Rae remains at the helm of PBDA

JOHN Rae has remained president of the Portarlington Business Development Association (PBDA) after the organisation held its annual general meeting last week.

The PBDA is celebrating the highest level of membership in its history, with the 25 new business operators joining in 2021/22 taking the total to a record 203 at the end of June this year.

Members gathered in the atrium of the Portarlington Grand Hotel for the AGM, where offices were declared vacant and Mr Rae was re-elected president.

The other office bearers elected on the night were:

• Vice-president – Ashley Andrew
• Treasurer – Kerry Trewin
• Secretary – Jenny King
• Committee – Richard Underwood, Charlotte Hunter and Fraser Baker.

“As I look back over the 2021/2022 year, these qualities of our members continue to shine through – persistence, caring, solving issues, vision, trust, involvement, listening and offered friendship,” Mr Rae wrote in his president’s report.

He said one of the highlights for the past year was a successful application in August last year to the Bendigo Bank Foundation for $5,000, which allowed the PBDA to again present Rock at the Rotunda over 14 weekends in 2021/22.

“The band, Pleasure Drive, performed – entertaining visitors to Portarlington as well as the local community to enjoy the band, stay, have lunch then shop local.

“The Bendigo Bank is a great supporter of local community groups and the PBDA asks that you, in turn, support them.”

Mr Rae said although the PBDA Christmas Gift Program came under pressure due to the impact of the pandemic, Geoff Henderson still ensured 25 families each received a gift and had a wonderful Christmas.

“This program is funded by local businesses and anonymous donors – thanks to all.”

He noted the completion of the restoration of the “stunning” Portarlington Grand Hotel.

“With the atrium open at Christmas, and now with the bistro and front bar, as well as the much-anticipated boutique hotel rooms available from August, we have seen amazing reviews and tremendous support from both locals and visitors,” he said.

“This will generate many more visitors to Portarlington who will stay overnight, shop, play golf, dine out and visit wineries.

“Thanks to Paul Little for his belief and investment in Portarlington – two terrific ferries and now a fabulous hotel called ‘The Grand’.”

Mr Rae also paid tribute to Lisa Neville, who will retire as Bellarine MP at November’s state election.

“We especially want to thank Lisa for all she has done for our community and for always being available.

“We wish Lisa all the best in the future and know she will always be warmly welcomed back here by our business community.”