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Publish Date: 14 August 2020
The second stage of the Charlton Street Beautification Project is complete.
The collaborative project, funded by the community and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) has been the initiative of the North Central Garden Club (NCGC), which has worked in tandem with Buloke Shire Council throughout the phased project.
With the final trees (prunus “Crimson Sapphire” ) planted along the east side of Mildura Way on the town’s northern entrance, Ken Rowe (Buloke Shire Manager Works) emphasised the multi-layered approach which has brought the project from idea to fruition in a two year turn-around.
Though additional stages are yet to be completed, Ken acknowledged the value of increased staff placements in the Shire through the Victorian State Government’s Working for Victoria (WFV) job-creation initiative established in response to the COVID -19 pandemic.
“Thanks to this initiative, we have been able to spread our resources more widely across the Shire,” said Ken.
“In this instance, our gardener, Ken North has been freed up to carry out this beautification work thanks to some of his regular gardening duties being taken up by Scott Quirk (from Wycheproof) who has joined us as a WFV member.”
NCGC representative, Bernice Kenny acknowledged the Shire’s supportive role.
“We have built up a good relationship with Shire staff through the consultation process, with the end result creating a significant streetscape boost for the Charlton community,” Bernice said.
While the NCGC members will create a roster to deal with the watering regime, Ken said he anticipated that the Shire’s WFV crew would also be able to assist with the watering.
“The availability of having extra people gives us more time to work towards improvements in our communities, which is a win-win situation for everyone.”
With ideas for town signage and recognition of Charlton notables still to be determined and completed, the partnership between the Charlton based Garden Club and the Buloke Shire looks set to continue in strong partnership.
End release For further information contact Manager Customer Engagement, Travis Fitzgibbon on 03 5478 0181 or tfitzgibbon@buloke.vic.gov.au