these areas are a priority. 

Strategies are being implemented to 

incorporate an all of staff customer service 

training program to further build a culture 

with customer service at its core. 

I particularly would like to recognise the 

staff at the City. Each day they work hard 

at providing great service to the Council 

and the community and do so in a very 

professional and productive way. I extend to 

them all my appreciation for their efforts. 

Charge 

up! 

Residents or visitors to Bendigo who use a 

mobility scooter or wheelchair can travel 

with confidence knowing there are several 

locations where they can recharge. 

There are 14 scooter and wheelchair recharge 

points located across Greater Bendigo: 

• Bendigo Library 

Hargreaves Street, Bendigo 

• Kangaroo Flat Library 

267 High Street, Kangaroo Flat 

• Heathcote Visitor Information Centre 

Corner High and Barracks Street, 

Heathcote 

• Bendigo UFS, Hargreaves Street 

Pharmacy 

79 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo 

• Bendigo Bank 

Corner High and Mitchell Street, Bendigo 

(Fountain Court Arcade, near lifts) 

• The Victoria Hotel 

48 High Street, Eaglehawk 

• Bendigo Marketplace 

37 Garsed Street, Bendigo (between 

Erindale Butcher and the Bendigo 

Original Pie Shop) 

• Kangaroo Flat Community House 

21 Woolcock Avenue, Kangaroo Flat 

• Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre 

52-54 Derwent Drive, Long Gully 

• Bendigo UFS, View Street Pharmacy 

Corner View Street and Barnard Street, 

Bendigo 

• Bendigo Prince of Wales Showgrounds 

Holmes Road, North Bendigo (in the 

conference hall under the power board) 

• Bendigo Railway Station 

Railway Place, Bendigo (inside, opposite 

the café) 

• Bendigo TAFE, City Campus 

McCrae Street, Bendigo (in Building P) 

• MatchWorks 

26 St Andrews Avenue, Bendigo 

4 



Your guide to summer 

Make a 

splash 

Did you know the 2014 Active Living Census found 

swimming was the second most popular recreation 

activity in Greater Bendigo? 

If you like swimming laps or making a splash, 

head to one of the City’s 13 aquatic facilities 

this summer. 

Why not make it a day out with family or 

friends, as most of the sites have barbeque 

facilities and two or more pools to cater for 

all swimming abilities. 

“Each year the City makes a significant 

investment to ensure its pools are 

maintained to a high standard and 

are welcoming for all members of the 

community,” the City’s Active & Healthy 

Communities Manager Mr Pat Jess said. 

“In the off-season the City has invested 

in a new toddler pool and painted the 

intermediate pool at Bendigo Aquatic 

Centre; Bendigo East and Brennan Park have 

new shade sails; an accessibility hoist was 

installed at Peter Krenz Leisure Centre; and 

Bendigo East and Elmore received new pool 

vacuums. All turf at the pools is irrigated and 

maintained. 

“If you regularly visit your local pool, 

purchase a season pass so you can make 

more visits, more often. They are great value 

for money and provide access to all outdoor 

pools, except the community-managed 

Golden Square pool. There is also an option 

to purchase a rural pool pass for use at either 

the Marong, Elmore, Goornong, Raywood 

and Heathcote pools.” 

Depending on demand, from December to 

February, the City’s pools also offer learn-toswim 

programs, which are designed to teach 

skills that are useful in both swimming pools 

and moving water such as rivers and lakes. 

“Children can drown in as little as a few 

inches of water, so it is important to ensure 

they are confident around water and know 

how to keep themselves safe,” Pat said. 

The price for a regular season pass is $97.20 

per adult, $72.10 per child and $185.15 per 

family. Rural pool passes cost $75 per adult, 

$50 per child and $120 per family. For more 

information on swimming lessons and school 

holiday programs contact your local pool. 

Bendigo Aquatic Centre 

Barnard Street, Bendigo 

Ph: 5443 6151 

Bendigo East Swimming Pool 

Lansell Street, Bendigo East 

Ph: 5443 7078 

Brennan Park Swimming Pool 

Houlahan Street, Flora Hill 

Ph: 5443 9407 

Elmore Swimming Pool 

Hunter Road, Elmore 

Ph: 5432 6381 

Golden Square Swimming Pool 

Maple Street, Golden Square 

Ph: 5443 7774 

Goornong Swimming Pool 

Bagshot Street, Goornong 

Ph: 5432 2368 

Heathcote Swimming Pool 

Barrack Street, Heathcote 

Ph: 5433 2223 

Kangaroo Flat Swimming Pool 

Station Street, Kangaroo Flat 

Ph: 5447 7964 

Marong Swimming Pool 

Calder Alternative Highway, Marong 

Ph: 5435 2207 

Peter Krenz Leisure Centre 

Napier Street, Eaglehawk 

Ph: 5446 9222 

Raywood Swimming Pool 

MacAuley Street, Raywood 

Ph: 5436 1360 

White Hills Swimming Pool 

Hamelin Street, White Hills 

Ph: 5448 4295 

For the full list of pool entry fees and various other pool pass options visit 

www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/poolfees 


Summer in 


Music in the park: Alawishus Jones & The Outright Lies. 

6 



PROUDLY 

PRESENTED BY 

www.bendigosummerintheparks.com 

It’s time to enjoy 

Summer in the Parks! 

One of Greater Bendigo’s most enduring 

and much loved events, the Telstra Stores 

Bendigo Summer in the Parks program 

is back bigger and better than ever and 

features more than 50 free or low cost 

events over December, January and 

February. 

City Major Events Manager, Terry 

Karamaloudis, said programs for the 

2015/2016 Telstra Stores Bendigo Summer 

in the Parks program are now available in 

hard copy or online at 


“This year there is something for everyone 

from the very young to the not so young 

to enjoy including Christmas celebrations, 

outdoor cinema, music events, garden 

and nature tours and health and fitness 

activities,” Terry said. 

“Activities kicked off at the start of 

December with a range of Christmas 

activities and will culminate with a special 

family New Year’s Eve Pool Party at the 

DECEMBER 

Bendigo Aquatic Centre and not one, 

but two fantastic firework displays at 

approximately 9.15pm and midnight to ring 

in the new-year. 

“January will feature a terrific range of music 

and other events including Australia Day 

community celebrations throughout Greater 

Bendigo and February is outdoor cinema 

time as well as Chinese New Year Festival 

and a range of other terrific activities. 

“Summer is the perfect time to pack a 

picnic, visit our beautiful parks and gardens 

and enjoy the fantastic entertainment and 

activities on offer. 

“It’s a great way for friends and family to 

spend time together over the summer 

months.” 

Telstra’s Nick Papaz said the Bendigo Telstra 

Stores are delighted to again sponsor the 

Summer in the Parks program. 

“It’s a great community event and we are 

pleased to be involved and support the 

local community in this way,” Nick said. 

For further information visit 

www.bendigosummerintheparks.com or 

pick up a program from the Bendigo Visitor 

Centre, 51-67 Pall Mall. The Centre is open 

9am - 5pm every day except Christmas Day. 

Fireworks and pool fun this New Year’s Eve 

There will be plenty of fun and fireworks 

this New Year’s Eve when the City 

presents a free, family friendly pool 

party at the Bendigo Aquatic Centre 

complete with early fireworks followed 

by a spectacular midnight fireworks 

display to ring in 2016. 

The pool party starts at 6pm and will 

feature entertainment by Wild Action 

Zoo, pool games and activities, free 

rides on the Hoobee Tubee waterslide, 

face painting and balloons. It will 

conclude with an early fireworks display 

at approximately 9.15pm. 

A highlight of the pool party will be 

interactive wildlife displays and stage 

shows by Wild Action Zoo, which 

features a range of native animals 

including a koala, kangaroo, possum, 

dingo, echidna, kookaburra, frogs, 

turtles, snakes, salt water crocodiles 

and a range of other reptiles, fruit bats 

and more. 

The pool party is a family friendly event 

and no alcohol is permitted. Attendees 

are encouraged to bring along a picnic 

dinner or support the Bendigo Hawks 

Aquatic Swimming Club’s fundraising 

barbecue that will be available on the 

night. 

As usual, the City will stage a 

spectacular midnight fireworks display 

from the Rosalind Park Poppet Head 

tower to ring in the New Year. 

