Merrivale Community Association

Overview

Merrivale Community Association Inc (MCA) is a not-for-profit membership based community organisation located in Warrnambool, Victoria, and represents the interests of Merrivale residents. MCA is run solely by volunteers and has an active committee. The Merrivale area boasts over 600 residential houses and links with the southern side of the Warrnambool industrial estate which accommodates a mix of small and large scale businesses.
Celebrating 30 years as an incorporated association on 20 August 2022 the MCA acknowledges that local issues have long been a focus for residents. We advocate for the people and environment of Merrivale through community representation, projects and events that foster a connected community. Some of our recent community projects include:
*. Development of Marrang Park as a community sanctuary. This park includes planting of species indigenous to the area and includes signage in English and the language of the Gunditjmara.
* The highly successful Merrivale Sustainable Scarecrow Trail. For the last two years, MCA has organised and hosted this annual event. This interactive community art exhibition encourages residents to create and display scarecrows made of repurposed materials found around the home. Participation in the creation of scarecrows by residents is increasing each year (up from 29 to 36) with around 200 residents participating in the trail.
* Collaborating with Warrnambool City Council on matters such as pedestrian and cyclist safety along Merrivale Drive.
* Liaising with Midfield Meats regarding construction of Protein Plant and development of workers huts off Merrivale Drive.
* Partnering with Merrivale Primary School to address and solve community concerns/interests such as pedestrian movement, environmentally sustainable projects.

Major Events

'Totally Wild' - Beach Clean-ups - workshop - scarecrow trail. In 2022, the Merrivale Community Association will host the ‘Sustainable Scarecrow Trail’ Monday 31st October for the third year in a row. This year our theme is: ‘Totally Wild’. This theme links to clean-ups of Warrnambools Wild Coast precinct and subsequent creation of quirky art installations (scarecrows). The project will incorporate beach clean up days, safe storage of marine debris on public land with accompanying educational signage, and hosting education workshops/sessions to encourage participation. These workshops will educate people about our marine debris issues and allow people to use these materials to make their own ‘sustainable scarecrow’ to be displayed on their own properties. We will draw on the expertise of Colleen Hughson (2022 Warrnambool Citizen of the Year, and co-convenor of Beach Patrol 3280-3284,) to facilitate beach clean ups, educate Merrivale Primary School students and the wider community with a particular focus on the ‘wild coast’ areas adjoining Merrivale.

Skills and Resources

Clean Up, Communications &/or Social Media, Community &/or International Development Projects, Environment - Revegetation, Weed Control etc

Seeking New Members:

Yes

looking for Volunteers:

Ongoing Role

AGM

Service Areas

Warrnambool