Charlie Bird is CEO of Alpine Shire Council, in Victoria’s north-east, which includes the High Country towns of Bright, Myrtleford, Dinner Plain and Mount Beauty.

This year has been incredibly challenging, starting with the bushfires in January that burnt through 29% of our shire – mainly national parks, state forest and softwood plantations. Our community responded so well to that crisis, but it was an economic disaster, costing local businesses $90 million.

We received extraordinary support from other municipalities, media, state and federal governments and the rest of Australia, and were starting to get back on the road to recovery.

On the March long weekend, we hosted the Brighter Days Festival, followed by an amazing Katy Perry concert. It was the first time our towns were full again. But two days later, the COVID-19 restrictions were introduced, and gatherings of more than 500 people were banned.

Now we are in lockdown and again asking people to stay away. Financially this is difficult, but everyone has remained positive and been understanding.

From a council perspective, we continue developing our social and economic recovery plans in readiness for when the coronavirus restrictions ease.

Our indoor staff are mostly working from home to keep the shire functioning; maintenance teams are still looking after roads, parks and gardens; our capital works continue with contractors; and we even offer a click-and-collect library service.

I can’t thank our dedicated staff enough for their efforts and attitude in doing an incredible job for our community under very trying circumstances this entire year.

Charlie Bird
Chief Executive Officer
Alpine Shire Council