Small Towns . . . Big Ideas
Sunday & Monday 8-9 May 2010
Dunolly/Inglewood
Chris Meadows-Taylor met with Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program participants during a recent visit to Dunolly.
Participants in the Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program (LMCLP) toured Dunolly, Bridgewater and Inglewood on the 9th and 10 May 2010 exploring the theme of Small Towns, Big Idea and were impressed by what they saw.
In the beautifully restored Town Hall at Dunolly, Lisa Mahon spoke about how her passion for organic farming and community enabled her to win the RIRDC Rural Women’s Award. She also explained how volunteer international farm workers stay and learn the Australian way of organic farming.
A walking tour of Dunolly enabled the participants to meet with local traders Fiona Lindsay and Jeff Monk who shared their vision of a bright future for Dunolly.
Program participant, Michael Fitzgibbon from Maryborough, took the opportunity to exchange ideas with Central Goldfields Mayor, Cr. Chris Meddows-Taylor.
“It is great that we have access to our civic leaders and different levels of Government,” said Michael.
While staying overnight in Bridgewater, local community leaders, Heather Chamberlain and Jenny Hosking, talked about their inspiring work with the Bridgewater community and recent role in the improvements to the Loddon River swimming hole.
LMCLP participant Kim Hanlon was impressed. “It is amazing what can be achieved through the passion and energy of committed individuals”
At Inglewood, Richard Milne from Regional Development Australia invited participants to contribute to the Strategic Plan for the Loddon Mallee Region while Jon Champion, Inglewood Community Bank Manager, explained how an idea for a community bank turned into a reality and the benefits for the community that resulted.
A bus tour of Inglewood concluded the second day of the group’s visit to Central Victoria. Highlights included the old Eucalyptus Distillery and historic gold mine sites demonstrating how the big ideas have developed these sites into community attractions.
Appreciation was expressed to everyone who contributed their time to speak to the group over the two days. A special thank-you was given to the Inglewood & District Community Bank and the Loddon and Central Goldfield Shires for their support that enabled the participants to experience at first hand the value of small towns and big ideas.
The group’s next adventure will be on Friday 28 May at another small town, Elmore, with a focus on big events.
Murray Community Leadership Program participants pictured during a visit to the Ingewood Health Centre. |
