New group to handle hub

A KEY asset for Linton is now being run by the community for the community.

Operations of the Linton Community Hub are now in the hands of a recently formalised management group.

The committee was established during Golden Plains Shire’s regular council meeting in April following community concerns regarding the future of the site.

The site was previously leased to various community groups after years of use as a municipal building, and with the arrangement having ended around that time, representatives from eight Linton organisations have stepped in to formally operate the facility.

Linton resident and treasurer of the newly-established Linton Community Hub management group, Jennifer Cromarty, said its incorporation is about securing the site’s future for the long term.

“Forming the group was to actually have a formalised licensed agreement with council to manage the hub on their behalf and work out payments around access,” Ms Cromarty said.

“We’ve just had the signed licence agreement come back a few weeks ago.

“It just means the community’s now responsible for utilities, cleaning and maintenance.

“We’ll work with council if there are any major issues that need supporting.

“We’ll be looking at taking bookings and setting charges.”

Committee members include representatives of the town’s progress association, craft group, historical society and cemetery trust, as well as the Linton community group.

The group’s establishment was undertaken alongside development of the $10,000 Linton Community Plan, the launch of which marked the first public meeting of the group.

The hub is regularly used by groups like the Linton Craft Group, Goldbrush Painters, a social coffee group, a playgroup and the Linton Food Pantry.

“It’s incredibly well utilised,” Ms Cromarty said.

With an involvement in several of the town’s user groups, Ms Cromarty said she’s excited to see how the hub will develop under dedicated management.

“The main benefit is around community connection and reducing isolation,” she said.

“That’s the overall benefit.

“I’m a member of Goldbrush Painters so my personal interest is around art and culture, so becoming more engaged with holding art exhibitions and displays at the hub, potentially getting involved in things like the Golden Plains Art Trail.”