It’s been quite a week… and a while since my last update! In the last couple of months, we’ve seen the official opening of the Winchelsea playspace on a freezing but bright day (Mayor Mike Bodsworth and Councillor Joel Grist had a play too), 2 electric vehicle chargers installed next to the old Library building, Winchelsea being declared one of Victoria’s best lifestyle suburbs, and the first resident move into the Winchelsea Community Bank Village.
Aside from all that, you may have seen that Councillor Rebecca Bourke has resigned, for family wellbeing reasons I completely support. Rebecca made some great contributions over this important first year of our 4-year term, which are particularly evident in the Council Plan that has just been approved and now sets the Shire’s themes and directions for the next 4 years. I’d like to personally congratulate Rebecca for her valuable inputs and insights, I’m sorry to see her leave – it was a hard decision to make given her integrity and values. I wish Rebecca and family all the best.
The Victorian Electoral Commission will now follow its processes to determine which of the Torquay Ward candidates are next in line to take Rebecca’s place, and to see if they still wish to take up the opportunity. Rebecca’s votes will need to be redistributed according to the VEC’s rather complicated formula, so we’ll have to wait and see what transpires.
It is important to acknowledge that one of our councillors has been suspended for 4 weeks. You can see the full report on the Surf Coast Shire website (About Us > Council > Meetings > Agenda/Minutes). In my opinion, Cr Paul Barker has every right (and in fact, responsibility) to query Council’s activities and performance – but there are ways to do things and say things, and the independent arbiter felt expected standards had not been upheld. The State government has put a strong focus on “respect”, and Councillors do need to set and uphold such community standards publicly.
The Winchelsea Place Plan is heading towards a result that everyone will soon be able to see and comment on. It will set the general desires and priorities for the town, and be used by Surf Coast Shire town planners to create a technical ‘structure plan’ that will guide future decisions and developments. It can’t be set in stone as the State government sets a lot of the planning rules and can always override local government, but having a strong idea of what the town wants puts Winchelsea in a powerful position to influence how the town grows over the next decade or two. Keep an eye out for your chance to add your thoughts in a couple of weeks.
October is Positive Ageing Month. With my newly-minted Seniors Card, I’m now fully qualified to participate in the many events Shire-wide that have been scheduled – not that you need a card, mind you. Take a look at surfcoast.vic.gov.au/PositiveAgeingMonth for what’s on that you (seniors) might like to join. There’s all sorts and it’s a great chance to keep active and involved.
A couple of notable anniversaries have occurred – both Wurdale Hall and the Winchelsea Memorial Stand (housing the Winchelsea RSL sub-branch) turned 100 years old. The community benefit of these buildings over the years has been immense. I can’t wait to see the renovated RSL spaces which should be completed over the next month or so. The RSL put on a day of activities and displays that Cr Schonfelder and I enjoyed. My thanks also to Cr Paul Barker (RSL Torquay President) for the invite to the Vietnam War memorial last month, a thoughtful and impactful commemoration.
