Community development grants

Applications are now open for Community Development Grants of up to $2,000. Not-for-profit community groups are encouraged to apply for funding to assist in delivering projects and activities that will enhance the well-being and quality of life of borough residents. Applications close Friday June 29. Refer to council’s website for details.

Celebrating our volunteers
The work of our fabulous volunteers has been duly celebrated at a special evening held in their honour on Tuesday May 22, as part of National Volunteer Week. The generosity, patience, commitment and hard work of our local volunteers are very much appreciated, and forms part of the incredible spirit of this community. Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale would not be the same without them and again, we sincerely thank them.

Expressions of our youth
Take a moment to enjoy some fabulous photography taken by local young people as part of the National Youth Week art project Me, You and Us – Expressions of Youth. Our natural environment is a key feature of all works, currently on display at various sites around the borough, including the front of council offices.

Sea of Words
If you haven’t participated in any of the Sea of Words programming yet, you’re not too late. There are still a couple of activities coming up including a barbeque with food writer Bob Hart, and screenings as part of the Bellarine Lighthouse Films Winter Program. The full event program is available on council’s website.

Help celebrate National Reconciliation Week
Join together in reconciliation by celebrating and recognising our unique Aboriginal Australian culture at Point Lonsdale Primary School hall, Saturday June 2, 2–4pm. There will be a range of free fun and cultural activities for the family to participate in, as organised by the Queenscliffe Reconciliation Mob.

There’s no need to hibernate
The cold weather may be setting in but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck indoors. Stock up on winter woollies at a local fashion boutique and get out and about. There are plenty of things to do including local markets, the Queenscliffe Bricks LEGO display, film screenings, art exhibitions and live entertainment. Refer to the event listings on council’s website for more information.

Congratulations to the Vue Grand
The Vue Grand has been recognised as one of Victoria’s premier wedding venues at the recent Australian Bridal Industry Academy Awards. Well done to the Vue Grand team.
What do you think of the new energy efficient street lights?

Energy efficient compact fluorescent globes are being trialled in selected street lights in Mercer Street Queenscliff, between Symonds and King streets, and Glaneuse Road Point Lonsdale. The globes utilise as much as 52 per cent less electricity than the standard mercury vapour lights. Tell us what you think. Please send comments via email or in writing to the sustainability officer at Borough of Queenscliffe, PO Box 93, Queenscliff VIC 3225.

Local community insurance concerns
We welcome the response by Mr Paul Northey, general manager of RACV insurance, who has offered to meet with council to discuss the range of concerns raised by members of the community regarding increases in insurance premiums. This meeting will be designed to clarify the factors that RACV take into account when assessing risk and determining premiums, particularly for coastal properties.

Botanic Gardens Project Control Group
The Project Control Group for the development of the Botanic Gardens, at the former Queenscliff High School site, has been finalised. The group has a really good combination of skills and interests, which will add great value to the direction of the project.

The community members are Sue Wasterval, Joe Rutecki, Susan Salter, Mia Cooke and Fay Agterhuis. The two councillors appointed are Cr Merriman and Cr Davies, with Cr Merriman appointed chair. Two council officers will also be represented.