SURFING - From opposite side of the globe, sister and brother Laurie and Jay Phipps are conquering waves.

On the back of scoring a Gold medal at the French Parasurf Championships in October, Laurie last month placed third at the World Para Surfing Championships.

Laurie, whose foot was amputated after a devastating scooter accident two years ago, was competing for France in the women’s stand two division. 

Speaking after the event, she thanked supporters from both France and Australia who had aided her performance had encouraged to go further. 

“This bronze medal is an encouragement for my first world championships. I will do everything to come back next year and I will try to improve a bit,” she said.

Younger brother Jay, meanwhile, last month helped Victoria finish third in the Woolworths Australian Junior Surfing Titles, staged at North Stradbroke.

He finished equal fifth in the Under 16 Men division.
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Laurie and Jay’s father, Mark Phipps, is a highly-regarded surf board maker. Through his work, the family shares their time between Point Lonsdale and France.

The Queenscliff Hotel will be restored to its former grandeur, with new owners keen to give the heritage-listed treasure a new lease of life. 

Kerley’s Coastal real estate agency manager Damian Cayzer confirmed the Gellibrand Street landmark has changed hands after close to 10 months on the market, but was unable to reveal the buyer’s identity or the price paid. 

“The buyer is an interstate investor, with ties back to the Geelong Region,” Mr Cayzer said. 

“They are planning to renovate and restore the grand old building to its former glory and re-open as a restaurant, hotel, day spa and accommodation facility in line with the approved architect designed and Heritage Victoria approved plans.”

At the time of it being listed for sale,  it was thought the hotel could fetch as high as $10 million. 

The Queenscliff last changed hands in 2015, with the previous owners gaining approval for - but not actioning - a major redevelopment, incorporating a day spa. 

Built in 1887, the hotel was made famous in the 1970’s when it traded as Mietta’s Queenscliff, under renowned chef Mietta O’Donnell.

“I think this is fantastic news for 3225 and the broader Geelong Region,” said Mr Cayzer. 

The redevelopment will commence early this year, he added.
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The Queen Anne-style building was designed by Melbourne architects Reed, Henderson & Smart, who were also responsible for the State Library of Victoria, Collins Street Baptist Church, Melbourne Trades Hall and a number of Melbourne university buildings. It sits on 1,685sqm and boasts period features, 16 hotel rooms, dining room, a manager’s apartment, bar, library and sitting rooms.

A new business consortium aims to reinvigorate Queenscliffe’s business landscape by targeting empty shops and transforming them into new hospitality enterprises. 

The group, headed by 360Q restaurant owner Barry Iddles, has already opened its new Wharf Street Panty, in the former LIX retail space at Queenscliff Harbour, and will soon turn its attention to the much-loved Hesse Street eatery Shelter Shed. 

According to Mr Iddles, the new company - made up of current and former colleagues - was formed on the back of concern for the town's business future - a key driver of tourism and employment. 

“We were discussing how there were shops empty or hardly open when the harbour approached us to take over the vacant shop LIX. We saw it as a great opportunity to create a joint venture, Queenscliff Hospitality Pty Ltd, and set out to reinvigorate our great town,” Mr Iddles said. 

“The Shelter Shed was also on the market so we snapped it up. It is such a beautiful venue, we will breathe some life back into it as soon as the lease is signed.

A third acquisition was also potentially in the pipeline, Mr Iddles said. 

“I am so proud of my team. We all hate seeing empty shops."

While figures show tourism visitation has bounced back, several business owners are still reeling from the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions and subsequent staffing shortages. Two shops in central Hesse Street remain vacant after more than two years.

Mr Iddles said the new company’s vision was to ensure Queenscliff was “open”, with consistent trading hours and a renewed energy.  

“We are a tourist town… we need to get the whole town, businesses, to be excited about what they do,” he said. That means open and trading all public holidays, long weekends - with a surcharge for public holiday trading. 

