Voice News
Happy New Year
18th January 2024
Since our last email, just before Xmas, when we shared the news of Council gifting the old kindergarten site to the community, we have been quite busy!
The decision by Councillors requires them to follow an Expression of Interest process which is scheduled to begin soon. To that end, we have sought legal advice so that we can submit a proposal to Council, on behalf of the community, of a proposed legal entity and structure for the ownership and management of the site. We are still working on the details, but our advice is to form a Trust, to be the legal owner and to hold the title of the site, whose sole responsibility is to ensure the site is not sold and is retained for community use. In addition, the formation of an incorporated association for its management and operation is necessary. The association could apply for charity status and will pay all bills and manage the usage of the site.
In the meantime, we are seeking quotes from tradespeople for necessary work that is required to make the existing building usable. The intention is to submit an application to Regional Development Victoria in February to the Tiny Towns Fund, to achieve these works. We will be required to fund 20% of the project cost ourselves, half of which can be in-kind. We require Council's consent as the Landowner for which we are applying and the outcome of the funding (maximum of $50,000) will be known in May with 18 months to complete the project.
If you are interested in being involved in the running/management of the site once it is community-owned, or if you have any advice about the structure, or would like to donate to the cause in any way, please send us an email.
In other news, we will be scheduling meetings for regular contact with both Colac Otway Shire and GORCAPA for 2024 very soon, once everyone is back at work.
Our website abcvoice.com.au is live and we will be updating it over the next month when time allows. You can confirm your support for ABCV by becoming a member via the application on our website.
Furthermore, we are working toward the allocation of portfolios and will be posting names and email addresses on the website for those acting as points of contact for each of the following areas - Arts & Events; Business & Tourism; Education & Youth; Elderly; Emergency Services; Environment; Fishing & Farming; Health & Wellness: Sport & Recreation.
Finally, it has come to our attention that one-person police stations in Forrest and Lavers Hill are under threat by an amendment to the current enterprise agreement. See here for more information or to sign the petition.
Many thanks for your support.
Jane Gross
President
(03) 5237 6335
Apollo Bay Community Voice
PO Box 155, Apollo Bay VIC 3233
For more information please email apollobayvoice(at)gmail.com.
See our website abcvoice.com.au. 