Formally a Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works Depot for the purpose of building the Upper Yarra Dam, Yarra Ranges Enterprise Centre (YREC) has occupied the property at 21 Woods Point Road Warburton since the year 2000 operating as a business incubator and a not-for-profit incorporated organisation.
YREC’s key role within the local community is to offer access to a supportive environment and low-cost rent for small businesses as a ‘stepping-stone’. Many start their businesses with YREC or progress from a home-based business.
Purchasing the property from the Victorian State Government in 2021, YREC (known locally as the Warburton Business Village) has the mandate to make the property more attractive and inviting for businesses, visitors and our community.
Sponsored by a $3200 Community Grant from the Bendigo Bank (Warburton and Yarra Junction branches), YREC has initiated a façade improvement project installing eye-catching banners covering the old cyclone fence along Woods Point Road.
Executive Officer of YREC Alison Fitzgerald said these banners will provide a more desirable aesthetics view from the Warburton Water Park and assist in raising the presence of the Business Village.
“Many people in our community are unaware of what lies behind the old cyclone fence, so we are hoping that the design will communicate our core business and what we offer,” she said.