"I employ 45 staff and our payroll is huge on public holidays but we would never consider closing these days. It is a service to the community and our tourists.”

Mr Iddles has been a driving force behind recruiting retirees and pensioners to help alleviate staffing pressures and was keynote speaker at a Victorian Tourism Industry Council forum on the benefits of employing a mature workforce. 

His growing workforce will work across the three venues.

"I'm a great believer in the law of attraction. If you get up every day of the week and say 'there's no workers' you're not going to attract them," He told the forum. 

"Our integenerational team ranges between the age of 15 and 78, so we've now got a broad spectrum of people.
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  "The comraderie between my team is incredible. It's given them a new lease of life, as in everyone learns from everyone else," he said.

Queenscliff’s new ferry terminal has opened earlier than was planned to  help cope with an anticipated massive influx of school holiday visitors.

“Whilst not fully complete, the building has passed all safety and compliance tests to enable customers to utilise the passenger lounges and beachside food offering,” said Searoad Ferries CEO Matt McDonald. 

“We are very excited to finally be opening after what has been a challenging three years. The building will be fully completed and officially launched in March 2023. Works to be finished will be the passenger gantry for accessible boarding, a digital immersive experience, and an expanded food offering.”

Built by Kane Constructions, the $15.9 million terminal has been designed by award-winning F2 Architects as a modern interpretation of the town’s original Fishermen’s Pier, demolished in 1960. 

Once fully completed it is expected to cater to upwards 950,000 passengers over the next 12 months, rising to more than a million in coming years. 

Described by Mr McDonald as a new “jewel of the Bellarine,” the state-of-the-art, two-level building has been funded under Geelong City Deal - a $382.48 million commitment between the Commonwealth and Victorian governments and the City of Greater Geelong to revitalise the city and regional economy. Searoad Ferries contributed $5.9 million towards the build.

The terminal offers improved pedestrian and disability access and a new ground floor food venue, TARRA Queenscliff, which will operate from 7am and will provide a contemporary menu for breakfast and lunch. 
A new external boardwalk is also nearing completion.

Searoad Ferries is awaiting Borough of Queenscliffe approval for a revised liquor license, which would lift the number of patrons from to 90 to 540 and extend its operating hours from 9pm to 1am to accommodate more patrons and activities - including night time ferry cruises and training services. 

Operating since 1987, the company’s vessels cross the bay upwards of 8,200 annually and carry more than 250,000 vehicles, making it Australia’s busiest vehicle ferry service. 

Last year it was recognised at a national level, with a bronze in the category of Best Major Tour and Transport Operator at the Australian Tourism Industry Awards and last month was awarded yet another Victorian Tourism Industry Award.

With a massive influx of tourists anticipated over the next month, foot passengers are being encouraged to pre-book their tickets. 
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Following its success last year, the company will again offer a shuttle bus service on both sides of the bay, to carry passengers into Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale and Sorrento and Portsea.
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Tourist accommodation will be returned to Queenscliff’s historic Royal Hotel, under a planning application  lodged  with  the Borough of Queenscliffe.
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Owners  of  the  landmark King  Street  establishment  are seeking  approval  to  alter  its existing operating terms through a  permanent  liquor  licence, increased patron capacity and use of its cellar as a bar, gallery and venue.

The application, lodged by Sincock Planning, also includes building works to provide nine en-suited accommodation rooms on the upper floor.

After being closed for several years, the venue opened last summer on limited licences which allowed it to operate on restricted hours as an art gallery and cocktail bar for just 50 patrons.

The hotel recently hosted a sold-out dining event featuring renowned chef Guy Rossi, and according to the planning application, is keen to explore further event opportunities.

“The existing business has been more successful than expected, therefore leading to the desire to extend the life of the use and provide for the venue to be used throughout the year for three uses that align but can operate independently of each other,” it said. “The use of the premises as a gallery, bar, accommodation and function centre maintains the history of the site and its long established history of providing  accommodation, food and drink and liquor through various uses over time.

