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Geelong Star - mega trawler protest

16/10/2015

 
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Locals opposed to the mega fishing trawler Geelong Star are being encouraged to join a protest rally in Torquay is coming days.

Recreational fisherman Jason O’Neill has organised the Sunday October 25 event, with the backing of the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation and VR Fish.

Federal member for Corangamite, Sarah Henderson, has also voiced her opposition to the super trawler.
“To call this vessel the Geelong Star is a real slur on our city – this vessel is no star of Geelong,” she said.
“In the electorate of Corangamite – an electorate which includes 188km of coastline - there is very significant opposition to this trawler.  The scientific evidence to support the fishing of the small pelagic fishery in the manner being proposed is simply not conclusive.

“On both environmental and recreational fishing grounds I believe a ban is justified,” Ms Henderson said.”
The 95-metre Geelong Star voluntarily suspended fishing in May after killing eight dolphins on its first two trips in Australian waters. Fishing resumed in June after operators applied additional safeguards.
The rally will bring together the fishing fraternity, families, boaties and those concerned about the trawler’s impact on the environment.
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It will commence at 11am at the Torquay Angling Club. 

TV ad campaign to reach millions

15/10/2015

 
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So what are you doing this weekend?” – TV ad campaign to reach millions
 
A potential audience of millions will finally discover our beautiful slice of the world, with a $30,000 new tourism campaign set to screen during top-rating television programs from next month (November).

​The #visitqueensclifflonsdale campaign will air on Channel Nine during some of its marquee shows including The Block, Today, The Ellen Degeneres Show and the afternoon news. The 30 second adverts, highlighting Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale, feature the message: “So what are you doing this weekend?” They will screen on television from November 8 to December 6. The campaign will also feature online and social media components.

Tourism Greater Geelong and the Bellarine (TGGB) CEO Roger Grant said the initiative was a “bold” and “exciting” step forward for the newly-established body in terms of promoting the region.
“When you undertake advertisements you realise that within 30 seconds you don’t have the time to document all those fantastic assets that Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale have. Really what you’re trying to do is to engage with the consumer, in a way that motivates them to want to undertake further actions in terms of visiting.

“Will the ad have cut through? I think it does. Will it relate to the target audience? I believe that it does but at the end of the day you can do all of the testing and hypothesising and I guess we’ll know when it’s out in the marketplace,” he said.  “The feedback from everyone, from the marketing gurus within state government to the local operators, everyone thinks that it is a sweet little ad and hopefully it will deliver for us.”   

The Borough of Queenscliffe, TGGB and local business jointly funded the campaign. Key tourism players, including Searoad Ferries, Beacon Big 4, The Queenscliff Music Festival and the Blues Train contributed around $14,000. Upwards of 40 smaller business operators also pitched in $6,000. “Industry has really stood up to the plate to make this possible,” Mr Grant said.  “We would all love the million campaign funded by government and we’ll continue to pursue that but until we secure those funds it’s great that industry has put its shoulder to the wheel along with Council and ourselves.” 

Cottage unveils its secret weapon

1/10/2015

 
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He’s the only Cottage By The Sea team member with a leave pass to lick the guests and has the key responsibility of bringing smiles to little faces. 
Meet Webbie – a five year old Labrador who is very much still “a puppy at heart,” according to his new owners

The former show dog joined the crew recently with the brief of easing the anxiety of children taking part in their first stay away from home.  
“Webbie was kindly donated to Cottage by the Sea and flew back to Victoria on his own a month ago,” said Cottage media spokesperson Lachlan Baulch.  

“He has been employed as a companion dog to relieve some of the children’s anxiety and reservations about being on camp. He will also assist the kids in learning life skills such as nurturing, empathy and the responsibilities of having a pet.”

It is the latest adventure in Webbie’s short but colourful life. 

He was born in Winchelsea and spent his early years as a show dog. Two years ago he made the move to Tasmania where he spent his time as a stud dog.

