Towns unite to face the future

RESIDENTS of Bunyip and Garfield will play a leading role in steering the future direction of their communities.
Cardinia Shire Council has received funding under the State Government’s Community Building Initiative to engage a facilitator to work with the two communities in planning for their future.
Cardinia Shire’s general manager of community wellbeing Fiona Hodges said the facilitator would help bring the two communities together so they could identify common needs and priorities.
“As the name suggests, this initiative is all about building the local community,” Ms Hodges said.
“It truly is a ‘bottom up’ approach where the communities will take a leading role in deciding how they want to be represented, what their priorities are and how they will work together to achieve their priorities,” she said.
“There are a number of potential improvement opportunities that exist between the two townships, such as new community facility or service, providing better access to existing facilities, extending facilities for young people, improving community transport and helping to support local businesses.
“These priorities will be determined by the local communities, and once they have been decided, the communities can work together to tap into external funding sources to make their dream become a reality.”
Ms Hodges said the Community Building Initiative would empower the communities of Bunyip and Garfield to broaden their sense of community and extend their capacity to advocate, share resources and facilities.
“There is a strong community spirit which exists in these two townships,” Ms Hodges said.
“Residents are enthusiastic and keen to initiate progress. They want to create a healthy and sustainable lifestyle for themselves and their families and this initiative will certainly help them work towards this goal.”
Bunyip Ward councillor Bill Pearson welcomed the funding.
“This is a positive outcome and I look forward to working with the people of Bunyip and Garfield to formulate a worthy project for the future,” Cr Pearson said. “We will be seeking full community input in deciding the type of project we want — it has to be something worthwhile for the area.”