The Township Committees across Cardinia are a major force in the well being of their communities. Five years ago Cardinia Shire Council started its first Township Committee in Lang Lang, a small rural community 60 kilometres south east of Melbourne. This committee was inspired by the Streetlife Program that was implemented to revitalise the town which was searching for identity and direction on the outskirts of a large growth corridor.
The Lang Lang Township Committee has played a large role in the re-emergence of community pride and has established important community partnerships and links to business and Council.This was the first of eight Township Committees established by the Council. Lang Lang has been joined by a network of committees in Koo Wee Rup, Emerald, Bunyip, Gembrook, Pakenham, Garfield and Cockatoo.
Their operating guidelines identify the need to define and build on their strengths and to provide a network in which individuals and groups can work for community benefit. Their members are residents and representatives from clubs and associations, and meetings are open to the public.
In their different ways they have worked with Council and other Government agencies to improve the physical, social and economic elements of the towns. An important part of the planning process for the Township Committees is to work alongside Council to develop Annual Action Plans. These plans establish the basis for activities and projects and they influence the prioritisation of Council works and services.
Some of the diverse activities that have resulted from the action plans include the following.
- The establishment of a Community Bank and the planning for the development of a Medical and Health Centre in Lang Lang
- Streetscaping in Emerald
- Building a Town Square and War Memorial in Garfield
- Working in partnership with Council to support the development of Township Strategies, Recreation Strategies and the Community Health Plan
- Developing a Clocktower/historical federation project in Koo Wee Rup.
- Managing and supporting a range of community events.
An important element of Council’s strategy is to hold regular Shire wide participation forums for community leaders. Using guest speakers and workshop activities, these forums provide the opportunity to present information, exchange ideas and to cement the partnerships that are the cornerstone of the success of the Township Committees.