“Webbie has fitted right into Cottage life and the kids love him. He still loves nothing more than a walk on the beach and swims in the ocean with the kids and can’t get enough of all the love and attention. It’s only early days still, but Webbie has a very exciting life ahead at the Cottage and we’re ecstatic and proud to have him as part of the team,” Mr Baulch said.

Coutas clear the decks – hunt begins for new coaches

1/10/2015

 
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Queenscliff’s new senior football coach will be named in coming days. 

The club is understood to have offered the position to a candidate, but is unable to announce the appointment because of his ongoing finals commitments at another club.


Selection committee member Brendan Monahan said a quality field of applicants put their hand up for the job, recently vacated by Tom Limb.


The club has indicated a preference for a playing coach. 

senior netball coach, after the shock resignation of Jamie Ryan. 

After three seasons in the role, Ryan last month announced she would not be seeking re-appointment. 

“We had the great fortune of having Jamie with us for three seasons and we were very keen for her to continue in the role beyond the end of this season,” said Netball coordinator Lisa Peart. “Jamie 
brought diverse experience and continued to build on that through her involvement with the Geelong Flyers, brining new ideas back to our club. It will be hard to replace her.”

Gardens open to the public

1/10/2015

 
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A spectacular espaliered fig tree, sustainable vegetable patches and an abundance of spring flowers will be among the highlights when six beautiful gardens throw open their gates to the public this month as part of a fundraiser by the Queenscliff Uniting Church.
The theme of the October 17 event is “ Generous Living! – sharing the abundance of earth in your community. 
The day will include deonshire teas, lunches, plant sales, music and raffles. 
Entry is $7 per garden or $25 for all six.  Details are available on the uniting church website.
The six are among the most-admired in the community. They include:
  • The Gas Works Garden - 21 Symonds St Queenscliff
  • Marg and Warrick’s Garden - 2o Winterley Road Pt Lonsdale
  • Suma Park - 2135 Bellarine Highway Queenscliff
  • Theo and Krista’s - 33 Peterho Boulevard, Point Lonsdale
  • Mia Cook and Ken Adam’s garden - 11 Lakeland Court, Point Lonsdale
  • Manse Garden - 48 Gellibrand Street Queenscliff 

We need this project to start - Queenscliff Historical Museum

1/10/2015

 
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The Borough of Queensliffe has been implored to put the redevelopment of the Queenscliffe Historical Museum back into its capital works budget as a matter of urgency.

Prominent local Gary Spry says formal plans for the much-needed upgrade, drawn-up some three years ago, appeared to have slipped off the Council’s agenda amid perceptions it wasn’t a “sexy” enough project.

The former State Government MP said with the museum soon to celebrate its 50th anniversary, its long-suffering volunteers and the wider community deserved more space and modern facilities.

“What a remarkable asset [our] three museums are to this historic township and what a pit that history as such isn’t regarded by local tourism gurus as sexy,” Mr Spry said during a recent speech to the local  Probus Club mmbers.

“From a life-enrichment perspective the arts too are important and can be big [economic] drivers. They allow visitors to dig beneath the surface.

“I’m not suggesting that Queenscliff should have a Guggenheim, but we shouldn’t ignore the appeal which well-resourced and well-run local museums can hold for a wider audience either," he said

In 2012 the Borough contracted leading heritage architectural firm Williams Boag to prepare a concept plan to redevelop and link the library, Museum and Visitor Information Centre buildings.

The brief was to design a building sympathetic to the town’s heritage, providing a larger, modern work environment for staff and a drawcard for visitors.

No formal plans for the “Queenscliff Cultural Hub” have been made public.  However Councillors have in recent days voted to allocate $10,000 from an unexpected budget surplus towards the project – a long way short of funds required.

