Women’s workshop tools up in regional first

A NEW creative space for women is up and running on the Bellarine after months of planning and rising interest.

The Bellarine Women’s Workshop elected its first committee on June 23, capping off the final step in forming the long-awaited group, the first of its kind in the region.

Elected chair Davine Pitcher said it was a huge honour to take on her role for a group she feels will be well utilised by members of the Bellarine community.

“It is so important to bring this kind of group to women across the Bellarine who may be feeling isolated,” Ms Pitcher said.

“There are also a number of the people in the group or want to join the group that are new residents like myself.

“Each of us on the committee did not know one another until we joined the planning phase of this group four to five months ago. It’s an honour to be able to do this for everybody.”

The Bellarine Women’s Workshop operate out of the Portarlington Girl Guides Hall at 4-22 Sproat Street, with Ms Pitcher saying the organisation looking for a new venue, but the Girl Guides Hall is a “good fit” at the moment.

“Right now, it’s just about getting our membership up, getting things like the hall and the insurance sorted, and just securing the basic necessities which will allow us to start expanding,” Ms Pitcher said.

“The possibilities of what we will be able to do are endless.”

Membership forms, including a nominal fee, for the Bellarine Women’s Workshop will be sent over the next week to everyone who has filled out the group’s expressions of interest forms.

Ms Pitcher, who has lived in St Leonards for a year now, said the biggest thing she has noticed since moving to the Bellarine has been connecting with other residents, which she feels ties in well with the group.

“To have somewhere where you can spend time with likeminded people that are interested in the same things you are allows someone to complete tasks, or even just make friends,” Ms Pitcher said.

“There’s no expectations of spending a minimal amount of time with the group, if people would like to get in touch for more information, they are more than welcome to do so.”

The Bellarine Women’s Workshop has a tips and information page on Facebook, which has more than 1,000 followers.

Women looking to become members can email [email protected].