Two towns win aid to build up communities

GARFIELD and Bunyip have won funding to build better communities.
The project, to be implemented by Cardinia Shire Council, aims to empower local communities to bring together skills and knowledge across diverse groups, individuals and organisations to plan for future needs.
Cardinia’s general manager of community wellbeing, Fiona Hodges, said the project built on the strengths and assets of the communities.
She said it aimed to improve local economies and enhance employment opportunities for everyone.
“The Community Building Initiatives program recognises that everyone has skills, talents and abilities and can contribute to building a better community for all to benefit,” she said.
“The first step in the project will be asset mapping through a series of surveys and community workshops.”
These will be held in the townships during January and February.
“The focus will be on the positives — what a community has and can build on — rather than what it may be lacking,” she said.
Ms Hodges said the outcomes would be varied and depend on what the residents themselves identified as requirements for growing their communities.
The council’s community building initiative facilitator, Jenny Whitelaw, wants as many people as possible to be involved.
Information on how to be involved in key projects such as asset mapping, community opportunity workshop or the community action plan will be available on Saturday, 16 December at the Bunyip Community Hall between 10am and 2pm.
“Drop in for a few minutes or stay all day — tell us what you think will make a positive difference to your town,” Ms Hodges said.