Monthly newsletter - November
Dear <<First Name>>
A message from Peta Godenzi, President
Welcome to our November newsletter. It has been a busy time for CEDA with our AGM and networking event on Wednesday 22 October at Seville Hill. This event was attended by about 45 people and was a great opportunity to indulge in a fine meal, quality wines and make new connections with local businesses and tourism operators. Many thanks to the team at Seville Hill for a delicious meal and exceptional service experience.
We kept the formalities of the evening light and entertaining, and covered all of the AGM requirements including the nominations for new committee members. I would like to extend a warm welcome to all new and also returning committee members. Our team for 2014-15 now includes:
- Peta Godenzi - President
- Michael Hibbert - Vice President (and rep on YRT board)
- Geoff Vickers - Secretary and Treasurer
Committee Members are:
- Jeff Gill, Norm Orr, Ian Shipton, Phil Wallens, Mike Iley, Dale Feim and Sue White.
Other highlights in the President's Report included:
- Waterwheel - our VIC operated at break-even and is considered an effective model for VIC operations, endorsed by YRT. Wine sales are now being offered to the general public and CEDA members are encouraged to make contact and utilise all the Waterwheel has to offer. Handmade, the Artists Gallery and eco tours are also essential elements of this successful model. CEDA membership contributes to the success of this integrated retail and tourism experience, which is used daily by visitors and locals.
- Increasing and dynamic partnership with YRT is allowing us to lobby for greater representation of Warburton Valley in all tourism channels. The new map, updated website and social media are all excellent starting points for an extended online presence and increased access to their tourism marketing expertise.
- The Mountain Bike/cycling hub plans for Warburton are part of a larger feeling that Warburton Valley is on the cusp of a growth phase. With financial commitments from several key groups including state and local government and the Upper Yarra Community Enterprise, it is vital that pressure is applied to keep this essential project on the radar. Continual lobbying of local politicians is an important role CEDA members can play.
To lobby Politicians (Legislative Assembly District of Eildon):
Our guest speaker at the AGM was Andy van Bergen who is part of the www.cyclingtips.com.au team and behind the Domestique series of cycling events. Andy shared with us the history of cycling events in the region, the plans for the Everesting event on 7 February 2015 and a broader vision for cycling tourism in the area for the future. DId you know Mt Donna Buang is the birthplace for Everesting? The event will feature 25 elite riders who will climb and descend 9 times, the equivalent of Mt Everest. There will also be 500 additional cyclists in our towns enjoying ancillary events that weekend. Andy was very positive about the enthusiasm cyclists had for the region and the word of mouth generated in the cycling community through social media. Mt Donna's close proximity to Melbourne makes it a choice training location for cyclists especially in the lead up to the 3 Peaks cycling event in March. Our region can benefit greatly from this surge in popularity – how can your business or service respond to this growing demand? CEDA is active on several committees focused on cycling tourism and in representing our mutual interests.
Kath from the Upper Yarra Mail attended and posted this story on 4 November:
Remember, we welcome your contributions and suggestions for upcoming issues of this newsletter so let us know if you would like to be featured, have information circulated or you have a particular need or request that our extended community can support you with. We would especially like to hear from members and businesses between Launching Place and Wandin!
All the best, Peta
Email me: info@delorainehomestead.com.au or tel 0428 971 203.
Diary Notes
- Change of regular meeting time - now third Tuesday of month. The next Warburton Valley CEDA meeting is Tuesday 18 November 2014 at 3pm in the boardroom at the Upper Yarra Community House in the main street of YARRA JUNCTION. Members may attend and should RSVP to this email address. Alternatively you can submit any questions or comments in writing for the committee.
- Warburton Advancement League advise the annual Warburton Christmas Street Party will be held on Friday 19 December on the main street of Warburton. Please note the date.
- Warburton Christmas Carols will be held on either the Saturday 20 or Sunday 21 of December. A decision on which day will be made in the week prior so that the best weather conditions can be taken advantage of. This carol event is the largest FREE not-for-profit outdoor event in the Yarra Valley attracting around 3500 people!
