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Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a joyful New Year
Thank you for your support during 2008

A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR- Director John Burgess
It has been a fantastic year in 2008 with many successes in the Barwon Region, the highlight being the finalisation of a new regional contract that will see the states first $50million Alternative Waste Facility being developed in Geelong.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the great work of the 2008 board Kingsley Love, Cr Bruce Harwood, Cr Barbara Abley, Cr Tom O'Connor, Cr Peter Mercer and Cr Jim Tutt. The recent council elections see some significant board changes for the region and we look forward to welcoming the new board in February 2009.

Thank you for your support for the Barwon Regional Waste Management Group during 2008 and I wish you all a safe and enjoyable Christmas and prosperous New Year.

NEWS FROM THE EXECUTIVE OFFICER- Enzo Bruscella
The review of Regional Waste Management Groups has been deferred to be further reconsidered following a meeting with the Minister for Environment with the Association of Regional Waste Management Groups scheduled for February 2009.

The group has been working to expand the recoverable materials collected at our regional transfer stations, and initiatives include hard plastics recycling at Douro St and Anglesea transfer stations, plaster board recovery at Anglesea transfer station, and expanded polystyrene being collected for recycling at Douro St transfer station.

Anglesea Family Caravan Park adopts a Public Place Recycling System.
The Anglesea Family Caravan Park this week introduces a fully commingled recycling system through the park. The park produces approximately 600tonnes of waste each year, all of which has traditionally been taken to landfill. With the introduction of the new bin system the park hopes to achieve a diversion rate of 50% 2010. Find out more..

Schoolies Litter Campaign
The Schoolies tradition of celebrating their end of year in the coastal towns in the Barwon Region during November and early December has grown over the past years bringing with it much fun and laughter but unfortunately much litter also.

In an attempt to directly target Generation Y and appeal to their inner eco warrior the Barwon Region this year developed some resources specifically for Schoolies on the SurfCoast. The artwork that eventuated from this project (pictured below) was developed in conjunction with a group of secondary school students, Surf Coast Shire and Victorian Litter Action Alliance.

Western Heights College Recognised for Waste Minimisation Efforts
The Minerva Road Campus of Western Heights College is implementing a Reduce, Reuse & Recycle program with the aim of influencing the actions of students and staff both at school and in their own homes.  The school's initiatives have resulted in Certification through the Barwon Regional Waste Management Group.  

The overall aim of the school’s waste minimization program is to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. To achieve this, the school recycles office paper, cardboard, bottles, cans and cartons. Food scraps from the staff room, canteen and Food Technology kitchen are composted or placed in a worm farm in the horticulture area. Find out more...

Waste Wise Geelong Network
Waste Wise Geelong Network in partnership with Committee for Geelong Leaders Group and Third Ecology Architects hosted the Geelong Chamber of Commerce After Five function on November 27th 2008, at Skilled Stadium. Find out more...      

Back From Left: Mark Sanders - Third Ecology Architects & Leaders for Geelong Project Group, Liz Raimondo - Waste Wise Geelong Network, Ross Wyatt & Terence Jeyaretnam - NetBalance Foundation Ltd, Enzo Bruscella - Barwon Regional Waste Management Group Front From Left: Trevor Dess -Parks Victoria & Leaders for Geelong Project Group, Lawrie Miller - Geelong Chamber of Commerce

At the Chamber function Waste Wise Certification was presented to the Powercor - North Geelong Depot , and The Potato Shed- Drysdale.  Geelong Otway Tourism and City of Greater Geelong accepted their certificates for renewing Waste Wise certification already having undertaken a number of actions in the last 2 years to improve resource efficiency and maximise recycling.

For more information on the Waste Wise Geelong Network please contact Liz Raimondo.

Men's Shed
There are a number of Men's Sheds operating in the region, recently a Men's Shed began operating from the Anglesea and District Community House, called the Anglesea and District Men's Shed.

The purpose of Men's Sheds is to provide meaningful and valued engagement for aged men. The Men's Shed once formed is required to produce a business plan to determine the future activities of the group.

Men's Sheds provide an opportunity for men to improve their health and education, and provide a mentoring role for youth. The Men's Sheds also provide an opportunity to recover valuable resources by repairing and reusing products and materials.

For anyone wishing to establish a Men's Shed or for further information, contact Men's Sheds Australia-www.mensheds.com.au