Thursday, 14 November 2024

 Alison MARCHANT (Bellarine) (10:05): We have several wonderful local community publications on the Bellarine. In Leopold we have the Leopold Local; the SpringDale Messenger is for Drysdale, Clifton Springs and Curlewis; the Rip is in Queenscliff, now online; Talking Heads magazine is distributed through Barwon Heads; and of course we have the Port Report, long cherished by the Portarlington and North Bellarine community. But sadly we must say farewell to one of these treasures. After 34 remarkable years the final edition of the Port Report will be published next month.

I want to take this moment to express our heartfelt thanks to the entire Port Report team, with a special mention to publisher Lindsay Ellis, who since acquiring the printing company in 2000 and taking on the Port Report has dedicated the past 24 years to nurturing this invaluable community newsletter. The Port Report began in December 1991 when the Portarlington Business Development Association launched as a way to keep residents informed, foster discussion and celebrate local milestones. Since then it has become the longest running publication on the North Bellarine, a steadfast platform for community groups and organisations to share news, promote events and discuss local matters. Importantly, all proceeds have been reinvested back into the community. Imagining Portarlington without the Port Report is difficult. Throughout my role and the former member Lisa Neville’s it has been an essential channel for us to connect with our communities, update on local and state matters and learn about the topics that resonate with the residents. On behalf of the entire Portarlington community, I extend a heartfelt thanks to Lindsay and the Port Report team.