Hamilton CBD Advisory Group
Published on 14 August 2025
Southern Grampians Shire Council has resolved on the appointment of eight community members to the newly established CBD Streetscape Project Advisory Group at last night's ordinary Council meeting.
The CBD Revitalisation Project Advisory Group has been established following significant community interest in the project. The group, made up of local businesspeople and community members, will ensure local voices and perspectives are represented in the decision-making process on this issue, and others, throughout the design phase of this very important project.
The group will be chaired by Councillor Afton Barber, who said Council was pleased with the strong response to the Expression of Interest process.
“The calibre of applicants received for the CBD Advisory group was outstanding, and we thank all those who took the time to express their interest in contributing to the project,” said Cr Barber.
“We had 14 people put their hands up to be involved in the group, which was really pleasing and meant we had to conduct an interview process to determine which community members to appoint to the advisory group.
“Those who have been appointed have come from varied backgrounds and experience in community, business and governance and provide a really diverse and strong representation of the Southern Grampians community.
The appointed members are:
- Justin Slade
- Keven Quinn
- Elizabeth Hurley
- Carly Behncke
- Sarah Hope
- Colin Dunkley
- Coralie Coulson
- Paul McCallum
“While there were a number of technically skilled and knowledgeable applicants, the role of the advisory group is not to provide technical expertise to the project but to offer advice and guidance on community and business engagement, project implementation, timing and communications. We feel we have a great mix of experience and perspectives within the group to enable a balanced representation and above all, a willingness to work together to create a positive outcome for the Southern Grampians community.”
“The advisory group will go beyond a single issue of the trees and will provide a community voice and perspective for the CBD Revitalisation project, acting as a vital bridge between Council and residents. This project has a very wide scope, and we want this group to give us a community perspective on everything from parking bays to footpaths to outdoor furniture,” concluded Cr Barber.
The newly appointed CBD Revitalisation group will meet over the coming weeks. To view the Hamilton CBD Streetscape project, please visit our website.
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