“The scale of this building does not lend itself to a single dwelling and therefore appropriate    commercial activities at a scale that is sensitive to the surrounding residential uses is necessary in order to provide for the long term maintenance and upkeep of the building,” it continued.

Under the proposal, patron capacity would be increased to 100 in gallery and bar areas and up to 200 for functions, and opening hours would be extended to 11pm, seven days a week. Current parking restrictions would also be waived.

“The reuse of this heritage building for a commercial use is consistent with the history of the site and the re-use of the building provides economic  return  that  can  be  distributed toward the ongoing renovation and upkeep of the building. This provides for long term protection of the property which is desirable for a significant heritage building in this heritage townscape,” the planning application concluded.
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The heritage hotel was originally built in 1854 by William Leigh, one of Queenscliff’s first European residents.

A contract has finally been awarded for the restoration of four P1 huts on the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve, with Q Constructions expected to complete the upgrade by December.

Funded  with  the  remainder of a State Government $500,000 grant allocated in 2019, the project involves removal of asbestos from the buildings, re-cladding and re-roofing. The works are only external and the huts will not be usable on completion.

Meanwhile, Queenscliffe Council is weighing up whether or not to hand the site back to the Victorian Government amid concerns it does not have the financial resources to maintain it into the future.

Borough of Queenscliff (BoQ) CEO Martin Gill confirmed recent discussions had been held regarding ongoing funding and long-term management.

“One of the options that has been discussed is State Government management. This is an option some of our community members have proposed, and I understand, have spoken to the State Government about,” Mr Gill said. “It was one of a number of matters Council were discussing about the Lighthouse Reserve.

“At the moment Council has no plans to formally consider this initiative.”

Such a move would represent a major backflip. The Borough lobbied for and was handed management of the reserve in 2012, with plans to create a tourism and accommodation precinct. The  community,  however,  rejected development of the site and Heritage Victoria subsequently listed the entire headland in 2019, providing additional protection over maritime, Defence and cultural assets.

During the impasse, the huts have fallen into further disrepair and have been regularly targeted by vandals, necessitating the erection of unsightly temporary fencing. One hut was completely destroyed in a 2017 arson attack.

Figures compiled by the Point Lonsdale Civic Association (PLCA) highlighted the cost of the reserve to BoQ to date.

Annual budgets had allocated amounts of up to $1 million every year to the reserve since 2016 - more than $3.7 million in total - with little progress, it said. “Since the Council took over management  of  the  Reserve in  2012,  some  works  have taken  place  including  the refurbishment of a searchlight emplacement and the engine shed, securing and painting the P1 huts, a new roundabout at the entrance and some revegetation works.

“However, the access tracks are in poor condition, there is extensive weed infestation, cars and pedestrians dangerously conflict, and the military and maritime heritage infrastructure  is  badly  dilapidated,”  the organisation said.

“Those with long memories will recall the community’s bitter fight to stop the Council’s proposed  commercial  development  of  the Lighthouse precinct. A petition of around 1,200 signatures was made to the Victorian Parliament to stop Council’s plans, leading to the Commonwealth and State Governments stepping in to protect the environmental and historic values of this special area.”

The latest works follow extensive consultation with Heritage Victoria, government and Wadawurrung traditional elders.
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Queenscliff’s iconic Barracouta sporting emblem has been spotted thousands of kilometres from home, in the red dirt of central Australia. 

A team of Indigenous footballers took to the field in Couta jumpers last month as part of Katherine’s famous Barunga Festival - a showcase of cultural music, arts and sport.

The Queenscliff Football Netball Club (QFNC) donated the surplus football jumpers some six months ago. 
Point Lonsdale school teacher Tom Meaney, who organised the exchange, said the jumpers had since been worn by players from across the Big Rivers Football League. 

