May 2016
Created on: Tuesday, 26 April 2016 at 10:50:13 AM
Shire President’s Message
Council is heading into its 2016/17 budgeting process, which is a significant responsibility for the Council; overseeing the allocation of Council finances and making decisions around where our limited financial resources will be spent.
Over the past 12 months the Council has been engaging with a variety of communities and community groups, which has been an opportunity to get a first-hand sense of where the pressure points and issues are. One thing which has been a common theme in our rural community is the issues of road maintenance and drainage, these matters have been at the forefront of all of our discussions. I know the Council staff are working extremely hard to try and address these issues and I feel sure that drainage and roads will be a primary topic of discussion through our budget deliberations.
Council will also need to make decisions around a number of key projects including the Northam Swimming Pool. A recent engineering assessment has confirmed that the pool is in need of a major refurbishment, which will require the Council to spend at least $1,000,000 in addressing the issues. Given this is the case it is also an opportunity to review what the pool offers the community, and to see if we can provide a better facility for the community.
Given the amount of money we are looking to spend on the pool, Council felt it was important to get ‘the views of the community in terms of what people may want to see occur during the refurbishment. With this in mind, we are conducting a community survey to gauge the views and aspirations of the community in relation to the swimming pool. The survey is currently being posted out to residents and asks some key questions around the direction you would like Council to take with the refurbishment.
Options council are considering include minor refurbishment of the current 50m pool to address leaking issues, major redevelopment of the entire pool facility - including the small pools and associated infrastructure, relocation of the pool to the recreation centre precinct.
I invite every member of the community to have their say when the survey comes out; the information we receive through the survey will be used by Council to assist in our decision making.
Development Services
Swan In...
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The Northam Shire Rangers are excited to report that on the 20th of April 2016 two white swans Nick and Gretel took a flight with a difference. A gift to Northam from the Melbourne zoo, the pair flew into Perth care of Qantas where they were welcomed by the Rangers.
Nick and Gretel have now joined our resident birds on the river so please keep your eyes out for them. Their arrival has been timed in preparation for the coming breeding season so we are hopeful that we may soon have cygnets on the way.
Our Rangers wish to thank the community for their ever present monitoring of our precious swans and invite you contact them should you see anything that concerns you.
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Engineering Services
Rural Drainage Improvements
Autumn is upon us and the winter rains have returned bringing with them drainage issues in a number of areas. Engineering services are aware of the significant problems and are currently working in Bakers Hill and Clackline communities to alleviate flooding. The Shire asks that the communities be as patient as possible while they do their best to resolve the issues.
Community Services
Northam Pool Survey
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Northam Shire residents are being called upon to submit their views on the future of the Northam swimming pool as part of Council’s decision making process.
The Shire has posted more than 5000 surveys about the pool to residents across the Shire and is also inviting submissions online via their website. The surveys are anonymous and ask respondents to identify pool services and facilities of most interest to them and consider a range of cost options.
The input received will be used as part of the information and considerations presented to Council covering a range of different options
Survey responses are to be returned to the Shire by 9 May 2016. See Council’s website for more information
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Active Smart Program
Time to get active!
ActiveSmart is a behaviour change program designed to increase people’s activity levels and change long term habits. Residents are encouraged to become more active and connected to others in their community.
Participants will be able to access personalised telephone coaching, as well as a range of information about opportunities to get active in the local area. This tailored approach moves away from the traditional focus on exercise, catering to different lifestyles and making getting active accessible for all.
The program is being rolled out across 12 local government areas: Beverley, Dowerin, Goomalling, Koorda, Merredin, Moora, Narrogin (town and shire), Northam, Toodyay, Wyalkatchem and York.
ActiveSmart is a joint initiative between the Shire of Northam and the State Government. Residents will soon receive invitations to participate and will be able to access further information through the Shire website and Northam Rec Centre.
What’s On
Loritz Circus
The circus is coming to Northam April 28-May 1!
Performers from world renowned shows. Acts to astound you include Russian Swing, World renowned Trampoline and Motor Cycling Cage Riders. Performances from circuses like the famous Ringling Brothers.
NO caged or exotic animals are featured in this circus.
See http://www.loritzcircus.com/TimesVenues.aspx for details
Wundowie Iron Festival
Wundowie is the birthplace of WA’s iron ore industry and this unique event celebrates the heritage of the area. On Sunday 15th of May, Wundowie Oval comes to life with iron sculptures, paintings and photography, as well as kid’s activities, tours to the Foundry, stalls and much more!
Bake Off and Biggest Afternoon Tea
Do you love to bake? Don your apron to support cancer and perhaps be rewarded with a great prize for your efforts.
Northam Library’s Bake Off and afternoon Tea shall be held on 26th May 2016, entries for the bake off shall be judged at 10am with afternoon tea being served between 12pm – 1.30pm.
Prizes for the winning entries have been kindly donated by Barclay Books of York and Everlastings Northam.
Everyone is invited to enter the bake off and share their culinary prowess– entry forms are available at the Northam Library circulation desk with all monies raised being donated to Cancer Council.
Artist in Residence
The Northam Library is proud to present Karina Roberts as Artist in Residence for May. Karina will be on the mezzanine from 10.00 am – 12.00 pm each Thursday. Her theme is Renaissance Adventure and she invites you to come along with her on a journey of words, art, music, science and maths revealing the secrets of ancient Egyptian medicine. Admission is free, however please register with the Library Officers at the Circulation Desk to secure a place.
Travel Writers Workshop
Ever wanted to write a book of your own, describing places that you’ve seen or imagined? Northam library is holding an interactive writing workshop with Lorna Hendry on the 9th of May on the mezzanine at 10.00am. This workshop will look at techniques for writing about place, either in fiction or non-fiction. Using a mixture of discussion, short readings and simple writing exercises, we will explore the use of sensory information and small but evocative details to bring places to life on the page. There is no preparation necessary for this workshop, but you should be open to talking about the readings, doing some short pieces of writing, and sharing and commenting respectfully on each other’s work. The workshop is aimed at early or emerging writers. Spaces for this workshop are limited please reserve your place at the Circulation Desk.
Enigma 1960 Book Launch
Celebrate the launch of local author and scientist Pat Stevenson’s ‘Science Faction’ book Enigma 1960 on the 12th of May at Northam Library. This exciting book is a culmination of Pat’s life experience and learning. Please register with the Library Officers at front reception to assist with catering of morning tea.
National Simultaneous Book Reading
Join us in the Northam Children’s Library on the 25th of May at 10.30 am and be part of this national event as we read ‘I Got This Hat’ as part of AlIA’s Annual Campaign to support youngsters reading. Best suited to early primary students.
More information on what’s on is available on the Shire website and the Visitor Information Centre.
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