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The Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association (BTA) is an officially registered local-community organisation working to improve the business environment in Winchelsea. It is officially affiliated to Surfcoast Tourism (and so in turn to Geelong Otway Tourism, Visit Victoria and ultimately Tourism Australia) but has a much wider role than just tourism.
The Winchelsea BTA acts on a wide range of issues ranging from litter, the environment, traffic and road safety, signage, and much more. It is also a sponsor of local events such as the annual Winchelsea Carols by Candlelight.
The BTA meets every month (see Meeting Minutes below), at 7:30pm in the Visitor Information Centre housed in the old Library building opposite the public toilets by the bluestone bridge. All are welcome! You can also submit any issues you'd like raised through this website - see the Winchelsea Website Contact Details.
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Minutes for the Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association meeting of May 2012 - view/download as PDF.
Also, download the Action Sheet for May 2012 (PDF).
Main points -
- Winchelsea Town Meeting (April) - awaiting follow-up responses from Surf Coast Shire (Brydon King & Peter Noelker)
- Winchelsea Long Day Care roundtable - Peter Birkett (CEO, Hesse Hospital) to be invited to give a presentation to a general meeting with Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association, the Community Building Initiative committee, and the Winchelsea Lions Club regarding the Hospital's attempts to establish a long day care facility in the town. This is a critical facility missing in Winchelsea.
- Surf Coast Shire Councillor elections - coming up on 27th October. On the assumption that the re-introduction of wards goes ahead with Winchelsea ward requiring 2 councillors, the Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association is offering a free single webpage on the Winchelsea Town website (winchelsea.vic.au) for all candidates for promotion & publicity purposes, and to encourage a strong field of candidates.
- Surf Coast Arts Trail - with the much-appreciated support of Surf Coast Shire, an Arts Trail is to be launched 11th (for coastal) and 12th (for hinterland) August. More details soon!
- CBD carparking - Winchelsea Police are to be requested to monitor and enforce the long-vehicle parking restrictions in the central parking lane in the town centre carpark. Single-vehicle parking in this zone prevents long vehicles eg. trucks & caravans from stopping, and loses the town some business.
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Minutes for the Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association meeting of April 2012 - view/download as PDF.
Also, download the Action Sheet for April 2012 (PDF).
The April meeting was held at The Globe Theatre in Winchelsea, for a special discussion about the future plans for Winchelsea as seen by Surf Coast Shire. Guests to the meeting were Councillor Dean Webster and representatives from Surf Coast Shire, Brydon King (Manager Planning & Development) and Peter McLean (Manager Engineering Services). Main points -
- Winchelsea Structure Plan 2021 - drawn up in 2005, this remains a reflection of current policy and strategy. This includes encouraging business growth in the current shopping centre and discouraging new businesses in residential-zoned areas. There are also planned residential areas around Winchelsea for new housing developments, which will include such things as mains gas pipes in preparation for a connection to the gas header (now under tender). The Winchelsea 2021 is available on this website to download/view (13Mb PDF)
- Third Bridge - will affect street usage, parking for shops, and require moving the public toilets next to the Information Centre (but the Information Centre itself will not be affected directly).
- Long Day Care - identified as a priority facility for Winchelsea.
- ...and other issues, see the Minutes for details.
The meeting was unanimously felt to be productive and useful, and the open and frank discussions with Councillor Dean, Brydon King and Peter McLean were much appreciated.
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Minutes for the Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association meeting of March 2012 - view/download as PDF.
Also, download the Action Sheet for March 2012 (PDF).
Main points -
- "Little things making big differences" - the Landline of 11th March (see iView) featured an item on how 3 country towns are thriving. Winchelsea needs to follow their examples to direct and grow the town.
- Community Building Initiative (CBI) - the $8,000 is with the Shire, awaiting ideas/projects for improvement of Winchelsea.
- Surf Coast Shire Representative Review - now awaiting the Final Report (early April).
- Winchelsea Festival 2013 - first meeting has been held, very keen to hear from new volunteers to organise the event this year. See the Winchelsea Star for more information.
- Tourism Board Report - Winchelsea is to be tagged as "Gateway to the Otways" in signage. Tourism boards/areas restructure still being finalised, to the detriment of progress in all areas of administration/projects.
- Winchelsea Town Centre Plans - still no.
Community Building Initiative (CBI) - a grant of $8,000 has been received, for disbursement as decided by the CBI steering committee. The CBI oversees discrete projects run by groups of interested people, groups which are formed specifically for each project and disbanded after completion. Additional volunteers to sit on the CBI are very welcome (meets about the middle of each month, early Monday evenings). Contact Graham Rowe for more information (5267 2677). |
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Minutes for the Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association meeting of February 2012 - view/download as PDF.
Also, download the Action Sheet for February 2012 (PDF).
