Speaking to the Yarrawonga Chronicle after YMTB held their annual general meeting last Wednesday, re-elected president Michael Coldham said although the recent funding from Moira Shire Council was good news, it does not go far enough to sustain the visitor centre’s services in the future.
“There is next to no money to deliver important visitor services,” Mr Coldham said.
At its monthly general meeting, Moira Shire Council approved the recommendation to continue to fund YMTB for $203,000 for 2023/2024, but only $60,000 was for the Visitor Information Centre. The remainder of the funding was specifically for two key events, the EC Griffith Cup and the Lake Mulwala Rod Run.
“There is only $60,000 to keep the centre open along with Federation Council’s support ($50,000) in this current financial year. We simply have to find more money to keep the visitor centre going,” Mr Coldham said.
“Not everyone is online, and the evidence is that people do use the visitor centre for a range of activities and information.
“We will apply for grants and further financial support from businesses to assist us.”
Mr Coldham said the board’s big issue was establishing new policies, strategic planning, staffing, and determining what capacity the centre will operate.
“These issues will take time to resolve,’ he said.
Mr Coldham said the board have also agreed to sell off the accommodation management side of the business.
“It was agreed that this was not our core business,” he stated.
Mr Coldham also mentioned the EC Griffith Cup 2024 will be a gated event with an admission charge to help recover some of the event’s expenses.
“I hope the community continues to embrace this fabulous event,” he said.
“Clearly, business benefits from events, and we have a list of things we think will be good for our town, including a Triathlon, Caravan and Camping, Boat and Fishing Show, Smoke on the Water (a food smoking event), more tennis, golf and bowls events. We all are aware that April-May through to September is our quieter months, and we need to create a welcoming environment.
“Lake Mulwala, the golf courses and our environment are clear winners in how visitors view our environment with the lake the jewel in the crown.”
Mr Coldham also mentioned in his report a renewed focus on the business side of YMTB.
“Communication with business stakeholders, business meetings for the benefit of the businesses, expanding business opportunities and dealing with red-tape issues, approvals from council and government agencies which seem designed to stop progress and approval processes.
“We are seeking interests for the re-establishment of the chamber of commerce to focus primarily on business issues,” he said.
“We have a lot of work to do over the next two years. We have a start and a long way to go, and I look to the community and business support of our twin towns in that regard.”
At the AGM, the board reported a loss of $49,778 for the financial year 2022-23 after making a profit in 2022-23 of $40,423. Retained earnings at the beginning of the financial year were $262,221.
Several new board members were welcomed at the AGM, and several retired. Mr Coldham said he was pleased to have some new additions to the board who will bring new ideas and skills to an already strong team.
“In July, new members joined the board: Mark Pharoah, who is a commercial accountant; Mark Russell, part owner of the Glanmire Park development; and Colin Hough, another local businessman who is supporting Sundowner Homes, a new home builder here in Yarrawonga. They’re businessmen that have brought significant skills to the board.”
The board also welcomed Rob Alexander who will be representing the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort, who will join existing members Mark Seeliger, Ros Vodusek, Doug Evans OAM, John Clark (representing ClubMulwala), Michelle Cobb, Kelsey Hicks (representing the Mulwala Water Ski Club), Dominic Audino, Andrew Freak, John Hall (representing Moira Shire Council) and Andrew Kennedy (representing Federation Council).
Life Member John Charles, along with Don McPhee, Shane Preer and Peter Duncan, retired from the board.
