Purple bin enquiry
I recently paid my last Mitchell Shire rates instalment for the 2025/2026 year and made a request to the Mitchell Shire that I wish to return the purple recycle bin, as our household does not use it, and did not request it.
I was pleasantly surprised that a shire person actually contacted me about the matter.
Basically I was told the four bins had been mandated by the State Government, and because of this I cannot return the bin, and that I would have to contact our local Member of Parliament and take the matter up through them.
On the 2025/2026 Mitchell Shire rates notice the full kerbside fee for the privilege of having four bins and to sort our own rubbish is $580.00 and will most probably increase in the next financial year.
All of bottles and cans from our household are being recycled through a recycle centre, and the proceeds assisting a local sports club, and any jars are going to the op shop. There is almost nothing else now that comes in glass.
The four bins in the newer estates where the size of the blocks are not much bigger than the size of a postage stamp, it is becoming increasingly obvious that there is no room to accommodate the bins as many are in full view from the street, which in-itself is not aesthetically pleasing to the eye, and creates a feeling of urban ugliness to the passer by.
I do not see why we should be paying for something we do not want, and it now seems I cannot return?
D. Wilson
Seymour
Men’s health month awareness
June is Men’s Health Month, a timely reminder that while many men are quick to lend a hand to others, they’re often the last to ask for help themselves.
Across our region, I meet hardworking men every day. Farmers battling drought and uncertainty, tradies putting in long hours, small business owners carrying enormous responsibility, fathers, grandfathers, sons and mates who quietly shoulder the weight of caring for those around them.
Too often, men are taught to push through, stay tough and keep their worries to themselves. While resilience is something to be admired, there is strength in speaking up too.
The reality is that men are more likely to die from preventable health conditions and are less likely to seek medical help early. We also know that too many families across regional Victoria have experienced the heartbreak of losing a loved one to suicide.
Behind every statistic is a person. A husband. A dad. A brother. A mate.
One conversation, one doctor’s appointment or one check-in with a friend can make a real difference.
Men’s Health Month is not about grand gestures. It’s about taking small but important steps. Booking that health check you’ve been putting off. Looking after your mental wellbeing. Reaching out to someone who might be doing it tough. Taking the time to ask a simple question: “How are you really going?”
As a community, we need to continue breaking down the stigma that prevents many men from seeking support when they need it.
The strongest communities are built on people looking out for one another. This month, I encourage every man in our region to make their health a priority, and I encourage all of us to check in on the men in our lives.
Because looking after your health isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s one of the most important things you can do for yourself, your family and the people who care about you.
Annabelle Cleeland MP
State Member for Euroa