June Issue
Greater Whitsunday Communities acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we live and work, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present and future.
Welcome to the latest issue of the Greater Whitsunday Communities E-Newsletter.
Over the past six months, the Greater Whitsunday Communities Board has experienced some changes. We bid farewell to Ex-IRC Councillor Gina Lacey, who stepped down following her decision not to stand for re-election for the Isaac Regional Council, and Prue Lonergan, who resigned from her position as the Isaac Community Regional Director. Gina and Prue's strategic insight and passion for social development in the Isaac and Greater Whitsunday region have been invaluable. Thank you, Gina and Prue, for your unwavering support over the years—you will both be missed.
As we said goodbye to Gina and Prue, we welcomed Cr. Jane Pickles as the Isaac Regional Council Local Government representative and Leah Scheepers and Gabrielle McGuckin as Board-appointed Directors. Leah brings a strong background in community development and engagement, particularly in the resources sector, and Gabrielle offers robust legal and governance expertise. We are excited to have Jane, Leah, and Gabrielle join the GWC family and look forward to working with them.
Recently, we faced disruptions due to environmental factors that required an urgent evacuation of our office premises. Thanks to the swift efforts of Board member Cynthia Simpson (CQU Mackay Campus Coordinator) and the strong support of Professor Rob Brown (CQU Associate Vice President - Mackay and the Whitsundays), we secured new accommodation at the CQU Mackay campus. This co-location offers exciting opportunities for enhanced community engagement, innovative projects, increased visibility, and strengthened advocacy efforts, leveraging academic research for evidence-based community improvements. We extend our deep gratitude to everyone at CQU who helped facilitate this move.
I want to extend a special thank you to our staff for their resilience during this challenging time. Their dedication ensured minimal impact on our operations. A special mention goes to Astra Campbell, GWC’s Admin Officer, who worked tirelessly to facilitate a smooth move under trying circumstances, allowing the team to continue their projects uninterrupted. I am honoured to lead such an adaptable team that supports each other through difficulties. The GWC new office address is CQUniversity, 90-92 Sydney Street, Building 3, Level 3, Mackay 4740 QLD. Please note that our postal address remains the same, PO Box 984, Mackay 4740 QLD.
In this newsletter, you will find a snapshot of the key events and initiatives GWC has undertaken over the last six months. As we reflect on our journey, we must acknowledge our roots. In 1973, residents of the greater Whitsunday, Isaac, and Mackay region sought to influence policy decisions and control their local community services. In May, Carmel Daveson AM, founder of the Regional Council for Social Development (now known as Greater Whitsunday Communities), facilitated the engagement of Professor Melanie Oppenheimer to preserve our historical archives at James Cook University. We thank Carmel for this significant achievement, and you can read more in her article featured in this newsletter.
We sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding during this transition period as we settle into our new space. Thank you for your continued support!
Warm regards,
Carol Norris
Executive Officer
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The Right to Have a Say - by Carmel Daveson (AM)
The story of the amazing people of the early 1970s is now protected for generations.
In 1973, residents of the greater Whitsunday, Isaac, and Mackay region sought to have a voice in influencing policy decisions, planning, developing and controlling their local community services and engaging with all physical and social infrastructure planning bodies.
Through the Commonwealth Government’s experimental and innovative 'Australian Assistance Plan' (AAP) programme, they received financial resources to engage staff to support them in establishing a structure. In November 1974, they established a Regional Social and Community Development organisation, the Greater Whitsunday Communities.
Their region became one of the most successful in Queensland and Australia and pioneered many new initiatives. The historical archives from this period were stored at the residence of Carmel Daveson AM. Carmel facilitated and supported the people in forming this important structure.
Professor Melanie Oppenheimer, an academic and research expert on the AAP, and the Australian History Association’s past President, recognised the significance of these documents for preservation. Through her advocacy and support to Peter Tait and Carmel, the archives are now housed at James Cook University, ensuring they are accessible to those interested in learning about this empowering chapter in history when people of courage asserted their right to have a say in their community.
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Greater Whitsunday Communities Social Impact Assessment Report 2021 - 2023
Our Social Impact Assessment Report (July 2021 - June 2023) underscores our commitment to enhancing the quality of life and driving sustainable socio-economic development in the region. Measuring social value is challenging due to intangible benefits, subjective impacts, and complex outcomes, yet it is crucial for informed decision-making, demonstrating impact, and building trust.
Our efforts have significantly improved social well-being, underpinning regional economic prosperity, empowering individuals and promoting sustainable development. We continue to strengthen the social fabric of the Greater Whitsunday Region, ensuring a thriving, connected community.
Discover more about our impactful initiatives and read our social impact assessment here>.
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Fostering Community Connection | Northern Beaches Community Playgroup
Our support for local groups like the Northern Beaches Community Playgroup in Mackay exemplifies our commitment to prioritising a strong social foundation in our region. Antoinette and Lauren from GWC played pivotal roles in establishing the playgroup, embodying true community development. We began by setting up structures, securing funding, and supporting local champions to ensure their success. By applying for and auspicing the necessary funds, we enabled the financial support needed to bring the playgroup to life, fostering a thriving and connected community. We provide ongoing support to the community to champion change, creating an initiative that fosters social connections, supports child development, and strengthens the sense of belonging among families. The Northern Beaches Community Playgroup now attracts between 40 to 80 children each week, highlighting the significant impact of GWC's support. This initiative demonstrates how good livability goes beyond financial metrics—it's about vibrant, connected communities where everyone feels included and supported.