$ = Gold coin donation = Fees apply 

$ 

DATE EVENT TIME LOCATION 

9 Wednesday Strathfieldsaye Community Carols FREE 7pm - 9pm JG Edwards Oval, Uxbridge Street, Strathfieldsaye 

12 Saturday Heathcote Christmas Carols FREE 7pm - 9.30pm Barrack Reserve, High Street, Heathcote 

12-14 Santa Tram (www.bendigotramways.com) 

$17 per child, adults and children under 1 FREE 

Four sessions a day 

(see website for details) 

13 Sunday Axedale & Districts Community Christmas Carols FREE 6pm - 9pm Axedale Park, High Street, Axedale 

Bendigo Tramways Depot and Workshop, 1 Tramways Avenue, Bendigo 

13 Sunday Eaglehawk UFS Dispensary Canterbury Carols FREE 7pm - 9.30pm Canterbury Park Gardens, Sailors Gully Road, Eaglehawk 

19 Saturday Epsom Community Carols FREE 5.30pm - 8.30pm Epsom Village, Market Place, Epsom 

20 Sunday Rotary Club of Bendigo Carols by Candlelight FREE 7.30pm - 9.30pm Rosalind Park, Pall Mall, Bendigo 

31 Thursday New Year's Eve Pool Party with Fireworks FREE 6pm - 9.30pm 

Fireworks 9.15pm 

$ 

Bendigo Aquatic Centre, Barnard Street, Bendigo 

31 Thursday New Year's Eve Midnight Fireworks FREE Midnight Rosalind Park, Pall Mall, Bendigo 


JANUARY 

$ = Gold coin donation = Fees apply 

$ 


3 Sunday Historical Walking Tour of Bendigo $ 9am - 10am Meet at the Bendigo Visitor Centre, Pall Mall, Bendigo 

5 Tuesday Outdoor Active FREE 6pm - 7pm Rosalind Park, Pall Mall, Bendigo 

8 Friday Music in the Park FREE 6pm - 7pm Steve Saxton and 

the Gorgeous Gentlemen 

7pm - 8pm The Rebelles 

Crook Street Park, Crook Street, Strathdale 


12 Tuesday Play in your Park FREE 5pm - 7pm Long Gully Recreation Reserve, Cunneen Street, Long Gully 


12 Tuesday Evening Walk Spotting Native Animals FREE 8.30pm - 10.30pm Location advised upon booking 

13 Wednesday Play in your Park FREE 5pm - 7pm Maiden Gully Recreation Reserve, Beckhams Road, Maiden Gully 

13 Wednesday Evening Walk Spotting Native Animals FREE 8.30pm - 10.30pm Location advised upon booking 

14 Thursday Play in your Park FREE 5pm - 7pm Cooinda Park, Mackenzie Street West, Golden Square 

15 Friday Music in the Park FREE 6pm - 7pm Bendigo South East 

College 7pm - 8pm All Day Fritz 

Cooinda Park, Mackenzie Street West, Golden Square 


19 Tuesday Play in your Park FREE 5pm - 7pm Long Gully Recreation Reserve, Cunneen Street, Long Gully 


19 Tuesday Evening Walk Spotting Native Animals FREE 8.30pm - 10.30pm Location advised upon booking 


20 Wednesday Evening Walk Spotting Native Animals FREE 8.30pm - 10.30pm Location advised upon booking 


22 Friday Music in the Park FREE 6pm - 7pm Abbie Cardwell 

7pm - 8pm Collard & Gravy 

Bendigo Botanic Gardens, Napier Street, White Hills 

23 Saturday Bendigo Ultimate Frisbee - Social Throw FREE 11am onwards Bendigo Botanic Gardens, Napier Street, White Hills 

24 Sunday The City Slider Bendigo 

$35 (+$2.79 booking fee) 

Visit www.thecityslider.com.au to purchase tickets 

$ 

9am - 8.30pm 

View Street, Bendigo 


26 Tuesday Australia Day Celebrations FREE Various Various 



29 Friday Music in the Park FREE 6pm - 7pm Alawishus Jones & 

The Outright Lies 

7pm - 8pm Lily & King 

Canterbury Park, Sailors Gully Road, Eaglehawk 


31 Sunday Sing Australia $ 6pm - 8pm Rosalind Park Rotunda, Pall Mall, Bendigo 

Show your pride on Australia Day 

There is plenty to see and do and ways to celebrate 

Australia Day throughout Greater Bendigo on Tuesday 

January 26, 2016. 

Australia Day celebrations, ceremonies, barbecues 

and activities will take place at Axedale, Kangaroo Flat, 

Golden Square, Maiden Gully/Marong, Strathfieldsaye, 

Mia Mia, Heathcote, Eaglehawk, Elmore, Huntly/Epsom, 

Junortoun, Goornong and Bendigo’s Lake Weeroona. 

Times and locations of all activities will be advertised 

prior to the day and information will also be available on 

the City’s web site www.bendigo.vic.gov.au 

Free entry will also be provided at Bendigo Aquatic 

Centre, Brennan Park, Bendigo East, White Hills, Raywood, 

Goornong, Elmore, Kangaroo Flat, Golden Square, Marong 

and Heathcote swimming pools on the day. 

So show your pride on Australia Day and celebrate! 

8 




FEBRUARY 



5 Friday Bendigo Ultimate Frisbee 

- Learn to Throw/Ultimate Intro FREE 

5 Friday Outdoor Cinema FREE 

Screening: The Sapphires (PG) 

6.15pm onwards 

8.30pm - 10.30pm 

La Trobe University Bendigo Sports Field, Corner Ellis and Sharon Streets, 

Flora Hill 

Elmore Events Centre, Midland Highway (enter via Rosaia Road), Elmore 

7 Sunday Discover Rosalind Park tour FREE 9am - 10am Conservatory Gardens, Pall Mall, Bendigo 



Screening: Pitch Perfect 2 (M) 

8.30pm - 10.30pm 

Long Gully Recreation Reserve, Cunneen Street, Long Gully 

13 Saturday Scots Day Out FREE 10.30am - 5pm Rosalind Park, Pall Mall, Bendigo 

13 Saturday Chinese New Year Festival FREE 7pm Dai Gum San Chinese Precinct, Bridge Street, Bendigo 

14 Sunday Come and Try the Fly FREE 10am - 2pm Crusoe Reservoir, Crusoe Road, Kangaroo Flat 



Screening: Paddington (G) 

8.30pm - 10.30pm 

Kangaroo Flat Botanical Gardens, Station Street, Kangaroo Flat 

19-28 Heathcote Community Games FREE Contact Heathcote Community 

House 

Various locations 

21 Sunday Bendigo Ultimate Frisbee - Disc Sport FREE 11am onwards Crook Street Park, Crook Street, Strathdale 


24 Wednesday Interactive Twilight Book Theatre FREE 6pm - 7pm Library Gardens, Hargreaves Street, Bendigo 


Screening: Gnomeo & Juliet (G) 

8.30pm - 10.30pm 

Barrack Reserve, High Street, Heathcote 

For full program details visit www.bendigosummerintheparks.com 


10 



Marilyn Monroe 

set to star in Bendigo! 

Bendigo Art Gallery and Twentieth Century 

Fox present Marilyn Monroe. 

The exhibition will open on March 5, 

2016 and promises to be one of the most 

comprehensive overviews of costumes, 

photographs and personal items belonging 

to the Hollywood legend ever compiled. 

“We believe this will be a 

ground-breaking exhibition, 

one developed in its entirety by 

Bendigo Art Gallery” 

The ground-breaking collaboration 

with Twentieth Century Fox will allow 

unprecedented access to 12 of the films 

Marilyn completed with the studio, including 

glamorous studio portraits, wardrobe test 

photographs, lobby cards and film posters. 

Marilyn Monroe remains one of the most 

celebrated and enigmatic film stars in 

history. She transformed herself from 

ordinary girl next door, Norma Jeane Baker, 

into a glamorous and universally-recognised 

screen goddess. This comprehensive 

exhibition brings together authentic 

artefacts, clothing and other objects 

belonging to and worn by Marilyn. 

Bendigo Art Gallery Director, Karen Quinlan, 

said never before has a more comprehensive 

collection of costumes and personal items 

from this much-loved and mythologised 

Hollywood icon been brought together. 

“We believe this will be a ground-breaking 

exhibition, one developed in its entirety by 

Bendigo Art Gallery,” Karen said. 

“It will not only highlight Marilyn’s allure 

and undeniable talent, but also the world’s 

ongoing fascination with her story, and 

continues Bendigo Art Gallery’s success of 

creating exhibitions that highlight iconic 

women of the Twentieth Century.” 

Curated by the Bendigo Art Gallery, the 

costumes, personal clothing and artefacts 

have been drawn from private collections 

around the world and have never been 

seen before in Australia. The exhibition will 

include more than 20 original, authentic film 

costumes worn by Marilyn as well as some of 

her own personal wardrobe and accessories, 

including shoes, hats and stockings. A 

selection of personal effects, including 

the star’s address book, camera, director’s 

chair and keys will be on display along with 

original photographs, film extracts and film 

scripts with the actress’ own notations. 

To complement the exhibition Bendigo 

Art Gallery has secured Seward Johnson’s 

iconic eight metre sculpture of Marilyn 

Monroe – Forever Marilyn which will be 

positioned in the heart of the city. The 

statue replicates the iconic scene of the 

star fighting an upward breeze while 

wearing a white dress from her 1955 film 

The Seven Year Itch. Forever Marilyn has 

been seen in Chicago and Palm Springs, 

USA and makes its international debut in 

Bendigo. 

The exhibition will run until July 10 at 

Bendigo Art Gallery. 

For more information and to purchase 

tickets visit www.bendigoartgallery.com.au 

Far left: Studio publicity portrait for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes © 1953 and 2015 Fox. 

Left: Eve Arnold, Marilyn Monroe at the premiere of ‘East of Eden’ 1950. 

Above: Marilyn Monroe, photoshoot for Twentieth Century Fox c1953, gown designed by Oleg Cassini. 


Spotlight on Bendigo 

Rhys Uhlich on location in 

Bendigo for ‘Just Go’. 

While Bendigo may have received some 

unwanted media attention due to recent 

protest rallies, our beautiful city has also 

been given great media coverage this year 

that has focused on the things that make 

Bendigo one of Australia’s best regional cities 

and an attractive destination for visitors. 

Earlier this year in March, the Nine Network’s 

Today Show featuring hosts Karl Stefanovic 

and Lisa Wilkinson broadcast live from 

Bendigo’s Rosalind Park in conjunction with 

Tourism Australia as part of a campaign to 

encourage Australians to travel in their own 

backyard. 

