Marge Arnup

Marge's community life in Fish Creek began in 1984 when she took on the role of Secretary for the Fish Creek Kindergarten. The following year, she was appointed President and continued this role until 1990. During this period the Kindergarten became Incorporated, renewed the playground facilities, added a storeroom and provided many events and activities to support community connectedness.

She has supported the Tea Cosy Festival Committee since 2014. Marge has been Chairperson and Festival Director since 2018, presenting four festivals that have engaged Fish Creek and the broader local community. Each festival has been unique and puts the Fish Creek community on the map, attracting visitors from around the world. The unique 2020 COVID E-Cosy Festival also prompted her advocacy for free public Wi-Fi at the Hall, which was installed in 2022.

In 2020, Marge took a more active role in the Fish Creek Community Development Group (FCCDG) when filling in for the Secretary. A role she continues today. Some of the things she has facilitated as a member of the FCCDG are: the involvement of RMIT in conducting a wastewater study for Fish Creek, the installation of a water station and the coordination of how Fish Creek hosted the Great Victorian Bike Ride in December 2023.

Marge is also Secretary of the Fish Creek Hall Committee and an active op-shop volunteer. She previously served on the Buffalo Hall Committee, especially during the time of the
building of the new Hall from 1984 to 1987.

Marge has also been strongly involved in the provision of services for people with disabilities since the 1990's. She was the key driver in the establishment of the South Gippsland Specialist School which opened in 1996, then known as the Baringa Annexe. Her advocacy and leadership led the provision of post-school education options, employment services and housing for people with disabilities. These services were previously unavailable in the South Gippsland. She was also key in the establishment and delivery of the Basketball for All program, teaching people with disabilities basketball skills and opening opportunities to play in mainstream competition.

Marge has also played a key role in the re-ignition of International Women's Day events in the Corner Inlet area and the recording and promotion of many women who are the reason the area has many services and is such a cohesive and strong community today.