Have your say on the future of the Neighbourhood House in Cockatoo
Community ideas and feedback are being sought to develop a new operating model for a neighbourhood house in Cockatoo and ensure programs and services will serve the needs of the community.
With the assistance of an independent consultant, the Cockatoo community is working with Council and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on a revitalisation project, which will explore the next model of operation and provide for the sustainable future of a neighbourhood house into the future.
Cardinia Shire Ranges Ward Cr Leticia Willmot said the agency partners recognise the importance of this service to the local community and are committed to working closely with the community on the revitalisation project.
“As a Cockatoo community member myself, I can attest to how much our community values community programs and the Neighbourhood House is a very important asset for delivering these,” Cr Willmot said.
Council and DHHS, with the support of ECHO Youth and Family Services, has ensured the facility remains open so that essential programs and services could continue to be delivered.
“I would like to thank the community members who have been involved in keeping it afloat and encourage the broader community to get involved in this next exciting stage to revitalise this important service.”
A design reference group has been established, comprising community representatives and agency professionals working alongside Council, DHHS, and independent consultants Foresight Lane, to seek community input into the future operating model of the Neighbourhood House in Cockatoo.
Ranges Ward Cr Jeff Springfield said neighbourhood houses offer a great service throughout the shire.
“Our community neighbourhood houses are most effective when they are embraced at the grass-roots level and this is why the community’s input now will be so crucial to a successful neighbourhood house in Cockatoo,” Cr Springfield said.
Fellow Ranges Ward Cr Brett Owen also encouraged local community members to get involved and have their say.
“Cockatoo, this is your chance to actually shape the future of a much loved community asset – to really make it your own. All ideas, great or small, are valuable and will help in identifying how the neighbourhood house can become an active, vital community service for years to come,” Cr Brett Owen said.
Community members can have their say before 5pm, Friday 29 June and get more information at www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay
Additionally, the most voted ideas submitted on the OurSay forum will be in with a chance to win one of three prizes at www.oursay.org/cardinia/neighbourhood-house-cockatoo:
- 1st Place: $100 voucher
- 2nd Place: $50 voucher
- 3rd Place: $25 voucher
Community members can stay up-to-date on the program of activities and collaborative efforts to revitalise the service by following the Neighbourhood House in Cockatoo Facebook page.