“I sent a couple of sets up to the Katherine Camels Football club and they made their way to the regional AFL Development Officer and from there they’ve been worn by the Warlpiri Swans in a footy carnival and they’ve also been worn by the Elcho Island Bulldogs - who became the Elcho Island Baracouta Bulldogs for the weekend at the Burunga Footy festival."

The jumpers were further shared between clubs more recently during the Freedom Day Festival football carnival.

Meaney, who worked and played football in the Northern Territory for several seasons, said he knew the cast-offs would be well received in Australia’s football mad heartland. 

“I know that teams up there often don’t have a set of jumpers and it helps out when you’ve got matching strips for the community teams that come into the carnival,” he said.

The Big Rivers League is based in Katherine, but players travel often hours to get to matches.

“The Warlpiri Swans would drive eight hours to play football in Katherine and they wore the Couta strip at the start of the year and then the Elcho Island mob would have either got the barge or flown over and then driven six or seven hours to play at Barunga. They love their footy,” Meaney said. 

“As a community club, we understand  the importance of providing local people the opportunity to play sport and promote the benefits of physical and mental health,” said QFNC President Rowan Martin. 

“When asked if we could support an indigenous community team we jumped at it as we know how beneficial sport would be to communities less fortunate that ourselves. This endeavour upholds our ‘Couta Code’ - of always supporting the community, even if they are in Central Australia.”
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then the Elcho Island mob would have either got the barge or flown over and then driven six or seven hours to play at Barunga. They love their footy,” Meaney said.
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For some 70 years - from 1853 - Tasmanian Steam Navigation vessels would pass by Queenscliffe’s shore enrolee from Hobart and Launceston to Melbourne.
 
Now, reminders of the long- since defunct company grace beautiful hand-made mosaics that give a nod to our region’s rich heritage. 

From a kitchen table inside one of Queenscliff’s most stately heritage homes, artist Camilla Watson creates plates, bowls and garden ornaments from broken pieces of crockery and glassware, including remnants of local shipwrecks.

Around her, the trained art teacher delves into buckets full of small treasures. There’s a bucket just for pieces from shipwrecks and others filled with pieces donated by family and friends, dug up in local gardens and broken cups and plates from former grand guest houses - including the Baillieu family-owned Ozone Hotel and the Grand Hotel - now the Vue Grand. 
     
“I get so excited when I find something, I just lose myself in the process and I get transported to that age,” Watson says. “It takes over, I just wanted to get started and make something straight away. 

“I will see something, an old company logo on a plate, a flower on a teacup and I will make that a hero piece and work around it.

“I try to be faithful to the history of that remnant,” she says. 
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Watson’s mosaics can be found at Queenscliff Harbour’s House Warming and online. She is currently taking bookings for upcoming classes from her local studio. Details can be found at  and online at;  madebymill.stokedev.cc/about-us/

Click A generous donation from a man rescued off Point Lonsdale’s notorious back beach 50 years ago has helped boost the coffers of the Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club (PLSLSC). 

The now deceased anonymous benefactor bequeathed the club $50,000, in cash, out of gratitude for being plucked to safety by life savers.

A note accompanying the money asked that the notes be counted by two “responsible” people. 

“We are in the process of determining the exact use of the funds, but they will be used for the purchase of essential gear and equipment to enable us to patrol effectively and ultimately keep the community safe on our beaches,” said PLSLSC President Charlie Pitney. 

“We are very thankful for this significant donation and it really puts into context the long lasting effect we can have on the community.”

The gesture was revealed at last month’s annual general meeting (AGM, where the club revealed that despite ongoing pandemic challenges and with some of the “highest beach attendances on record,” it had posted a cash profit of $102,000 last financial year - double the previous year.

Thanks to the anonymous donation and the resumption of the annual Nippers door knock, donations were up by $76,000.

“Season 2021/22 was a bit of a whirlwind. We saw the opening of our new clubhouse and all of the challenges that came with it - getting used to our new building and figuring out how it will operate,” Mr Pitney told the AGM.

