General News
1 April, 2024
Health and child care surveys underway by council
Gilgandra Shire Council (GSC) has commenced works towards the Community Health Vision and Child Care (zero-12) strategies, a part of their Towards 5000 population growth strategy.
Gilgandra Shire Council (GSC) has initiated efforts toward the implementation of the Community Health Vision and Child Care (zero-12) strategies as part of their Towards 5000 population growth strategy.
GSC Mayor Doug Batten emphasized that these strategies represent a community plan for the future, and the council is seeking feedback from residents to shape these plans effectively.
Batten stated, “The plans are key to understanding the gaps, challenges, and opportunities the community currently faces, and how council, community, government, and private partners can work together. We envision these strategies to be community plans, and the insights gained from the consultation process will help shape the future for health, wellbeing, and care in the Gilgandra Region.”
The Community Health Vision strategic document aims to address existing health challenges and empower the community to actively participate in their wellbeing, fostering a healthier and more vibrant Gilgandra for all its residents. Lake Advisory has been engaged to deliver this strategy, bringing their expertise in health and strategic planning, including their current engagement with council on the Orana Living NDIS review.
The Child-Care Strategy focuses on understanding quantifiable data related to current and future needs of child-care for ages spanning zero to 12-years-old, encompassing early childhood, before and after school care, and holiday care. Insight Consulting Australia is collaborating with the council to deliver this strategy, drawing on their extensive background in youth services and strategic work for government.
The consultation process for both strategies commenced on Monday, March 4, involving one-to-one and group facilitated meetings with service providers, as well as community surveys. Council encourages residents to participate and share the consultation information widely to ensure comprehensive insight from the community.
A list of industry, community, and government stakeholders is being compiled to assist with the consultation processes. A draft plan is expected for public exhibition in May.
