GANNAWARRA Shire’s smallest communities will have the chance to display their achievements and unique challenges during a Gannawarra Tiny Towns Showcase in Kerang next month.
The Showcase will be hosted by former 10 News First journalist and Sports Tonight presenter Brad McEwan, who is passionate about the future of small communities.
It will also include a launch of the Connecting Gannawarra Community Plans completed by six of Gannawarra’s agricultural-dependent communities throughout 2023.
The showcase forms part of the ongoing commitment to raise the profile of the Gannawarra’s smallest towns and rural communities and to provide inspiration and motivation for them to continue to thrive into the future.
“The Gannawarra is made up of many small communities, who pride themselves on their uniqueness and community connections,” Mayor Ross Stanton said.
“This event is particularly aimed at community leaders, emerging leaders and other interested residents, from across our smallest communities who continue to volunteer their time to ensure that our small towns and rural communities remain sustainable and great places for people to live and visit.
“Brad, who grew up in Lockington, will help inspire residents who attend this special event that nothing is impossible for a small town or community when everyone works together to achieve a shared vision.”
Funded by the Agriculture-Dependent Community Resilience Project, the Connecting Gannawarra project has seen six of Gannawarra’s small agricultural dependent communities develop new community plans.
Plans have been developed for Lalbert & District, the Lakes District, Leitchville & District, Macorna/Tragowel & District, Murrabit & District, and Quambatook & District.
“I am looking forward to officially launching the community plans and hearing from each of our small towns about what they want to achieve over the coming years and how Council and other partners can assist them to achieve these community goals,” Cr Stanton said.
“The Gannawarra Tiny Towns Showcase will also enable these communities to hear about available funding opportunities and how best to access this funding to achieve the goals set by the community.”
The showcase will be held at Northern District Community Health on Friday, February 16, from 10am-2pm.
Bookings are essential, with morning tea and lunch provided.
Book at www.trybooking.com/CODJV or call the council’s flood recovery team on 5450 9333.
