Moira Shire Council has thanked the outgoing Barmah Forest Heritage and Education Centre Advisory Committee at an informal afternoon tea held recently at the Centre in Nathalia.
The Advisory Committee has been disbanded and will be replaced by the Friends of the Barmah Forest Heritage and Education Centre group to support ongoing community engagement with the Centre.
Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM praised the work the Advisory Committee has done since its formation in February 2024.
"I'd like to thank the Advisory Committee Chair and fellow Administrator, Susan Benedyka, and the committee members for their dedication, commitment and valuable contribution to the Barmah Forest Heritage and Education Centre and the broader Moira Shire community," Dr Emonson said.
"The Advisory Committee was formed to provide Council with information and community input about current and future uses of the Barmah Forest Heritage and Education Centre.
"Its members have fulfilled this role admirably, but have now requested the Advisory Committee be disbanded and replaced with a 'Friends of' group model."
A 'Friends of' group model is a well-established structure for sustaining community connection and volunteer engagement with heritage and cultural facilities. Unlike a formal advisory committee, a 'Friends of' group operates informally and is community-led, providing flexibility for members to support the Centre through volunteering, promotion and programming assistance.
Dr Emonson said Council was looking forward to working with the new Friends of the Barmah Forest Heritage and Education Centre group.
"This group will help support Council with the management and ongoing operation of the centre, as well as sharing knowledge, advice and feedback - and making a lasting impact on our community," he said.
