Aaron Spong for Eppalock Ward

Aaron Spong for Eppalock Ward I’m Aaron Spong, Councillor for the Eppalock Ward. I’m an independent candidate with no party or political affiliation. Vote 1 Aaron Spong’

I’ve been in small business for the past 20 years.
8 years in Heathcote
My priorities and key issues include better roads, more footpaths, drainage and street lighting, free hard rubbish collection +more. I’m Aaron Spong the local candidate for the Eppalock Ward and I have been a small cafe owner in Heathcote ‘Fodder’ for the past 8 years. My priorities and key issues include:
- Better roads, more

footpaths, drainage and street lighting.
- The introduction of an annual free kerbside hard rubbish collection, as other councils provide.
- Upgrade local swimming pools, extend there hours and keep the gates open. I’m a strong believer that politics should be left out of local councils and that the councillors roll is to represent the residents of that Ward first and foremost. I will be the only local voice for the Eppalock Ward and certainly know what the residents want. I have never been a member or apart of any political party or union and don’t feel the need to be as my decisions won’t be influenced and be done in the best interests of the residents of the Eppalock Ward. I will be consulting with, and listening to residents having their concerns heard by council. Ensure genuine consultation occurs with all people and groups

Living in the Eppalock Ward and running a small business for the past 8 years - unlike my opponent. I’m familiar with the issues affecting the residents here. If elected I will ensure that all future rate increases will not exceed the state government percentage cap. For ‘you to have your voice heard’
‘You can’t go wrong.

08/08/2026

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to join Cr Aaron Spong for Eppalock Ward in attending Disability Inclusion Reference Committee (DIRC)

As posted earlier this week, this is one of the committees Councillors are appointed to. Cr Spong is our representative on the DIRC

And what an amazing group of people. All with their own experiences and perspectives that help give Council guidance on different strategies and projects.

It’s a committee we regularly see direct benefit from. It’s also one of our most popular and contested committees/groups the city facilitates. And now I can see why

The care they have for all of our community is humbling and I feel lucky to share time with them yesterday

Thanks for having me DIRC!

ARE YOU THINKING OF SUBDIVIDING YOUR LAND?The City of Greater Bendigo is hosting a free information session on subdividi...
06/08/2026

ARE YOU THINKING OF SUBDIVIDING YOUR LAND?

The City of Greater Bendigo is hosting a free information session on subdividing residential land on Thursday at La Trobe Art Institute at 121 View Street, Bendigo on Thursday September 3 from 5.30pm-6.30pm.

At the session, attendees will hear from City experts about how to subdivide a block of land.

The practical session will explain the steps involved, what needs to be considered and give people a chance to ask questions.

More than 90 per cent of the region’s houses are large, free-standing houses.
At the same time, many people are looking for smaller houses that are easier to look after.

It’s also important to provide a variety of housing types to meet different community needs.

By the 2050s, Greater Bendigo will need another 38,000 homes.
Through the Managed Growth Strategy, the City is planning for a future Greater Bendigo with a mix of housing types.
This includes family homes, smaller homes, student accommodation,
second dwellings (a small second house behind an existing house) and apartments.

These types of homes can be built in existing urban areas where people are close to education, jobs, services, shops, and public transport.

Subdividing land to allow for new homes can also make an important contribution to the mix of housing types available for a growing community.

This free session is for anyone thinking about subdividing their land. It will help people understand what is involved before starting a project.

The information session on Understanding Subdivision is on Thursday September 3 from 5.30pm-6.30pm at La Trobe Art Institute, 121 View Street.
To register, visit: https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/events/understanding-subdivision

APPLICATIONS FOR CITY’S MEDIUM COMMUNITY GRANTS NOW OPEN Applications are now open for the City of Greater Bendigo’s Com...
02/08/2026

APPLICATIONS FOR CITY’S MEDIUM COMMUNITY GRANTS NOW OPEN

Applications are now open for the City of Greater Bendigo’s Community Medium Grants category to support local groups to undertake projects and achieve their goals that align with the objectives of the City’s Council Plan 2025 – 2029 or a Local Community Plan.

“The City’s Medium Grants category provides up to $10,000 to help community groups afford things that are essential for them to function, hold events, purchase equipment or provide essential training for volunteers and more.”

“The Community Grants Program is important for local groups as they would often not be able to undertake important activities that benefit our community without this funding.”

“The City wants to see as many groups as possible accessing funding through the program.”

