While we have been impacted by Covid restrictions during 2021, Advance Avoca Inc is proud of its achievements this year. The opening of the new Playspace in High St was a highlight and we were pleased to partner with the Avoca Community Bank and Pyrenees Shire to see it come to fruition. We also partnered with the Avoca RSL Sub Branch to secure funding to restore and paint the Avoca Soldiers’ Memorial in time for the 100th anniversary of its official opening in November 1921. The completion of the Pyrenees Shire Activate Avoca Project was another highlight, with 2 of our members sitting on the Reference Group. This included the High St Streetscape upgrade and new BBQ Shelter, refurbishment of the old Shire offices, and a new entrance and garden at the Arts & Gardens precinct at the Railway Station.
Our new main street Christmas decorations are a colorful asset to the town and we thank Arts & Gardens and Hewitt and Witty for their contribution in preparing these. The committee is pleased to be partnering with the Avoca Friends of the Pool and the Avoca Fire Brigade to host the annual Community Christmas Party at the Avoca Pool on 19th December. This will be a FREE event for the community, thanks to funding from the Pyrenees Shire Community Grants Program. The event will include a Free BBQ, water-based activities for all, a visit from Santa, and special voucher giveaways to be used to support our main street traders.
Finally, I would like to promote our revitalized community website to visitors to Avoca and the local community. Established in 2008, the website is a major communication tool for our town and has recently undergone a facelift thanks to funding from the Avoca Community Bank. We encourage you to log in to www.avoca.vic.au and subscribe to our Smashed Avo news. Also, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @advance avoca.
The committee and members wish you all a peaceful and safe festive season and we look forward to ‘Advancing Avoca’ in 2022.
Lyn Mather, President
