I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all all the best for 2011. I trust 2010 was a great year for you and look forward to being to assist you in 2011. HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Regards
Robert Hall
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Macedon Ranges To Continue Growing in 2011
Whilst we continue to hear by the dooms day people that –
In April this year it was reported that Victoria has a housing shortfall of 22,000 homes, while Australia’s housing shortfall is expected to worsen beyond 200,000 homes this year, and it is expected that it could reach 500,000 by 2029.
In the Macedon Ranges region, the Settlement Strategy released by the Macedon Ranges Shire Council indicates that we are going to increase our population numbers strongly.
The Settlement Strategy can be downloaded here.
Gisborne is where the strongest expansion will be seen increasing from the 2006 census figures of 8,900 - 14,400 by the year 2036.
Other towns with strong growth are Kyneton, Riddells Creek & Romsey. The in depth report addresses everything from the economics, environment and landscape implications.
Our continued huge expansion is contributed to by our great access to Melbourne, both via the Calder Freeway and Railway lines. Many people living on the outskirts of Melbourne in suburbs like Ringwood, Moorabbin, or Werribee spend longer in their vehicles or on the train than we do each day.
I strongly suggest that you download the Settlement Strategy, reading the implications, both positive and negative, and recommendations to manage growth in the Macedon Ranges.
As we all know the Macedon Ranges will continue to be a great place to live, relax, and enjoy life.
- The housing boom has burst
- Property prices are going to crash
- The market is set to tumble
In April this year it was reported that Victoria has a housing shortfall of 22,000 homes, while Australia’s housing shortfall is expected to worsen beyond 200,000 homes this year, and it is expected that it could reach 500,000 by 2029.
In the Macedon Ranges region, the Settlement Strategy released by the Macedon Ranges Shire Council indicates that we are going to increase our population numbers strongly.
The Settlement Strategy can be downloaded here.
Gisborne is where the strongest expansion will be seen increasing from the 2006 census figures of 8,900 - 14,400 by the year 2036.
Other towns with strong growth are Kyneton, Riddells Creek & Romsey. The in depth report addresses everything from the economics, environment and landscape implications.
Our continued huge expansion is contributed to by our great access to Melbourne, both via the Calder Freeway and Railway lines. Many people living on the outskirts of Melbourne in suburbs like Ringwood, Moorabbin, or Werribee spend longer in their vehicles or on the train than we do each day.
I strongly suggest that you download the Settlement Strategy, reading the implications, both positive and negative, and recommendations to manage growth in the Macedon Ranges.
As we all know the Macedon Ranges will continue to be a great place to live, relax, and enjoy life.
Gisborne secondary College Congratulates
Amongst many achievements this year that are too numerous to mention, we would like to pay a special congratulation to Stonefield, Pure Heat and the Live 4 Life winners for their outstanding efforts throughout the year representing GSC.
Congratulations to the hugely talented student band Stonefield for winning triple J’s Australia wide Unearthed High competition. The band is comprised of sisters Hannah, Sarah and Holly Findlay who all attend Gisborne Secondary College, as well as older sister Amy.
Apart from local gigs, Stonefield have appeared at the St Kilda Festival and the bushfire appeal at Fed Square. You can hear the band in action by following the links at the triple J website. Unearthed is triple j’s initiative to support independent, self-funded musicians and provide opportunities to those artists who show most potential.
Congratulations to the hugely talented student band Stonefield for winning triple J’s Australia wide Unearthed High competition. The band is comprised of sisters Hannah, Sarah and Holly Findlay who all attend Gisborne Secondary College, as well as older sister Amy.
Apart from local gigs, Stonefield have appeared at the St Kilda Festival and the bushfire appeal at Fed Square. You can hear the band in action by following the links at the triple J website. Unearthed is triple j’s initiative to support independent, self-funded musicians and provide opportunities to those artists who show most potential.
Students win award
Eight students including Steven and Matthew Mills, Sam and Thomas Deveson, Nathan Budanow, Edward Morrissey and Clare and James Butler together with their families and local community businesses showed that a combined team effort can produce remarkable results. The team won the overall Display and Presentation Award from over 85 Secondary School teams including a $200 prize. Their passion, enthusiasm and overall drive to train together, produce a competitive vehicle and field a serious racing team particularly impressed the judges. The teams put their human cycle powered tricycle at the front of the grid in practice for the race, then proceeded to break the previous track record fulfilling one of their goals. Another team Bendigo Senior Sec. College also managed this just pipping our team by 1/10th of a second.
Our team raced competitively with the other top vehicles in the race for the first hour until a disabling crash snapped our seat belt supporting struts which put us into the workshop for an hour. Parent Greg Deveson snapped into action quickly fabricating 2 metal clips to get the team back on the track. The team then cycled steadily through the field from 85th position to 26th with the help of ice baths, zip ties and aircraft aluminium adhesive foil keeping the bike together and managing speeds of over 50 kmh.
Overall a very rewarding, character building and memorable experience for all involved.
