On Tuesday 9 April 2024 over 60 community members attended the first community meeting for 2024 where Daryl Pelchen, Co-Founder of CORA spoke about the planned development at Modewarre which aims to become a global destination.
“This region is Australia’s place of amazing combinations where the hero is the land and we regularly experience four seasons in one day,” said Daryl Pelchen when describing what makes our area unique.
“The tennis academy with 33 courts will be first development. Whilst I understand change always causes apprehension, change brings opportunities. Simple things like a change to a bus route to accommodate visitors to CORA will have a positive influence on business. We will see growth in hospitality, tourism and information technology to name a few as CORA develops,” says Daryl.
John Tebbutt, Daryl Pelchen (with Community Bank sign)
The investment in planning delivers quality places that grow wealth and jobs and strengthen local communities. It enables economic growth to be achieved alongside environmental goals and community aspirations. Infrastructure enables trade, powers businesses, connects workers to their jobs, and creates opportunities for communities. Daryl spoke with passion about the level of rigour that has been applied to planning for CORA when questions were raised from the floor.
John Tebbutt, President of Growing Winchelsea then outlined the economic and social benefits of some of the committees that come under the Growing Winchelsea umbrella.
“Movies communicate concepts, ideas and stories. So the Winchelsea Movie Club allows us to experience life through different eyes- gaining new perspectives, inspiration and understanding. Our Community market stimulates the local economy and supports budding entrepreneurs by encouraging consumer spending within the community.
Our train station is a key public space and vital to many people enabling them to engage in work and social commitments. Already we have seen the addition of a mural and the Stationeers Program committee will make a difference to the environment by caring for the land in and around our local railway station.
Trees promote health and well‐being by reducing air pollution, encouraging physical activity, enhancing mental health, promoting social ties, and strengthening the economy. The Winchelsea Arboretum Trail (WAT) offers a safe, affordable and enjoyable activity for all ages. With tourism playing a more significant role, our visitors will see interesting, challenging, authentic and unique experiences thanks to the work of the WAT subcommittee,” said John.
By highlighting the work of Growing Winchelsea and its relevance to a healthy and vibrant Winchelsea John put out a call for assistance with a flyer calling for help. It identified those initiatives where volunteer support is needed.
“Even sparing an hour or two to our Community Market will make a difference.
“As our population continues to grow is it important we continue to support initiatives that strengthen our community – those activities that support cultural, economic, social, environmental development while advocating for and working in partnership with Surf Coast Shire for our future planning and infrastructure needs.
Please consider how you can invest some time in an already busy life to make a difference. To offer assistance please contact our secretary Elaine Atkinson either by email at secretary@growingwinchelsea.com or telephoning her on 0458009616,” concluded John.
The next Community meeting will be held on Tuesday 11 June 2024 at the Shire Hall with Mayor Liz Pattison, fellow councillors and shire staff present.
Elaine Atkinson, Michelle Stocks, Graham Kenafacke, John Tebbutt, Louise Hall, Lesley Christie, Jane Bartier & Cinthya Sabillion (Committee)