Following the weekend's announcement from the Victorian Government, all of regional Victoria including Golden Plains Shire entered a lockdown from 1pm, Saturday 21 August, 2021 until 11.59pm, Thursday 2 September, 2021.
In line with the Government's new restrictions, Golden Plains Shire Council has implemented a number of changes to its operations to reduce the risks to residents, staff and volunteers.
Council Services
Council’s essential services will continue to operate during the lockdown including:
- Kindergarten
- Family Day Care
- Maternal and Child Health
- Active Ageing & Inclusion Services
- Outdoor Works (working on site)
- Recycling and waste collection
As per the Victorian Government directive, all Council Kindergarten, Family Day Care and Occasional Care services are open during the lockdown period to the following people:
- Families with at least one authorised worker, who cannot make alternative supervision arrangements;
- Parents and carers of vulnerable children (no permit required).
We appreciate the understanding of the Golden Plains community with these changes. Families with questions are encouraged to contact Council’s Early Years team at 5220 7230.
The Golden Plains Community Bus trial will not be operating during the lockdown period.
Closed and Open During Lockdown
As per the Victorian Government restrictions, these locations will close during the lockdown:
- Customer Service Centres in Bannockburn and Smythesdale. Customers are still able to contact the Customer Service team by:
- Phone: 5220 7111
- Email: [email protected]
- Online: goldenplains.vic.gov.au/portal
- Libraries including Bannockburn Library and the mobile library
- Community centres including Bannockburn Cultural Centre, The Well at Smythesdale and Meredith Community Centre
- The Digital Hub at The Well in Smythesdale
- Outdoor recreation reserves and indoor recreation centres
- Campgrounds
- Playgrounds
- Skate and bike parks
- Rokewood Transfer Station
As per the Victorian Government directive, all playgrounds in Golden Plains Shire are also closed. Over the coming days, Council’s Works team will be installing closure signs at these locations. We appreciate the understanding of the Golden Plains community.
Note: Council’s waste collection will operate as usual.
Postponed and cancelled events
Public gatherings are not currently permitted. There are changes to several upcoming Council events:
- The August Council Meeting will be held virtually over Zoom on Tuesday 24 August at 6pm. The meeting will be livestreamed and accessible to the public on Council’s website and YouTube channel.
- Council’s weekly in-person youth spaces, programs and activities, including the Bannockburn and Meredith Youth Spaces, will not operate during lockdown.
- The Inverleigh ‘Let’s Come Together’ Coffee and Cake session scheduled for Tuesday 31 August has been postponed. The new date for the session will be shared on Council’s website and social media pages once confirmed.
- Council’s Active Ageing and Inclusion Social Wellbeing activities scheduled for Tuesdays in Bannockburn and Thursdays in Dereel will not operate during lockdown.
For more information on changes to Council's services, operations, and facilities, click here.
For more information on all restrictions, visit the Victorian Government’s Coronavirus website here.