The show featured many of Bendigo’s well 

known attractions, local food and new 

contemporary experiences and as a result of 

this broadcast Bendigo received three and 

a half hours coverage on national television 

as well as significant social media coverage, 

with over 50,000 people engaging on social 

media in the lead up to the broadcast and 

on the day promotions. 

In June, an article about Bendigo Art Gallery 

and Bendigo Pottery appeared in the New 

Zealand Herald, one of that country’s biggest 

circulating newspapers. 

In July, Bendigo was featured on a new 

television program hosted by Rhys Uhlich 

called ‘Just Go’. Bendigo was the first 

destination to be featured in this new 

Network Ten series and the new Ulumbarra 

Theatre, Jimmy Possum tram and the 

city’s popular Food Fossicking tour were all 

highlighted. 

In September, the Seven Network’s Sunrise 

program broadcast their weather reports live 

from Bendigo. Weather crossovers featuring 

James Tobin were read from Bendigo’s 

gorgeous tulip display in the Conservatory 

Gardens, Chancery Lane, Rocks on Rosalind 

Restaurant, the Yarn Bomb Tram and the 

Bendigo Chinese Association Lion Dancing 

Team. 

Also in September, local restaurant Masons 

of Bendigo was featured in articles in The 

Age and the Sydney Morning Herald when 

the restaurant received a Chef’s hat in the 

Good Food Guide. Regional restaurants like 

Masons are leading the way and attracting 

food buffs to the region to experience our 

local produce. 

Bendigo was also highlighted in a special 

four page feature in a recent edition of 

the very popular national publication 

Country Style Magazine. More than 20 local 

businesses were also highlighted in this 

edition. 

In October, local businesses including 

Villa Belgravia, The Schaller Studio, The 

Woodhouse, Jools for Jim, Rocks on 

Rosalind, Bendigo Wholefoods and The 

Good Loaf were all featured in an edition of 

the Nine Network’s lifestyle show Postcards. 

A new Channel 7 series called Melbourne 

Weekender hosted by Cameron Ling is also 

set to feature Bendigo in the near future. 

While in town “Lingy” visited the Great Stupa, 

Central Deborah Gold Mine, Bendigo Pottery, 

Wine Bank on View and the Ironbark Riding 

Centre. 

In addition to all this great publicity Bendigo 

was also featured in the New York Times 

newspaper in November 2014 as a “Cultural 

escape north of Melbourne”. This article 

highlighted Bendigo Art Gallery, Ulumbarra 

Theatre, the Great Stupa and local cafes and 

restaurants. 

Bendigo Tourism works closely with media 

outlets, journalists and travel writers to 

promote Bendigo as a great place to visit. 

12 



What is Your plan? 

Be prepared for when an emergency strikes 

In case of an emergency what is your plan? 

How would you receive warning advice and 

where are your escape paths? 

To ensure residents and businesses are 

prepared when emergency strikes, the City, 

Victoria Police, Country Fire Authority (CFA), 

State Emergency Service (SES) and the 

Australian Red Cross have launched a flip 

chart to help people plan ahead. 

Emergencies can have a long-term effect 

on you, your family and your community, 

so people are encouraged to place the 

attached flip chart on their fridge at home or 

in their office at work and use it as a prompt 

to have a discussion about how they can 

support family members or colleagues in an 

emergency. 

The flip chart provides information on: 

• Preparing your home by clearing out 

gutters, cutting grass, trimming trees and 

removing rubbish 

• Preparing a ‘grab kit’ of important 

documents such as insurance, medical 

and bank details, photos, pension 

information, medication and wills 

• Having a plan for your pets 

• Taking care of the people around you 

• Knowing where to look for additional 

information or relief 

The flip chart is also available from City 

offices in Lyttleton Terrace and Heathcote, 

libraries in Bendigo, Eaglehawk, Kangaroo 

Flat and Heathcote, and the offices of the 

participating agencies. 

For more information on how you can plan, 

prepare and act in an emergency, visit 

www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/emergency 

IN CASE OF AN 

EMERGENCY 

What is 

Your plan 

KNOWLEDGE 

Mayor Cr Rod Fyffe launches the emergency 

services flip chart with representatives from 

SES, CFA and Victoria Police. 

HAVE A PLAN 

BE CONNECTED 

SAFETY & WELLBEING 

INFORMATION 


Update bush fire survival plan 

With fire restrictions in place, Greater 

Bendigo residents are reminded to be 

prepared for the fire season. 

There are many ways rural and suburban 

property owners or those who live on 

a property can take action to protect 

themselves and their neighbours against the 

risk of fire or ember attack. 

“Start by removing fallen branches and 

leaf litter, cut long grass and clean out any 

gutters. Remind your neighbours to do 

the same or lend a helping hand if they’re 

not able to do the preventative work 

themselves,” City Fire Prevention Officer, Sue 

Moses, said. 

“If you’re using electrical equipment or 

slashers to make the clean-up easier, be 

mindful of it causing sparks. Always wear 

safety goggles and ensure you have at least 

water or, at best, a fire extinguisher nearby. 

“Any excess vegetation around your home 

can also make it vulnerable to ember attack. 

Fire embers can travel quickly, often many 

kilometres ahead of a fire front, and are the 

most common way houses burn down. 

“The City has commenced its fire prevention 

inspections of properties to ensure that 

they are clear of any potential fire risks and 

are safe. Properties that are considered to 

pose a fire threat will be issued with a Fire 

Prevention Notice. Prevention works are the 

best method to lowering fire risk, but if this 

doesn’t occur the City will issue a penalty. 

“Residents should also ensure that they 

maintain their properties throughout the 

summer months, with rain and warm 

temperatures grass and vegetation will 

continue to grow requiring residents keep 

an eye on their properties and take action to 

recut grass or remove excess vegetation. 

“Residents are also encouraged to update 

their bushfire survival plan. Make sure you 

tell family and neighbours of your plan and 

if a high fire day is forecast leave the night 

before or early in the morning. 

“If you have a Neighbourhood Safer Place 

in your area it should not be considered 

as part of your bushfire survival plan. 

A Neighbourhood Safer Place should 

be treated as a place of last resort that 

may provide some sanctuary from a life 

threatening bushfire. Should a fire front 

approach the Neighbourhood Safer Place is 

not the best option to ensure your survival.” 

References 

Watch a video on how to prepare your 

property for the fire season at 

http://youtu.be/Tm7bpVYXcsc 

Further information is available online at 

www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/fire 

To find a list of Neighbourhood Safer 

Places visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/planprepare/neighbourhood-safer-places 

New website to help survive extreme heat 

A practical website has been developed to 

help central Victorians prepare themselves 

and their homes to beat extreme heat 

during the summer months. 

The Heatwave Help website, 

www.heatwavehelp.com.au, features 

information on: 

• Keeping yourself cool – drink water, 

dress for the weather, go somewhere 

cool, stay in the shade, reduce physical 

activity, look after your pets, go 

shopping before it gets too hot, call 000 

when you’re not feeling well 

• Better managing your home – homes 

heat up for a number of reasons and 

these reasons may vary according to 

the direction your home faces. Keep 

windows and blinds closed until it cools 

down outside, reduce drafts, zone off 

areas 

• Improving your home – small 

improvements to your home can make 

a big difference to the temperature. 

Windows are one of the biggest sources 

of heat gain. Put external blinds on your 

sunniest windows, draught seal gaps 

and cracks, shade windows by planting 

trees, ensure there are thick curtains on 

windows 

Mayor Cr Rod Fyffe said heatwaves in 

Australia are becoming more frequent and 

more severe. 

“Heatwaves are a serious health threat 

and in the most extreme cases can be 

fatal. Everyone can be affected but the 

most vulnerable group is the elderly,” Rod 

said. 

“It is important that everyone is aware of 

the dangers associated with extreme heat 

and ensure they understand how they can 

best keep themselves and their homes 

cool. 

“The Heatwave Help website gives 

great advice on how to beat the heat 

through simple home improvements and 

managing our health and living spaces. 

If we focus on just one action associated 

with each general piece of advice it can 

help make a difference in ensuring we 

are comfortable during the hot summer 

months. 

“Central Victoria can experience very hot 

weather and we want to ensure everyone, 

especially our elderly and vulnerable, 

survives these harsh conditions. If you 

are not able to log onto the internet, find 

someone who can assist you and then 

make the changes you can.” 

The Heatwave Help Project was funded by 

the Adapting to Change – Climate Change 

Adaptation Project, in partnership with 

the Victorian Government and the City of 

Greater Bendigo, Loddon Shire, Mount 

Alexander Shire, Macedon Ranges Shire, 

Buloke Shire and Central Goldfields Shire. 

www.heatwavehelp.com.au 

14 



Ward news 

Reflecting on serving the Greater Bendigo community 

It is a privilege to serve the community as 

Councillor for the City of Greater Bendigo. 

As I enter my final year as a Councillor, I will 

step down at next year’s Council elections, 

I would like to reflect on the remarkable 

opportunity I have had. 

“I am most proud of the Council’s 

investment in the Bendigo 

Botanic Gardens – Garden for the 

Future project” 

As a Councillor I have strived to ensure the 

needs of the community are met. I will soon 

participate in my last budget process, but I 

am proud to have continually championed 

the importance of investing in core services 

that residents value. When funding is 

allocated to build new footpaths, operate 

our swimming pools, install drainage or 

deliver Maternal and Child Health services 

it is the community that benefits. That said, 

there is more to Local Government than the 

three ‘Rs’ – roads, rates and rubbish. 

