Help improve our website

Council is looking for people interested in taking part in a user evaluation of its website. Evaluation sessions will take one hour and those involved will receive a gift as thanks for their contribution.

The feedback provided by those who participate will help to improve the website. To register your interest in taking part, submit an expression of interest form.

Fire Season – Precautions, Response, Planning

Council reminds residents that fire restrictions currently apply to protect the City of Whittlesea from bushfires this fire season. Residents are not permitted to light fires without a permit.

Under present Municipal Fire Prevention Committee guidelines, no permits to burn are being issued to the general public during the declared fire danger period. Permits may be granted to local CFA brigades under special circumstances.

It is vital that all residents have a tested plan for their response to fires, fire warnings and know, in advance, what to do on Code Red fire alert days.

For more information, visit the Fire Preparedness Page.

Up to date bushfire warnings and further safety information is available on the CFA website at www.cfa.vic.gov.au.

NATIONAL BROADBAND NETWORK
Possibilities & Practicalities for Local Government Conference

This conference will provide information required for developers, Local and State Governments to prepare for the rollout of the $43 billion National Broadband Network - the Federal Government's largest infrastructure program.

For more information see the Conference details.

Photo competition for the 2011 community calendar

Council invites local residents to enter a photo competition and submit images for possible inclusion in the 2011 Community Calendar. The theme for the 2011 Community Calendar is Flora, Fauna & Landscapes.

Entries open Tuesday, 2 February 2010 and close Friday, 1 October 2010. Cash and/or prizes will be awarded to each winning entry.

Find out more about how to enter the photo competition for the 2011 community calendar.

Advice on summer safety

Residents can access useful health advice on summer safety from the Better Health Channel website including information on:

• heat stress prevention
• bushfire safety
• sun protection
• children and hot weather
• water safety
• insect bites and stings.

For more information, visit the Better Health Channel website.

Bushfire recovery

Council is continuing to work with bushfire affected communities in and around the City of Whittlesea to help identify and meet ongoing recovery needs following the February 2009 bushfires. Council is also working with many other agencies dedicated to bushfire recovery that are providing on-the-ground assistance and support.

Find out more about the latest on bushfire recovery including grants, events, support and information.

2012 Kindergarten enrolments opening on 1 March 2010

Parents with a child who is turning 4 years old before 30 April 2012 are encouraged to submit a kindergarten enrolment form to Whittlesea Council. The Council manages a Central Enrolment Scheme for children who will be attending local kindergartens and will accept 2012 Kindergarten enrolments from 1 March 2010.

Parents with children who currently attend 3-year-old kindergarten must submit an enrolment form to Council to secure a place for 4-year-old kindergarten.

To download an enrolment form, visit Kindergarten (Preschool) Enrolments. For more information on kindergarten enrolments, phone the Council Children’s Services Liaison Officer on 9217 2242 or email cslo@whittlesea.vic.gov.au.