Long Gully neighbours surveyed

MENTAL health and community safety have been identified as primary issues by those who have responded to a Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre community survey.

Data from the survey – which is open for feedback until at least mid-September – will be used to help guide the centre’s strategic planning from 2025 to 2028.

The survey asked residents what they consider the most valued activities and programs offered by the LGNC, the most valued services, why they find them valuable, and broad issues and priorities facing the community.

Centre co-ordinator Kerry Parry said nearly 40 people had completed the survey by early this week, with the top four activities and programs listed as the Foodshare Popup Produce Market, the weekly community lunch, Chatty Cafe and the Long Gully Community Garden.

The most valued services were the New Beginnings Newsletter (78 per cent of respondents), the mini food pantry (75 per cent), the centre’s Facebook page (53 per cent) and free DVDs, books and CDs (37.5 per cent).

Mental health and community safety were listed as major issues and priorities by 75 per cent of respondents, followed by social isolation and connection (62 per cent), and health and wellbeing (58 per cent).

“We’ve had some very positive feedback from community members so far, it still amazes me how many people are unaware of neighbourhood houses and, in particular, Long Gully Neighbourhood Centre,” Ms Parry said.

“I met a lady from Long Gully at an event today. She has lived here all her life and had no idea of LGNC’s existence. This is not uncommon.

“That said, we have around 30 people attending our community lunch each Wednesday.”

This week’s lunch was provided by the Domino’s Pizza which will continue providing lunch once a month.

Ms Parry said the contribution gave volunteers a well-earned break from meal preparation, cooking, serving and cleaning up, and centre staff were grateful for the company’s gesture.

“This, to me, is what community is all about; helping one another with what we have,” she said.

The centre’s annual meeting will be held on Monday and a strategic planning day is planned for October, when the survey data will be considered in detail.