Voice News
5th December 2024
69 McLachlan Street
Contract was signed in July by Colac Otway Shire (COS) & the Apollo Bay Community Charitable Trust. The transfer is still awaiting settlement as both parties work through some tax issues that should be resolved in the new year
Bendigo Bank Community Fundings
We are most grateful to our wonderful Community Bank here in Apollo Bay for their generous contribution to the project to refurbish the old Preschool building at 69 McLachlan Street. Many thanks to the Board, you do an amazing job.
Tiny Towns Round 2 Grant Funding
Sought for the major refurbishment of the old Preschool building at 69 McLachlan Street to accommodate its ongoing use by the community, will be announced in March 2025.
Before & After school childcare & holiday program
Great Ocean Road Health has received responses to the survey that reveal the need for after school care and for holiday programs. Works continue to pursue the options of how this can be delivered.
Members’ Skills Register
We have now received 33 responses and would like to build this database so please go to our website for more information and to register your skills (hover over ‘Join Us’ on the front page to be directed to this link).
Paradise Picnic Reserve
Works are ongoing. It is pleasing to see the improvements, some maintenance required following the big rains before the major tourist time.
Affordable Housing
ABCV is working to become more informed about possible ways of creating affordable housing in rural and remote towns via online presentations to be held in January.
Richard Riordan
Richard Riordan has been invited to an engagement session with ABCV next week, where we hope to discuss major ongoing issues for the community.
Next COS Engagement Meeting
Postponed until January as new Councillors are busy with inductions.
Great Ocean Road Communities Network (GORCN) AGM
The GORCN AGM was held in Apollo Bay on Saturday 5 November providing representatives from community groups along the coast to discuss issues in common.
new Councillors Elected
Congratulations to Mayor Jason Schram, Deputy Mayor Phil Howard, Chris Potter, Mick McCrickard, Zoe Hudgell and Chrissy De Deugd. It is pleasing to see 2 Apollo Bay based candidates were successful and we look forward to working with the new Councillors.
New Memberships
Thank you to all those who have submitted membership applications. Currently, we have over 330 members and growing. To join, go to abcvoice.com.au and click ‘Join Us’.
GORCAPA
Regional Trail Strategy
ABCV made a submission, thanks to Graham Costin.
Regional Coastal Adaptation Plan
GORCAPA is seeking input on its Regional Coastal Adaptation Plan – go to haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/lookingforward ‘Help Shape Our Resilient Coast’ – you can attend in person community events and/or complete the online survey (full/express).
Marengo ramp replacement
GORCAPA is replacing the Marengo beach access ramp to improve safety and accessibility for users. Go to haveyoursay.greatoceanroadauthority.vic.gov.au/marengo-ramp for more information and to provide input.
ABCV Engagement
Our last engagement meeting with GORCAPA for 2024 will be held this week online.
Marengo Toilets
We continue to pursue this item with GORCAPA as a real need for the community, thanks to Beth McLoughlin for her work on this.
Otway Forum
Has now folded and we are grateful for the wind-up funds that were transferred to ABCV.
COS Sport & Recreation Survey
Colac Otway Shire seeks your input re sport & recreation via a survey. The data will inform Council’s future strategic planning and training opportunities. Complete the survey here by 16 December.
Jane Gross
President
(03) 5237 6335
Apollo Bay Community Voice
PO Box 155, Apollo Bay VIC 3233
Email general concerns, queries, or comments to
Please note that at times, we receive a large volume of emails and as volunteers we cannot guarantee immediate responses but we endeavour to respond in a timely manner.