Mayor's Column – 10 February 2023
Published on 05 April 2023
Hello to all in the beautiful Borough of Queenscliffe on Wadawurrung Country.
The school year is officially back, and I wish all students, teachers, and staff at our three primary schools – Point Lonsdale Primary, Queenscliff Primary, and St Aloysius Catholic Primary – a smooth transition into Term 1 and all the best for the year ahead. Particularly to those starting in prep or commencing their final year, here’s to a great year of learning and getting immersed in all that the school community has to offer. The return of school means reduced speed limits in school zones are back in place. Always drive slowly in school areas, approach with caution, and be extra vigilant around drop-off and pick-up times. Follow the direction of our dedicated school crossing supervisors, who support our students and families in making it safely to school every day - rain, hail, or shine! On the subject of school crossing supervisors, it was with sadness that we received the news of local supervisor Shirley Hallmark’s passing. Shirley had worked at the Borough for nine years as a crossing supervisor and was much loved by our community. Shirley was known to make the simple act of crossing the road a joy for children and families, playing games with them and undertaking her role with warmth and creativity. We send our best to Shirley’s family at this time.
It was great to see the Borough abuzz over the weekend as we welcomed back the Queenscliff Rod Run, the first since 2020. I thank the Geelong Street Rodders for the enormous amount of work that goes into organising the annual event, and for donating entry fees from Sunday’s Show ‘n’ Shine to our local Lions Club. This is just one of many organisations the Rodders support, and is a generous contribution to our community. I had the privilege of awarding a Mayor’s Choice and picked a stunning black 1959 Ford Fairlane 500 Skyliner. I can assure you picking just one was not easy, and I’ve certainly left with a thing for Fords! Thanks to all 621 entrants for putting your vehicles on show, it was a spectacular display of history and heritage, something we have a great appreciation for in Queenscliffe. Well done to all organisers and attendees, we look forward to your return next year.
This week I was inducted as a Director on the G21 Board, a formal alliance of government, business, and community organisations. The G21 serves as a forum to discuss regional issues across the five member municipalities, resulting in improved and coordinated research, consultation, and planning. Working together allows us to better advocate for the needs of our extended community, and this is particularly important in the current environment when faced with continued inflation, rising costs of living, housing and worker shortages, and expanding responsibilities. There’s a lot to be done and I’m pleased to be representing the Borough in this space.
The Borough Coastcarer weeding sessions are back for 2023, with Council supporting the Bellarine Catchment Network volunteer program to help remove invasive species like the Bellarine Pea from threatened Coastal Moonah Woodland habitat. The next session is on Tuesday 14 February and sets off from the Rip View Car Park in Point Lonsdale at 10 am. I’ll be getting my hands dirty and invite you to as well!
Queenscliffe Climate Action Now launch their community solar program at the Queenscliffe Town Hall on February 16. This event is an opportunity for residents, businesses, and community organisations to come along and learn more about making the transition to solar, and attendance is encouraged so you can have your specific questions answered by the program’s independently verified delivery partner. The community solar program seeks to reduce barriers to buying, installing, and using solar systems, batteries, and heat pumps, and in turn, help the community achieve our Climate Emergency Response Plan’s three core targets around emissions reduction.
What’s important to you, is important to me, so as always, get in touch with your questions, issues, and ideas on how to make our Borough better.
I look forward to seeing you around soon.