Berri Barmera - Community and Council Connect 2014

Welcome It's hard to believe that the end of June is almost here but it's hard to not notice that Winter has commenced. This edition of Community and Council Connect contains a mix of Council and Community based news, we hope that you find something of interest.

Happy Reading

Get Savvy Workshop Program - July

24 June 2014

Did you know The Berri Library & Information Centre holds “Get Savvy” sessions in the library every two months. The sessions are FREE and over the past year have included a wide variety of topics, including Introduction to Email, Using your Smartphone, Tablet & iPad, Basic Facebook, Beading, DSLR Photography, Online safety, Fire safety, Stress management, Cake decorating, Mosaics and many more.

Bookings for the July “Get Savvy” sessions are filling fast.

Monash Adventure Park The Berri Barmera Council has received funding to assist with the renovations and improvements to the Monash Adventure Park. The proposal includes the replacement of the existing deck, revitalisation of the existing equipment, new play equipment and additional shelters. This is also aimed to provide for the disabled to enjoy the park with new equipment and seating. Works will occur shortly and may result in some closures to the park during the weekdays and Council will notify the community of such closures. Information Guides The Berri Barmera Council is seeking to improve the access to information for community members relating to popular questions. We have therefore provided improved and expanded information guides which are available at the Council office as well as on the website with topics including: · Planning and Building information · By-laws · Dog management · Fire prevention · Parking controls · Permits for activities on Council land These guides provide useful information that can inform you of various requirements that you may not be aware of. If you have further questions after reading the guides you can contact the Council to discuss further. Farewell to Pastor Tim If you have attended an Australia Day ceremony in the past 8 years then you would have heard the very Australian singing voice and guitar performances of Pastor Tim Klein. We are thankful for Pastor Tim volunteering his time each year to support our Australian Day Celebrations.

75-80 people attended the recent farewell to Pastor Tim and his family where Mayor Peter Hunt presented Pastor Tim with a Berri Barmera Council plaque thanking for his dedication and support to the community over the past 11 ½ years. True to form Pastor Tim and daughter Sarah entertained the crowd with a selection of Pastor Tim’s songs.

Martin Bend Camping Ground

17 June 2014

Martin Bend has evolved over the past few years and with its increase in popularity there has been an increase in maintenance costs to Council. As of July 1 Council will introduce a $5 contribution per night to stay at Martin Bend, this 'user pays' fee will result in Campers at the site partially contributing to the ongoing of costs of services at the venue. An honesty box will be installed at the entrance where people can pay their contribution.

On-line Food Safety Training

24 June 2014

Did you know that Council has free on-line food safety training available on our website. Great for people working in food businesses or involved with sporting and community groups Most sections include an interactive quiz. Upon completion of the program, a training acknowledgement form can be printed and filed as part of your food safety records

Take me to the training page Public Consultation Draft Cat By-Law

3 June 2014

Council has endorsed the draft By-law No. 6 – Cats for public consultation and community feedback is being sought no later than 5.00pm on Friday 27th June.

The schedule for the Riverland's NAIDOC Week Festivities is:

Sunday, July 6 Church Service & BBQ Lunch, Gerard Monday, July 7 March, Awards Ceremony & Art Expo, Berri Tuesday, July 8 Elder’s Lunch, Renmark – McCormick Centre Wednesday, July 9 Fishing Day, Berri – Martin’s Bend Thursday, July 10 Blue Light Disco, Berri – Berri Town Hall Friday, July 11 Family Fun Day , Berri - Glassey Park

Volunteer Training Workshops

12 June 2014

Its not too late to register for this FREE Training for Riverland Volunteers and Volunteer Managers supported by Office for Volunteers

Skills for Boards and Committees

Thursday 26 June 2014, 6 pm - 9 pm Venue: Loxton District Bowling Club, Bookpurnong Terrace, Loxton

Newly appointed or just want to do a better job on your committee? This is the workshop for you.

We will look at the business of the organisation, core functions of key roles and how to work as an effective group. We will also consider legal requirements when carrying out committee/board duties (Associations Incorporation Act), and how to monitor operations such as meetings, finance and strategic planning.

To register click here

Effective Recruiting: Induct, Reward, Retain When: Friday 27 June 2014, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Venue: Loxton District Bowling Club, Bookpurnong Terrace, Loxton

Learn how effective induction and recognition programs can lead to improved volunteer retention in your organisation.

To register click here

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