In the past three weeks we have been to Murtoa, Rupanyup, Woomelang, Yaapeet and Beulah.

The information gathered will assist Council as it prepares the 2021-2025 Council Plan.

There is plenty to consider. Some concerns are quite pressing and were expressed by all communities.

Improving the condition of roads-especially shoulder drop-offs, installing signage to reduce traffic speed and control heavy vehicle movement within town boundaries, finding a solution to the lack of short-term accommodation for seasonal and casual workers, providing transport to patients who have to travel to medical appointments and establishing a childcare facility in the southern part of the Shire.

As more and more visitors come into the area it was suggested that there is an opportunity to link other tourist sites to the Silo Art Trail.

One proposal is publicising the sites that were part of the movie "The Dry".

There have been a number of functions that I have attended during March.

On Friday, March 19, the Warracknabeal Action Group was finally able to hold a Welcome to Newcomers evening at the community centre.

This event had to be postponed due to coronavirus restrictions.

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More than 30 new residents enjoyed a barbecue tea and were able to socialise together and with WAG members.

Youth Impact Officer, Justin Knorpp, received a piano from the Streeter family and arranged for Abby Sleep to assist Youth Action members to paint it and on Tuesday, March 23, a special ceremony was held when the piano was installed at its new home outside the pharmacy.

Easter YFest at Warracknabeal was very much low key this year as the vintage rally, street procession and busking competition were all cancelled once again due to difficulties complying with coronavirus restrictions.

The Arts Council was able to organise a display of artwork by Jill Hansberry and this opened on Good Friday in the Shire Meeting Room before an enthusiastic audience.

It was also an opportunity for Walter Sholl to launch his third book of photographs depicting life in a country town.

At its meeting on Wednesday, March 24, Council resolved to apply for a $500,000 low interest loan from the State Government to support the $4 million project to erect 14 two-bedroom units in five of our towns.

An application for $2.8 million has been forwarded to the Victorian Government's Big Build initiative and we are keeping our fingers crossed that this is successful.

It will be a step that will help resolve the shortage of accommodation options in our Shire.