People expect more and in recent years the 

Council has been able to progress a number 

of major projects that will enhance our 

overall liveability by partnering with other 

levels of government and the community. 

The new Bendigo Airport runway, 

Greater Bendigo Indoor Aquatic Leisure 

and Wellbeing Centre, Canterbury Park 

redevelopment, the Ulumbarra Theatre, the 

Bendigo Art Gallery extension, the expanded 

Bendigo Stadium and much more will be 

or have been a welcome addition to our 

cultural, sporting or business landscape. 

Although, I am most proud of the Council’s 

investment in the Bendigo Botanic Gardens – 

Garden for the Future project. I look forward 

to seeing this project come to fruition and 

having the Gardens expanded to provide a 

place for recreation activities, educational 

programs and horticultural research. 

The Council is also charged with the 

responsibility of planning many years into 

the future. I have been delighted to support 

the Waste and Resource Management 

Strategy, the Rosalind Park Master Plan and 

Hospital Precinct Structure Plan, all of which 

will help prepare our city for the forecast 

growth it is set to experience. 

In 2012-2013 I was Mayor of the City. This 

was a great honour. I was especially proud 

of my open door policy and welcomed 

the opportunity to meet with residents. 

Throughout this time I was also invited 

to many varied community events. It is 

wonderful to be amongst constituents and 

these events were a chance to hear what 

residents valued and what they needed 

more of. 

When I was Mayor the main political 

leadership roles locally were filled by 

women – the Member for Bendigo East, 

Member for Bendigo West and the Federal 

Member for Bendigo. I am passionate about 

progressing the role of women in society 

and ensuring that they are able to make 

a positive contribution to where they live 

– whether that is being a leader at their 

school, sitting on a sporting committee or 

running as a candidate in a government 

election process. 

This is why I developed the Women Showing 

the Way event to encourage and inspire 

young female students to get involved in the 

life of their community. There have been five 

Women Showing the Way events featuring 

local politicians, sportswomen, celebrities 

and female leaders in our community. 

I am thankful for the opportunity to be a 

Councillor and I hope I have been able to 

inspire the next generation of women (and 

even some of the current generation!) to 

consider putting their hand up and have a go. 

Cr Lisa Ruffell 

T: 5434 6206 

M: 0429 946 171 

E: l.ruffell@bendigocouncillors.org.au 

Pictured above 

Front: Bendigo Botanic Gardens Curator Brad 

Creme, Cr Lisa Ruffell and Millie Daunt. 

Back: Friends of Bendigo Botanic Gardens 

Melinda Daunt, Jane Cleary, Eric Wilkinson, 

Jan Orr, Elva Ritchie and Judy Milner. 


Bendigo is a 

welcoming 

and tolerant 

community 

Cr Mark Weragoda welcomes the Kim family at 

a recent Citizenship Ceremony. 

I migrated here from Sri Lanka in 1975 and I have firsthand 

experience of how welcoming and tolerant the 

vast majority of people in Bendigo are. 

Settling in the region has provided me and my family 

with many opportunities for which we are truly 

grateful. 

I have been able to establish a successful business 

here, have been supported by many community 

groups, including Rotary, and have had the honour of 

being elected to Council to represent Eppalock Ward. 

None of this could have been achieved had Bendigo 

been the unwelcoming place it has been portrayed as 

by national media outlets. 

To help combat this perception and to ensure we 

remain welcoming and tolerant of others, Council 

is developing its first ever Cultural Diversity and 

Inclusion Plan, which seeks to: 

• Improve attitudes towards multiculturalism 

• Increase opportunities for culturally, linguistically 

and religiously diverse residents to participate in 

the community 

• Maximise the benefits to the community of cultural 

diversity 

• Reduce racial and religious discrimination 

Council has a commitment to ensuring all people 

have an opportunity to participate in all aspects of 

society. 

Everyone knows that Greater Bendigo is a great place 

to live and work and together we aspire to be the 

most liveable regional city in Australia. A diverse and 

inclusive community is an important part of this. 

Regardless of where you come from or how long 

you have lived in Bendigo, it is essential all residents 

from various cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious 

backgrounds feel valued and included, and no one’s 

Human Rights are neglected. 

Research has shown there are many benefits to a 

culturally diverse community such as increased 

innovation, productivity and economic advantage. 

The plan will be an opportunity to identify how 

Bendigo can harness the many cultural changes it is 

experiencing. 

Details about how to participate in the plan’s 

development are available on the City’s website at 

www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/culturaldiversity 

Cr Mark Weragoda 

T: 5434 6192 

M: 0400 363 586 

E: m.weragoda@bendigocouncillors.org.au 

16 



Bendigo Stadium Manager Jason Wallace 

with Cr Barry Lyons. 

New aquatic centre and stadium expansion progresses 

It is pleasing to see that two major projects 

within Lockwood Ward are moving closer 

with Council recently calling for expressions 

of interest for the construction of the 

Greater Bendigo Indoor Aquatic Leisure and 

Wellbeing Centre in Kangaroo Flat and the 

expansion of the Bendigo Stadium in West 

Bendigo. 

With a combined total budget of over $46.5M 

the new Aquatic Leisure and Wellbeing 

Centre and Bendigo Stadium redevelopment 

projects are the largest package of works 

the City has ever released. With planning 

permits issued we are now moving into the 

procurement phase for both of these major 

projects and both contracts are expected to 

go to tender in early 2016 with construction 

to be commenced shortly afterwards. 

The stadium is expected to take about 12 

months to complete while construction of 

the new aquatic complex should take 15 

months. 

The Greater Bendigo Indoor Aquatic Leisure 

and Wellbeing Centre will provide year 

round access for people of all ages and 

abilities and will include a 50m eight lane 

Olympic swimming pool, hydrotherapy 

pool, learn to swim pool, toddler pool, 

spa, sauna, gymnasium, group fitness and 

multipurpose rooms, café, change rooms, 

child minding facilities, landscaped lawn 

areas and carpark. 

The project will fulfil a major objective of 

the City’s 2010 Aquatic Facilities Strategy, 

which recommended that a new aquatic 

centre be built in Kangaroo Flat to serve 

the local community and wider region. 

The project is a partnership between the 

Victorian State Government who have 

committed $15M, the City of Greater 

Bendigo, Kangaroo Flat Community 

Enterprise and an intended commercial 

operator. 

The expansion of the Bendigo Stadium will 

transform the stadium into one of regional 

Australia’s best multi-purpose stadium and 

events centres. This project includes a three 

court/show court expansion, an upgrade of 

the existing 12 outdoor netball facilities and 

construction of spectator seating to cater for 

up to 4,000 people at concerts and sporting 

events. The $16.5M expansion project will 

be funded with $10M from Bendigo Stadium 

Ltd., $5M from the State Government and 

$1.5M (and in-kind support) from the City. 

Council is committed to providing facilities 

that enhance resident’s health and 

wellbeing, respond to overall recreation 

needs and help attract major events that are 

important for our local economy. 

Both of these major projects are very exciting 

for Greater Bendigo and I look forward to 

seeing them progress. 

With summer here I would like to 

remind residents about Crusoe 

Reservoir and No 7 Park. 

This wonderful natural reserve is 

a great place for the whole family 

to visit for bushwalking, nature 

spotting, jogging, cycling, fishing 

and swimming and it’s only a matter 

of minutes from the centre of 

Bendigo. It’s a fantastic place to keep 

cool over the summer! 

I take this opportunity to wish all residents 

a safe and happy Christmas and New Year 

holiday. 

Cr Barry Lyons 

T: 5434 6215 

M: 0429 292 084 

E: b.lyons@bendigocouncillors.org.au 


Discover 

Eaglehawk 

If you love beautiful parks and gardens, 

grand historic buildings, shady tree lined 

streets and fantastic sporting facilities you 

really should rediscover Eaglehawk. 

Eaglehawk has a long and proud history 

dating back to when gold was first 

discovered in April 1852. The area was 

quickly settled and in July 1862 Eaglehawk 

was officially proclaimed a Borough. 

Like Bendigo, Eaglehawk’s rich gold mining 

past remains very evident to this day in the 

abundance of glorious heritage buildings, 

homes and churches and the many 

descendants of its pioneering families who 

remain, to this day, fiercely loyal to the 

Borough. 

The heart of Eaglehawk is High Street with 

its charming village style atmosphere, easy 

parking, and its many and varied retail and 

other businesses, cafes and eateries. 

Eaglehawk is home to the Peter Krenz 

Centre indoor heated swimming pool and 

also boasts the Neangar Park Golf Club, one 

of city’s finest 18 hole grass green courses, 

the exciting McKern Skate Park, badminton 

and table tennis stadium, BMX track, 

baseball complex and a football ground 

complete with a picturesque grandstand at 

Canterbury Park. 

A trip to Eaglehawk would not be complete 

without a stroll through beautiful, historic 

Canterbury Park gardens and Lake Neangar 

with its array of birdlife, boardwalk, 

barbecue and picnic facilities is also well 

worth a visit. 

In recent times the City has carried out 

extensive improvement works at both 

Canterbury Gardens and Lake Neangar 

to encourage even greater usage by the 

general community. 

