As hopefully you've come across one way or another, the Shire's draft budget is out for your review. Much like the State budget last week and the Federal budget this week, there isn't the funding to do everything for everyone and your Councillors have been tussling over what to prioritise next year (in line with the 4-year Council Plan and its resulting Action Plan). Your feedback is genuinely sought - while it may or may not affect this budget, it will register regardless. Last week's Star had a good overview, otherwise see yoursay.surfcoast.vic.gov.au/budget26-27
Winch House has long been accepting ink cartridges and spent batteries for recycling, courtesy of manager Wendy. The Shire has now expanded its own collection service and put specialised collection containers in various locations including Winch House. See surfcoast.vic.gov.au/ewaste. Winch House also offers free tampons and pads (in the unisex toilet), freepadsandtampons.vic.gov.au.
Speaking of Winch House, it was VERY disappointing to see no increase in support in the State budget for Neighbourhood Houses, at all, in spite of a sensible, urgent and evidence-based call for it. I also note that next year is the final year of Shire financial support for the Shire Hall administrator role. What comes next? I hope you'll get involved to work that out.
On a more positive note, the Federal budget did allocate $20m to Barwon Water for their FOGO project at Black Rock, recycling organic waste into renewable energy and bio-char (which does all sorts of good stuff for soil). Waste is a big issue everywhere, no less so for Surf Coast Shire as the Anglesea tip heads towards 'Full' status.
Out-and-about, it's been a busy couple of months. From the Rip Curl Pro to the Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, the Deans Marsh Festival to the Cemeteries and Crematoria Association conference, the opening of the Surf Coast Safe Space to the SES Open Day, Conquer The Corrugations Victoria mental health awareness walk to the Shifty Fifty mountain bike challenge... as Deputy Mayor I'm certainly getting to see a whole lot more of the great variety and number of events & organisations our various communities are involved with. There's so much good stuff going on for people to join in, connect, and enjoy.
In that vein, it's National Volunteer Week in 2 weeks. The Shire has a number of happenings, see surfcoast.vic.gov.au/volunteerweek. Come along to the Shire Hall on Wednesday 20 May 2026 for 10:30am to hear about hear about inspiring ways to increase sustainability in your community programs.
To finish off, a shout out to whoever left a bottle of hand sanitiser at Winchelsea's container refund machine on Harding Street. Much appreciated and a nice gesture! 🙂
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.
