Residents of Olinda and Mount Dandenong are encouraged to connect with fellow community members and help shape the future of the local area through discussions starting at the Olinda Community House.
Local residents Karen Steele and Joe Azzopardi, together with local artist Emma Jennings saw a need and were inspired by the formation of the recent township group in Sassafras and Ferny Creek.
They applied to Yarra Ranges Council for a grant to start the process of trying to form a township group with the funds being used to employ a facilitator to find out if others are also interested.
“We know there are so many groups offering a range of things including sporting, recreation, senior’s activities, conservation, creative and social programs but imagine what we could do if we all worked together for the ‘hill top’ region,” Karen said.
“We’d love to see opportunities for people to meet their neighbours and have some activities during the foggy winter months in the Dandenong’s, because we know that loneliness impacts all age groups and correlates to significant health issues.” Joe said.
Yarra Ranges mayor Jim Child said the council hopes there will be people within the community interested in forming a group and taking on a leadership role.
“Council works closely with our local township groups, providing insurance, mentoring and quarterly networking opportunities. By forming groups this provides opportunities for our community to apply for grants to run local projects and respond to local needs,” he said.
“Sassafras and Ferny Creek recently formed a township group, which subsequently ran a successful Easter event. This group is already moving from strength to strength, meeting monthly and helping residents and traders to share ideas and make plans together.”
Streeton Ward councillor Jeff Marriott said he would help support an Olinda and Mount Dandenong Township Group.
“Over the past six months, it’s been great watching the neighbouring Sassafras – Ferny Creek Community Group start and deliver such a successful inaugural event over the Easter weekend and it was a great success,” he said.
“Olinda has several focal points and it will be interesting to see like-minded stakeholders that live and/or work in the area develop initiatives that will foster community growth. Kudos to community members for being awarded a Yarra Ranges Community Monthly Grant to start the facilitation process.”
Chandler Ward councillor Gareth Ward said he was heartened to see community leaders working together in township groups across the region.
“I wish Joe and Karen every success and I encourage people to come along to the event and take part in what I am sure will be some really rich and insightful conversations,” Cr Ward said.
The session is a chance to connect with neighbours and traders, build a sense of community, discover what locals care about and identify what brings the community together.
The meeting will also discuss the possibility of forming an Olinda/Mount Dandenong Township Group, if community members elect. This group, if formed, could help advocate for local issues, share information, lead community projects, and apply for grants.
It will also enable the community to celebrate local stories, discuss what makes Olinda and Mount Dandenong unique, share ideas and have a say in shaping the future of the local neighbourhood.
Event details:
Date – Monday 23 June,
Time – 6.30pm
Location – Olinda Community House, 79-81 Olinda-Monbulk Road, Olinda
Supper will be provided from 6.30pm before the meeting formally commences at 7pm.
