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WARBURTON VALLEY
BUSINESS AND TRADERS GROUP
Acerca de
WARBURTON VALLEY CEDA
COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION
Warburton Valley CEDA (Community Economic Development Association) Inc, formerly Warburton & District Chamber of Commerce & Industry, is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers focused on the economic interests of the communities in the Warburton Valley.
The region represents a 60-kilometre journey from Lilydale to the Upper Yarra Dam and includes towns such as Wandin, Seville, Woori Yallock, Launching Place, Yarra Junction, Warburton and surrounds.
WVCEDA primary purpose is to advocate on behalf of its financial members. We currently represent more than 100 local businesses, traders and stakeholders in the Upper Yarra Valley.
OUR PURPOSE
'To engage and support our members to leverage their collective strengths to create a vibrant business community.'
COMMUNITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Community Economic Development (CED) encourages enterprise, using local resources in a way that enhances economic opportunities while improving social conditions in a sustainable way.
CED takes into account social, environmental, and economic outcomes and recognises the links between the local, regional and national layers of the economy. Using a CED approach will enable us to build on the knowledge, experience and resources in our community, to identify and make the most of local economic opportunities.
OUR CHARTER
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To provide a unified voice for Warburton Valley.
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To help secure regional funding.
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To unite members, businesses and community-based organisations along the Warburton Highway & surrounds to foster a sense of collaboration and self-reliance that is sustainable and supports thriving local economies.
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To advocate to any appropriate authority and facilitate community involvement in the continued development, maintenance and use of the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail.
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To enhance the tourism and economic potential of the region.
OUR KEY ACTIVITIES
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Ongoing engagement with major stakeholders including Yarra Ranges Council, Parks Victoria, DELPW (Department of Environment, Land, Parks and Waterways), AUSNET and VicRoads.
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Ongoing engagement with local stakeholders including Upper Yarra Community Enterprise (UYCE), Warburton Advancement League (WAL), Yarra Ranges Enterprise Centres (YREC) and Yarra River Reserve Committee of Management.
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Active engagement with all major event organisers to make sure our region gets the best possible outcome from events organised in our backyard.
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Quarterly Business Forums providing our members with great opportunities for networking and business development via learning from a variety of guest speakers and fellow business members.
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Promotion of ‘business-to-business’ trading via ‘familiarisation visits’ to member businesses.
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Engagement in ‘shop local’ campaigns for promotion of our local retailers.
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Ongoing commitment to support the Warburton Waterwheel Visitor Information Centre by the means of financial and operational assistance (including two permanent board positions).
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Provision of business information and advice via social media, regular newsletters and services of WV CEDA Business Engagement Officer.
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Promotion of our member businesses via social media, newsletters and listings on this website.
OUR KEY ACHIEVEMENTS
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Acknowledgement at Local, State and Federal government levels as an effective and collective voice representing the region.
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Productive and supportive working relationships with Yarra Ranges Council and Yarra Ranges Tourism.
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Multi-million dollar investment commitments from political parties for significant regional development projects.
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Increased awareness of Warburton Valley CEDA’s mission and activities among traders and business operators throughout the Warburton Valley.
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As a result of Warburton Valley CEDA’s advocacy Warburton Valley is fast becoming a key destination for recreational tourism including the Warburton Mountain Bike Hub.
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Successful lobbying for action from Council on several matters of concern to traders.
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Employment of a dedicated Business Engagement Officer whose role is to look after communication and provide members with support and advice.
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A new website for Warburton Valley businesses and community
MEET OUR TEAM
Cleo Silva
Committee Member
Cleo Silva is the co-owner of Silva Yarra Valley Coffee Roasters, a family-owned coffee roasting company located in Victoria's Yarra Valley. As a small business owner, Cleo brings a wealth of knowledge and direct experience in developing new and growth opportunities, and she is an accomplished strategic thinker with a vision for excellence.
She builds strong business alliances and is a valued mentor to her staff and clients. Silva Coffee has been acknowledged with prestigious awards on the international coffee circuit.
She has served as Industry Appointment- Warburton Valley CEDA Inc. Industry Partner representative on the Yarra Ranges Tourism board and is the current President of Warburton Valley CEDA.
Alison Fitzgerald
Vice President
Alison Fitzgerald is the Executive Officer at Yarra Ranges Enterprise Centres Ltd (YREC), an independent business incubator located in the Yarra Valley, Melbourne. Her career experience includes Economic Development management roles in Local Government assisting retail, commercial and industrial businesses to streamline the process of doing business. She has managed significant programs across the business sector and broader community including extensive stakeholder consultation.
Since 2014, Alison has been instrumental in turning YREC into a true Business Incubator, increasing occupancy and income streams, managing the purchase of the property from the Victorian State Government and supporting tenants through challenging times to develop a nurturing business village environment.
She is passionate about her community, volunteering as treasurer for the Warburton Advancement League and Vice President of Warburton Valley Community Economic Development Association.
She lives in Warburton with her husband and Great Dane puppy.
Christine Birch
Committee Member
Dale Feim
Treasurer
Dale is the founder and director of Dalcorp Accounting Services, a progressing accounting firm recognised for its modern cloud accounting approach. Dale is a Fellow Member with the Institute of Public Accountants and has been in Public Practice now for 20 years. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Diploma of Financial Planning and is a Registered Tax Practitioner.