Many thanks to teachers Andrew McLean (for his technical GPS tracking data and overall support on the weekend). Paul Calleja (for his pre race work and encouragement to the team to chase their goals). The Mills and particularly all of the rest of the Deveson family, Greg, Sonja and Renata providing valuable support track side with nutritious meals, rider schedules and bike maintenance.
Many local sponsors made this great experience possible including :
Bendigo Bank
Circle Credit
G & S Joinery
Gisborne Self Storage
Gisborne Student Union
Hunt Real Estate
Macedon Ranges Horizontal Drilling
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Michael Graefe
Mitre 10
Mt Gisborne Homes
Pure Heat
Rain & Horne Real Estate
Sunbury Bike Hub
Wallaces Farm and Ind. Supplies
David Butler / Coordinator
Finally we would like to mention a special congratulations to the Live4Life winners.
A unique partnership between schools and community targeting youth mental health in the Macedon Ranges Shire.
On Tuesday 12th of October, GSC students attended a Live4Life forum at Braemar College in Woodend. Congratulations to the following students who received awards on the day.
Our team raced competitively with the other top vehicles in the race for the first hour until a disabling crash snapped our seat belt supporting struts which put us into the workshop for an hour. Parent Greg Deveson snapped into action quickly fabricating 2 metal clips to get the team back on the track. The team then cycled steadily through the field from 85th position to 26th with the help of ice baths, zip ties and aircraft aluminium adhesive foil keeping the bike together and managing speeds of over 50 kmh.
Overall a very rewarding, character building and memorable experience for all involved.
Many thanks to teachers Andrew McLean (for his technical GPS tracking data and overall support on the weekend). Paul Calleja (for his pre race work and encouragement to the team to chase their goals). The Mills and particularly all of the rest of the Deveson family, Greg, Sonja and Renata providing valuable support track side with nutritious meals, rider schedules and bike maintenance.
Many local sponsors made this great experience possible including :
Bendigo Bank
Circle Credit
G & S Joinery
Gisborne Self Storage
Gisborne Student Union
Hunt Real Estate
Macedon Ranges Horizontal Drilling
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Michael Graefe
Mitre 10
Mt Gisborne Homes
Pure Heat
Rain & Horne Real Estate
Sunbury Bike Hub
Wallaces Farm and Ind. Supplies
David Butler / Coordinator
Finally we would like to mention a special congratulations to the Live4Life winners.
A unique partnership between schools and community targeting youth mental health in the Macedon Ranges Shire.
On Tuesday 12th of October, GSC students attended a Live4Life forum at Braemar College in Woodend. Congratulations to the following students who received awards on the day.
- Hannah Goodwin (Major Prize Winner – Individual Entry – A kit for Mental Health Promotion)
- Marnie Bruce and Taylor Burns (Pod Cast)
- Sophie Steinbach (Postcard)
- Liz Ryan (Short Film)
- Emma Bowly, Caitlyn Marinier and Beckie Van Schellen (Powerpoint Slide)
- Joel McKinnon (Slideshow)
Gisborne Peak Winery
Gisborne Peak Winery has built a strong reputation for its quality locally grown and made wines. Located in Gisborne South, the winery is open 7-days a week. Wine should be fun, and the relaxed, casual style of the winery reflects this. In addition to the great selection of wines Gisborne peak offers wood-fired pizzas that are delicious and are served on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. A savory platter, the Tasters’ Platter, is available daily along with espresso coffee and dessert. Sizzling prawns are back on the little menu, by popular demand.
The winery setting is unique, with plenty of seating on the open-air deck over the water, or, if the weather is cool, in the Fireside Room or within the heated marquee and verandahs.
The vineyard at Gisborne Peak grows low yielding premium grapes for their estate label wines. The vineyard is planted out to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Semillon, Riesling and Lagrein. They also produce a sparkling style of Pinot Noir – delightful! Visitors are invited to enjoy a tutored tasting at cellar door (no charge) or to sample selected wines of their choice. The wines continually win awards and are all hand-pruned and hand-picked grapes. The wines are single vineyard, estate grown wines. Taste the Macedon Ranges sunshine and soil in a bottle of Gisborne Peak Wine.
Gisborne Peak Winery is also home of ‘MyVine: Adopt-a-Vine’ program. This is the perfect gift for the wine lover in your life. Adoptive Parents are invited to participate in Hands-On Days. These are seasonal vineyard activities throughout the year. The next Hands-On day is 22 January, and is the Canopy Management and Crop Estimation Day.
The winery is open on Australia Day, Wednesday 26th January, and serving their delicious wood-fired pizzas and wonderful wines.
The winery setting is unique, with plenty of seating on the open-air deck over the water, or, if the weather is cool, in the Fireside Room or within the heated marquee and verandahs.
The vineyard at Gisborne Peak grows low yielding premium grapes for their estate label wines. The vineyard is planted out to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Semillon, Riesling and Lagrein. They also produce a sparkling style of Pinot Noir – delightful! Visitors are invited to enjoy a tutored tasting at cellar door (no charge) or to sample selected wines of their choice. The wines continually win awards and are all hand-pruned and hand-picked grapes. The wines are single vineyard, estate grown wines. Taste the Macedon Ranges sunshine and soil in a bottle of Gisborne Peak Wine.
