We are collectively passionate and experienced in town planning, architecture, teaching, the arts, youth services and community engagement. We are residents that care about the future we are creating for our families, and are focused on long term sustainability and value for the community.

As Woodend residents, we’re volunteering our time and expertise to see this project succeed. We are focused on working with the community to create quality facilities, infrastructure and services.

We are not-for-profit. Aside from covering operational costs e.g. this website or printing surveys or posters, we are not being paid for our time nor deriving any financial gain.

If you are interested in joining us and have experience that can assist, please Contact Us

The Volunteer Committee & Contributors (Alphabetical by Surname)

David Faggetter – Retired Architect, interested in sustainable design and brings experience in having worked with communities in Melbourne, London & Singapore. A particular interest in low impact design and designs enabling growth and change for communities.

Esther Kay – An independent planner. Previously part of the Shire Community Reference Group for the 2014 Woodend Town Structure Plan and Neighbourhood Character Study. Involved in the 1999 and 2000 pre-Calder Freeway bypass initiatives. Member of Landcare and the Woodend and District Heritage Society.

Barry McDonald – President of Woodend Lions Club, foundation member of Settle Woodend and retiring teacher.

Adam Nitschke – Landscape Architect, master planning & strategy for Parks Victoria.

Matt Sanderson – Engineering & project management for private sector consulting engineers, with experience locally and internationally in Afghanistan & East Timor with complex civil engineering projects.

Jane Walduck – Community organiser: founding member of Woodend Children’s Park and Woodend Community Children’s Garden. Group Chair Parent Committee, 2nd Woodend Scout Group.

Brad Welsh – Woodend business owner of Büro of Ideas, graphic design & brand strategy practice. Brad has worked closely with design projects for Holgate Brewery, Fox in the Chamber, Woodend Children’s Park, Woodend Tennis Club, Woodend Primary School and Woodend Spokes of Hope.

Colin Yeung – IT, marketing & corporate comms for an elite global architectural engineering practice. Previously founding & committee member MITCH – Music in the Central Highlands. Cub Scout Leader,  2nd Woodend Scout Group.

Founding Members

Joanna Casey –  decd. October 2019 – long time resident, with ties to the Shire through education and community involvement with her children who attended local schools. Joanna hopes to bring an older residents historical perspective to what she views as an exciting project. Joanna passed away in October 2019. Obituary Woodend Star https://issuu.com/newwoodendstar/docs/nws_december_2019_v2/2

Sheila Drummond – decd. February 2020 Literary Agent. Committee and co-convenor Books and Ideas events Woodend Winter Arts Festival. Founder, committee member Friends of Macedon Ranges Libraries.

Don Drummond – Committee member and co-convenor Books and Ideas events the Woodend Winter Arts Festival. Member of the Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s Positive Ageing Advisory Committee. An Educational Publisher prior to retirement.

State of Victoria

Jaclyn Symes,
Minister for Regional Development
Minister for Agriculture
Minister for Resources
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council
https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/about/people-in-parliament/members-search/list-all-members/details/22/116
https://www.jaclynsymes.com.au

Mary-Anne Thomas, Member for Macedon
https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/about/people-in-parliament/members-search/list-all-members/details/22/7
http://www.mary-annethomas.com.au/

Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Jennifer Anderson, Councillor, West Ward
https://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/Live-Work/My-Neighbourhood/Councillor-Jennifer-Anderson
Janet Pearce, Mayor & West Ward Councillor
https://www.mrsc.vic.gov.au/Live-Work/My-Neighbourhood/Councillor-Janet-Pearce

Collection Points for Community Surveys:

Woodend Community & Cultural Centre Branding & Logo Design: