Inclusive group’s effort recognised

THE Golden Plains Shire’s Community Impact Award 2021 nominees range from historical societies to social catch-up groups.

One of those in the running is the Bannockburn Inclusive Disabled and Seniors Group and founder Sue McLean said the nomination took her by surprise.

“I don’t know who nominated us, whoever did I’m really grateful,” she said. “It means the community have accepted the group and seen how it works with a lot of people coming. It’s a positive thing.

“We started last March and our first meeting, we had six people turn up and as the word got out we grew and now we have 68 people.”

The group provides a supportive space for people with disabilities and those over the age of 65 and was formed after Ms McLean’s husband, Adam became wheelchair bound after discovering an epidural abscess growing under his spine.

One member, Jan, was one of the first people to join the group, and said it’s been perfect for her.

“We have lived in the area for 28 years,” she said. “We came along to Bannockburn Inclusive to see if it suited our needs and right from day one, we felt included.

“The people in the group are friendly and approachable, we laugh from the moment we walk in until when we leave.”

Bannockburn Inclusive provides members with coffee catchups, activities such as bingo, as well as guest speaker presentations, meeting every Thursday from 10am at the Cultural Centre.

Also nominated for Golden Plains Shire’s Community Impact Award for 2021 are the Advance Meredith Association, the Woady Yolak Historical Society, the Meredith History Interest Group, and the Rokewood/Corindhap Community Planning Group.