Goldfields on the move
I write with regards to the findings in the recent ‘Dropping Off the Edge’ report by Jesuit Social Service, and the presentation of that information.
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Maryborough Community takes great pride in the steps we are undertaking to address the level of disadvantage present.
The data indicates that Central Goldfields Shire has many challenges.
We know this and have programs in place that are working; we are on a journey of improvement and growth.
The Go Goldfields program formally commenced in 2012.
It involves the entire community working together, aspiring and achieving better lives for children, youth and families.
Go Goldfields is a unique approach to addressing disadvantage, an approach drawing national attention and acclaim.
With successive Governments support it provides the backbone to an innovative collective impact approach that develops new ways of tackling such long standing issues.
Successive evaluations undertaken at the end of 2013 and 2017 show outstanding results, such as:
• Oral language improvements for children – 60% of children requiring
speech pathology on school entry in 2012, down to 27% in 2015;
• Improved reading skills for prep children – 80% of preps reaching level 5 ready in 2014, up from 60% in 2012.
We have seen increased confidence in parents, increased library usage, increased family engagement in social activities. We are seeing positive changes at a community level – both in base indicators and anecdotally.
Entrenched challenges can require long term approaches. We have very much started the journey through collective action and support. Central Goldfields is a great place, we are continuing the work to make it even better.
Wendy McIvor, Central Goldfields Shire Council
Compromise sought
In the Bendigo Advertiser edition published May 2 this year were two letters - one from George Flack calling for the retention of the now doomed Kangaroo Flat Community Leisure Centre and the other titled ‘why can’t we work together?’ from long time Addy correspondent Jiri Kolenaty.
Both were seeking compromise but five of our councillors voted on June 24 for the destruction of a community facility albeit because it’s in the way of the Aquatic and Wellness centre.
The ‘Save the Leisure Centre’ group under Don McKinnon’s leadership has since had well thought out and professionally drafted superior plans made, incorporating the new 50m pool, retaining the Leisure Centre and leaves the junior sports oval untouched.
These new plans and a formal letter of complaint have been submitted to the Mayor and Councillors and seeks to have the original decision rescinded.
The irony here is that the Kangaroo Flat & District Community Enterprise group purports to speak for all the Community.
There is no mandate from within the community for the destruction of the Leisure Centre.
At the Lockwood South councillors/ratepayers meeting 13th July only Mr Fyffe attended.
There was condemnation of the Leisure Centre decision and Mr Fyffe was telling stakeholders to “go to the pavilion”(the showgrounds).
What Bendigo councillors have failed to appreciate here is the SIZE of the Leisure Centre hall and it's our community hub.
What's at stake here is not just a community building but democratic process.
What councillors should be doing is trying to find out what most people actually want, and if this becomes overwhelmingly clear change the decision.
People can call it backing down, I call it democracy.