Other points of interest include the opulent 

Town Hall, historic cannons, former Post 

Office and Mechanics Institute, Courthouse 

Museum and the old log lock-up which was 

built around 1855. 

Eaglehawk is only a short seven kilometre 

drive from the Bendigo central business 

district and well worth the trip. Why not 

rediscover Eaglehawk for yourself soon! 

Eaglehawk Town Hall. 

18 



Canterbury Park. 

Lake Neangar. 

Cannon at Eaglehawk Town Hall. 

Eaglehawk Skate Park. 


Team effort for state-of- 

New state-of-the-art sports facilities 

have been unveiled at the Canterbury 

Park Precinct in Eaglehawk. 

The revitalised precinct features new netball/tennis courts, a 

mixed-use pavilion, cricket nets and training area, synthetic 

bowling green, event space, roadway, car parking, footpaths 

and landscaping. The heritage Canterbury Park Grandstand, 

which overlooks the oval, was also refurbished. 

Cr Peter Cox said the redevelopment delivers on 

recommendations in the 2011 Canterbury Park Precinct 

Master Plan and realises long-held aspirations for the site. 

“These facilities mark the culmination of 10 years of hard 

work by the City of Greater Bendigo and the members of 

various user groups who had a vision to transform Canterbury 

Park into a sporting hub with contemporary facilities,” Peter 

said. 

“This is a space not only where people can come and enjoy 

a kick of the footy or throw a netball between friends, but is 

also capable of hosting major sporting and cultural events 

that can have a positive flow-on effect to the local economy. 

“Many people would have driven past and seen the works 

underway, so I encourage people to make the time to see for 

themselves this fantastic community asset.” 

The City has invested $4.25M in this project, while the State 

Government contributed $1.45M. The Eaglehawk community 

has also made significant donations. 

Over the next two financial years the City will invest 

approximately $2M in the construction of a new social 

pavilion, which will be home to junior and senior AFL, cricket 

and netball clubs. 

Subject to funding, there are also plans to build a band stand 

to face the events oval and install a regional play space. 

Below: Residents enjoy activities at the official opening of 

the Canterbury Park precinct. 

What the 

clubs say... 

“The facilities are fantastic and will help bring a 

club mentality. We’ve had netballers for 25 years 

and they’ve never had their own showers. Now, 

they’ll be able to stay around and come to the 

club rooms rather than go home.” 

Andrew Reid, Vice President Eaglehawk Football 

Netball Club 

“This is absolutely fantastic, state-of-the-art. We’ve 

been provided with facilities for the next 50 years.” 

Ashley Piercy, President Eaglehawk Cricket Club 

“Prior to the redevelopment we had a tin shed for 

shelter. Now we have a lovely new building with 

all the facilities we need. The courts are beautiful, 

no more asphalt which is great. This is really 

positive for the club and will help attract new 

netballers too.” 

Genevieve McColl, netball player 

“It’s a fantastic surface to bowl on. From our point 

of view we’re just knocked over by it. Other clubs 

who play here love the view. I have not heard one 

bad comment.” 

Stephen Piercy, Treasurer Eaglehawk Bowls Club 

“It’s perfect for our Sunday Family Day and Gala 

Fair because of all the open space for our stalls, 

generally just being able to spread out. It’s just 

fantastic. Where else in Bendigo do you get a 

situation like this? You’ve got the lake, you’ve got 

all this area. It’s absolutely beautiful.” 

David Richards, President Dahlia and Arts Festival 

Car parking and landscaping: storm 

water runoff will help to irrigate the 

landscaped area. 

Synthetic bowling green: includes 

lighting for night time competition 

and spectator canopy. Suitable for 

use all year round. 

20 



the-art sports facilities 

Events oval: suitable for hosting 

events such as the Dahlia and Arts 

Festival, community markets, outdoor 

concerts and sporting events, such as 

triathlon transition area. 

Two blue acrylic netball/tennis 

courts with lighting: competitionstandard 

courts with terraced 

spectator viewing and multi-use 

pavilion with change rooms, public 

toilets, meeting room and storage. 

Canterbury Park Grandstand 

refurbishment: heritage restoration 

of the grandstand including 

refurbished upper seating area, 

improved drainage, updated change 

rooms, first aid room, kitchen and 

social room. 

Site of the proposed new social pavilion. 

Five multi-use cricket nets: 

re-tractable cricket nets to allow for 

batting, bowling and fielding practice. 

Can also be used for soccer training, 

football drills or other activities. 


Cr Peter Cox and reference group 

member Aylene Kirkwood enjoy 

the newly landscaped area at the 

Courthouse. 

Revitalising Eaglehawk’s Town Hall precinct is a 

team effort 

City officers have been working with the 

Eaglehawk community to revitalise and 

protect the historic Eaglehawk Town Hall 

precinct. 

The last edition of GB Magazine reported on 

restoration works at the Eaglehawk Town 

Hall, including removing and replacing the 

roof of the landmark clock tower and its 

flagpole. 

“Recent works have seen the 

laying of new turf, installation of 

bluestone and concrete pavers 

and new signage, plantings and 

bench seating” 

Coinciding with this has been major 

drainage and landscaping works in the 

surrounding precinct – which includes 

the Eaglehawk Court House, Eaglehawk 

Mechanics Institute and old log lock-up – 

costing around $190,000. 

“The City has been working in partnership 

with the Community Reference Group to 

invigorate and protect this important historic 

precinct,” the City’s Building and Property 

Manager, Andy Walker, said. 

“Recent works have seen the laying or new 

turf, installation of bluestone and concrete 

pavers and new signage, plantings and 

bench seating,” Andy said. 

“The project has also involved drainage 

improvement works, including forming a 

grassed mound to the side of the Eaglehawk 

Court House to divert water into a 

stormwater pit during significant rain events. 

“The City worked with the reference group 

to determine what the priorities should be. 

Weather-proofing of the heritage buildings, 

starting with the drainage in the surrounding 

area was determined to be the number one 

issue needing to be addressed. This led to 

the preliminary landscaping works.” 

The reference group includes representatives 

from Star Cinema, the Dahlia and Arts 

Festival, Eaglehawk Mechanics Institute, 

Eaglehawk Billiards Club, Eaglehawk Court 

House and Cr Peter Cox. 

Group member, Aylene Kirkwood, 

congratulated the City for the way it was 

undertaking the works in consultation with 

key stakeholders. 

“The improvements to the landscaping, 

improved lighting and beautification, and 

new drainage around the old Court House 

and Mechanics Institute, and Senior Citizens 

has made the entrance to Eaglehawk much 

more appealing,” Aylene said. 

“All the people of Eaglehawk can now benefit 

from these improvements and be proud of 

their heritage.” 

22 



Our local economy 

From bushmasters to baubles 

Life can sometimes throw up a challenge 

for local small businesses like Riches Auto 

Refinishing - painting camouflage on 

Bushmaster vehicles one day and then 

painting 200 baubles to decorate Bendigo’s 

community Christmas tree the next. 

City Business Broker Kendyl Hopley, 

with RAR owner Lein Riches, City Economic 

Development Manager Brian Gould and 

RAR Quality Manager Daniel Bluemore. 

Owner Lein Riches and his four staff at Riches 

Auto Refinishing (RAR) have been operating 

in Bendigo since June 2005. For the past 

eight years the company has specialised 

in painting approximately 75 of the Thales 

Bendigo produced Bushmaster vehicles each 

year, as well as repair work on a number of 

vehicles used at the Puckapunyal Army Base. 

City Economic Development Manager, Brian 

Gould, said RAR is one of six local firms 

to participate in a Quality Management 

Accreditation program funded by the State 

Government’s Manufacturing Productivity 

Networks and delivered by the City’s 

Economic Development Unit. 

“RAR recently received certification through 

the accreditation program which helps small 

business to better compete for government 

works and projects. One of those projects 

was a new paint job for the baubles that 

decorate Bendigo’s community Christmas 

tree,” Brian said. 

“It’s great to see that RAR were able to take 

on this project for the City because it was 

outside of their usual work and they’ve done 

a great job.” 

RAR Quality Manager Dan Bluemore said the 

most obvious benefit of participating in the 

accreditation program is the improvements 

the company has made to its processes. 

“Thales has given us feedback to say that 

the quality and consistency of the trucks we 

are painting is at a higher level than we’ve 

ever achieved. Not only has our quality and 

consistency improved, our rework rate has 

decreased as the additional processes we 

have developed provides a mechanism for 

correcting small errors before the initial 

painting is complete,” Dan said. 

“The City’s Christmas bauble project is very 

interesting for us as it is not a usual job. 

But we were very excited to play a role in 

painting the decorations for the Rosalind 

Park community christmas tree. 

“We encountered a few minor challenges 

such as the technique for rubbing spheres 

rather than flat surfaces and while we may 

have dropped a couple we can confirm that 

they bounce quite well,” he joked. 

Strategy guides development of shopping and office areas 

A new strategy has been adopted by 

Council to guide the future development 

of shopping and office areas. 

The Commercial Land and Activity Centre 

Strategy has been prepared to provide 

policy, planning and investment direction 

for Greater Bendigo’s urban and rural 

activity centres over the next 15 years. 

The strategy finds there will be demand 

for around 150,000sqm of commercial 

floorspace across central Bendigo by 

2031, with developments expected to 

range from three to five storeys. 

It endorses an activity centre hierarchy 

that recognises central Bendigo as the 

most important retail and commercial 

centre for northern and central Victoria, 

while also acknowledging the important 

roles played by other smaller centres in 

the municipality. 

