Community for common goals
A new-look Euroa Community Action Group committee is networking with the community to achieve a common wish list.
“The action group is not about funding; it is about connecting the community to achieve common goals,” president Laura Baker said.
“We know there are so many great organisations in Euroa; our role is to be a community connector between organisations so that we can maximise impact in the community.”
After returning to hometown Euroa during the global pandemic in 2020, Ms Baker continued to work remotely for Local Government in metropolitan Melbourne.
With a desire to help strengthen the Euroa community and a career skillset in Local Government, Ms Baker’s interest in ECAG was piqued when a friend encouraged her to attend its AGM in April.
The group looked in danger of folding when no-one nominated for executive committee positions, so Ms Baker met with outgoing secretary Melinda Watson.
She spent the next month recruiting candidates before the rescheduled meeting on May 31, where she was elected president. Ms Watson, who remains a general committee member, said it was “exciting to have new people, energy and enthusiasm at ECAG” and encouraged the community to get behind the group’s initiatives.
“We [former committee] worked hard and achieved some great things for Euroa, building our networks and promotion of ECAG; but didn’t have enough people to support us,” Ms Watson said.
“I think it’s fantastic that Laura and her committee have taken on executive roles. ECAG is certainly in great hands.
“I urge the people of Euroa to support ECAG initiatives and have their say in what they want to see improved in Euroa.”
Ms Baker thanked Ms Watson and outgoing president Scott Watson (who is not related) “for their awesome job running ECAG”.
“The previous committee delivered some great initiatives,” Ms Baker said.
“Some of these initiatives were the tiled mural at the Euroa Swimming Pool, half-court basketball ring at Lion’s Park, supporting the Park Run, and exercise equipment along the Apex Track.”
Ms Baker said the new committee was looking forward to building a strong community network to achieve common goals.
Members have started mapping out ECAG’s strategic plan for 2022 to 2025 and is seeking input from Euroa’s many groups and clubs, as well as individuals.
They have started community conversations, including at the Euroa Farmers Market and an open meeting at Seven Creeks Hotel in June, to canvas ideas for the new strategic plan to be given to Strathbogie Shire Council by December.
“Our community action group is a group of people from all across Euroa who want to build projects to strengthen the community,” Ms Baker said.
“Our focus is on building community networks so that we can access the right level of funding and project expertise so that we can deliver impact for the community. The new committee has already started planning towards establishing edible, community gardens by partnering with other organisations in town.
“It will be an edible garden with orchard trees, vegetable patches, and shrubs to attract insects and bees,” Ms Baker said.
Strathbogie Shire Mayor Cr Chris Raeburn said Council looked forward to collaborating with ECAG on new projects and thanked the outgoing committee for the initiatives it implemented.
“It is important communities get behind their local action group, whether its volunteering hands-on time on projects or contributing ideas to the group’s action plan,” Cr Raeburn said.
“Community action plans form an important reference for Council to help communities in each ward achieve their goals and build community spirit.”
Ms Baker urged newcomers to Euroa, long-time residents and community groups and clubs to learn more about ECAG initiatives and make suggestions for the group’s new strategic plan.
“It’s a great way for newcomers to Euroa and long-term residents to contribute to community projects and meet like-minded people,” she said.
For more information about ECAG, visit https://www.facebook.com/euroacommunityactiongroup or contact Ms Baker via email at euroacommunityactiongroup@gmail.com