The Local Government Community Development Association of Tasmania has assembled a kit featuring community development projects from 12 Councils across the State. The Kit, presented in an attractive colourful format, highlights the great variety of community development activities.
Examples include urban design, multiculturalism, youth activities, recreation and environment. All the projects demonstrate how Councils work with their communities to bring about an improved social and physical environment.
Launching the Kit at the Tasmanian Local Government Annual Conference in June, former President of the Local Government Association of Tasmania, Sue Smith MLC described it as a celebration of Local Government work in this area.
She said Councils are busy doing things of which many are not aware. “The kit highlights the involvement of community groups in projects organised by their local Council,” she said. “It shows, regardless of the size of a Council, community involvement is very important.”
President of the Local Government Community Development Association, Bev Jennings, said the Kit provides examples of best practice in community development. “It shows what makes a community development project work,” she said.
Among the Projects featured are a collaborative arts activity between Clarence and Devonport Councils titled ‘Hands across the Water.’ Here Chilean and El Salvadorean migrants were assisted through a creative arts program to develop links between their cultures.
In another example, residents of Scottsdale and Dorset Council worked together in an extensive rehabilitation of a the Scottsdale Recreation Ground.
Waratah Wynyard Council, together with local enthusiasts, have tapped into local mystery through the development of the Tasmania Tiger Trail, a walking track for exploring the local environs.
Sue Smith said the Kit shows the different ways community development projects bring communities together. “It promotes the benefits and successes of this important work,” she said.
For further information contact Bev Jennings, telephone (03) 6352 2444.