The hierarchy is made up of the City 

Centre; Activity Centres, including 

Eaglehawk, Heathcote and Kangaroo 

Flat; Neighbourhood Activity Centres 

including California Gully, Golden Square 

and White Hills; Local Centres including 

Flora Hill, Kennington and Spring Gully; 

and Township/Rural Centres, including 

Axedale, Elmore and Marong. 

“The hierarchy is extremely important 

from a planning perspective as it defines 

the role and function of each level of 

activity centre and it identifies the range 

of activities that need to be provided,” the 

strategy states. 

“It is important as it helps to encourage 

healthy competition between the centres, 

while also protecting the enormous 

amount of existing investment that 

has been made on each and every 

commercial property. 

“Undermining the hierarchy by allowing 

‘out-of-centre’ developments could have 

serious implications for the investment 

already made in existing centres, together 

with implications for ongoing business 

viability, jobs and future investment.” 

With significant population growth 

forecast, the strategy also encourages the 

future expansion of existing supermarkets 

and the construction of new ones in 

central Bendigo, in activity centres and in 

township/rural centres. 

Small scale supermarkets are encouraged 

in Neighbourhood Activity Centres where 

there is a sufficient customer base to 

support them. New supermarkets will not 

be supported outside of designated areas, 

including in industrial areas. 


What’s in the works? 

As part of Council’s commitment to deliver improved infrastructure, a range of works are currently underway or have recently been completed. 

Stormwater drainage construction works recently undertaken along Tannery Lane and 

Guys Hill Road will allow for the residential development of the land east of Guys Hill Road. 

The cost is approximately $500,000. 

A new footpath in Myrtle Road between Howard Street and McConnachie Court, Ascot is 

now complete. The cost of the project was $70,000. 

Other works underway or completed: 

• Olympic Parade, Kangaroo Flat – Concrete Footpath 

• Wellington Street, Strathfieldsaye – Asphalt Footpath 

• Darling Street/Turnbull Street, Eaglehawk – Drainage Upgrade 

• Broad Parade, Spring Gully – Major Drainage Upgrade 

• Heinz Street, East Bendigo – Realignment around proposed runway 

• Honeysuckle/Pitt Street, Bendigo – Drainage Upgrade 

• Installation of Park Furniture at selected locations 

• Bendigo Botanic Gardens – Arch of Triumph Restoration 

• Proactive Tree Maintenance Program 

• Barrack Reserve, Heathcote – Installation of upgraded electrical 

infrastructure 

$190,000 drainage works to alleviate flooding were recently completed in Osborne Street, 

Flora Hill. 

A list of current works is available at 

www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/roadworks 

24 



Footpath construction is underway in Mitchell Street between Wills and McLaren Streets. 

Works will cease during December and January and will be completed in early May, 2016 

and are estimated to cost $570,000. 

Stage four of the East Bendigo Road Link is underway which includes road works from 

Rowena Street to Rohs Road. Works are expected to be completed in early 2016. The cost 

for all four phases is approximately $2.7M. 

City prepares to start work on new bus commuter hub 

Work is expected to commence on the 

construction of the much-anticipated 

undercover bus commuter hub featuring 

real-time timetabling at the Mitchell Street 

end of the Hargreaves Mall in February, 2016. 

The new commuter hub is a key component 

of Bendigo’s public transport system and 

will provide around 80 square metres of 

undercover space with seating for 45 people 

and standing room for a further 60. 

The project is the result of extensive 

community consultation since April 2013 

involving students from all major secondary 

schools, senior citizens and traders in the 

Hargreaves Mall and Mitchell Street. 

The discussions the City had with students 

were particularly productive and identified 

some problems that the City was been 

able to solve in the design of the hub. For 

example one student raised an issue around 

school bag storage and the City was able 

to make changes to the seat design to 

accommodate this suggestion. 

The project also includes the removal and 

relocation of the ‘obelisk’ which is currently 

located at the Mitchell Street end of the Mall. 

Materials from the obelisk structure will be 

salvaged and reused elsewhere at a later 

date. 

A tender for the construction of the new hub 

structure, which will be pre-fabricated off 

site, has been advertised with on-site works 

scheduled to begin in February 2016. 

The two steel-framed structures will feature 

large glass oval-shaped roofs and will 

include screens to display the real-time 

timetabling information. 

This is an exciting move as Bendigo will be 

the first regional Victorian city to utilise this 

technology. 

The new hub will allow commuters to wait 

for their bus in comfort rather than having 

to stand out on the street and the real-time 

bus timetabling means users can keep track 

of where their bus is and the exact time that 

it will arrive so they can make their way to 

appropriate bus stop located a few metres 

away. 

Public Transport Victoria has worked hard to 

develop this new and innovative real-time 

time tabling technology, which is set to 

revolutionise bus travel in Bendigo. 

Concept image: Bus commuter hub. 


Our Environment 

Energy upgrades 

add up to big savings 

The savings continue to 

mount following the City’s 

Energy Efficiency Upgrades 

at seven of its highest energy 

consuming sites. 

The upgrades were undertaken in an effort 

to reduce energy use and save money by 

lowering the operating costs of each building 

and the work was undertaken with a $380,000 

grant from the Australian Government’s 

Community Energy Efficiency Program which 

was matched by the City. 

In this edition we look at the savings being 

made at the City’s Adam Street Depot, Bendigo 

Livestock Exchange and Bendigo Aquatic 

Centre. 

Energy savings for Aquatic Centre 

While the Bendigo Aquatic Centre’s 

budget has benefited from changing its 

light sources to more energy-efficient 

options, the biggest drains on the 

centre’s power use comes from the 

pumping and heating of pool water 

which account for 20 per cent and 73 per 

cent respectively. 

Energy Efficiency Upgrades at the centre 

are addressing both of these areas in an 

effort to cut overall power usage by a 

massive 18 per cent. 

Already simply changing the exit lights to 

LEDs is saving $1,045 on the power bills. 

The pool’s pumps have also been fitted 

with new variable speed drivers, which 

mean when the pool is not being used 

the pump will slow down and save 

energy. This change has seen $2,850 cut 

from the annual energy costs. 

As part of the upgrades two new, 

improved heat saving blankets have 

been installed at the pool, however 

management will have to wait a little 

longer for the actual results of this 

upgrade. 

Recent pool maintenance interrupted 

the centre’s usual energy use, so the 

City has opted to wait until normal use 

returns to measure the true savings of 

the pool blankets. 

Pool blankets stop water evaporating 

overnight. This means less fresh water 

is needed to top up pool levels the next 

day and less natural gas is burnt to heat 

the water. 

City Active Communities Team Leader, 

Amy Johnston, said the blankets also 

ensure the pool is protected overnight 

from environmental factors like ducks. 

“This means other energy-using devices 

like filters, pumps and vacuums are 

not required to the same extent as they 

were,” Amy said. 

Research shows pool covers can save on 

average 25 per cent of energy use, and 

that’s higher in hot and dry climates like 

Bendigo, so the City expects to see even 

more energy savings once the test results 

can be confirmed. 

26 



Depot savings higher 

than expected 

Lighting improvements at 

Livestock Exchange 

As with any home owner looking to cut 

energy use, the City knew it was important 

to look to the work shed. 

The Adam Street Depot is open seven 

days a week and is home to the City’s 

Waste Services, Works and Parks & Natural 

Reserves units and lighting accounts for a 

massive 42 per cent of the Depot’s overall 

power use. 

While the Energy Efficiency Upgrades at the 

Depot were expected to reduce power usage 

by 13 per cent, test results have shown that 

16.5 per cent has been cut from the annual 

consumption saving the City over $5,700 

each year. 

Maintenance Coordinator, Peter Warhurst, 

said he was surprised with the savings. 

“Over 50 sensor lights were placed in 

meeting rooms, small offices that aren’t 

utilised all day, the lunch room and the 

workshop office,” Peter said. 

The project also saw excess lights removed. 

There may not be too many Bendigo sheds 

being used by 140 staff each week like the 

Depot is, however Peter said the upgrades 

here show it’s well worth making energy use 

changes to outbuildings, as well as homes 

and businesses. 

“I do believe it is a good 

example of how much 

energy can be saved, as 

well as the monetary 

savings,” Peter said. 

Between its weekly sheep and cattle sales 

and monthly pig and poultry sales, the 

Bendigo Livestock Exchange turns over 

$160M of business annually. 

While most only see the action of sales days, 

this facility sees activity most evenings. The 

truck wash is open 24/7 and on evenings 

before sales days, agents are busy unloading 

and penning animals. 

So while lighting accounts for 39 per cent of 

the power usage, it’s vital to the running of 

the exchange. 

But that didn’t mean major savings 

couldn’t be found. The Energy 

Efficiency Upgrades made to 

the exchange’s lighting was 

expected to cut usage by four 

per cent, when in fact it’s almost doubled that 

creating annual savings of over $1,700. 

By installing over 50 sensor-enabled LED and 

fluorescent lights in the agents’ offices and 

removing excess lights, energy consumption 

has dropped by 7.2 per cent. 

“Every saving is a saving for the long term,” 

Exchange Manager, Kerrie Crowley, said. 

“We’re going to get more and more benefit 

from this as the cost of electricity continues 

to rise.” 

Kerrie said a welcome effect of the upgrades 

has been an improvement in the quality 

of the street lights, which have also been 

changed to LEDs. 