“Throw in a little bit of COVID and we had quite a challenging season.

“These figures highlight our resilience as a club. Not only have we bounced back to pre-covid numbers, we’ve smashed them out of the ball park.”

Season highlights, according to Mr Pitney, included the clubhouse opening, resumption after two years of a full Nippers season and the Rip View Swim Classic and a record membership - including 570 new social members.

“The peak summer season over 2021/22 was always going to be a try and see how it goes. We’re pleased that we ultimately had a very successful season and there was a lot of people that were just happy to be in this beautiful new building,” he said. 

Respondents to a survey aimed at addressing erosion at Queenscliff’s Dog Beach have favoured letting nature take its course, despite predictions the primary dune will continue to recede over time.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) recently put forward six options as part of a continuing community consultation process - the results of which will help shape a Coastal Adaption Plan for the popular stretch of coast. 

The options ranged from minimal intervention to construction to an offshore breakwater.

A total of 32 submissions were received. Of the 29 responses specific to option one, 19 favoured minimal intervention with just five opposed. 

In their responses, participants said it was the best plan for retaining the beach’s current amenity. 

“[It is the] best option for maintaining as an off leash dog beach, given there are no other leash free areas available,” said respondent. 

"The main advantage of this option is that it maintains public amenity. Continued use of a 'natural' beach and access to the bush track, albeit re-routed in some areas. The extended fencing is a low visual impact solution,” added another. 

Of the five remaining options; 

• Five of 24 respondents favoured dune management
• Five of 24 supported beach renourishment 
• Nine of 26 supported construction of groynes
• Eight of 22 supported construction of a rock revetment, and 
• Four of 21 supported construction of an offshore breakwater

Recently released modelling predicts that without mitigation works, the terminal scour in the beach dune wall will erode by around 1,200m3 a year - reaching the rear of properties by 2100.

Queenscliffe Council has set aside $40,000 in its current budget to upgrade existing safety fencing and signage. 

The consultation was undertaken at an in-person engagement session held at Queenscliff Football and Netball Club on 29 May 2022, and also on-line. Participants were asked to outline the advantages and disadvantages of each option and to provide personal feedback. 

“Erosion is a naturally occurring process affecting many parts of Victoria’s coastline, which is impacted by storms that are increasing in severity and frequency due to climate change,” DELWP said.

“We’re working with the Borough of Queenscliffe and key stakeholders to better understand the hazards, risks, and adaptation options for the site.

“The feedback will be used to better understand the adaptation options,” it said. 
The final report will be made available on the Engage Victoria website on 15 September.

After undergoing a $4.5 million upgrade, the Queenscliff boat ramp is finally back open for business - just in time for snapper season!

Work was undertaken in two stages across more than 12 months to add a third ramp lane, new central pontoon and additional car parking. 

Upgrades included adding a third ramp lane, a new central pontoon and improvements to the main and overflow carparks.

A Better Boating Victoria (BBV) spokesperson said the new ramp had been designed to accommodate anticipated sea level rise over its 25-year design life. 

“This is a key requirement of environmental approvals. A specialist coastal scientist was engaged early on in the project to determine anticipated sea-level rise and storm surges over 25 years,” the spokesperson said. 

"The ramp crest is now raised and sits 250mm higher compared to the original ramp. The sea wall has also been designed to accommodate future height increases.”

The upgrade was part of the state government’s $35 million Go Fishing Victoria plan, aimed at improving recreational fishing and fish stocks. 

Under the same initiative, commercial net fishing in Port Phillip has also been banned – leaving more than 600 tonnes of extra fish, according to BBV.
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“These upgrades will ensure the Bellarine Peninsula is a go-to boating destination for locals and visitors for years to come, with both ramps to provide better access and a stress-free start to a day on the water,” said Bellarine MP Lisa Neville.