Main points -
- Community Building Initiative (CBI) - a grant of $8,000 has been received, for disbursement as decided by the CBI steering committee. The CBI oversees discrete projects run by groups of interested people, groups which are formed specifically for each project and disbanded after completion. Additional volunteers to sit on the CBI are very welcome (meets about the middle of each month, early Monday evenings). Contact Graham Rowe for more information (5267 2677).
- Surf Coast Shire Representative Review - coming as a surprise, it transpires that the Victorian Electoral Commission is halfway through a review of how councillors are sourced. See the VEC SCS Review page for more information. Public submissions open until early March, with a Public Hearing shortly thereafter. The VEC is offering the reintroduction of Wards as an alternative.
- Winchelsea Festival 2013 - first meeting has been held, very keen to hear from new volunteers to organise the event this year. See the Winchelsea Star for more information.
- Tourism Board Report - Winchelsea is to be tagged as "Gateway to the Otways" in signage. Tourism boards/areas restructure still being finalised, to the detriment of progress in all areas of administration/projects.
- Winchelsea Town Centre Plans - still no definite plans being released by Vic Roads or Surf Coast Shire planners (ie. how the new bridge and traffic lights will be implemented and integrate with the rest of the town). This ongoing uncertainty is a major concern.
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Minutes for the Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association meeting of October 2011 - view/download as PDF.
Also, download the Action Sheet for October 2011 (PDF).
Main points -
- 2011 Winchelsea "Business Breakfast" - biggest yet, with about 70 attendees. Very positive feedback received for the event and the speakers (Trudi Toyne of Barwon Park, Mayor Dean Webster, and Max Broadley on community-building).
- Business & Tourism Association AGM - to be held as part of the November meeting. Now is the time to join with us to help shape the future for Winchelsea. This year Graham Rowe retires from President after years in the role - while the duties are light, the position is important, if you or somebody you know could fulfil it please (get him/her to) come along. 9th November, 7:30pm, Information Centre in Winchelsea.
- Winchelsea Men's Shed - official opening has been set for 10th December. Winchelsea Community Bank have provided another grant to assist in completing the project.
- Winchelsea CFA "DivCom" - following redevelopment, Winchelsea's CFA shed is now a designated "DivCom" site. In the event of a major incident or disaster in the region, all emergency services will control & direct operations from Winchelsea. There are a number of DivCom sites around the state, but apparently Winchelsea's is now one of the best.
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Minutes for the Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association meeting of September 2011 - view/download as PDF.
Also, download the Action Sheet for September 2011 (PDF).
Main points -
- 2011 Winchelsea "Business Breakfast" - all ready to go, 4 speakers this year including a new format "On The Couch" with Surf Coast Shire Mayor Dean Webster.
- VicRoads and town-centre plans - VicRoads and Surf Coast Shire to be urged to integrate the various redevelopment plans (highway duplications, Hesse Street intersection, toilet-block move, new cross-Barwon highway bridge, Gosney Street traffic calming, shopping centre car-parking and access)
- Business & Tourism Association AGM - current President Graham Rowe will be retiring from the post this year. Nominations for office-bearers are now open and very welcome, great opportunity to get involved in shaping the future of Winchelsea. President, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President roles available.
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Minutes for the Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association meeting of August 2011 - view/download as PDF.
Also, download the Action Sheet for August 2011 (PDF).
Main points -
- 2011 Winchelsea "Business Breakfast" - invites ready to be sent out, guest speaker list complete. All set for 22 September! Winchelsea businesses that haven't received invitations by 20 August should contact the Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association via
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- Riverlee Art Gallery - relocated to Batson Street further to prior location being put up for sale
- Winch House - 'Get Your Hop On' and a planting session for the disabled at the Community Garden were both very successful community events
- Barwon Park 'Celebration 140' - coming up in October, a 'grand ball' to be held
- Make A Wish Street Party - amazingly successful community effort and turnout, raising over $7,000. Winchelsea can be very proud
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Untitled document
Minutes for the Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association meeting of July 2011 - view/download as PDF.
Also, download the Action Sheet for July 2011 (PDF).
Main points -
- 2011 Winchelsea "Business Breakfast" is underway - Thursday 22nd September 7:30-9:30am, including free cooked breakfast. If you are a business in the 3241 postcode and don't receive an invitation by 20th August, please contact Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association via
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to request one.
- A number of projects are underway under the Community Building Initiativeumbrella, with Surf Coast Shire Coordinator Max Broadley ably assisting and guiding;
- Heritage Village featuring antique machines
- A part-time Centrelink office in Winchelsea, plus other government services/programs
- Hinterland Art Trail
- and more!
- Hesse Hospital has again passed the exhaustive accreditation process for another 4 years, congratulations to all involved.
- Make A Wish walk Portland-Melbourne will pass through 28th July, between 4pm and 7pm. A street party is planned including appearances by celebrity AFL players, sausage sizzle, and more.
