Councillor column – 1 June 2023

Published on 05 June 2023

Cr Ross Ebbels –  Local Economy

Hello to all residents, ratepayers, and visitors to the Borough of Queenscliffe,  Cr Ross Ebbels here, I hope you are keeping well.

Our community loves to lend a helping hand and is often defined by our connection and engagement with each other, our recent Community Service Awards/Volunteer Celebration shone a well-deserved light on these contributions.

Held at the Point Lonsdale Bowls Club during National Volunteers Week, this wonderful event acknowledged the efforts of our volunteers, our dedicated community members who contribute to our community in countless ways. From our extraordinary number of active community groups to the outstanding community-led events that entice visitors to our twin towns, hundreds if not thousands of hours are given locally to so many community groups and causes. 
We thank every volunteer who gives their time to others, and on the night, we celebrated two categories: Citizen of the Year and Community Group of the Year.

Citizen of the Year was awarded to Lyn Houldcroft for her volunteering roles across the Borough, which include contributions to the Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff RSL Red Cross unit for some 20 years. Lyn has organised numerous fundraising events in her time, including various adventures as part of the Emergency Red Cross Unit. Displaying her talents on the stage appearing in many productions, and volunteering as Secretary and Assistant Director for the Queenscliffe Lighthouse Theatre Group, Lyn is very much a valued volunteer. I congratulate Lyn on this well-deserved acknowledgment.

Community Group of the Year was awarded to Coast Guard Queenscliff. These volunteers are frequently called to assist people who are in trouble on the water. Taking on deployments that are often in dangerous conditions, this is an organisation committed to the safety and well-being of our community. I personally appreciate this vital service and thank all those who volunteer with Coast Guard Queenscliff.

Applications for Council’s Community Grants are now open. We have put the call out for local not-for-profit organisations and community groups to apply for a share of $20,000 of funding through the Borough’s Community Grants Program. The program offers individual grants of up to $2,000 for projects and activities that enhance the well-being of Borough residents, promote leadership and civic skills, and support positive economic, environmental, and social outcomes for the community. Applications will close on June 12, so don’t delay! Head online to boq.news/cgp or visit Council at 50 Learmonth Street for full program guidelines and application forms.

With a glorious autumn now behind us, we are moving into the winter months. Some great news is that the Borough of Queenscliffe, in partnership with Searoad Ferries and the Queenscliff Music Festival, is collaborating on a celebration of the solstice. This winter event ‘Nightide’ includes a Welcome to Country,  participation from local school children with lanterns, live music, a sculpture burn, and fireworks. The event is free and will take place in Queenscliff with the event site stretching from the Queenscliff Pier around to Searoad Ferries. This event is centred around the idea of providing vibrancy through the arts, enhancing the visitor experience, and celebrating the region in the winter. More information will become available as the event draws nearer. 24 June, 4:30 pm – 10 pm.

May 27 – 3 June is National Reconciliation Week, a time for us as Australians to come together to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements – and to consider how we can all contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. The Borough of Queenscliffe is hosting a Welcome to the County and smoking ceremony at Wirrng Wirrng (Queenscliffe Hub) on Thursday afternoon June 1 at 2.30, all welcome, we’d love to see you there.

In the next column, you will hear from my colleague Cr Donnie Grigau, who holds responsibility for Council’s Health and Wellbeing portfolio.

I'm always interested to learn what is on your mind, please feel free to reach out to me and/or any of the Borough of Queenscliffe Councillors via the contact details on Council’s website.

And remember to shop locally where you can!

‘til next time,

Nyatne baa Gobata

(Thank you and take care)

Cr Ross Ebbels

Councillor, Borough of Queenscliffe