 

“Meanwhile the volunteer office staff at the museum are squeezed into a tiny room to perform their administrative functions and the researchers, both volunteers and visitors alike, have to work cheek by jowl on the public display room,” said Mr Spry. 

“If Council officers were asked to work under these conditions I dare say they would spit the dummy.

“This cultural precinct project has been as dead as the proverbial dodo… We don’t ask much but we do expect Councillors to understand and acknowledge the part we play in attracting tourists and enriching the fabric of the community we live in and serve,” he said.   

Acting Borough CEO Phil Josipovic said the project remained on the Council's four year plan but was dependent on securing external funding. 

"The allocation of $10,000 for the project will fund additional work to update the project proposal including the current estimated construction cost using a quantity surveyor. In addition the allocation will be used to prepare an arborist report for the significant Morton Bay Fig at the rear of the museum to ensure future construction methods do not impact the health of this significant tree.," he said.

"The additional work described above will give Council up to date information required to be ready to submit an application should a suitable Government funding program be announced. When funding is secured, Council will progress community consultation and detail design."

Pictured: The Queenscliff Historical Museum is crammed for space and in need of a makeover, according to former MP Gary Spry

We want to be vibrant again

1/10/2015

 
“We want to be vibrant again!” - Queenscliffe's new Chamber of Commerce has warned business will no longer be kept in the dark on key decisons

The Borough’s new Chamber of Commerce has pledged to make all three levels of government accountable for the municipality’s future economic growth - to grow jobs, attract investment and lure more families back into the community.

The group held its first formal meeting in recent days (September23) to elect office bearers and determine its primary focus.

President Tony Francis said local business operators for too long had not had a strong voice on key issues. As a consequence hundreds of jobs had been lost from the fort, fishing industry and in marine sciences.

“We have all allowed that to happen but we’re not going to do that any more. There are things we can influence now and there are things we can influence down the track… we need to as a community group say what our priorities are and make sure they are front and centre at all levels of government,” he said. 

“We as a chamber are going to turn things around. We want people coming here, living here and working here, we want to be the number one spot on the Bellarine and the whole of Victoria.

“What I mean by that is next time the Army decide to do something with that fort then we as a business group are going to tell them, hang on a minute, if you want to keep it as a fort then turn it into a fort and get the families back here, get the workforce back. 


Don’t take them away and lock up a massive asset like that. You either put the people back or you let it go.” 

The Chamber has been formed following the demise of the Queenscliff Lonsdale Business and Tourism Group (QLBTA) and in the wake of a shake-up in the local tourism industry. 


It will be independent from the Queenscliffe Council, but hopes to forge a strong working relationship. 

The initial meeting attracted representatives from wide range of  backgrounds including retail, real estate, building, fishing and the sports community.

Mr Francis said tourism, although important, should no longer be the sole focus of local economic growth. 

“There’s 1400 ABN numbers registered in the borough and they all perform a wide and varied role. We want them all in. This isn’t just about hospitality and accommodation, this is about everyone. Our challenge will be to get all of those groups involved.

“If the community, whether it’s business, not-for-profits or the general community have a wish, we want to be able go into bat for them. 

“We want governments to stand up and take notice, local, state and federal,” he said. “And we will not take motherhoods statements from politicians, head- nodding…we will be holding them to account to respond and deliver for us.”

Old world snap snares the prize

1/10/2015

 
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A old world image of an old Salt surveying the weather has been named best entry in this year’s Queenscliff Harbour Capture Winter Competition.

Photographer Nick Randall was applauded for his ability to deliver on the competition brief of capturing the mood of the harbour during the quieter winter months. The image, a portrait of Randall himself, was taken with a timer.

“Wonderful character examination, winter feel with heavy coat & wet marina looking out into the grey clouds. Using the textured brush in photoshop gives it an old world feel, which is a great use of this effect,” said judge Michael Chambers.

Richard Misquitta’s photo of two people rugged up and fishing was named runner up, while James Grinter’s image of a storm rolling in over the harbour won third place.

