Mayor’s Column: Borough of Queenscliffe mayor Ross Ebbels

Australia Day Awards

Last Sunday’s community celebrations marked a significant date in our calendar as the Borough of Queenscliffe came together to celebrate Australia Day. Our event took place on the land of the Wadawurrung people, and the Borough owes much of what makes it special to the generations of Wadawurrung who have cared for this land for tens of thousands of years.

The Borough is built on community spirit, and our twin towns contain a rich tapestry of people who show off this spirit every day.

On Australia Day I had the great privilege to commemorate the citizens, groups and organisations that have best displayed that over the last 12 months. We are so fortunate in the Borough to have such a generous and selfless community – the rate of volunteerism in our municipality is one of the highest in the state.

My congratulations to the following award winners:

• Gary Tomlins (Citizen of the Year)
• Jessica Robinson (Young Citizen of the Year)
• Queenscliff Football Netball Club (Community Organisation of the Year)
• SacredEdge Festival (Community Event of the Year)
• Queenscliff Music Festival (Community Environment Project of the Year)

Each of these winners give so much back on a regular basis and we are lucky to have them represent our community.

Community Environment Alliance grants program

Council’s Community Environment Alliance (CEA) grants program is back for 2020–21, and the application process for grants up to $3,000 is open now. The program supports local, non-profit organisations and groups to reduce their carbon emissions and preserve the Borough’s natural environment.

Successful grants will support, enhance and improve environmental sustainability in the local community. Projects may include environmental education, waste reduction and recycling initiatives, energy efficiency upgrades, revegetation and water conservation within the Borough of Queenscliffe municipality.

The period of grant applications for this year opened on Monday, January 13 and closes on Friday, February 14. All projects must be completed by Thursday, 31 December 2020. Application materials are available on Council’s website.

Hot rods roar into town

It’s that wonderful time of the year where we welcome the Geelong Street Rodders to the Borough for their annual Queenscliff Rod Run. This event has become steeped in tradition as people from far and wide gather for the Saturday evening cruise up and down Hesse Street, as well as the “Show ‘n’ Shine” in Princess Park on Sunday. Let’s hope the weather is kind to us and we can see the sunlight glistening off these exquisitely managed vehicles.

Please be aware that road closures are in place for the duration of these events; visit the ‘Public Notices’ section of Council’s website for more information.

Remaining diligent with recycling

It’s important that we continue to remain diligent with our recycling habits. Contamination is the biggest barrier to a functional recycling process, so it’s imperative that we work together to properly understand what we can and can’t recycle, and minimise our impact on the environment. Coated cardboard, seen in Tetra Paks and milk cartons, is no longer allowed in recycling.

While most other inclusions and exclusions are similar to what you already know, you should read our A-Z Guide before you dispose of something you’re unsure of. If in doubt – throw it out. Simply visit queenscliffe.vic.gov.au/a-z.

Our next Ordinary Meeting of Council is at 7pm on Thursday, February 27 at the Town Hall. See you then.

Cr Ross Ebbels

Mayor, Borough of Queenscliffe