Community invited to join the Thriving Wellington conversation

Wellington Shire Council is inviting residents to attend a series of community drop-in sessions and have their say through Thriving Wellington, a project exploring how Wellington Shire can grow and thrive over the next 10 years. Bringing together planning for local jobs, businesses, community facilities, arts, culture, recreation and wellbeing, the project will help guide the development of three long-term strategies for the region.

The sessions build on the recent release of the Economic Development Strategy and the Arts, Culture and Leisure Strategy discussion papers and online survey, providing another opportunity for community members to share their views and contribute to the conversation.

Thriving Wellington is the next step in Future Wellington, which saw more than 1,700 people help shape Council's Community Vision and Council Plan. The discussion papers draw on that feedback, as well as research and stakeholder input, and explore key topics including arts and culture, recreation, tourism, community facilities, local business, investment, jobs and skills.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor Cr Cindy Madeley said the drop-in sessions would provide an opportunity for residents to discuss the proposed directions of the three strategies and share their views on the discussion papers before the plans are finalised.

"The discussion papers outline some of the opportunities and challenges facing Wellington over the next 10 years, but they are not final plans," Cr Madeley said.

"We want to hear directly from our communities about what matters most to them, whether that's local jobs, community facilities, recreation opportunities, arts and culture, tourism or supporting local businesses."

Cr Madeley said the project recognises the strong connection between Wellington's economy and community wellbeing.

"Strong communities and a strong economy go hand in hand. The things that make Wellington a great place to live, such as our events, recreation opportunities, public spaces, arts and cultural experiences, also help attract visitors, support local businesses and encourage people to invest in our region."

These sessions are an opportunity to tell us what's important to your community and help shape the direction of Wellington for years to come. The free drop-in sessions are open to everyone and no bookings are required.

Community drop-in sessions:

Stratford

Thursday 22 October, 6pm-8pm
Stratford Library, 70 Tyers Street

Heyfield

Tuesday 27 October, 10am-12pm
Heyfield Resource Centre, 5 George Street

Maffra

Tuesday 27 October, 6pm-8pm
Maffra Library, 150 Johnson Street

Sale

Wednesday 28 October, 11am-1.30pm
Port of Sale, Wellington Room, 70 Foster Street

Golden Beach

Thursday 29 October, 11am-1.30pm
Golden Beach Community Hall, 1 Surf Edge Drive

Yarram

Thursday 29 October, 5.30pm-7.30pm
Yarram Community Hub, 156 Grant Street

Community consultation is open until Sunday 8 November 2026. Residents can attend a drop-in session, review the discussion papers and complete the online survey through Your Wellington, Your Say.

For more information, phone Council on 1300 366 244 or email thrivingwellington@wellington.vic.gov.au