A SMALL group of community-minded people came together two years ago to rid Woori Yallock of graffiti.
Now, they’re embarking on their biggest project to date, a $100,000 community space supported by the community bank, the Yarra Ranges Council and the State Government.
The plans for WYTAG Reserve, on the corner of Woori Court and Healesville Kooweerup Road, include a mudstone amphitheatre, a flag pole and picnic settings.
Woori Yallock Township Action Group president Val Shaw said it was about creating a space for the community where people could gather for picnics or the town could hold community events such as Anzac Day services.
“We initially had plans for the Harold Ockwell Reserve, but this turned out to be a better space,” she said.
Mrs Shaw was speaking to a gathering of the community at the reserve on Friday 25 January.
“Who would’ve thought that two years ago we got together to clean up graffiti and now we’re standing here about to take on a $100,000 project,” she said.
“We found there was something lacking – a town focal point.”
She said the group’s vision would have only been that – a vision – if not for the support of the Woori Yallock and District Community Bank, the council and the State Government.
“The bank supported us to start the group, and now they’re providing $30,000, Yarra Ranges Council supported us all the way and now they’re also contributing to this cause and Brad, please pass on our thanks to the Department of Planning and Community,” she said, thanking Gembrook MP Brad Battin for the $50,000 grant from the State Government.
Mrs Shaw specially thanked council officer Rob Hamilton, who has helped to oversee the project, with the council’s contribution of $20,000 to the reserve.
Mr Battin said the project was something the town could be proud of, and everybody could utilise.
“This funding is for the community’s ideas, you’re telling us what you want for this area,” he said.
“The WYTAG have put in a lot of hard work to get this project off the ground, and I am sure everyone in Woori Yallock will benefit from the new space once it’s completed later this year.”
The new community reserve will beautify a previously vacant lot that was sometimes overgrown with weeds and rubbish.
