Our communities have been tested by trying times on every front in recent years and Wingecarribee Shire Council is reaching out to Village Associations as we make a fresh start to rebuilding together.
Village residents are invited to pre-arrange some one-to-one time with Council Administrator Mr Viv May as part of a series of visits during November and December. Much has happened since the Administrator last met with the Villages 12 months ago, and strategies and changes now being implemented by Council will be clearly explained and opened to discussion.
"Our Villages are the heart and soul of the Highlands. Reinvigorating village communities across the Shire must start with understanding what matters most to the people who live and work there," Mr May said. "I am visiting each Village to hear first-hand, what residents have to say and will make myself available to discuss any issues they wish to raise."
The Administrator's visit will form part of the agenda of each Community Association's meeting. He will arrive one hour prior to meet with the residents who have scheduled a chat with him in advance, via the WSC website. We anticipate new and enthusiastic ideas for reinvigoration of our Villages, and welcome feedback on what has so far been delivered as a result of Council appointing a Place Liaison Officer in March, to advocate for our Villages.
"We've received some very encouraging comments to indicate that creating the new role of Place Liaison Officer, dedicated to the needs of our Villages, has been a great start to working better together," Mr May said. "Corinne Buxton can feel proud to be so well regarded by the Villages for her part in building positive relationships and moving things forward with improved access to support, information and advocacy."
It is hoped that over time, this role will continue to demonstrate the value Council places on the voice of our Villages and that we are committed to collaborating more closely with them to reinvigorate community spirit across our Shire.
With the new year fast approaching, these timely Village visits open the door for locals to make their priorities known and contribute to charting a way forward together.
Meetings scheduled are as follows. Visit the WSC Website for full details or to request a one-to-one chat with Mr May. If necessary, Mr May has indicated additional meetings can be arranged. He noted this would occur in early 2023.
Wingello Village Association
Monday 14 November 2022 at 7pm
Bundanoon Community Association
Thursday 17 November 2022 at 7:30pm
Burrawang/Wildes Meadow Community Association
Monday 21 November, 2022 at 7pm
Medway Community Association
Sunday 27 November, 2022 at 3pm
Kangaloon Community Association
Monday 28 November at 5pm
Berrima Residents Association
Thursday 1 December, 2022 at 4pm
Balmoral Village Association
Monday 5 December, 2022 at 6:30pm
Colo Vale Community Association
Tuesday 6 December, 2022 at 6pm
Exeter Village Association
Monday 12 December at 4pm