Prior to making a Medium Grant application groups must contact one of the City’s Community Strengthening Officers to discuss the eligibility of their project by phoning
1300 002 642 or by emailing [email protected]

Groups interested in discussing a grant application can book to attend a 15 minute one-on-one information session on:

Thursday August 6 between 12.30pm and 2pm
Galkangu – Bendigo GovHub, Ground Floor, Room 5

Tuesday August 11 between 1pm and 2.30pm
Galkangu – Bendigo GovHub, Ground Floor, Room 5

Wednesday August 19 between 12noon and 1.30pm
Bendigo Library, Level 2, Meeting Room 1

Bookings are essential and you can secure your spot at https://go.bendigo.vic.gov.au/medium-grants-session

Grant applications open at 9am Monday August 3, 2026 and close at 4pm on Thursday August 27, 2026. For more information about the Community Grants program please visithttps://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/community-services/grants-events-and-volunteers/community-grants

LIGHTS ON” AT BARRACK RESERVE TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO EXERCISE AT NIGHT Barrack Reserve netball courts will be lit at night a...
26/07/2026

LIGHTS ON” AT BARRACK RESERVE TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO EXERCISE AT NIGHT

Barrack Reserve netball courts will be lit at night as part of the City of Greater Bendigo’s “Lights On” project to provide opportunities for Heathcote residents to keep up their fitness and be active during the colder months.

From Monday July 27 until the start of daylight savings on Sunday October 4, the netball courts will be lit on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evenings from 5:30pm-8pm.

As part of the “Lights On” program the City of Greater Bendigo provides a free six-week outdoor fitness program at the Barrack Reserve netball court

The free fitness program will be facilitated by Bendigo and Heathcote Exercise Physiology Clinic and will take place each Monday from August 3 to September 7, from 5:30pm to 6:15pm.

Sessions will include a mix of cardio, strength and mobility exercises and all fitness levels are welcome to attend. Bookings are essential and residents are encouraged to reserve their spot as soon as possible as limited spaces are available. To book your spot and obtain more information please visit https://allevents.in/heathcote/heathcote-lights-on-program-tickets/80001219612678

Following the success of the Lights On project at Ewing Park, the City is looking to add more locations

The City is pleased to expand the Lights On program to Barrack Reserve as not everyone can exercise during the daytime and lighting up the Barrack Reserve Netball Courts during the colder months provides an option for people to exercise at a time that suits their lifestyle

The City will collect community feedback about the lighting at Barrack Reserve as we want to know if people use and like the lighting. The feedback gathered will help the City to continue the Lights On program.”

Residents are encouraged to share their thoughts on the trial via the City’s Let’s Talk community engagement website at https://letstalkgreaterbendigo.com.au/lights-night-barrack-reserve

I would encourage anyone if you would like to have a say in or be a part of the future of the McIvor Creek please attend...
23/07/2026

I would encourage anyone if you would like to have a say in or be a part of the future of the McIvor Creek please attend this session

VALE COUNCILLOR DONNA NICHOLAS Although she had only been a Councillor for a short time, Donna took to the role with gre...
09/07/2026

VALE COUNCILLOR DONNA NICHOLAS

Although she had only been a Councillor for a short time, Donna took to the role with great enthusiasm and a genuine commitment to serving her community. She was excited to represent the residents of the Lockwood Ward and quickly immersed herself in the responsibilities of Local Government, eager to learn and contribute.

She was committed to attending community meetings and events, and had a wonderful, natural way of engaging with people that quickly endeared her to fellow Councillors, staff and members of the community. She approached every interaction with kindness, authenticity and a genuine interest in others.

Our thoughts are with Donna’s husband Drew, her son Cody and his partner Ella, and her beloved granddaughter, Stella. Beyond her role on Council, Donna was a devoted grandmother and had a passion for her animals and horse riding.

It was a privilege to know Donna and to welcome her to the City of Greater Bendigo team.

Although brief, we acknowledge her wholehearted service and contribution to our community, and we are grateful for the care, enthusiasm and dedication she brought to the Councillor role.

May she rest in peace.

30/06/2026

Works to Improve McIvor Creek Waterway Health and Flood Resilience

The City of Greater Bendigo is progressing a series of works along McIvor Creek and its tributaries in Heathcote in response to longstanding community concerns regarding woody w**ds, debris and their potential impact on water flow and flooding.

