While every Tasmanian Council is obliged to prepare an annual report and hold an annual general meeting, Waratah Wynyard Council decided to do more. Council wanted more of its community to better understand the work of Local Government so it decided to create a situation where this could happen.
The challenge was to produce an event that would meet its AGM legal requirements but was interesting and entertaining enough to inspire community members to attend.
So in October 2004, Council created a civic celebration – a showcase of community groups and a celebration of civic pride.
Musical entertainment, performances by cultural groups and the launch of a locally written, pictorial history of Wynyard provided 160 people with an immensely enjoyable evening. Local group, Women of the World, also unveiled a Thai silk wall hanging and presented it to the community.
The group comprises migrant and refugee women from the wider community sharing their cultural differences.
Community Services Coordinator, Roseanne Titcombe, said the event was extremely successful in bringing the community closer to Council and likewise Council to the community.
“Many people who had never attended a Council event before turned up and enjoyed the proceedings,” she said.
“Council used a Power Point slide show to visually demonstrate how residents’ rates had been used. The comprehension level was very high, with a great deal of positive feedback.”
With the success of the celebration Council is currently planning another community focused event in October. It will again combine the AGM with other upcoming events.
For further information contact Rosanne Titcombe on (03) 6443 8362.
