Councillor column – 27th July
Published on 27 July 2023
Cr Ross Ebbels - Local Economy
Plenty to see and do in the Borough
Greetings to all residing or visiting our beautiful Borough. I trust you have all been keeping well – and warm.
Winter always brings much excitement to Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale. While the temperatures may have dropped, the list of things to see and do has grown.
For all movie lovers, the Queenscliffe Film Festival is a must this winter. From the 4th to the 6th of August, an eclectic program of films selected from around the globe to challenge, discuss, digest, and enjoy will be shown at the Queenscliff Town Hall. The film festival is a not-for-profit community event run by a passionate committee of volunteer cinephiles who will be happy to share a recommendation or two if you need one.
If you’re looking for something more geared toward the little ones, there is a very special guest coming into town. Thomas the Tank engine is coming back to the Borough for the Day out with Thomas event on the 7th – 8th of October. Enjoy a 45-minute trip in a Friend of Thomas to Lakers Siding and back, taking in the beautiful scenery and delighting the kids all at once. Plus, there are truck rides in the Troublesome Trucks, watercolour paints and stickers, mini golf, fire truck rides, and photo opportunities with everyone’s favourite controller, Sir Topham Hatt. This is a fun day out for all ages.
As the Councillor responsible for the Local Economy portfolio, it always brings me joy to welcome new businesses to our Borough. A big hello to two amazing new local businesses that have opened on Hesse St. Zenj, a business producing and selling a delightful smelling range of individually handcrafted essential oil candles, reed diffusers, and delectable coffee has opened its doors at 54 Hesse St and is a delight for all the senses. If you’re a lover of antique, vintage, and interesting homewares, then stroll into An Intriguing Tale at 69 Hesse St and explore the wonders within. I highly encourage all to pop into these new businesses, welcome them into the Borough and see what they have to offer.
For all business owners, new or otherwise, our Business After 5 event will be held on the 13th of September, allowing you an opportunity to connect and network with fellow business owners. This free, catered night is a great opportunity to learn more about upcoming events in Queenscliffe and how you can leverage them to boost your business, all the while getting to know your local business community. Save the date and stay tuned for more detail.
If you’re an artist, art lover or anywhere in between, we have much to offer this winter in the Borough. Queenscliffe Neighbourhood House is showing its latest photography exhibition, “Through Our Eyes.” This exhibition brings together five amateur Bellarine photographers, including Carole Poustie, Grant Allen, Mardi Simons, Fran Faulkner, and Dennis Parrish, to create a stunning exhibition at the House Gallery. The exhibition is open until August 20, including Sundays.
And of course, a big congratulations and well done to all those who were involved in bringing Nightide to life. I hope you were able to go down and see the festivities yourself, but if not, the night came alive with music, art, food, and laughter. It may have been a frosty night, but the fun and joy felt by all brought an undeniable warmth to the event.
People from far and wide ventured down to Queenscliff to witness the magic unfold, come together, and celebrate the solstice. I look forward to this event coming back to the Borough next year – undoubtedly bigger and more exciting than ever.
Last week, the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that Victoria would no longer be hosting the Commonwealth Games due to the inflated costs associated with it. This is a disappointment to many in the tourism industry as our region will not benefit from pre and post high yielding international tourists. Our industry will also miss out on the billion or more international television audience showcasing our region. The Premier however, has announced that the Victorian Government will invest in the industry, promising the following packages:
- $150 million Regional Tourism and Events Fund
- $60 million for Regional Tourism Infrastructure
- $5 million Regional Tourism Industry Development
- $70 million for Visit Victoria
Council will work hard to ensure that our region sees the positive impacts of these packages.
In the next Councillor Column, you will hear from Cr Donnie Grigau.
As always, I welcome you to contact me or any of my colleagues via the details on Council’s website and share with us what is on your mind.
Keep warm, keep safe, and keep busy with all the above-mentioned activities!
Thank you and take care.
Cr Ross Ebbels