Apollo Bay, what's happening in paradise!

Community Bank® decision due shortly
The Apollo Bay Community Bank® Steering Committee is only weeks away from making a decision on whether to proceed with the establishment of a Community Bank® branch.
Results of the recent feasibility study were presented to the local steering committee last week, with strong support for the prospect of banking with a Community Bank® branch of Bendigo Bank. Steering committee Chairman Mr Allen Hokin said the results were very encouraging.
"We were pleased with the overall results presented in the study and will now I take those figures and prepare a business plan," Mr Hokin said. "The business plan will enable a decision to be made by the committee and Bendigo Bank on the viability of a Community Bank® branch for Apollo Bay." Mr Hokin said the figures indicate that a strong case can be presented to Bendigo Bank for the establishment of a local branch. "Following our successful pledge process, it is clear that we have the support to make Community Banking a success in Apollo Bay," Mr Hokin said. "To raise more than $630,000 in indicative pledges of support from local people is a fantastic effort. Some of those people who have pledged were encouraged to lower the amount of their pledges in order for us to ensure the $600,000 was received from as broad a spread of 300 locals as possible. As we've now exceeded our target we are encouraging anyone who wishes to increase their pledge to contact any of the committee members to do so.
"The Steering Committee would like to thank everyone who participated in the feasibility study and look forward to an early announcement of a decision to proceed with a capital raising venture to open the Apollo Bay & District Community Bank®Branch."

Council Receives C29 Panel Report
Colac Otway Shire Council has received the Panel's report into the Amendment C29 (Great Ocean Green) Proposal.
In accordance with the Planning and Environment Act, the report is now available for inspection at Council's Customer Service Centres in Colac and Apollo Bay and via the website at www.colacotway.vic.gov.au
Copies will also be sent to those parties who presented to the Panel.
Colac Otway Shire CEO Tracey Slatter said Council would hold a workshop to discuss the Panel's recommendations.
"In accordance with the Act, Council is required to consider the panel report before making a decision about the amendment," Ms Slatter said.

Permaculture News
"Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share"
Discover the history of Apollo Bay, visit the
APOLLO BAY MUSEUM
In the Old Telephone Cable Station 6250 Great Ocean Rd, Apollo Bay
OPEN: 2 pm to 5pm
SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS, PUBLIC & SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Heritage Fruit tree Grafting Day - August 4th 1 pm to 4pm @Apollo Bay Youth Club, 21 Moore St. Apollo Bay. The Grafting Day is a gathering of growers and grafters, and those interested in learning about heritage varieties of fruit trees. The aim of the day is to help increase diversity of varieties grown, raise awareness of heritage varieties and the importance of creating local food security and growing & eating food from your own community.
Speakers on the day will include: Martin Holland (Glen Aire grafter & grower), Juli Farqhuar (Gellibrand commercial organic apple grower), Wally Wall (Drylands heritage apple grower). Heritage apple, plum, & cherry varieties will be available to purchase on the day. Grafted trees are $10 each, scions $2 each and info cards $2 each. Entry is by donation to raise funds for future food security & sustainability projects.
Ph: Tony 5237 6926 or Vanessa 5237 7717 for
further details.
Otways Permaculture Design Certificate This two week fulltime course from August 11th to 24th forms the basis of permaculture learning. Based in and around the township of Apollo Bay, this permaculture design course has a community focus. Rather than staying on one property, we visit many, and fully delve into the social and bioregional aspects of permaculture that help with creating sustainable & connected communities. Totalling over 100 hours (with 72hours being compulsory to obtain your PDC), with renowned and thoroughly experienced tutors.
Introduction To Permaculture
August 11th* 12th
Learn about Permaculture: As a philosophy, with it's underlying ethics 'Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share' and 12 design principles. As a vision & a design system to implement the vision. And as a movement, that's a worldwide network of individuals and groups who are working on all continents to implement the permaculture vision. This 2 day Introduction to Permaculture will give you a good grounding as to what permaculture is all about. Led by John Champagne and Phil Gall.
"Power Up4 the Power Down!"
Early Morning Energy Sessions With Adam (Fenderson) Grubb
& Fern Rainbow
Starting at 6am with meditation & energy maintenance exercises (own or guided), we'll have breakfast at 7am followed by a one hour talk on energy literacy awareness & solutions, starting at 7.45am.
August 12th & 13th - Energy with Adam. Tuesday August 14th - "Water within" Wednesday Aug 15th - "Diversity needs" Monday Aug 20th - "The Heart, connection & Communities"