SOME of the community\u2019s hardest workers had their contributions celebrated in a special event on Monday.<\/p>\n
Volunteer community coordinators were acknowledged at Bannockburn Cultural Centre, and mayor Cr Helena Kirby launched the Shire\u2019s Community Planning Action Plan 2021-24.<\/p>\n
The event also included a speech from Citizen of the Year Brad McKenzie and volunteers had the chance to network with other coordinators and councillors while viewing the region\u2019s 23 community plans.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe achievements of community coordinators over the past 21 years are numerous and impressive,\u201d Cr Kirby said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom the Bunjil Eagle Viewing Platform at Maude to Tai Chi classes at the Garibaldi Hall, these volunteers have significantly contributed to ensuring their communities are connected and vibrant places to live.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ninety-two community coordinators were present at the event, recognised for dedicating their time to implement their town\u2019s own community plan.<\/p>\n
The volunteers seek feedback and ideas from residents and identify top priorities before advocating to council and other funding bodies to help get their projects running.<\/p>\n
The meeting came as National Volunteer Week, the nation\u2019s biggest celebration of volunteers, was slated for next week.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s theme is recognise, reconnect, reimagine, and events will take place across the country to acknowledge the achievements of volunteers, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn behalf of council, I thank all our community coordinators for providing their time and effort to making Golden Plains Shire a better place to live,\u201d Cr Kirby said.<\/p>\n
The Shire\u2019s community planning program involves support for communities in identifying goals for their own area and map out actions to achieve them through three-year action plans.<\/p>\n
While focusing on volunteers strengthening the community, the program also focuses on how towns can become more environmentally and socially sustainable.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe community planning program is an important program at council, as we recognise that local people are the experts when it comes to their own communities,\u201d Cr Kirby said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur Community Planning Action Plan recognises this and underpins council\u2019s commitment to the program and our community coordinators.\u201d<\/p>\n
Golden Plains Shire\u2019s three-year community action plan has been heavily reviewed and was adopted by council at last month\u2019s council meeting.<\/p>\n