Somerville Township Improvement Committee

(WWTIC = Watson Ward Township Improvement Committee)

Growth to incorporate Baxter andTyabb

History

On 24th October, 2005 several community groups via invitation from Somerville Community House Inc. met at the Somerville Football/Cricket Clubrooms to discuss the possibility of setting up either a Community Affairs Council or a Residents Action Group.

The idea of a proposed Community Affairs Council or a Residents Action Group is for community organizations and members of the general community to identify issues they face regarding both the service they offer and the facility from which they operate.

It is a belief that a co-ordinated approach could then be made to Local, State or Federal Government regarding community requirements… rather than every group operating in isolation.

It is not a new strategy; groups have been operating collectively for many years, with positive results.

Approximately 41 community organizations were invited to attend the first meeting on 24 October, 2005.

Unfortunately, the meeting was poorly represented.  Only 12 guests were present, representing 7 community organisations.

Attendees:

At this stage only a limited number of Community minded people are willing to put the work into the possibility of setting up either Community Affairs Council or a Residents Action Group.

Given the current age of the Jones Road Football/Cricket, Scout, Tennis, Netball facilities etc etc, a couple of us have produced building designs as an idea to gather community feedback.

Ideally, if the right design can be produced, taking in the needs of the organizations that will have use of a Youth, Community & Sporting Facility, Jones Road would have a complex that can be used virtually 24/7.

By day, Maternal Health, Play Groups, Arts & Crafts, Aerobic, Dancing to name but a few

By afternoon, football, cricket, tennis for example

By night, scouts, football, cricket, tennis functions with the facilities to hire out for weddings, engagements.

Yes, security has been taken into account for child protection with scout groups with one sided, lockable doors to name but one function.

This is one idea that requires further planning, input and on-going support of the community.

Plans will be available for viewing shortly.  Nothing is set in concrete, we are just throwing ideas out there to gather community interest and input.