In 2023, Surf Coast Shire Council supported Moriac and Winchelsea communities to develop a three year Community Plan for their township/district. Other townships are to follow, creating a staggered cycle of community planning across the shire.

What is community planning?

Community planning brings residents together to explore what matters to people locally, identify common values, and form a shared vision for their community. With this as the basis, residents then create a Community Plan that includes a clear list of goals, priorities and actions that community members themselves will act upon.

Community Plans help inform Council’s plans and programs in those places, influenced by the unique values, characteristics and activities taking place in each township and community.

Winchelsea is a welcoming and thriving township with a rich cultural heritage and country feel. The residents of Winchelsea benefit from a strong connection to the beautiful Barwon River and rural hinterland, whilst still connected to local and regional learning, employment, civic and cultural experiences.

The key themes identified during community consultation are:

• Connecting Our Community
• Actively Building Resilience
• Linking Community Organisations and Networks
• Celebrating the Barwon River
• Retaining Country Authenticity
• Valuing a Rich Cultural Landscape

6 priority projects were identified during community consultation:

1. Winchelsea Arboretum Tree Trail – active project, find out more
2. Bring back Christmas Carols – successfully reactivated!
3. Engage & connect those new to the area – not started
4. Sustainable Winchelsea Shire Hall space for community use – Winch House experimenting
5. A Winchelsea youth hub – not started
6. Industrial estate makeover – not started