Apollo Bay, what's happening in paradise!

A BIG THANK YOU
to the Bottom Pub for such a great Industry Night Party.
Special thanks to Kane and Jodie for their take on Dancing with the stars!


Apollo Bay & District Health Foundation Inc.
Presents the 7th Annual "Midsummer's Night of Musical Dreams" Featuring acclaimed musicians and a vocalist from the Faculty of Music University of Melbourne
Saturday 17th February, 2007
7:00pm for 7:30pm commencement
BYO catering & refreshments
Donation: $25 per person
Tables of up to 10 available
Venue: Mechanics Institute (Apollo Bay Cinema)
Prizes include an artwork by local artist Pat Shannon
Enquires & Bookings: Jeanette Biddle
Apollo Bay Real Estate
5237-6258 (BH) 5237-6633 (AH)
Total proceeds to AB&D Health Foundation

Sustainable Development Group for Apollo Bay
Following the success of a Public Rally in Apollo Bay on Saturday Jan.27th, local residents are to set up a Sustainable Development Group. In spite of inclement weather, up to 300 people attended the rally on the foreshore. Speakers outlined the status of three major projects, each with their particular difficulties and at various stages of progression in the planning process. Rally organisers stressed that they were not against development, but sustainability was the issue. For example, the Western Coastal Board, has clearly expressed the view that the Great Ocean Green Project is not sustainable. (The crowd was reminded that this project involved 500+ homes to be built on a flood plain, an 18 hole golf course and a Hotel/resort style accommodation facility.) It is reasonable to ask "What is sustainable development?" While there is not a single answer to this question it was put to the gathering that sustainable development is development that is adequate to support, uphold and provide for the needs of the community without depleting resources. The scale of growth proposed in several projects is unsustainable when measured against our resources and current and potential infrastructure. Guest Speaker at the rally was Mr Dirk Verwoerk, a Civil Engineer with wide experience in water engineering projects both in Australia and overseas. Dirk explained that, with reference to the 500,000 cubic metres of fill required to lift the houses off the flood plain for the GOG Project, sourcing the material with a haul distance of more than a few kilometres would be uneconomic, thus requiring a massive quarry close to Apollo Bay. Tim Godfrey pointed out that the Barham River and estuary is Apollo Bay's greatest asset. "The backwater is the largest abandoned tidal meander of any stream in Victoria. It's development should be for the benefit of the whole community with sustainable nature based tourism", explained Tim. Cr Stuart Hart asked how many ratepayers were present and a sea of hands indicated a majority by far. He went on to say that, with regard to the GOG project, when the flood damage comes, the ratepayers would have to pick up the bill. A preliminary copy of the Harbour Precinct Master Plan was on display with many people saying, "This is a joke, right?" The excesses of the plan had caught their eye with 228 mooring berths, and a 70 bed 5 star hotel. "This is not the Sunshine Coast", was a regular comment.
$340 was collected from the gathering to meet the expenses incurred by the organisers. These included 200 red balloons with "Stop Great Ocean Greed" printed on them and a contribution to the band 'Spyndrift', who entertained the good humoured crowd, although a brief shower just as we were getting away turned some people away. A pamphlet on Sustainable Development was distributed to the crowd. The community will be advised as we formalise our group. John Spencer, on behalf of S.D.G.A.B

ABP12C Porents & Friends Group
The summer holidays have disappeared; perfect warm weather, swimming & surfing, Vicswim, Nippers, fish & chips, lazy days, catching up with family and friends, trips out of town, work and pleasure... We live in a very busy, beautiful place...
Welcome all to a new year of school, for some with Prep children it will be their first day of school for others their last year, how quickly it goes. Education Department: www.eduweb.vic.gov.au Involvement in schools by parents and carers helps children achieve the best possible learning outcomes. You can participate in school life, both formally and informally, through school councils, parent groups, volunteering and staying up to date with news about what is happening in education. Victorian government schools have volunteer programs where parents can directly participate in school activities. Opportunities are available for parents who wish to volunteer, helping in school activities like: canteen, excursion and school events, assistance with reading and mathematics programs. The school council comprises parents, the principal, staff and sometimes community members. It assists in setting the educational policy of a school. Councils have between six and 15 members. You don't need any particular qualifications or experience - schools look for enthusiastic parents who want to help improve the learning outcomes for all students. Elections must be completed by the end of March. All parents or guardians of students enrolled at the school are eligible to vote.
Our school has a parents & friends group. Are you seeking an active role in the school? The parents group provide input into school decision-making, and in partnership with school council, organise social, educational and fundraising activities.