From the Minister for Housing

Media release

From the Minister for Housing

and the Minister for CommunityDevelopment

Monday, 20 October, 2008

HORSHAM NORTH PROGRESS HAS

WYNNE AND BATCHELOR SINGING PRAISES

Enthusiasm from residents in embracing the Brumby Government’s $2.3 million Horsham North Community Engagement Project has been simply outstanding, Housing Minister Richard Wynne and Community Development Minister Peter Batchelor said today.

Mr Wynne returnedto Horsham North today as part of a Community Cabinet, after announcing $1.8 million of funding in May to help make Horsham North a better place to live.

“This funding was in response to an action plan I launched last November, identifying priority issues for the area,” Mr Wynne said today.

Mr Batchelor and Mr Wynne visited the Horsham Community Action Centre before turning the first sod at the site of the community garden.

Mr Wynne said the project’s process so far had been exceptional.

“Since my last visit, a renewal manager and employment and learning coordinator have been appointed, planning for a community garden has started, a Homework Club and a local tool library have been set up, and work has started on the upgrade of 44 local Office of Housing properties,” he said.

“This is a great example of public housing tenants and government working together to improve a community.

Mr Batchelor said thegovernment had providedan extra $500,000, announced in July, to support other projects identified as priorities by residents of Horsham North in community consultations.

“This funding aims to increase the skills and opportunities for residents to build a stronger community. These initiatives include a mentoring project, a community skills audit, a young leaders program and planning for a children’s hub.”

“A new community newsletter has an excellent run-down of local events and activities. To me, its motto‘Less Talk, More Action’ states perfectly what this is all about,” Mr Batchelor said.

“As well, the spirit of the Horsham North community - captured in an ‘action song’ written by local Doug Ritchie and sung by Tolitha Adams -has had airplay on ABC Wimmera.

"The Brumby Government is committed to working together with councils and communities to develop local solutions to local issues, and this project is looked at as an example of best practice in community development.”

The Horsham North Community Engagement Project comprises representatives of local community groups, State Government departments and Horsham Rural City Council.

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Horsham Rural City Council has contributed $191,000 to the project on top of $35,000 raised by the local community.

“Congratulations to everyone involved, particularly the project's manager, Eddie Hadzig, who has really put his heart and soul into this, and also Gerardine Christou, of Human Services’ regional office,” Mr Wynne said.

“A local company, Community AXIS, is undertaking a lot of this work and is committed to employing local residents wherever possible.”

Mr Wynne also acknowledged the role of Horsham Rural City Council, which made 28 Kalkee Road available for the community engagement project.

Media contact: Ben Ruse 0437 195 284 or 9651 5799