Who’s who in Heathcote

FOUR local women are working on a project to ensure up-to-date information about community groups and sport and recreational activities is available to the community.

Individually, the women – Kerrie Burn, Ella O’Bree, Clarissa Hyland and Vicki Forde – all had similar ideas and felt the timing was right.

“It was like an alignment of the stars,” said Hyland. “Serendipity.

“A group of like-minded people coming together for a common aim.”

O’Bree, a health promotion officer at Heathcote Health, said the directory would be a positive for residents.

“A thriving community is a healthy community,” she said.

“There are so many different groups available to support social and sporting activities.

“The directory will be good for everyone and especially people moving to Heathcote.”

Burn said the directory will cover a wide range of activities.

“This directory aims to help Heathcote residents discover all the activities they can get involved with in the local area,” she said.

“This includes clubs; community organisations and groups; sport, recreation and fitness activities; learning opportunities; music; art; culture; social networks; local programs and services, and more.

“All the different ways people can connect with the local community.”

The group initially drew on information from a Heathcote Community Directory published in 2022 and later incorporated additional information from several other contact lists.

“This data was collated into an Excel spreadsheet, which is now available in hard copy at Heathcote Community House and the Heathcote Library,” said Burn.

“Group members can visit either of these locations to update information and contact details.

“They can also let us know if a group no longer exists or add information about a new group that could be included in a new directory.

“There will be forms available to complete at both locations.

“They can also email [email protected], and I will send the form.”

All information received by 10 July will be incorporated into a new Heathcote Community Directory.

The working group will communicate via Facebook once the new directory is available online and will ensure print copies are also available at several locations.

Burn said groups and clubs can also add their details to the Connect Greater Bendigo website at connectgreaterbendigo.com.au

“On this site, group members can register their organisation, then create and manage the account with their own login details,” she said.

“Ideally, groups will have a generic email address accessible to multiple team members to ensure inquiries are regularly monitored.

“Staff at Heathcote Community House may also be able to assist groups with this process.”