- Visitor Information Centre is resuming a program of famils after a year - new, existing and previous volunteers are invited to a 'Meet & Greet' session Wednesday July 20th, 10:30am at the Tea Rooms. Surf Coast's new(ish) Tourism Coordinator will attend to find out more about Winchelsea.
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Untitled document
Minutes for the Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association meeting of June 2011 - view/download as PDF.
Also, download the Action Sheet for June 2011 (PDF).
Main points -
- Barwon Terrace to be subjected to traffic-slowing measure - a two-into-one-lane throttle
- Winchelsea CFA has 5 members that can give the Fire Safe presentations, all enquiries/requests welcome (contact the CFA)
- Barwon Park Ball being proposed for October to celebrate 140 years since the original housewarming Ball
- 6th Annual Winchelsea Business Breakfast proposed for Thursday 22 September (7:30am to 9:30am)
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Minutes for the Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association meeting of May 2011 - view/download as PDF.
Also, download the Action Sheet for May 2011 (PDF).
Main points -
- Winchelsea Sportsperson's Dinner is set for 24th June, with Guest Speaker being Paralympian Kelly Cartwright (read Kelly's blog)
- Community Building Initiative meeting still on the cards, to be scheduled soon
- Possible traffic-calming measure in Barwon Terrace, one-way-at-a-time throttle point being suggested by Council
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Minutes for the Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association meeting of February 2011 - view/download as PDF.
Also, download the Action Sheet for February 2011 (PDF).
In brief -
- the Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association's representative to the Tourism Board has resigned, after moving to Winchelsea - the position is now vacant, and a replacement urgently being sought (including a notice in the Winchelsea Star).
- the group of knitters raised over $700 for the Eastern Reserve selling their knitted products
- a list of RV Friendly points is to be provided to Surf Coast Tourism, who would like to undertake a questionnaire to establish some supporting facts & figures
- the Men's Shed has been constructed, meetings are well attended by men from Winchelsea plus surrounding areas
- Brooke Lunny at Surf Coast Tourism is moving on, Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association wish her well having enjoyed a very productive relationship.
- the Globe Theatre is enjoying a lot of use by several groups, and has benefitted from a program by joint committees of management of similar properties and the government to update and renovate - the Globe has new kitchen and toilet facilities and is schedule to be re-roofed. The Globe is a significant drawcard for Winchelsea.
- the Winchelsea Festival committee expect $8,000-$9,000 profit from the 2010 festival, a great result considering the weather.
- Barwon Park will be hosting an event by the Geelong Military Re-Enactment Group, all proceeds going to Barwon Park and St Thomas Church (celebrating 150 years and requiring a new roof), scheduled for 8/9 April. Barwon Park's recent renovation work has led to a big jump in visitor numbers, again a great drawcard to Winchelsea.
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Minutes for the Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association meeting of November 2010 - view/download as PDF.
Also, download the Action Sheet for November 2010 (PDF).
In brief -
- the Winchelsea Community Bank has donated $30,000 to make up the final total to the required $100,000 of community share in the $2.2m Winchelsea Integrated Neighbourhood Community Hub (WINCH).
- the Surf Coast Shire has installed a permanent bin in front of the IGA supermarket, which is proving to be well-used.
- bales of straw were provided to Barwon Park for the Parterre Garden
- the project to make Winchelsea an "RV Friendly Town" seems to have stalled in the Council
- the Men's Shed construction is awaiting the concrete slab
- the Ladies Auxiliary are to open an Op Shop
- the Winchelsea Festival is progressing well
- Winchelsea's gardens and grounds are looking great, thanks to Rene
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Minutes for the Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association meeting of October 2010 - view/download as PDF.
Also, download the Action Sheet for October 2010 (PDF).
In brief - all office bearers re-elected, 1st birthday for Riverlee Art Studio, speed warning signage erected on Buckley Road by Surf Coast Shire, status of public bin in front of IGA to be queried with Surf Coast Shire, Winchelsea Festival a month away, 20 bales of straw to be provided to Barwon Park for their garden restorations.
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Minutes for the Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association meeting of September 2010 - view/download as PDF.
Also, download the Action Sheet for September 2010 (PDF).
Nominations now open for the 2010/2011 Officers for the Winchelsea & District Business & Tourism Association. See the 2009 AGM Minutes, and download an Officer Nomination Form. Nominations must be completed and returned to the BTA Secretary by Friday 1st October - email
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, fax 03 8610 0302, post to PO Box 43, Winchelsea 3241, or drop in to the Winchelsea Larder. |
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Minutes for the Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association meeting of August 2010 - view/download as PDF.
Also, download the Action Sheet for August 2010 (PDF). |
Minutes for the Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association meeting of July 2010 - view/download as PDF.
Also, download the Action Sheet for July 2010 (PDF). |
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(No meeting held June 2010) |
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Minutes for the Winchelsea Business & Tourism Association meeting of May 2010 - view/download as PDF. |
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