By RUSSELL BENNETT
SOME of the Emerald community groups most in need of members or an extra hand are some of the least well known throughout the town.
But after a networking evening at the town’s RSL recently, that has all started to change.
Organised in conjunction with the Emerald Village Committee, the RSL hosted representatives from more than 50 local community groups and bodies to initiate interaction between them for the betterment of the town.
The night also allowed the RSL to identify welfare needs within the community and to showcase the club as more than ‘just a Diggers’ club’.
Dr Hamish Russell from the Emerald Village Committee said the evening was “a great night for the whole community”, adding that the town’s Spatial Plan was now open for more public input and that the groups in attendance had a role to play in helping decide the future direction of the town over the next 15 to 20 years.
Of the community groups in attendance on Wednesday, Ian Wakefield from Emerald Rotary was the first to speak.
The club currently has 38 members, with many other local organisations and groups benefiting from its involvement.
Through the Great Community Raffle, Emerald Rotary has pumped almost $500,000 back into the local community.
The club also has a real focus on projects involving local youth.
New Emerald Football Netball Club president Bruce Rush also spoke about the upgrades taking place at the Bombers’ Chandler Reserve base – including a new playing surface – while Bill Kuys from the Emerald Sporting Club (made up of all the reserve’s user groups) said work will commence later this year on new social rooms.
Jean Hayne from community magazine Signpost spoke about the mantra that those involved with the publication believe “it’s important to know your neighbour and your neighbourhood”.
Signpost was created 14 years ago and is free to all 3782 letterboxes.
It has become a key tool in helping empower local residents with a sense of belonging to their town.
Emerald U3A’s Mike Ellery told the gathering that he once had to answer a question of “are you guys a radio station, or a submarine?”
The U3A – or University of the Third Age – operates out of the old Emerald CFA building and is perfect for retirees who want to enjoy their lives, but also share their expertise and give back to their community.
Aside from offering a range of subjects, the Emerald U3A has “200 friends to share your day with”, according to Mr Ellery.
Ian Ash, meanwhile, spoke about how the Emerald Business Group was founded four years ago to help local businesses operate and collaborate more effectively.
Already the most active business group in the region, it always welcomes new members.
The Caring Women’s Group, an unheralded local body, aims to provide a social network of friends to local women.
The group, which is just $5 per year to join, also fundraises for the local community and donates to charity.
St Mark’s Church, with 24 people on its payroll, is one of Emerald’s biggest employers.
A part of the town’s make-up since the 1870s, the church prides itself on its Emergency Support Team for local emergency workers, and its op-shop – which has been operating for more than 25 and given more than $900,000 back to the community.
