WAT Members (left to right):
Libby Russell, Naida Hutton, Victoria Hastings, Kerry Butcher, Rod Taylor (Absent: Michelle Stocks, Rheanna Allan)
The Winchelsea Arboretum Trail (WAT) subcommittee has again been successful gaining funding to continue the development of our local trail following a recent announcement that a grant under the Tiny Towns Fund – Round 2 for up to $40,000 has been awarded to Growing Winchelsea Inc.
“This funding will allow Interpretive Signage for the Winchelsea Arboretum Trail delivering a key priority of our Winchelsea Arboretum Trail Concept Plan 2024. The installation of wayfinding, interpretive and trailhead signage will help people navigate their way, via a developing network of tree lined pathways and streets, to sites containing significant trees, each site being an opportunity to share unique stories,” said Naida Hutton Convenor of WAT.
The Tiny Towns Fund seeks to increase liveability, opportunity and prosperity by delivering better public places and spaces in towns with a population of up to 5000 people in local government areas of regional Victoria. Funding provides facilities for local families and builds community capacity while increasing visitation that benefits local businesses.
“With Winchelsea being the principal location for urban growth in the Surf Coast Shire with projected population growth beyond 1 0,000, projects like this play a key role in encouraging investment in the town as well as providing many health, wellbeing and community connection benefits for existing and new residents,” said John Tebbutt President of Growing Winchelsea.
“Already we have formed a Steering Committee and over the coming months will confirm sites for trailhead, plaques and signs and determine the language and symbols to be used throughout,” said Naida Hutton, Convenor of Winchelsea Arboretum trail (WAT) subcommittee.
“There is excitement as this next stage project gets underway. We are extremely grateful to the Winchelsea Star for their generous financial donation and look forward to providing the community with regular updates as the project unfolds,” concludes Naida.
Neil McInnes representing the Winchelsea Star and Naida Hutton