Having performed countless rescues over 20 years, the Queenscliff Coastguard has retired its rescue boat. 

In its place, the organisation has taken temporary possession of a state-of-the-art new vessel.

Having reached its maximum rescue usage age, the old 9.3 metre fibreglass vessel will now be stripped of key equipment and sold, in line with government policy. 

“[The] vessel has completed hundreds of rescues and has been a most welcome sight to those in distress,” the organisation said. 

Also gone is Coastguard’s trademark yellow. 

The new rescue boat, issued by the Victorian Office of Marine Search and Rescue (MSAR), is white with red markings. 

Named Queenscliff 304, it is an 8.5 metre rigid hull inflatable, fitted with a foam collar to improve buoyancy and safety. It also features infrared camera and radar technology. 

“The new MSAR vessel is an excellent piece of equipment and will perform well until our new primary vessel is available. Our crews are extremely happy with the handling and sea worthiness of Queenscliff 304,” said Queenscliff Flotilla commander Michael Donohue. 

“As part of future plans we expect to have this vessel for six to nine months before we move up to a newer vessel of at least ten metres length,” he said. 

With the re-opening of the Queenscliff boat ramp, the Coastguard is anticipating a busy Spring and Summer and has urged boat owners to ensure their craft is seaworthy.
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“Do all of your end of winter checks; make sure your batteries are fully charged, throw out your two-stroke fuel - just get rid of that, if you haven’t used it for three months it’s no good - get your engines serviced, check your lines, check your flares, check all of your safety gear and make sure you know how to use your life jacket and you’re ready to go,” said Flotilla volunteer Ivan St Clair.

A prized vacant block of land in Queenscliff’s central business district will be transformed into a residential development, under plans lodged with the Queenscliffe Council. 

The planning application for 20-26 Hesse Street - once described as the CBD’s missing tooth - seeks approval for 10 three-level townhouses. 

The 2,628 square metre block, between the Wyuna apartments and former Victoria Tavern, previously housed the Queenscliff Nursing Home but has remained vacant since that facility was demolished in 2010.
 
Under the proposal, eight townhouses - each with four bedrooms and a three car garage - would front Hesse Street. Another two three-bedroom residences would be located at the rear of the property. 

A 71-page planning report lodged with the application by Context Planning Pty Ltd, for Citiprop Pty Ltd, said the development was an acceptable planning outcome for the site and would address a need for more housing in the municipality. 

“This proposal seeks to reintroduce a residential use to the site which will result in additional residents living within close and convenient walking distance to retail shops, hospitality offerings, medical centres and other amenities, which subsequently will support the established and futures businesses within Queenscliff town centre. 

“It has been consistently proven that that mixed use areas which include provision for residential development within activity centres helps to strengthen the economic viability of the overall areas,” the report said.

The site, which backs onto the historic Whitehall Guest House, is zoned Commercial 1 (CZ1), which under Victorian planning controls allows for residential uses at densities that are complementary to the role and scale of the commercial centre.
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“The subdivision proposed is not likely to impact upon any of the surrounding heritage properties or the wider heritage place,” the application said. “The reconfiguration of a vacant site allows for the land to be more effectively used and supports a built form which is of a scale complementary to the streetscape.”

The Borough of Queenscliffe’s annual budget will take a $168,000 hit and upwards of 28 permanent campers appear set to lose their sites, with the formalisation of a new Victoria Park Management Plan. 

Council approved the plan three votes to one at last month’s ordinary meeting, after weighing up more than 50 submissions to a draft of the policy. 

While dual use of the park will continue,  some areas will be restricted to tents and caravans of less than six metres in length and new off-limits vegetation reserves will be created. And a late amendment to the plan could  pave the way for permanent camping to be phased out altogether, in line with Victorian Government policy to make crown land accessible to all.

