Voice News
12th June 2026
JUNE REPORT
* Community Priority Projects – our community forum event Shaping Our Future is set for Sunday 30th August and you are all invited! It will be an amazing day as we have engaged 2 experienced and engaging facilitators to shape the day. Thanks to the Foundation for Rural, Regional Renewal (FRRR) for the funds to enable this great opportunity for our community to build on our strengths, discover what is possible and move us forward. Lunch and snacks provided. More info to come.
* The Community Hub, 69 McLachlan St (the old Preschool) project has encountered some unforeseeable delays relating to the cost of the necessary renovations to allow it to be compliant for use by the community. We are working hard to negotiate the hurdles and will report back as soon as we have succeeded.
* Affordable Housing: the Housing Task Force is investigating possible options and models for the community, yet to be finalised. Once they have gathered all of the information, they hope to produce an information package for the community.
* Colac Otway Shire is calling for community feedback on its Draft Road Safety Strategy, Draft Asset Management Policy deadline 10 June & Draft Economic Development Strategy deadline 1 July. See here colacotway.vic.gov.au/CommunityConsultations.
* Meetings with GORCAPA continue quarterly – last week we met again with a full agenda. It was pleasing that having heard the community’s concerns to the proposed Port of Apollo Bay Set-Asides they have made some modifications, regarding swimming activity in the inner harbour area.
* CFA is considering redrawing its fire district boundaries to which specific fire danger ratings are applied. See engage.cfa.vic.gov.au/projects/victorian-fire-weather-district-review.
* Powercor Apollo Bay’s back-up power has received a boost with Powercor completing the construction of a permanent quick connection point for generators in the town. See colacherald.com.au/2026/05/upgrade-keepsbays-lights-on.
* Before & After school childcare & holiday program: We have been in contact with the OSHC Lavers Hill provider to explore options for Apollo Bay. A survey for a test program 2 days/week for the school holidays is imminent. More information soon.
* Electric Vehicle charger providers – We are in discussions with the existing EV provider and Colac Otway Shire to expand the provision of EV Charging in Pascoe St.
* Resilience Canopy Practitioner Training via Geelong Sustainability. One of our committee members, Megan Aylett has completed the training which was very worthwhile and will help with running community events. Thanks to Denise Ruth for the recommendation.
* Barwon Water community drop-in sessions – Join the conversation about a sustainable & resilient water future for Apollo Bay, Skenes Creek & Marengo
Sunday 21 June 9am – 1pm Farmers Market
Monday 22 June 2 – 7pm Marrar Woorn
* Donations - For those who are in a position to help to sustain the Community Voice into the future, please make your donation to Apollo Bay Community Voice BSB 633 000 Account Number 206 051 526 . Membership is free, so we rely on donations for the general running of the association Please support us so that we can continue to advocate for you. Many thanks to those who have already donated.
* Memberships Thank you to all those who have submitted membership applications. Click ‘Join Us’ at www.abcvoice.com.au to make our voice even stronger.
Jane Gross
President
(03) 5237 6335, 0405 617 151
Apollo Bay Community Voice
PO Box 155, Apollo Bay VIC 3233
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