Incoming president of the Cooroy Future Group, Carol Watkins has praised the efforts of the many committed volunteers who make the Cooroy creative community so vibrant.
Carol, who started with the Cooroy Lower Mill Board – now the CFG – in 2014, was voted into the president’s role at the October Annual General Meeting.
She said it was a pleasure to see the organisation, which oversees the Butter Factory Arts Centre, the Lower Mill precinct and Cooroy Fusion Festival, move from strength to strength.
“The volunteer efforts of many people over many years has seen the BFAC facility, the historic Lower Mill precinct and Cooroy Fusion survive and thrive.
“In 2018, the BFAC had approximately 20,000 visitors through its doors, which provides direct economic spin-offs for the local business community.”
Carol described the year ahead as “exciting”, with the BFAC gallery spaces fully booked out for the next 12 months and some new projects on the boil. This includes working with the National Trust to develop the Great Noosa Trail Walk and a revamped Cooroy Fusion Festival.
“The Great Noosa Trail Walk offers an opportunity for visitors and locals to experience our thriving hinterland communities, including Cooroy, first hand while also experiencing our natural environment.”
Carol said the Lower Mill site continued to be a great drawcard for the community and visitors, who enjoy the wonderful work of the Cooroora Woodworkers and the Camphor Laurel initiative, along with the historical highlights of the site.
Outgoing president Duncan MacQueen, praised the work of the board with particular mention to Chris Bell who stepped down after five years, to take on the Vice President role at the Chamber of Commerce.
Duncan also praised Carol and BFAC staff for their work to establish The Artisan Store.
“It is one of our prime income sources and the business model has been sought after and asked about from other like organisations,” Duncan said.
New board member, Peter Read, was welcomed and founding CFG member Tex Pipke was re-elected to the position of Treasurer. Barbara Luff was re-elected to the position of Secretary.
Caption: The newly elected Cooroy Future Group Board is welcomed by Noosa Shire Mayor Tony Wellington. At centre is new president, Carol Watkins. From left: Jim Ennis, Peter Read, out-going president, Duncan MacQueen and reappointed secretary Barbara Luff. Absent from the photo are Tex Pipke and Stan Ryan.