Community
5 September, 2025
Courthouse reflects on successful year
VOLUNTEERS of the Camperdown Courthouse looked back on a successful year at Sunday’s annual general meeting (AGM), which was held at the Killara Centre.
The meeting also saw some changes to the committee for the next financial year, with a new secretary voted in.
This year’s committee features Alison Byrne as president, Brooke Love as vice president, Nicole Darcy taking the role of secretary, Cheryl Winn retaining her role as treasurer and Kathy Banks, Lee Morgan and Shirley Fitzgerald as ordinary committee members.
Ms Byrne said one of the biggest achievements for the organisation has been to become self-sustainable.
“Last financial year, we made a profit – an incredible milestone and certainly something to celebrate,” she said.
“Our wholesale marketing model has proven successful and is now the foundation of our independence from council support.
“We remain deeply grateful to the Corangamite Shire for their initial three-year funding, which gave us the opportunity to test and grow this model.
“Their belief in our vision helped plant the seed which has now flourished into something truly sustainable.”
Ms Byrne said the Courthouse was also “delighted” to be a finalist in the Tourism Excellence category of the Corangamite Business Awards.
“This is a significant achievement and one that we can all be proud of,” she said.
“A sincere thank you to the shire for delivering such a well-organised and inspiring program.
“We were thrilled to be involved and to celebrate the vibrancy of our local business community.
“Refurbishment of the tourism rooms at the Courthouse has also been a key focus this year and we’re pleased to report progress is well underway.
“Thanks to the support of the Men’s Shed, sheeting has already been extended and, with guidance from Lee Morgan, is being transformed within our heritage listing.”
The monthly Courthouse exhibitions were also noted as successful, with the space booked out well into 2026 by artists from across the Corangamite Shire.
Following formalities, Corangamite Shire Council director sustainable development Justine Linley spoke about council’s Grow and Prosper Corangamite framework.
Mrs Linley spoke about how the framework was formed through community consultation, ideas which were put forward by the community, and measures for the success of the framework.
These included the circular economy model, wellbeing economy model and the doughnut model.
Ms Byrne expressed her gratitude to the current art curator for the monthly exhibitions Jan Barnes, board members Ms Winn, Mr Morgan, Amanda Manifold, Ms Fitzgerald and Ms Banks, outgoing secretary Sharon Vagg, outgoing committee member Marg Shearn and outgoing social media coordinator Isha Passee.
“We are incredibly proud of the ongoing commitment, generosity and passion of our ambassadors and volunteers – your passion, commitment and genuine community spirit are what truly define the Courthouse,” she said.
“You are often the first warm face that greets our visitors, and your role cannot be overstated.
“Throughout the year, we’ve faced challenges – illness, well-deserved holidays in warmer climates or life simply getting busy.
“Yet, without fail, when volunteer shifts are posted, our roster is filled with helping hands almost immediately.
“Thank you for your generosity, for always being willing to step in and for doing so with positivity and grace – you are the heart of what we do.”
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