By Peter Douglas
Yarra Ranges Council has moved to further strengthen its working relationship with local neighbourhood houses.
At its Tuesday 13 June meeting, council passed and announced a memorandum of understanding between the shire and neighbourhood houses within the Yarra Ranges.
The document took council officers about six months to prepare, with groundwork including various workshops and consultation with the houses’ committees of management.
Councillors Jim Child and Mike Clarke spoke glowingly about the important role community houses played within their respective wards.
Cr Child said councillors would continue to offer support.
“We really respect and are very supportive of our neighbourhood houses. They provide such a fantastic community facility in local areas,” Cr Child said.
“For us to go through this exercise of doing the reviews … and being supportive of neighbourhood houses is just fantastic.”
Cr Clarke said much behind-the-scenes work had gone into developing the MoU.
“Their (council officers’) contact has been very inclusive and we’ve been overdue with this memorandum of understanding,” Cr Clarke said.
“I’ve followed up with community houses in my area – Selby, Belgrave South and Kallista … and they’re happy their issues are being covered.”
The MoU recognises the opportunities provided through strong, collaborative relationships.
The document seeks to provide a framework through which both sides can clarify accountabilities and commitments.
