By KATHRYN BERMINGHAM
THEY preserve the past, but the future of Yarra Ranges heritage groups is looking clearer after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed last week.
The important role of preserving the region’s history was acknowledged by the council last week at a signing ceremony attended by mayor Fiona McAllister and representatives from the groups involved.
The memorandum was developed to acknowledge and formalise the co-operative work of the groups and the council in the area of history and heritage as well as specify the parameters for the working relationship between the two parties.
Gabby Haynes, community heritage officer at the Yarra Range Regional Museum, said that the memorandum was born out of a need to clarify the expectations and responsibilities of both the council and the signatories.
“In 2011, the council identified a need to work out how best to serve these different groups of varying sizes. We had an external consultant come in and one of the recommendations was to develop a memorandum.
“It’s been a really intensive process of getting the document right. It was honed down and all the groups have had significant involvement.”
The memorandum outlines four key areas for both groups and the council. These relate to support and training, meeting space, recognition and building relationships.
Signatories of the memorandum include representatives from heritage groups throughout the Yarra Ranges as well as mayor Fiona McAllister on behalf of the council.
Gabby said the document would strengthen the relationship between heritage groups and council moving into the future.
“The work of these groups is so important to the community and it’s crucial that they receive the best support possible.”
