Apollo Bay’s community is rejoicing in multiple wins over the last week, with the former kindergarten officially transferring into the hands of a community trust and a $50,000 grant awarded to the group to upgrade the building.

The community campaigned for Colac Otway Shire Council to return the former kindergarten at 69 McLachlan Street, Apollo Bay, to the community instead of selling it. The council intended to sell the property to recoup $348,000 it contributed towards the new Apollo Bay Early Years Hub.

The council decided in November 2023 to gift the property back to the community, with the Apollo Bay Community Charitable Trust and a board of trustees set up to own the property in April last year.

Apollo Bay Community Voice president Jane Gross said the transfer became official this week with the council transferring ownership of the building to the community.

“We’re very grateful to the shire for gifting it to us, and we’re also grateful for the patience that both the community and the council have had in taking this to fruition,” she said.

The Apollo Bay Community Voice also received $50,000 in funding from the State Government under the 2025 Tiny Town fund to upgrade the former kindergarten for community use.

The program sought applications from local governments and not-for-profit organisations to provide grants between $5000 and $50,000 for projects in towns with populations less than 5000 people.

The funding will be supported by money from the town’s Community Bank and Great Ocean Road Health.

Jane said renovations would include upgrading the bathroom facilities, improving power, changing the ramp access and general maintenance around the building to bring it up to a standard that would be usable for the entire town.

Jane said the town had a great need for additional storage, with the McLachlan Street site also providing a lockable shed that could be used by community groups who use the space.

Once the renovations are complete, the community-owned hub will be available for community members and groups to book and use, with Great Ocean Road Health the managers of the space.

Excerpt: Colac Herald