Membership changes at shire's Community Asset Committees

THERE has been some turnover among the ranks of the Surf Coast Shire’s Community Asset Committees (CACs), and one CAC is downgrading to become a “friends of” group.

The shire’s CACs are made up of volunteers who maintain and promote use of the shire’s facilities, such as halls and recreation reserves.

The officers’ 2024-2025 annual update on its CACs, presented to councillors at their December meeting, noted many CAC members have held a position on their respective committees for a long period of time.

It further noted while volunteer numbers are reasonably strong in the Surf Coast Shire, attracting and retaining CAC members can be challenging for some committees.

Councillors resolved to accept the resignation of seven CAC members, and acknowledged their contributions:

Edith Barton – Anderson Roadknight CAC
Kara Cheah – Anderson Roadknight CAC
Lynette Clucas – Deans Marsh CAC
James Morton – Deans Marsh CAC
Don Baldwin – Stribling Reserve CAC
Geoff Couper – Stribling Reserve CAC, and
Steve Findlay – Connewarre CAC.

Two new CAC members were also appointed: Chris Armstrong to the Anderson Roadknight CAC; and Ian Hopkins to the Anderson Roadknight CAC.

The Anglesea Bike Park was previously overseen by a CAC, but its members resolved earlier this year to formally dissolve the committee on June 30 and instead become a “friends of” group, which typically requires less governance oversight and time to manage, with support from the Surf Coast Mountain Bike Group.

The council endorsed this decision at its meeting.

Cr Joel Grist said the shire would continue to support management and maintenance of the park under a memorandum of understanding with the friends group.

“Anglesea Bike Park is an outstanding community asset, much loved by riders of all ages from Anglesea and far beyond.

“Maintaining such a highly-rated facility demands a lot of work, and we commend volunteers for their dedication and commitment across many years.

“This transition in title and operations model recognises those demands, while ensuring that the community-led group will continue to advise the council on management of the park.”

For more information on the shire’s CACs and to become a member, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/Community/Get-involved/Community-Asset-Committees