It has been obvious during the past few years that it is not only the desire of this community in general to save this site and develop it into beautiful gardens but it is important for them because of its historical and cultural values.
Many people developed strong connections with the former Village and this continued when it was renamed Parkside Gardens. Social and cultural connectivity to this site is strong as many young adults in the area 'grew up' with the 'Village' and the community in general still respect the 'meanings' and values associated with it.
The connections forged over the years between the various cultural groups in this area, the wider community and some international associations have resulted in a strong community effort to retain the 'Village' site, to preserve what is there and to continue to recognise the value of Victoria' s cosmopolitan society, this time within a parks and gardens setting.
So, why is it, you may ask, that such strong connections have not been recognised and appreciated by our 'leaders' during the past 6 years when most of the destruction and degradation of the international buildings, icons and their surrounding gardens has taken place?
We believe that it all started with the amalgamation of Councils along with the sacking of former Councillors. When Commissioners were appointed they were often imposed on municipalities and did not have historical and social connections with the communities in which they operated.
At this time, in the early 1990's a new CEO (now gone) was appointed to the Greater Shepparton Council from outside the municipality and once again, we believe that his lack of understanding of what was important to the community resulted in the gradual demise of Parkside Gardens.
Unfortunately for the community, a majority of Councillors appointed after the reign of the commissioners also came from outside the city of Shepparton, as we do not have wards.
