Ocean Grove Coastcare held its annual general meeting recently.
Founded in 2010, Ocean Grove Coastcare helps to raise awareness among the community regarding the preservation and protection of local coastal areas through advocacy and activities, such as planting and clean up days.
In her report to the meeting, outgoing president Frances McAloon outlined the many activities and actions untaken by Ocean Grove Coastcare over the past 12 months.
These included the planting of over 1000 native plants across five planting days; the removal of approximately 200kg of rubbish from local beaches; and the forming of a Plastic Bag Free sub-committee that ran a highly successful film night in June and is working at developing resources for the public regarding alternatives to plastic.
Ms McAloon thanked local agencies and business who have funded events and provided in-kind support and commented on the impressive number community volunteers who have actively taken part OGCC activities this year.
Ms McAloon also acknowledged the recent passing of John O’Reilly, a founding member of Ocean Grove Coastcare and past president, vice-president and treasurer. She said that he had contributed significantly to a number of local community environment organisations and would be greatly missed.
Ms McAloon was thanked by treasurer Jackie Scally, on behalf of the committee, for her contribution has president over the past two years, before presenting her with gifts of wine and flowers.
Earlier in the evening, guest speaker, Leigh Dennis from the City of Greater Geelong, spoke regarding the Our Coast project, which is helping local coastal communities prepare for the impacts of rising sea levels. Mr Dennis presented to the meeting modelling that predicted significant impact to parts of Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove if sea level rise continues at predicted rates. Findings such as these re-affirmed to many in the room the importance of groups such as Ocean Grove Coastcare in the ongoing protection and management of our coasts.
A new committee of eight was elected at the meeting.