“The LEDs provide a clearer, brighter light 

than the old yellow lights,” she said. 


TRIAL UPDATE 

The City is very pleased 

with the way residents 

participating in a trial 

of the new fortnightly 

organics waste collection 

have responded. 

Some 2,800 households in parts 

of Kennington, Strathdale, East 

Bendigo, White Hills and North Bendigo are 

taking part in the trial, which commenced in 

September this year. 

“Outcomes of the trial so far are 

better than we expected with over 

70 per cent of participants putting 

out their new organics bin each 

fortnight” 

City Organics Project Officer, Bridgette 

McDougall, said the City is closely 

monitoring the trial and the contents of the 

organics bins when they are collected. 

“We are really pleased by the way trial 

participants have embraced the new service 

overall,” Bridgette said. 

“Outcomes of the trial so far are better 

than we expected with over 70 per cent of 

participants putting out their new organics 

bin each fortnight. 

“While there is about 1.5 per cent of 

contamination happening from people 

placing nappies, clothing, textiles, food in 

packaging and plastic bags and bottles 

in their organics bin it is still encouraging 

compared to other Councils that have 

commenced an organic service. 

“Trial participants have definitely taken 

advantage of their new organics bin to 

dispose of their spring garden waste. 

“It’s good to see that most trial households 

are aware of what they can and can’t put 

in the organics bin. But best of all we have 

already stopped tonnes of recyclable organic 

material from going into landfill.” 

Bridgette said feedback from residents about 

their experience with the new organic bin is 

important for the city. 

“We are recording all resident concerns and 

comments both positive and negative and 

these will be taken on board before the new 

Organics Service is introduced to the wider 

community in 2016,” she said. 

“There has been some great suggestions 

received to date and we expect more will be 

made through the surveys, which have been 

sent out to participants. 

“The trial participants are playing an 

important role and their feedback will help 

shape the final service.” 

Trial participant Sue Prentice from 

Strathdale said she loves the organics 

concept. 

“We find that the green caddy liners last 

several days before they need changing and 

there’s no odour, which is great. Presently we 

use the system for food that we don’t give 

the chooks like citrus peel, avocado seeds, 

onion skins, cheese and meat so there’s still 

a need for this service to dispose of food 

scraps even if you have chooks,” Sue said. 

“Regarding garden waste, we use the 

system for weeds and diseased vegetation 

such as black spot on roses, the stuff we 

don’t compost.” 

Over 142 tonnes of organic waste was 

collected from the trial households between 

September to the end of October. This waste, 

which would normally have gone straight to 

landfill, has now been recycled into compost 

for re-use. 

Pictured above: City Organics Project Officer, 

Bridgette McDougall inspects an organics 

collection for contamination. 

Lighting the Regions 

The City is celebrating the successful completion of one 

of the largest street lighting infrastructure partnership 

projects of its type ever undertaken in Australia. The City 

was the lead for the Lighting the Regions project that saw 

16 local government bodies come together to change 

more than 22,000 old mercury street lights over to new 

energy efficient LED lights. 

This impressive project takes in an area that is almost half 

of Victoria in size and commenced in October 2014 with 

the first light changeover in Hepburn Springs. Just one 

year later, the project is now complete with the last light 

change over in the West Wimmera township of Kaniva. 

Bendigo based Project Manager, Andrea Joyce, said: 

“The project has been a fantastic example of how local 

governments can come together to deliver fantastic 

outcomes for both council and the community. The new LED 

lights last five times as long as the old mercury lights and use 

less than a quarter of the power to operate. This will result in 

significant savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.” 

City CEO, Craig Niemann, concurred: “The opportunity 

for the City to deliver this project on behalf of the local 

government partners has been unique and has delivered 

great outcomes for Bendigo. Not only will the new lighting 

save the City an estimated $20M in costs, but in the past 12 

months the Eaglehawk Recycle Centre was also involved in 

sorting and recycling more than half of the old lights from 

the project area.” 

In October, Bendigo hosted the Lighting the Regions 

Regional Energy Efficiency Forum with attendees from 

local government across north and western Victoria 

coming together to discuss opportunities for collaboration 

on future sustainability and energy efficiency projects. 

The Forum covered sustainable buildings, transport, 

benchmarking, funding and financing and a panel of 

industry experts discussed a range of local government 

sustainability projects and initiatives. 

The Lighting the Regions Project Partnership Group is now 

keen to continue the successful collaboration between the 

local government partners and work toward identifying 

new energy efficiency projects into the future. Lighting the 

Regions is only the beginning. 

28 



A big picture plan for Bendigo’s public spaces 

The City has embarked on the development 

of a big picture plan for Bendigo’s public 

spaces. 

The Greater Bendigo Public Space Plan is 

looking at how the parks, creek corridors, 

sports grounds, public land and key streets 

of the city can contribute to the liveability 

of Bendigo and to the good health and 

wellbeing of our community. 

Almost one quarter of the city’s 3,000 square 

kilometres are made up of parks, gardens, 

sports fields, creek corridors and gullies and 

regional and national parks. This means we 

have about 7,000 square metres of public 

space per resident. 

This abundance of space strongly influences 

the character of the city by creating a 

landscape of vegetation and openness. So 

we have a strong foundation, but there are 

some important challenges associated with 

the future planning of our public spaces. 

These include: 

• Responding to Greater Bendigo’s 

significant population growth and to some 

of its emerging community health and 

wellbeing challenges, including obesity 

• Some parts of the city are better off than 

others when it comes to quality, diversity 

and accessibility of public spaces. More 

balance is required and more emphasis 

is needed on supporting unstructured 

activities, such as walking and cycling 

• All public spaces are not equal. They 

have different purposes and needs and 

some require more attention than others 

when it comes to spending and resource 

allocation. A system is needed to help 

with the appropriate allocation of limited 

resources to create, improve and maintain 

public space 

The Public Space Plan represents an 

important opportunity to look at these 

issues and to integrate our public space 

planning with existing strategies. 

The City recently completed the Residential 

Development Strategy and the Connecting 

Greater Bendigo: Integrated Transport and 

Land Use Strategy. 

The Public Space Plan is the third step. As an 

example of the integration that can happen, 

many of the creeks around Bendigo are or 

could be better set up to support walking 

and cycling as a transport option around 

the city. 

The City will work with State Government 

departments and the local community to 

develop the plan. 

For more information about the plan and 

how you can contribute to it visit 

www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/publicspaceplan 

Right: One Tree Hill. 

Below: Bendigo Botanic Gardens. 


Playing in Greater Bendigo 

City flicks switch on 

new floodlighting at 

North Bendigo 

New floodlighting has been unveiled at the 

North Bendigo Recreation Reserve. 

The original lighting was old and noncompliant 

but the project allowed for the 

installation of a 14-pole lighting system that 

has improved training-standard lighting to 

the AFL oval, two netball courts and two 

soccer pitches at the reserve. 

“The new lighting system saves 

clubs needing to hire adequately 

lit facilities and means training 

can continue outside of daylight 

savings hours” 

Manager Active and Healthy Communities, 

Pat Jess, said the major upgrade has 

given user groups and the wider 

community valuable 

infrastructure. 

“The reserve provides a 

home ground facility to 

400 players and is in 

use all year round. The 

new lighting system 

saves clubs needing 

to hire adequately lit 

facilities and means 

training can continue outside of daylight 

savings hours. It also means the clubs are 

more attractive to future members, due to 

having improved facilities,” Pat said. 

“Overall, the general amenity of the area 

is better and safer. The 2014 Active Living 

Census found that North Bendigo-California 

Gully residents exercise and use sports 

grounds at lower rates than other Greater 

Bendigo residents, with safety concerns 

reported as a barrier to participation in 

physical activity, so the installation of this 

lighting is a way the City is addressing these 

concerns. 

“The City is grateful to funding partners 

the State Government, North Bendigo 

Football Club and Golden City Football Club. 

By working together we have been able 

to achieve a great outcome for the local 

community.” 

Right: Cr Peter Cox, City CEO 

Craig Niemann, Minister for 

Sport John Eren, Maree 

Edwards MP and Cr James 

Williams with Golden City 

Soccer Club players. 

• Quality gifts created in the Bendigo region 

• Perfect for someone special this Christmas 

• Complimentary gift wrapping 

• Open every day 9am-5pm, except Christmas day 

Bendigo Visitor Centre 51–67 Pall Mall, Bendigo, VIC 3550 

P 03 5434 6060 E info@uniquelybendigo.com.au W www.uniquelybendigo.com.au 

30 



arrangements 

The Mayor, Councillors, CEO, Directors and staff wish everybody a very happy and enjoyable holiday season and a safe and prosperous 2016. 

Over the Christmas holiday period, 

the City will continue to provide 

residents with access to services. 

The City’s main offices in Lyttleton 

Terrace, Hopetoun Street, Mundy 

Street and Heathcote will close 

at 3pm on Thursday December 

24, 2015 and will re-open Monday 

January 4, 2016. 

The City has a 24 hour responsive 

telephone service. For emergency 

services at all hours please 

phone 5434 6000. 

Garbage and 

Recycling 

Collections 

Garbage Collections 

Residential garbage 

collections scheduled for 

Christmas Day (Friday 

December 25) will be 

collected on Saturday 

December 26. All other days 

remain unaffected. Please put your bins 

kerbside before 6am as per your normal 

collection day. 