Gisborne Peak Winery is also home of ‘MyVine: Adopt-a-Vine’ program. This is the perfect gift for the wine lover in your life. Adoptive Parents are invited to participate in Hands-On Days. These are seasonal vineyard activities throughout the year. The next Hands-On day is 22 January, and is the Canopy Management and Crop Estimation Day.
The winery is open on Australia Day, Wednesday 26th January, and serving their delicious wood-fired pizzas and wonderful wines.
MACEDON RANGES SHIRE COUNCIL’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM TEAM WORKING FOR YOU!
2010 has been a very busy and productive year for the Economic Development and Tourism Unit at Council.
Many businesses have taken advantage of the professional development program throughout the year by attending a range of seminars and workshops, mostly free. The 2011 program is now available – visit www.mrsc.vic.gov.au and follow the links to tourism and business. The program is tailored to suit the needs of small business as well as people thinking about going into business. It is also an excellent way to be able to provide low cost / free training for staff as well as business owners.
State Government funding has just been obtained to undertake an equine analysis and strategy. This will involve an economic analysis of the “whole” equine industry in the Macedon Ranges followed by a strategy which will include public consultation, so if you have horses or a horse business in the Shire, stay tuned for more information throughout 2011.
A business survey will be sent out early in the year giving businesses the opportunity to provide valuable input into the future direction of economic development activities in the Shire – all businesses are encouraged to participate.
Businesses in the Shire will also have access to a dedicated business website which will be rolled out over 2011. All businesses in the Shire will be offered a FREE listing as the site will provide significant exposure and encourage the community to buy local. It will also be a useful tool to access up and coming business information on events, available grants and fact sheets on business trends in the Macedon Ranges.
For more information, please call Leanne Davey, Economic Development Co-ordinator on 5421 9617.
Many businesses have taken advantage of the professional development program throughout the year by attending a range of seminars and workshops, mostly free. The 2011 program is now available – visit www.mrsc.vic.gov.au and follow the links to tourism and business. The program is tailored to suit the needs of small business as well as people thinking about going into business. It is also an excellent way to be able to provide low cost / free training for staff as well as business owners.
State Government funding has just been obtained to undertake an equine analysis and strategy. This will involve an economic analysis of the “whole” equine industry in the Macedon Ranges followed by a strategy which will include public consultation, so if you have horses or a horse business in the Shire, stay tuned for more information throughout 2011.
A business survey will be sent out early in the year giving businesses the opportunity to provide valuable input into the future direction of economic development activities in the Shire – all businesses are encouraged to participate.
Businesses in the Shire will also have access to a dedicated business website which will be rolled out over 2011. All businesses in the Shire will be offered a FREE listing as the site will provide significant exposure and encourage the community to buy local. It will also be a useful tool to access up and coming business information on events, available grants and fact sheets on business trends in the Macedon Ranges.
For more information, please call Leanne Davey, Economic Development Co-ordinator on 5421 9617.
Help is at hand
Finding the right home loan can be a daunting task, especially with so many products on the market; then there’s all the paperwork involved. But with these helpful hints you can make your loan application process a smooth one.
Have your documents ready: Lenders have cracked down on their lending policies over the last 24 months, so it helps to have clear documentation proving your income, liabilities and living expenses. The more documentation you can provide, the less likely a lender will delay the processing of your loan application.
Show genuine savings: A savings record is important to most lenders. If you can show that you can manage your money – including an ability to save while repaying credit cards, covering your rent and other expenses – you’ll improve your position with lenders.
Matters of the heart: Single? Coupled? Kids? Your living situation can impact your borrowing capabilities. Think about how your circumstances may impact your borrowing – now and in the future – and be realistic about what you can afford.
Talk to the experts: With thousands of mortgages on the market, why not recruit in the experts to help you track down the best mortgage for your needs. We offer unbiased advice on all aspects of finding a loan and we can even help to arrange the first home owners grant plus coordinate the whole application process. Give us a call and we’ll explain how we work.
Have your documents ready: Lenders have cracked down on their lending policies over the last 24 months, so it helps to have clear documentation proving your income, liabilities and living expenses. The more documentation you can provide, the less likely a lender will delay the processing of your loan application.
Show genuine savings: A savings record is important to most lenders. If you can show that you can manage your money – including an ability to save while repaying credit cards, covering your rent and other expenses – you’ll improve your position with lenders.
Matters of the heart: Single? Coupled? Kids? Your living situation can impact your borrowing capabilities. Think about how your circumstances may impact your borrowing – now and in the future – and be realistic about what you can afford.
Talk to the experts: With thousands of mortgages on the market, why not recruit in the experts to help you track down the best mortgage for your needs. We offer unbiased advice on all aspects of finding a loan and we can even help to arrange the first home owners grant plus coordinate the whole application process. Give us a call and we’ll explain how we work.
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