The Students prize was awarded to Ocean Grove Primary school’s Kalinda Caligari and featured an artistic photograph shot through the bars of the harbour tower. 

Young talent gets leg up

1/10/2015

 
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Geelong based singer and songwriter Rough River and Ocean Grove three-piece psych rockers Tiny Giants are recipients of this year’s Queenscliff Music Festival Emerging Artists Grant.

The two will share in more than $12,000 to help cover the costs associated with recording, producing and releasing full length albums next year.

The classically trained Rough River – aka Kate Skinner – released her debut self-titled album last year, attracting praise from the likes of Triple J.
Tiny Giants has also attracted its share of industry praise, with the first of the group’s two albums gaining radio airtime nationwide. 

Both acts will join the line-up at the Queenscliff Music Festival this coming November. 

The Emerging Artists Grants, now into their fifth year, provide much needed funding to help enhance the musical careers of young and emerging artists. It has become a highly sought after offering across the wider Geelong region. 

“Let them stay here” – locals call for refugee action

1/10/2015

 
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Governments at all levels have been urged to consider Queenscliffe as a possible haven for refugees fleeing the Middle East.

A number of locals have highlighted buildings, including the Queenscliff Fort, to potentially house some of the 12,000 Syrian and Iraqi people who will be accepted into Australia in coming weeks.

One local tradesman has suggested a community working bee to restore the abandoned camp buildings on Point Lonsdale’s Toc H site.

“Why, when we have five unoccupied houses going to ruin near the Point Lonsdale lighthouse can’t we do something to help these people as a community,” said builder Bill Gorman. “I would hope they would do the same for our community if circumstances were different.

“I would be only too willing to offer labour etcetera to make these properties available to temporarily offer accommodation to these poor people,” he said.

Resident Maureen Harrison, who has helped refugees settle into the region over many years, urged the Borough to “make real” its newly declared status as a Refugee Welcome Zone (RWZ).

“The Borough could lead the way like the township of Nhill and make available accommodation and hospitality in Queenscliff. How wonderful would it be to have 100 people hosted [here],” Mrs Harrison said.

“We have several empty buildings in the Borough that with a little work - maybe even volunteer - we could offer to be used as accommodation for the Syrian refugees.

“I realise that the Borough does not own the buildings of the former Sims Lodge, the Eric Tolliday units, the Fort, and Toc H. These buildings have been empty for many months and could be used to house refugees as a temporary measure. Maybe the Borough could initiate discussion with the owners of these buildings and have them ready to go for new arrivals,” she said.
Federal Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson said a number of local communities within the electorate had opened their hearts to the refugees. 

“Our local communities including Geelong, Colac and along the Surf Coast have always shown so much compassion in welcoming and supporting refugees,” she said. 

“We have many wonderful local agencies which I know will play their part in providing these refugees with a new home, safe from the persecution of their homeland.”

Media reports suggested the majority of the refugees would be housed predominatly in city centres. However Bellarine MP Lisa Neville said no specific locations had been determined as yet. “It is heartening to know that people and groups within the Queenscliff community are expressing their willingness to support them.


“The Minister responsible, Martin Foley, in relation to accommodation has said that there are no specific places under consideration at the moment but his office is discussing such with relevant authorities. Personally I believe it is vitally important that we fully integrate refugees into communities as quickly and as effectively as possible including of course their housing needs,” Ms Neville said.  

The Borough in recent days has sought government guidance on what role if any it could play in the crisis. 

“I can confirm that Council has written to the Federal Government and State Government to confirm the Borough of Queenscliffe Council’s status as a Refugee Welcome Zone and to seek advice regarding  the humanitarian settlement intake recently announced,” a spokesperson said. 


Photos: Unused camp buildings at Toc H have been identified as possible accommodation for refugees. Inset, a young woman fleeing Syria last month. Image 123RF.

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