Voice News
2nd September 2025
AGM Report and Link to Health Survey
Thank you to all those who attended the AGM on Sunday and to the 22 people who submitted proxy forms and apologies. Your support is much appreciated. The meeting was very well attended and the following committee was elected:
President - Jane Gross, Vice President - Graham Costin, Secretary - Graham Hill, Treasurer - Fran Roberts and 5 ordinary members: John Marriner, Tony Webber, Cathy Donovan, Meg Aylett & Mikhala McCann.
Retiring committee members, Beth McLoughlin and Edmond Shea were thanked for their contributions over the past 2 years.
We welcome our 3 new committee members, Cathy, Meg & Mikhala, who bring new skills and insight to the committee and we look forward to working together for the forthcoming year.
Ted Stuckey and Jan Lewis provided an amazing history of the Historical Society and the Museum, what has been achieved and their current activities. For more information or to volunteer or donate to this most active, worthy cause, please contact
President's Report - AGM 2025 - Summary
Highlights of the Year
- Settlement of 69 McLachlan Street in May 2025 → now The Community Hub.
- Community celebration on 1 June raised $1,100.
- Funding secured from Tiny Towns Fund, our Community Bendigo Bank, and GORH for renovations.
- Planned works: power upgrade, new toilets, accessibility improvements, painting, flooring, drainage.
Advocacy & Community Priorities
- Childcare → worked with GORH and supported The Parenthood campaign.
- Aged care → letter to Health Minister advocating for dedicated dementia unit & more beds.
- Housing → Housing Task Force formed; hosted Grounded on Community Land Trust models.
- Paradise Picnic Reserve → ongoing advocacy for maintenance & upgrades.
- Council Budget → submissions on drainage, rubbish collection, toilets, open space, childcare, bike paths & more.
- Marengo toilets, Barham River water quality, and Place of Last Resort signage all pursued.
Representation & Partnerships
- Harbour Redevelopment Community Reference Group (GORCAPA).
- Barwon Water Community Working Group.
- CitiPower/Powercor/United Energy Roundtable.
- Council Candidates Forum co-hosted with SOS.
- Hosted Great Ocean Road Communities Network AGM in Apollo Bay.
Community Events & Projects
- “Tourism Reimagined” webinar series – regenerative tourism.
- Engagement with MP Richard Riordan.
- Marine Science & Fossil Discovery initiative liaised with Deakin Uni, GORCAPA, Wild;ife Wonders.
Building Connections
- New website format launched → easier access to news & resources.
- Members’ Skills Register created → volunteers and expertise for future projects.
- Priority Projects List in progress → for philanthropic funding.
Looking Ahead
- Renovations & launch of The Community Hub.
- Continuing advocacy for childcare, aged care, housing, and local infrastructure.
- Building partnerships and ensuring Apollo Bay has a strong community voice.
Thank You
To all our members, volunteers, partners, and supporters – none of this would be possible without you!
GORH Strategic Plan
We also would like to bring to your attention the survey regarding Great Ocean Road Health's Strategic Plan. The link to the online Community Member survey is here. The consultation period ends 30 September, so have your say about our health service to help plan the next 5 years.
Donations
For those who are in a position to help to sustain the Community Voice into the future, please make your donation to:
BSB: 633 000 Account Number: 206 051 526 Account Name: Apollo Bay Community Voice
Membership is free, so we have no means of raising funds for the general running of the association and the unforeseen costs associated with the handover of the old Kinda (69 McLachlan Street) to the community. Please support us so that we can continue to advocate for you.
Memberships
Thank you to all those who have submitted membership applications. Join now to make our voice even stronger.
Many thanks again
Jane Gross
President
(03) 5237 6335, 0405 617 151
Apollo Bay Community Voice
PO Box 155, Apollo Bay VIC 3233
Email general concerns, queries, or comments to