Since establishing his practice, Dale quickly became recognised for his expertise and core specialisation in the Tourism & Agribusiness sectors. As a Yarra Valley resident of more than 40 years, Dale has a genuine passion for promoting our region and providing support to the many small businesses operating within it.
Jacqui Harvey
Committee Member
Jacqui Harvey has been the owner of Yarra Valley Gourmet Foods since 2008, which she purchased as an exciting opportunity to utilise her strong sales, marketing, product development and food management skills, and pursue a romantic vision of valley life! She is passionate about her industry and the Yarra Valley and enjoys being involved in forums expressing her ideas for the longevity of small to medium manufacturers in this challenging environment. Her previous board positions include Yarra Valley Regional Food Group, Yarra Ranges Business and Tourism, Monash Food Innovation Centre, Confectionery Manufacturer’s Association, South East Melbourne Manufacturing Alliance, and several sporting clubs.
Lindy Schneider
Committee Member
Lindy is a professional writer, communications consultant, writing coach and equine therapist. She has a thriving client base in the Yarra Valley and internationally.
A published author, Lindy is a regular contributor to the Yarra Magazine, and has writing expertise in tourism, health and wellbeing, community building and the arts. Her qualifications include: Grad Dip Arts (Writing), BComm (Marketing, Management), Dip Professional Writing and Editing, Dip Counselling, Dip Art Therapy.
Lindy is a member of the YREC community, and she has been involved with CEDA since 2014. She is a dynamic participant in community life and has lived and worked in the Upper Yarra Valley since 2001.
Christine Birch and her family have owned and operated the iconic Oscar’s on the Yarra in Warburton since 2016. Christine brings a wealth of experience in venue management, conference planning, food and beverage and is committed to delivering genuine hospitality to all guests. Her family business is a Warburton landmark, offering accommodation, dining and events, and is located on the banks of the picturesque Yarra River.
She is an integral part of the local business and visitor economy, and a valued member of the community. She has been a CEDA committee member for 3 years and has served in the role of Secretary.
Sam Maddock
Sam Maddock is the Co-Founder and Director of Warburton Adventure Company. He is a passionate advocate of adventure tourism and is an industry leader who has held executive level positions in schools, for-purpose businesses and on NGO boards. He is widely recognised for his risk management expertise and environmentally sustainable practices in outdoor and international expeditions. He is a seasoned adventurer with 22 years of experience safely guiding group adventure expeditions in Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Northern Territory and Queensland states in Australia, and internationally to Japan, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Timor-Leste. He is a trained Teacher with extensive experience in experiential education, curriculum and program development.
Sam holds a Bachelor of Commerce, Graduate Diploma of Education, and Certificate IV of Outdoor Recreation. He is the Warburton Valley CEDA Inc. Industry Partner representative on the Board of Yarra Ranges Tourism.
Ex-Ufficio Nature based tourism
Monica Blanchfield
Secretary
Monica Blanchfield is the manager of the private function venue at Bulong Estate Winery in Yarra Junction, where she hosts private parties, weddings and corporate events at the venue.
She has lived in the Yarra Valley for 18 years, the last ten of those at the Bulong Estate vineyard. She enjoys life ‘by the vines’ with her husband Matt who is the wine maker and vineyard manager for Bulong Estate, and her two teenage girls.
Monica loves living in the Yarra Valley. She enjoys contributing to her community by running her small business as well as being involved in local organisations including Warburton Valley CEDA.
Mayor Jim Child
Ex-Officio Council Representative
Cr Jim Child - O'Shannassy Ward
First Elected: 2012
Re-elected: 2016, 2020
Mayor: 2012 - 2013, 2021 -
Jim is a fifth-generation resident of Yarra Ranges who is passionate about supporting and encouraging local business and tourism.
Jim’s long time dedication to the area he calls home is evidenced by the fact that he was first elected to local government as a Councillor with the Upper Yarra Shire in 1982, where he served for two consecutive Council terms. Jim held the honour of Shire President during 1985.
Jim has a background in information technology, telecommunications, hospitality and company directorships spanning some 50 years.
He is keen to provide much needed localised employment for local residents, especially young people. He is concerned about sensible management of Council finances, managing our local environment and planning processes.
Cr Child attends WV CEDA committee meetings as an ex-officio Council representative.
Anna Tehan
President
Anna Tehan worked at a Technology consulting company for more than 20 years as a Business Operations Senior Manager. She brings experience in project management, planning, operations, stakeholder management and business strategy. Anna is passionate member of the community with two active and energetic children, and she has lived on a farm in the Yarra Valley for 13 years. She enjoys bike riding, wine and the outdoors.
Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Engineering and a Bachelor of Commerce.
Danielle Warham
Committee Member
Danielle Warham has been working with her brother, Joel at Cog Bikes Australia since 2019. Cog proudly now has four locations including Cog Bikes and Brew in Warburton, a shop front in Monbulk, and a permanent hire location at both Carriage Cafe Seville and Puffing Billy Station at Emerald Lakeside. She lives in Ferntree Gully with her partner and two children.