Strength in numbers - WCBA looks forward to enterprising 2021

The new committee includes, from left, Vice President Grant Palethorpe, Social Media Coordinator Danielle Possee, Treasurer Nathan Major, Events and Membership Michelle Menzel, Secretary Richard Law and President Debbie Kimber.

The Woombye Business and Community Association (WCBA) held its AGM and Christmas Party at the Woombye Pub last Tuesday. 

Re-elected President Debbie Kimber said she looked forward to working with the new committee which had been strengthened with the arrival of new people filling positions which had been vacant, including the treasurer and secretary. A new  ‘events and membership’ role has also been established. The new blood would allow existing members to focus on working within their core areas of expertise,  said.

“I  can concentrate on grant applications and we will be able to focus on continuing to increase our membership,” she said. “A larger membership demonstrates how engaged the community and business owners are, this helps the WCBA in our funding applications.”

Ms Kimber said WCBA had a productive year despite disruptions caused by COVID. 

Membership has increased to 84 members through improved activity and increased profile. Many people are now using the website to join online and connecting through social media, thanks to the work of Vice President Grant Palethorpe and Daniella Possee (social media).

WCBA this year made a submission to Sunshine Coast Council’s Blackall Street Placemaking consultative process urging any future plans maintain the rural feel and identity of Woombye. Speed, parking and shade were common issues that have been raised.

Ms Kimber said it was vital to connect Woombye to the Big Pineapple by a walking/bicycle pathway. This will “connect us with the rest of the Coast”.

Pathways linking new housing estates like Habitat and Panorama and Woombye Care on Redmond Road to town are also high on the agenda.

The committee would continue to pursue the issue over noise coming from Queensland Rail’s Woombye Stabling Facility on behalf of affected nearby residents. 

The WCBA’s new logo has been approved and will help provide unified branding for the association and promote Woombye as a destination.

There are plans to continue the successful Our Place Our Story heritage initiative to promote Woombye’s proud history. A potential theme is Our Place Our People featuring story boards added as part of the existing Woombye Heritage Trail. 

The WCBA’s next meeting will be held in January at CAVU Distilling at The Big Pineapple. Nicklin’s new MP, Rob Skelton has accepted an invitation to attend. 

This will be an opportunity to demonstrate the benefits of a pathway to the Big Pineapple. The events will provide a tasting experience at the distillery, and will include other local producers such as Diablo Ginger Beer and Woombye Cheese. Details early in the new year.