Economic, creative outcomes celebrated

THE completed $1.5 million refurbishment of Torquay’s Multi Arts Centre and delivery of Better Business Skills workshops are among highlights of the Surf Coast Shire’s Economic Development and Creative Places strategies so far, according to a new report.

The progress report for 2024/25 also lists the national and international impact of major events and patronage at the shire’s Visitor Information Centres as significant achievements Councillors considered and noted the progress report at its August meeting at Winchelsea.

Highlights include:

Completion of the Multi Arts Centre refurbishment, funded by the shire and the federal government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program. Gallery and theatre places were enhanced, creating two distinct spaces, and the building was upgraded to existing building code requirements and converted from gas to electric power

Delivery of Better Business Skills workshops for local operators, addressing topics identified by business operators via the shire’s business survey. Nine workshops were attended by 178 people

The 10 biggest events in the shire attracted participants and spectators from across Australia and the world, delivering estimated millions in economic benefits for businesses across the shire, and

Visitor Information Centre staff across the shire fielded 142,673 inquiries for the year and the centres topped $409,000 in retail sales.

“This progress report highlights a significant year of achievement within these strategies and the ANSM master plan, with 34 projects noted as completed and many of them including multiple smaller projects,” Cr Tony Phelps said.

“Together the strategies span an extraordinary diversity of topics and outcomes – from helping small businesses to navigate challenging times, to presenting world-class events and collections, to supporting our acclaimed creative sector.

“Each achievement within these strategies is an important step in supporting our economy and helping our community to thrive.”