You can find out more about the Northern Beaches Community Playgroup and how it's enriching our community here >
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Project Update | Better Together Housing
The Better Together Housing program is making significant progress in addressing the housing crisis in our region. This program is specifically tailored to women above 55, who are the most vulnerable to homelessness, providing them with opportunities to explore shared housing options in a secure and supportive environment. From January to June 2024, we have consistently hosted Get It Together (GIT) monthly, fostering strong community connections.
Our outreach endeavours have yielded positive results, with increasing interest and confidence in the program. Our collaborations, especially with Mackay Regional Library, have greatly enhanced our ability to reach and support those in need. Our dedicated project worker, Lauren Pattie, has played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the program and maintaining active engagement with the Better Together Housing Stakeholders.
Moving forward, we are enthusiastic about strengthening our community relationships, extending our impact, and introducing purposeful conversations to delve deeper into shared housing options. We are also developing a comprehensive guide to facilitate the effective management of shared housing arrangements.
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Current Initiatives | Greater Whitsunday Housing Alliance
Last year, the Greater Whitsunday Housing Summit was the starting point for the extensive work on the Greater Whitsunday Housing Alliance Project in partnership with Regional Development Australia - Greater Whitsunday. Tonia Wilson, GWC’s Greater Whitsunday Housing project manager, has shown a firm commitment to unlocking the housing supply and driving economic growth in the region, as reflected in our recent document outlining the initiatives for this year.
GWC has taken proactive steps to support the submission of state and federal housing program applications in Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday, fostering successful partnerships with Tier 1 Community Housing Providers. In Mackay, we are facilitating progress on three workforce accommodation solutions: the Mackay Airport precinct, a workers' lodge, and the Jewell Street development. We are establishing invaluable connections and engaging potential tenants to ensure investment viability. The Isaac Affordable Housing Trust has secured substantial funding and continues to benefit from our support in identifying opportunities and suitable land. In the Whitsundays, our proactive approach is evident through the introduction of new housing providers and innovative solutions like tiny houses. These efforts showcase our collaborative spirit, strategic focus, and substantial impact in addressing the region's housing needs and driving economic development.
For a comprehensive outline of the current initiatives Read more>
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Queensland Social Enterprise Conference 2024 - The Business of Neighbourhood Centres
Our Senior Coordinators, Dorne and Antoinette, had the opportunity to present at a conference focused on the transition to social enterprise models for neighbourhood and community centres. The event was organised in partnership with the Bowen and Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centres and successfully brought together 70 professionals from across the state. This collaborative effort was spearheaded by Rebecca Woods and Stephanie Cora, passionate advocates for professional development in North Queensland.
The conference in Cannonvale and Bowen featured eight key speakers, allowing for valuable knowledge sharing, promoting professional growth, and facilitating meaningful networking opportunities. The discussions during the event underscored the significant potential for social enterprise to enhance organisational capacity and resilience, with our coordinators providing insightful contributions. It's also noteworthy that the conference made a positive impact by investing in the local community, aligning with the principles of sourcing locally and supporting community initiatives. Read more in the Whitsunday Neighbourhood Centre Newsletter here>.
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Working together on solutions for better health in Clermont
Greater Whitsunday Communities collaborated with JCU in May to organise a Health and Community Information Day and Interagency Forum. Although the community event was delayed due to road closures, the Interagency Forum successfully delivered impactful presentations. Juliet Garnett from Moranbah District Support Service shed light on domestic and family violence statistics, while Kelly McGrath from Isaac Navicare unveiled a new Mental Health Navigator for Clermont.
The forum united 15 service providers, facilitating valuable connections and knowledge exchange. The feedback showed unanimous support for future forums, with all attendees reporting that they made new connections or gained new insights.
Our Senior Coordinator, Dorne Wallace, and Project Worker, Lauren Pattie, played pivotal roles in planning these events, which showcased our expertise in social and community development.
The Full Clermont Telegraph Edition here >
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A Discussion | Community Development Institute
The Greater Whitsunday Communities recently collaborated with the Community Development Institute Steering Committee member Carmel Daveson to host a productive discussion on the proposed Community Development Institute. Approximately twenty Community Development professionals participated in an engaging session focused on identifying regional needs and aspirations to support community practice. The discussions delved into effective engagement practices, methods to drive social change, and the challenges professionals face, including mistrust and resource constraints.
During the session, Carmel Daveson emphasised the significance of a collective voice in influencing policy, providing training, conducting research, and sustaining community development practice. Using Menti Meter to capture real-time feedback showcased a strong interest in shaping the Institute’s vision, mission, and structure. Attendees were encouraged to register on the website to stay informed, with additional local initiatives planned to further the progress of the proposed Institute. This gathering served as an invaluable platform for insights and marked a significant step toward advancing community development in our region.
For more information and updates about the proposed Community Development Institute Read here>.
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