Winter is now upon us, and while I am a firm fan of warm weather, it's been good to finally see some rain making a bit of mud around the place. We need lots more to help agriculture across the region, not to mention keep up with potable water needs - not the best outlook, but fingers crossed all the same. Interesting webinar by Friends of the Barwon about the truly enormous water usage by AI data centres, with a significant number of them coming to our region and west of Melbourne. Real challenges to come there.
A couple of weeks ago, I stepped into Mayor Libby Stapleton's place as she took a break. Let's say it was a busy time! The first week was National Volunteer's Week, and it was fascinating to see how passionate people and groups are about their chosen activity, and how much they achieve (and do for community). It's worth pointing out that all the Legends recognised at the Shire events have to be nominated, and I know for a fact that there are plenty of people doing amazing things in Winchelsea, Moriac, Deans Marsh as well as the coastal towns. So please remember for next year - it's up to you to nominate, the Shire doesn't choose Legend recipients.
This year's Arts Trail was launched last week, in the Anglesea Art Space. Louise Hall, Veronica McDonald and Grant Finck were local names I recognised. The Trail is going to be bigger than ever before, and the Shire is looking for around 100 volunteers to help during the event eg. at studios. Something you'd like to get involved with? More on the Shire website (search for "arts trail").
While away on my own holiday somewhere beautifully hot and humid, it struck me just how much difference a shady tree makes when walking along a street - almost like someone had switched the aircon on. The Shire is heading into year 3 of its "Branching Out" project, and is looking for your feedback - there's a short survey at yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/branching-out, please add your thoughts. Note that if you happen to have a newly-planted tree in front of your property, you can help nurture it with a watering every now & then. In years to come, these trees will make a big difference to how our streets feel.
I'll end with a bit of a primer on Community Asset Committees (CACs), having learnt a bit more about them myself. In Winchelsea, there's a CAC for the Eastern Reserve - 4 volunteers doing a sterling job of managing the precinct on behalf of the Shire. The idea is that a CAC is made up of locals who can make sure maintenance needs are met, can raise funds to improve the place, can put in place policies and procedures to ensure fair use between various groups and users. It's a formal arrangement, and CAC members have to be endorsed at a Council Meeting - and here's an important bit, any member of the community may seek to join a CAC at any time. There are 6 around the Shire, and as always with volunteers, "the more the merrier" in my opinion - and so much better if a CAC has representation from a range of user groups. See surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Community/Get-involved/Community-Asset-Committees for more.