Garvoc
The Princes Highway dissects both these eastern Moyne localities, which have potential for growth.
Panmure, 20 minutes from Warrnambool, has a historic primary school, popular pub (beloved for its high teas), general store and long-established pottery. The town’s camping site near the deep swimming hole (with diving board) is very popular in summer.
Like many Moyne localities, Panmure’s sports facilities are excellent, its recreation reserve home to the Allansford Panmure Cricket Club and the Panmure footy club (the Bulldogs). The school had just four students in 2023 but has six students this year. Panmure’s population is 442 with 125 families, a slight increase from 2016.
A little further east, Garvoc is 30 minutes from Warrnambool.
Garvoc has long lost its churches, general store and hotel but the buildings are still there.
Garvoc does boast a stylish new hub, built by the Garvoc District Residents, with community hall and tennis courts. Shire-run Smalltalk Playgroup is based here and there’s a playground opposite the hub. The locality has a steady population of around 250 residents.