Apollo Bay, what's happening in paradise!

Voting begins for Otway Ward by-election
Voters enrolled in Colac Otway Shire Council's Otway Ward will start to receive their ballot packs this week, as voting in the by-election begins. Ballot packs are being mailed to enrolled voters from Tuesday, 26 February.
Voting is compulsory for all residents under 70 who were on the voters roll for Otway Ward on Friday, 18 January. Residents who fail to vote may be fined. All completed ballot papers must reach the Returning Officer by 6.00pm on Friday, 14 March or they will not be counted.
"Ballot papers can be completed and returned as soon as they arrive," said Returning Officer Elizabeth Reeves.
"Voters should carefully read and follow the instructions in the ballot pack to ensure they fill out their ballot paper correctly."
Voters who haven't received their ballot pack by Wednesday, 5 March should contact the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) on 13 18 32 for a replacement.
There are three candidates contesting the by-election. The councillor elected at the by-election will represent Otway Ward until the next general council election in November this year. For further information, voters can telephone the VEC on 13 18 32 orvisi
twww.vec.vic.gov.au Voting is compulsory
Voting is compulsory for all enrolled residents of Otway Ward. Enrolled residents who fail to vote may be fined.
Enrolled voters aged 70 years and older, and nonresident voters who own property in Otway Ward are encouraged to vote but will not be fined if they do not vote. Candidates
The candidates in ballot paper order are: HUTCHINSON, Roy LONGMORE, Neil WILMINK, Carol
Candidate statements and contact details are available at
www.vec.vic.gov.au/ColacOtwayCandidates.html Conduct of election
The Victorian Electoral Commission is conducting this by-election on behalf of the Colac Otway Shire Council.

Positive news from Bendigo Bank
The headline in last Tuesday's Age "Investors like
Bendigo's performance" signalled an announcement
by CEO Rob Hunt of a 34.1% increase in BBL's half
yearly profit, this in the face of falling prices in shares
of the Majors.
Bendigo Bank is the 50/50 partner of the Apollo Bay
Community Bank® and while the contribution made
to that figure by the 205 Community Banks® was not
itemised in the report, local chairperson Allen Hokin
suggested that it would have been significant.
Mr Hunt went on to say "While the cost of funding has
increased, it has served to illustrate the strength and
deposit-generating ability of our retail branch network.
"Notwithstanding this, we have a disciplined strategy
of only writing business that remains profitable and
secure in the current funding environment".
Mr Hokin said that the history of Bendigo's growth
and its commitment to the community which was in
contrast to the major banks, brought back some of the
older banking traditions and its filling of a niche with a
much more personalised approach which has been
neglected in recent times.
It is not too late to purchase your shares and show your
support for the local Branch and in turn, for the local
community.
Any questions about the Community Bank® share
offer or your wish for a prospectus can be supplied by
Board members Michael Abbott on 5237 0284 or
Allen Hokin on 5237 6347.Prospectuses will be
available at the Market on Saturday morning.