As a large council bordered by Victoria’s largest and second largest regional cities, different parts of Golden Plains Shire observe separate public holidays in lieu of the Melbourne Cup Public Holiday.
The Victorian Minister for Small Business, the Hon Adem Somyurek, under section 8 of the Public Holidays Act 1993, has declared that Tuesday 5 November 2019 (Melbourne Cup) is not a public holiday in all areas of Golden Plains Shire.
Instead, the Minister has declared Friday 18 October 2019 and Friday November 8 2019 as public holidays for separate areas of the municipality:
- Friday 18 October 2019 is appointed a full-day public holiday for all areas in Golden Plains Shire east of Wingeel Road, Gumley-Mt Mercer Road and Meredith-Mt Mercer Road to celebrate the Royal Geelong Show.
- Friday 8 November 2019 is appointed a full-day public holiday for all areas in Golden Plains Shire west of Wingeel Road, Gumley-Mt Mercer Road and Meredith-Mt Mercer Road to celebrate the Ballarat Show.
Council’s Offices and Customer Service Centres will be open as usual on Friday 18 October, Tuesday 5 November and Friday 8 November. Kerbside waste collection will run to the usual schedule on these days as well.