Recycling Collections 

Residential recycling collections scheduled 

for Christmas Day (Friday December 25) will 

be collected on Saturday December 26. All 

other days remain unaffected. 

Eaglehawk Landfill 

Closed Christmas day only. Open all other 

days from 8am to 4.30pm. 

Heathcote Landfill 


scheduled days from 8am to 5pm. 

Goornong Transfer Station 

Closed Christmas Day only. Open all other 


Strathfieldsaye Transfer Station 



Bendigo Livestock Exchange 

Closed from 11am Friday December 18 and 

re-opening 7.30am Monday January 4, 2016. 

The truck wash facility will be closed from 

11am December 18, re-opening 7.30am 

January 4, 2016 (site will be padlocked shut). 

Community Services 

Home Care Services 

City offices will be closed from 3pm 

Thursday December 24 and will re-open 

8.30am Monday January 4, 2016. 

During this period limited Home Care 

Services will be provided as pre-arranged 

including Personal Care, Respite Care, 

Planned Activity Group and Food Services. 

Respite Care will not be provided on public 

holidays. 

Domestic Assistance (Home Care) and 

Property Maintenance will not be provided 

from 3pm Thursday December 24, 2015 

until Monday January 4, 2016. 

Food Services meals will be 

delivered prior to the holidays 

for clients as requested. 

Food Services will be closed 

from Friday December 25 

and recommence on Monday 

December 28, 2015. Food 

Services will be closed 

Friday January 1, 2016. 

Food Services will operate 

as normal on all other 

weekdays (excluding public holidays). If 

arranged prior meal assistance can be 

provided on Christmas Day. 

If you do not require any services or wish 

to make changes to your services for the 

Christmas period please notify our office on 

4408 6560. 

If you have an urgent matter while the office 

is closed during the Christmas and New 

Year period, please contact our after-hours 

service on 5434 6000. 

Maternal and Child Health 

All Maternal and Child Health Services will 

close at 3pm on Thursday December 24, 

2015 and will re-open the week commencing 

Monday January 4, 2016. During this period 

the 24 hour Maternal and Child Health Line 

is available on 13 22 29. 

• Annie Galvin 

Corner Mitchell and Gladstone Streets, 

Bendigo 

• Bendigo “The Mews” 

Sidney Myer Place, Bendigo 

• Eaglehawk 

Bendigo Community Health, 

Seymoure Street, 

Eaglehawk 

• Elmore 

Jeffery Street, 

Elmore 

• Epsom 

Strickland Street, Epsom 

• Heathcote 

39 Hospital Street, Heathcote 

• Helen Jessen Children’s Centre 

145 Crook Street, Strathdale 

• Kangaroo Flat 

13 Helm St, Kangaroo Flat 

• Lightning Reef 

74 Holmes Road, Bendigo 

• Maiden Gully 

13 Helm St, Kangaroo Flat 

• Marong 

Leslie Street, Marong 

• Spring Gully 

117 Spring Gully Road, Spring Gully 

• Strathfieldsaye 

Club Court, Strathfieldsaye 

Childcare Centres 

• Bendigo Early Learning Centre 

Park Road, Bendigo 

Closes 6pm on Wednesday December 23, 

2015. 

• Annie Galvin Early Learning Centre 

Gladstone Street, Bendigo 

Closes 6pm on Wednesday December 

23, 2015 and re-opens 7am Wednesday 

January 6, 2016 

• Bendigo Occasional Care Centre 

Gladstone Street Bendigo 

Closes 5.30pm Wednesday December 23, 

2015. Occasional care is transitioning into 

Long Day Care from 2016. 

• Helen Jessen Early Learning Centre 

145 Crook Street, Strathdale 

Closes 6pm on Wednesday December 

23, 2015 and re-opens 7am Wednesday 

January 6, 2016. 

Multi Storey Car Parks in Edward 

Street and Hargreaves Street 

The Multi Storey Car Parks in Hargreaves 

and Edward Streets will be open in line with 

extended retail shopping hours: 

Date 

Wednesday December 9 

Thursday December 10 

Friday December 11 

Saturday December 12 

Sunday December 13 

Monday December 14 

Hours 

7am - 7.30pm 

7am - 7.30pm 

7am - 9.30pm 

7am - 6pm 

7am - 6.30pm 

7am - 7.30pm 

Tuesday December 15 






Monday December 21 

Tuesday December 22 






Friday January 1 

Bendigo Art Gallery 

7am - 7.30pm 

7am - 7.30pm 

7am - 9.30pm 

7am - 9.30pm 

7am - 6.30pm 

7am - 6.30pm 

7am - 9.30pm 

7am - 9.30pm 

7am - 9.30pm 

7am - 7.30pm 

CLOSED 

7am - 9.30pm 

7am - 6.30pm 

CLOSED 

Bendigo Art Gallery will be open to the 

public from 10am to 5pm every day except 

Christmas Day. 

The Capital 

The Capital will close at 3pm on Thursday 

December 24, 2015 and reopen at 9.15am 

Tuesday January 5, 2016. 

Visitor Information Centres 

• Bendigo 

Open 7 Days, 9am – 5pm 

Closed Christmas Day 

• Heathcote 

Open 7 Days, 9am – 5pm 

Closed Christmas Day 

New Year’s Eve Fireworks 

Fireworks will take place at approximately 

9.15pm and 12 midnight on New Year’s 

Eve Thursday December 31, 2015 from the 

tower in Rosalind Park. For safety purposes, 

revellers are reminded that there is an 

85 metre exclusion zone surrounding the 

Rosalind Park Poppet Head. 

The City would like to advise that the QEO 

car park off View Street will be closed 

from 6am Thursday December 31 until 

approximately 9am Friday January 1, 2016 

for safety reasons associated with the New 

Year’s Eve fireworks display. 

It is strongly recommended that the 

appropriate measures be put in place by 

animal owners to ensure animals are safe. 


Your Councillors 

What’s on 

December 

Until 

December 20 

January 

The Last Post 

Soldiers Memorial Museum, Bendigo 

15-17 Darts Victoria Open Teams Championship 

All Seasons Hotel 

24 The City Slider Bendigo 

View Street 

26 Australia Day Celebrations 

Various locations 

29 PGA Bendigo Pro Am Golf 

Neangar Park Golf Club 

30-31 Little Athletics Victoria State Multi Championships 

LaTrobe University, Bendigo Athletics Complex, Spring Gully 

Mayor Cr Rod Fyffe 

T: 5443 7673 

M: 0419 874 015 

E: r.fyffe@bendigocouncillors.org.au 

Cr Barry Lyons 

T: 5434 6215 

M: 0429 292 084 

E: b.lyons@bendigocouncillors.org.au 

Cr Elise Chapman 

T: 5434 6193 

M: 0418 330 289 

E: e.chapman@bendigocouncillors.org.au 

February 

3-7 Jayco Herald Sun Tour 

Bendigo CBD 

13-14 Water Polo Victoria Country Clubs Competition 

Bendigo Aquatic Centre 

For more details visit www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/events 

Cr Peter Cox 

T: 5434 6189 

M: 0427 318 490 

E: p.cox@bendigocouncillors.org.au 

Contact us 

City welcomes new Director 

In October the City warmly 

welcomed Kerryn Ellis as the new 

Director of Organisation Support. 

Kerryn has a Bachelor of Arts, 

a Masters of Commerce and a 

Diploma of Public Policy and 

Management, and has 18 years 

of Local Government experience, 

most recently at Knox City Council. 

She is a passionate Local 

Government leader who 

understands the changing 

environment and external 

pressures currently facing the 

sector - such as rate capping and 

the Local Government Act review - 

and is committed to working with 

the organisation and residents to 

build a resilient Bendigo for the 

future. 

The City hopes Kerryn enjoys her 

new role and living in our wonderful 

community. 

Cr James Williams 

T: 5434 6208 

M: 0427 211 677 

E: j.williams@bendigocouncillors.org.au 

Cr Lisa Ruffell 

T: 5434 6206 

M: 0429 946 171 

E: l.ruffell@bendigocouncillors.org.au 

Cr Mark Weragoda 

T: 5434 6192 

M: 0400 363 586 

E: m.weragoda@bendigocouncillors.org.au 

City of Greater Bendigo 

195-229 Lyttleton Terrace, Bendigo 

Postal PO Box 733, Bendigo 3552 

Telephone 5434 6000 

Hearing or speech impaired? 

Call us via the National Relay Service on 133 677 

Fax 5434 6200 

Email requests@bendigo.vic.gov.au 

Website www.bendigo.vic.gov.au 

After Hours/Emergency Number 

5434 6000 

Operating Hours (Main Office) 

8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday 

Executive Management Team 

Craig Niemann 

Chief Executive Officer 

Pauline Gordon 

Director, Community Wellbeing 

Stan Liacos 

Director, City Futures 

Darren Fuzzard 

Director, Presentation and Assets 

Kerryn Ellis 

Director, Organisation Support 

Prue Mansfield 

Director, Planning and Development 

Cr Helen Leach 

T: 5434 6190 

M: 0419 549 574 

E: h.leach@bendigocouncillors.org.au 

Cr Rod Campbell 

T: 5434 6203 

M: 0427 514 429 

E: r.campbell@bendigocouncillors.org.au 

Councillor emails like other correspondence are the property of the 

City of Greater Bendigo and may be referred to a staff member for 

action. As with any correspondence, if you would like emails to be 

kept private and confidential please place “private and confidential” 

in the subject line. 

32

GB Magazine December 2015

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