For many years, local residents have raised concerns about the accumulation of debris and invasive woody w**ds within McIvor Creek. In some locations, this material can restrict water flow and contribute to flooding during significant rainfall events.

While the management of McIvor Creek sits with the Victorian Government and is not a formal responsibility of Council, the City of Greater Bendigo recognises the importance of the issue to the Heathcote community and is taking proactive steps to address identified concerns.

The planned works implement recommendations from the Heathcote Stormwater Investigation Report 2021 and are designed to improve drainage performance, reduce flood risk within the township and enhance long-term environmental outcomes.

The works will be delivered in three stages.

Stage One – McIvor Creek Crack Willow Control (Currently Underway)

Council is currently undertaking stem injection treatment of Crack Willow trees in areas downstream of Barrack Street. This important first step is necessary because Crack Willow is a declared w**d species that can readily regrow from twigs and branches. The trees must be killed before removal can occur to prevent further spread.

Stage Two – Caledonia and Possum Gullies Drainage Improvement Works

The second stage will focus on the removal of Elm and Willow trees, accumulated debris and illegally dumped rubbish from Caledonia and Possum Gullies to improve drainage performance. These works are anticipated to commence in spring, or earlier if conditions permit.

As portions of the project area include private land, affected landholders will be contacted directly and invited to participate in the program.

Stage Three – McIvor Creek Streamflow and Environmental Enhancement

Council has submitted a grant application to support a larger-scale project involving the reduction of Elm and Willow trees and removal of debris throughout sections of McIvor Creek. The project aims to improve streamflow, reduce flood impacts and deliver long-term environmental benefits. The outcome of the grant application is expected in late 2026.

Importantly, removed vegetation will be repurposed wherever possible. Trees and timber will be reused along waterway banks and reserves, provided to community groups for beneficial use, or mulched for use in parks and gardens across the municipality.

Council is also supporting local residents interested in establishing a community-led group dedicated to the ongoing care of McIvor Creek.

A potential “Friends of McIvor Creek” group could play an important role in future w**d management, revegetation projects and broader environmental initiatives that enhance the health of the waterway.

Community members interested in becoming involved are encouraged to contact Council’s Emergency Management and Resilience team via [email protected].

These works represent an important step towards improving flood resilience, supporting environmental health and responding to the priorities identified by the Heathcote community.

Strong communities are built through conversation, collaboration and a willingness to listen. I thank everyone who takes...
18/06/2026

Strong communities are built through conversation, collaboration and a willingness to listen. I thank everyone who takes the time to come along and engage, ask questions and share their ideas, because together we can continue working towards an even stronger future for the Eppalock Ward

The 2026–2027 City of Greater Bendigo Budget is a responsible and forward-looking plan that delivers for our community w...
16/06/2026

The 2026–2027 City of Greater Bendigo Budget is a responsible and forward-looking plan that delivers for our community while recognising the financial pressures facing households and local government alike.

Importantly, this budget keeps rates within the Victorian Government’s 2.75 per cent cap and includes no increase to household waste charges, helping to ease cost-of-living pressures for local families.

The budget commits to a record investment of almost $100 million in local projects, including more than $44 million dedicated to renewing and maintaining existing infrastructure. This means safer roads, improved footpaths, better parks, upgraded sporting facilities and well-maintained community buildings that residents rely on every day.

The City is also investing in the future growth and prosperity of Greater Bendigo. Through support for local business, planning for housing diversity, advancing the Bendigo Regional Employment Precinct and attracting major events and investment, this budget aims to create jobs, stimulate economic activity and strengthen the region’s long-term prosperity.

A strong focus on health and liveability is evident through investment in walking and cycling infrastructure, climate action initiatives, biodiversity projects, recreation facilities and programs that encourage active and connected communities.

Importantly, this budget recognises that thriving communities are inclusive communities. It continues support for free community events, arts and cultural experiences, youth programs, accessibility initiatives and the development of the City’s next Reconciliation Plan in partnership with First Nations communities.

Ultimately, this budget strikes a careful balance between meeting today’s needs and planning for tomorrow. It protects essential services, invests in the infrastructure our growing region requires, supports economic opportunity and community wellbeing, and ensures Greater Bendigo remains a welcoming, healthy and vibrant place to live, work and raise a family.

This is a budget that delivers practical outcomes for residents today while building a stronger Greater Bendigo for future generations.

Address

Heathcote, VIC
3523

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