Upper Yarra Community Building Initiative facilitator Jeff Isaac got to know some Powelltown “neighbours”, from left, Lorraine Green, Lynne Mainey and Wendy Muller.By Kath Gannaway
POWELLTOWN residents have a clear idea of what they would like for their town.
Residents took the opportunity to have a say at a “Know Your Neighbours” day on Sunday 18 November.
The day was organised by the Powelltown Sporting Club backed by Upper Yarra Community Building Initiative, Upper Yarra Secondary College and Gladysdale CFA.
“Many people from all age groups responded and a clear picture is emerging of what the community would like for Powelltown,” UYCBI facilitator Jeff Isaac said.
Residents from toddlers to teens to Powelltown elders got to know each other a bit better on the jumping castle, tied together in the three-legged race, on the football, soccer, volleyball and badminton fields and, of course, around the barbecue.
The early arrive of Santa on the Gladysdale fire truck stamped the event as the genuine “Aussie” event.
Angela Neale, the sporting club’s community coordinator said the day had exceeded expectations.
“The idea behind the day was to draw the community together and it certainly did.
“People discovered neighbours they didn’t know they had and established connections that wouldn’t have happened otherwise,” she said.
Plans are already in place for a follow-up day in January which Mr Isaac said would allow people to be more involved in a practical way in turning ideas into reality.
He said the UYCBI enabled the community to build its vision of the future through partnering.
“The Powelltown community have demonstrated their commitment to work together and build on their strengths. It is a credit to them,” he said.
