ARTS AMBITIONS: Council checks in on four-year plan

THE Surf Coast Shire has checked in on its progress towards the directives listed in its Council Plan 2021-2025.

Adopted by the council in 2021, the Council Plan is a roadmap for the incumbent council for their four-year term, and sets out 19 strategies under seven themes, all contributing to the council’s Community Vision.

The seven themes are:

• First Nations Reconciliation
• Healthy Connected Community
• Environmental Leadership
• Sustainable Growth
• A Robust and Diverse Economy
• Arts and Creativity, and
• A Viable and Accountable Council.

The latest progress report on the Council Plan, adopted by councillors at their meeting in Lorne on Tuesday last week, sets out what has been done to the end of the second year of the plan, what will be done over the next 18 months, and what will be slowed down or stopped.

Speaking at the meeting, Cr Gary Allen said the Arts and Creativity theme in the plan was particularly welcome.

“I believe that I am correct in saying that this is the first Council Plan to have a theme dedicated to the arts and creative sectors, in itself a great achievement.

“In times of difficulty, we all value the contributions of the arts, heritage and the creative sectors, for example, in the pandemic and post-pandemic period of recovery.

“It is therefore important in better times that we do not neglect the sector.”

He said the new Creative Places Strategy 2023-2031 would be an important area of focus into the future.

Cr Libby Stapleton said the significant report was “well worth a read” for the shire’s residents, and said it was timely to consider the progress made on the First Nations Reconciliation theme in the leadup to the Voice to Parliament Referendum on October 14.

“I was disappointed personally to miss the Pilk Purriyn event in Torquay on January 26 this year, but from the feedback I’ve received, I know it was a very signficant milestone event for our community.

“I loved the mural created by Wadawurrung woman Jenna Oldaker for Wurdi Baierr Stadium, which was unveiled on International Women’s Day, and is a demonstration of how we are applying a First Nations lens to various activities to improve inclusivity and understanding.

“But meaningful reconciliation requires more than events and artwork. Over the past two years, the council has developed policies, programs and practices to raise cultural awareness throughout the organisation and our community, and to demonstrate our commitment to developing a greater understanding of Traditional Owner culture, which is reflected in our planning and our decision-making.”

To read the Council Plan or progress reports, head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/About-us/Council/Policies-plans-strategies-and-reports/Council-Plan