Modewarre Community Hall held their AGM recently, and it has to be said this Community Asset Committee is doing a fabulous job making the most of a historic and valued local hall. The playground, the Cubs/Scouts shed, the footy ground, the kitchen, and the recently-renovated bluestone building and of course the hall itself are all actively contributing to a vibrant and well-used community space. It was noted that the Shire has been very helpful along the way. Well done to those making this so successful.Speaking of halls - a warning. The former Winchelsea Shire Hall has had a Shire subsidy for 3 years which covers a role to handle promotion, bookings, setup and all the other stuff associated with running a large community space. This subsidy WILL come to an end in June 2027. So what happens with the Shire Hall thereafter? The last thing I want to see is the shuttering of the space again. This is absolutely something the community need to be involved in, and preferably take on. Now is the time to have conversations, generate ideas, get things in place in consultation with the Shire. Time will pass quickly!A response to a recent week's Ripple Effect article about signage. In general, any regulatory ( Stop/Give Way), Warning (black on yellow) or directional signs on or approaching the highway are the responsibility of the Department of Transport. Council is responsible for street names. Australian Standards apply.Town entrance signs like “Welcome to Winchelsea” sit with Council. Community facilities and amenities signs (white text on blue background signs) generally sit with Council to manage within township boundaries. Tourism signs are the responsibility of individual businesses. They must apply for a sign through Council, and the fee covers removal of the sign if the business closes. However often Council is not informed of the closure of a business - let Council know and they can organise the removal of the signs.Did You Know? The Mayor role has several legislative responsibilities above other Councillors (for example, can sign citizenship certificates, can sign off the annual audited accounts). Mainly though it's to be the "voice and face" of Council". The Mayor is generally expected to publicly represent only the agreed and official views, and doesn't usually get a say in public Council Meetings. There's a lot more than attending public events etc. - e.g. advocating to State and Federal MPs, departments and bodies. It's a full-time role.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article 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.
Councillor Update, 2 Sep 2026
