I'd like to start by congratulating the Winchelsea Lions Club for the Free Picnic they ran a couple of Saturdays ago - it was a grey day but the rain held off, and while there was certainly room for plenty more kids & families, lots of kids enjoyed the face-painting, hair-tinting, petting zoo, train rides, smoothie bike, snags, fire-truck, SES truck (with lots of gadgets!), goodie box, ice-cream... so much good stuff. A stellar example of a community event bringing families together for a low-cost day of fun and entertainment. My thanks to Winch House for the use of the community PA system.
Last week, Winchelsea Probus held its AGM and I was honoured to be invited as the returning officer to oversee the election of new office-bearers. Probus is all about friendship and connection, and they're always welcoming to new members - regular trips out & about, speakers, social events are on offer. They've packed a lot in over the last year! Contact Lorraine on 0417 467 927.
More ideas for community events you might be interested in? Each month there's a community dinner (Facebook @winchelseacommunitydinner), a movie at the Globe Theatre (Facebook @winchelseamovies), community market 1st Sunday... The Winchelsea Star is the place to keep up with what's happening, and don't forget it's free to subscribe to the emailed version.
The Winchelsea Place Plan has been put to the working group for final ratification, in a meeting at the Shire Hall. This document (see yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/WPP) feeds into the technical Structure Plan that Shire town planners will work on to create a guide for town development over the next couple of decades. I'm very much looking forward to what comes out in terms of where things like residential, commercial, retail, interconnections and more will be put as Winchelsea heads towards a population of 5 figures. Hopefully towards the end of this year/early next year, although another working group will get to provide feedback along the way. Expressions of Interest will be called-for soon.
This time of year, much of Council's focus is on building next year's budget. Local government in general is experiencing significant financial pressure from a range of causes, and Surf Coast Shire is no different. Look out for the draft budget coming out in April for your feedback.
Finally, it was great to see all the interested people rock up to Growing Winchelsea's first meeting of the year, held at the Winchelsea train station. With new committee members, new general members, and a change in style, they look to be powering ahead to continue the volunteer group's important local advocacy and project work.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this communication are my own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of Surf Coast Shire or its staff. They are offered in my capacity as an individual Councillor and should not be interpreted as representing the collective views of the Council or Shire.