For immediate release.
In late 2023 Gilgandra Shire Council (Council) commenced key strategic work in the vision of population growth Towards 5000. Strategies delivered include the Gilgandra Region Health Vision, Child Care (0-12) Strategy, and Village Management Plans for Tooraweenah and Armatree.
Mayor Doug Batten, and Council would like to thank the community for attending the community sessions and input towards the draft strategies and plans for the future, and is once again encouraging feedback and input from residents.
"The plans are a key to understanding the gaps, challenges and opportunities the community currently face, and how Council, community, government and private partners can work together. We envisage these strategies to be community plans, and the insights we can gain over the consultation process will help form the future for health, wellbeing and care in the Gilgandra Region"
The Community Health Vision strategic document not only addresses existing health challenges but also empowers the community to actively participate in their well-being, creating a healthier, more vibrant Region for all its residents. The health vision;
"Growing Healthier Together, uniting Gilgandra Region through a community-wide commitment to nurturing wellbeing and ensuring accessible health solutions that reflect our values of integrity and leadership"
Objectives of the Community Health Vision include:
- Integrated Health Services and Equity
- Mental Health and Wellness
- Active Living and Physical Health
- Community Connectivity and Social Inclusion
- Resilient Communities
The Childcare Strategy seeks to understand current and future childcare needs of 0-12 year olds. Increasing the supply of local childcare is foundational to the Region to meet the needs of our population. The childcare vision;
"The Gilgandra Region welcomes families by having a vibrant childcare sector which meets their needs and which enables our children, community and businesses to grow and thrive. Gilgandra Shire Council will work with the local community and NSW and Commonwealth partners to foster the growth of more local childcare places."
Objectives of the Community Childcare Strategy include:
- Gilgandra Shire Council's future plans and policies prioritise growth in the provision of Early Childhood Education and Care services.
- Further develop the Gilgandra Region as a child-friendly community.
- Collaborate with local stakeholders to advocate for improved childhood education and care services and outcomes in the Gilgandra Region.
- Help build strong connections between local ECEC services and those families and communities known to benefit most from accessing.
- Collaborate with neighbouring Councils on shared childhood education and care challenges such as workforce and transport.
- Work closely with existing childhood education and care services and other key stakeholders to proactively address service gaps and sector challenges.
The Village Management Plans serve as a roadmap for community-led change. It presents a shared vision, created for Armatree and Tooraweenah, by their communities. Each plan presents a vision and specific strategic goals and actions under the key themes of Live, Enjoy, Grow, and Lead to maintain and grow the communities into the future.
These draft documents are now available in electronic format and can be downloaded from Council's website: www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au/Connect/Have-Your-Say.
Copies are also be available for viewing at the following locations:
- Government Access Centre, 20 Miller Street, Gilgandra
- Gilgandra Shire Library, Warren Road, Gilgandra
- Gilgandra Shire Council, Warren Road, Gilgandra
Members and residents of the community can Have Your Say on the draft documents by:
- Complete the feedback form on Council's website www.gilgandra.nsw.gov.au/Connect/Have-Your-Say
- Provide feedback in-person
- Gilgandra Lifestyles @ Cooee Lodge and Jack Towney Hostel
- Gilgandra Shire Library
- Gilgandra Youth Services
- Gilgandra Visitor Information Centre
- Service NSW
- Community Care
- Warren Road Offices
- Write to the General Manager, 15 Warren Road