“Council values the dual use of the park as a space for recreation and as a campground in the summer months. While we’ve had to close some sites to allow for revegetation works to take place, this new policy will give campers and the community certainty about the park’s future and begin the process of restoring the park’s canopy and character,” a Council spokesperson said. 

“Nearly 80 percent of the camp sites across Victoria Park and the Queenscliff Recreation Reserve will remain available for camping in summer under the new policy.”

A fence, erected around the park's perimeter as part of a WorkSafe safety order, will be removed shortly and a revegetation program would commence in coming months, the spokesperson said. 

Camping will resume on the last weekend of November and continue until the end of April. 

A draft of the plan was put out for public comment for 14 days in August, attracting 52 submissions -  with arguments both strongly in favour of and opposed to camping.  

“It was really difficult because a lot of the submissions were ‘no camping’ and a lot of them were ‘full camping, don’t close any of the sites,’” said Cr Fleur Hewitt. “And we’re looking to create big vegetation reserves to try and at least get back some of the beautiful vegetation that’s been lost in recent months. 

“We’re trying to strike the balance between … enabling vegetation to grow again and also safeguarding some of the revenue generated by the park and enable it to be used into the future by not only residents and ratepayers, but also visitors,” she said. 

One of two last minute amendments to the plan, moved by Cr Isabelle Tolhurst, was aimed at ensuring the new management plan complied with State Government policy relating to equity and access to crown land and camping reserves. 

That legislation, introduced in 2010, states that Crown land caravan and camping parks should provide affordable holiday opportunities to all Victorians and should not be managed for exclusive long-term occupancy and permanent residency.

“The [Victoria Park] policy is one that seeks continuous improvement, so it will be reviewed regularly, and we’ve built that into the policy, but also it will lock into things like the Coastal and Marine Management Plan (CMMP) once it’s created and important key documents Council is working on,” Cr Tolhurst said.

The policy will cost the borough $168,000 in lost camping revenue annually and in the vicinity of a further $50,000 for construction of new paths and signage.

The current BoQ Budget includes $40,000 for replanting works. A further $17,000 has been secured by the Friends of Victoria Park through a Queen’s Jubilee revegetation grants program.  

Donnie Grigau - the only Councillor to vote against the new plan - said he had a “major issue” in approving it in the absence of an updated CMMP.

“Our current coastal management plan was dated 2006, which we don’t actually have access to on the website. “It’s pretty poor that we’ve got a 16 year old document, that we don’t actually have, to reference as a guide in paper for anything that we do,” Cr Grigau said. 

The park has remained closed since June, after WorkSafe declared numerous trees - some damaged in a major storm last October - posed a public safety risk and ordered upwards of 30 be removed, lopped or pruned.  
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Despite community anger, legal advice obtained by the Council confirmed the agency had acted “reasonably” and within its jurisdiction in ordering the works. 
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Photos courtesy Tom Gelai

An idea by a group of local women to host a small fundraiser for Ukrainian refugees has ended up attracting upwards of 150 people and raising more than $11,000.

Denise Provan helped to organise the June 9 event after feeling a sense of helplessness for those impacted by Russia's invaaion of their country.

It was held at Suma Park estate, owned by Denise and husband Barry.

“At the beginning it was going to be drinks in my home, and then my husband suggested we have it at Suma [Park]... which was terrific because it meant we could invite a lot more," said Denise.

“And then we went around to ask local businesses for donations of either raffle prizes or wine, and I have to say everyone was so supportive. I hardly got the words out, and they would say ‘what do you want, what can we give you?’”

Over 200 tickets were sold, but with COVID-19- related cancellations, around 150 people attended, raising $11,700 – all of which will be used to be donated to causes assisting Ukrainian women and children who have been forced to flee their country. 

“We just had no trouble selling, in fact we had to print more tickets in the end,” Mrs Provan said.  “Everybody was just so generous and so kind.
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Contributing businesses included Pasquinis, Lon Retreat, RT Edgar, Citrine, QT Traders, Sukii, IGA and  Merne