Barwon Heads community groups share ideas for legacy funding

DESPITE the bitter weather, the Tin Shed was a warm and welcoming venue to host the Barwon Heads LEN Talk 4 – The Legacy Project Community Forum.
More than 80 community members attended, representing all of the local clubs and groups in Barwon Heads.
They were able to hear the six finalist presentations for a potential Barwon Heads Legacy Project, which will attract up to $200,000 funding from the Barwon Heads Community Bank.
Barwon Heads Community Bank (Bendigo) board member Damien Shaw said first up was Solar Panels for the School.
Mr Shaw said lead by Karen Weaver from 100% Clean Bellarine, Barwon Heads Primary School future leaders presented a convincing case for sustainability through solar panel installation.
“It was evident from their clear presentation, inspired by the hit movie 2040, that Barwon Heads Primary School was able to team up with community groups to generate a sustainable future plan for our community,” he said.
“And did you know that they have composted 150kg of community green waste through their Waste Wednesday initiative?”
Mr Shaw said The Lobster Pot upgrade was the next legacy finalist idea, which was delivered by Barwon Coast CEO Gary McPike.
“With school and community groups weekly, and open to the public daily throughout the peak summer period and autumn weekends, the Lobster Pot is used to educate thousands of public members each year,” he said.
“A treasure trove of Barwon Head’s history it is in desperate need of a facility upgrade, including climate control measures (they can’t open to the public on days over 30 degrees due to poor insulation and cooling which subjects their marine life to extra thermal stress). “By expanding the education areas, and providing all ability access, the Lobster Pot upgrade would be a great legacy for our community.”
Mr Shaw said with an active community in mind, Cam Don presented a foreshore fitness circuit idea.
“Providing a fitness circuit along the river can encourage all of us to participate in exercise that is free, fun and outdoor,” he said.
“With a small footprint, using three sites from Ozone Jetty to the Heads, the design and types of equipment would be open to community consultation.”
He said Trish Clayton from Talking Heads pitched a Memory Walk idea at pivotal sites in town, and Dan Vella along with Margaret Griffith from Barwon Estuary group, presented a Deepening Connections trail.
“Both ideas centred on educating locals and tourists on our unique heritage, culture and habitat.
“It would involve existing trails and innovative signage, arch ways and collaboration with community groups such as the Primary School, Wathaurong people, Barwon estuary, Barwon Coast and local artists to deepen our connections with each other, our land and our past.”
The 13th Beach Boardriders and Christian Pritchett are hoping that the Legacy Project will be their new club rooms and community hub at 13th Beach.
A place to meet, store equipment and provide shade and changing facilities, they hope this facility will bring people to the beach and expand their membership so that they can provide additional services to the community.
Youth surf coaching, disability surfing sessions and water awareness to name a few.
At a visionary stage, the 13th Beach Boardriders are keen to further consult with the community as to what beach club room facilities may look like and how we can all use it.
Mr Shaw said it was a warm, welcoming night that showcased an engaged and active community who were really excited about the prospect of a Bendigo Bank Legacy Project for the town!
It’s now up to the Board to take the community’s views and votes from the evening and look at the finalist presentations in more detail.
“We’re hoping the winning or selected idea(s) will be presented and be guest speaker at the Bendigo Bank AGM at the Barwon Heads Football & Netball Club (BHFNC) club rooms on October 29 at 6pm.
“Please come along and hear how this night concludes.”