Waterwheel (VIC) - Call for volunteers
Do you have a few spare hours a week you could donate to the Waterwheel Visitor Information Centre, Warburton? This centre provides an important service to the tourists who come to the valley, and to our community, and is run entirely by volunteers - people in the community who have a passion for our beautiful valley and want to promote our towns, our businesses and our experiences. The centre operates 7 days a week from 10am-4pm, and shifts of three hours (or more) can be arranged. Training and support is provided. Please contact Jeanette on info@charnwoodcottages.com.au
Get to know our members:
YREC
Yarra Ranges Enterprise Centres, known as YREC is a not-for-profit organisation that delivers business incubation services for small businesses through affordable rent and business support. YREC manages two sites, the Warburton Business Centre located at 21 Woods Point Rd and the newly named Warburton BeeHive located at 3420 Warburton Hwy. A range of studios, offices and workshops are occupied by a diverse range of business tenants – nurturing great ideas and growing their businesses within a supportive environment. Vacancies now exist so if you are working from home and need some motivation and support, contact Alison on 0418 799 984 or email yrec@bigpond.com to arrange a visit.
OXFAM Trailwalkers
Oxfam Trailwalkers has just posted on their website that the 2015 event will be run in reverse for the first time. This means walkers will leave from the Upper Yarra end of the trail and walk through Warburton to the Dandenongs and finish in Melbourne's outer east 100 km later. The event is scheduled to begin on Friday 10 April andy complete on Sunday 12 April 2015.
www.visityarravalley.com.au
The relaunch of visityarravalley.com.au is underway and preliminary views of the website have been visually rich and informative in ways that support an easy and inspired user visit. A new itinerary function will allow visitors to preplan their highlights and will encourage a broader visitor experience. it is envisaged that the 'click to personalise' itinerary will be a terrific tool to move the typical tourist experience from 'one' destination to several.
If you as a member of CEDA or YRT have a profile or information about your business or services on the existing site, now is a good time to review and advise any updates or changes required to YRT by emailing sally@yarrarangestourism.com.au . CEDA will also be working closely with YRT to develop local content that is current, inspiring and truly showcases our part of the Yarra Valley. Let us know if you have any ideas or comments about great Warburton Valley experiences.
Free events for businesses
A free seminar is being offered by Brett de Hoedt from Our Communities on Monday 10 November at the Yarra Ranges Council Chambers in Lilydale. The topic is 'Marketing your Organisation and Events' and will cover the essentials of effective marketing for community groups and events. Bookings are essential at www.yarraranges.vic.gov.au/events/marketing
Do you have the "Best dressed window in town"?
An invitation to participate for Warburton and Yarra Junction traders.
Mt Donna hosts Downhill Festival
On November 16, the 2014 Yarra Ranges Downhill Festival will be the National Championships for Downhill Skateboard racing in 2014, and a new champ will be crowned. The event is being held on one of Melbourne's best hills, a 2.9km section of Mt Donna Buang, Warburton.
Up to 64 riders will be reaching speeds of up to 85km/h as they tuck for three minutes down the windy road wearing full face helmets and racing leathers.
The event will be free for spectators and involve a slalom comp, freeride sessions and mini market. Food from local producers will be available with music from young local artists being performed throughout the day. More info here
Member Updates
Download the November/December 'What's On' poster here
Print for display or handout to visitors and clients.
More info: Ph Paul 0409 004 770 or paul@warburtoninfo.com
What can I do? Three by three things this month
- No matter what type of business you have, embrace the Christmas spirit and create a sense of fun and sharing in our towns.
- Write a letter to a local politician about an issue that influences our townships - cycling tourism is a great and positive place to start.
- Print or download the CEDA directory and use a CEDA member first when you need to access businesses and services in the valley.
CEDA online
We have a dedicated page on the Upper Yarra Community Enterprise website www.upperyarra.net.au/community/warburton-valley-ceda/ or click here.
Our purpose statement:
'To promote sustainable economic development that enriches the lives of those who live in or have a close connection to the Warburton Valley and rely on its prosperity.'
Your CEDA committee is:
Peta Godenzi (President), Michael Hibbert (Vice President and CEDA rep at YRT), Geoff Vickers (Secretary/Treasurer) and members Jeff Gill, Norm Orr, Ian Shipton, Phil Wallens, Mike Iley, Dale Feim and Sue White. |
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