Complainers invited to get involved

By CASEY NEILL
MONBULK’S traders and volunteers have challenged critics to get their hands dirty and support the town, rather than slinging mud.
They copped a barrage of criticism in a scathing letter from Silvan resident Bruce Johnson in last week’s Mail.
Mr Johnson listed many town failings and concluded that Yarra Ranges Council, Monbulk and District Community Opportunities Working Group (MADCOW), and Monbulk Business Network were to blame because they did not have “proper open meetings to develop a town plan for Monbulk”.
Jennifer Watson, who is a Monbulk Business Network member, said laying blame would not solve anything.
“These sorts of issues need dedicated and hardworking people prepared to give a lot of time and energy and to get their hands dirty in order to work towards change,” she said.
Ms Watson said Monbulk Business Network and MADCOW were very open organisations and openly welcomed anyone who wanted to get involved.
She said the groups had worked closely with the council to have a say in the new streetscape design planned for later this year.
“It promises to be a real shot in the arm for our main street,” she said.
“The council has spent a lot of time garnering public comment – they even permanently stationed an urban designer in Monbulk for one day a week for the past six months.”
Ms Watson said volunteers made up these groups and often financed projects out of their own pockets.
“Importantly, and probably least recognised, is the time and energy that they might be spending with their family and friends that they are sacrificing to try to make this community a better place to live,” she said.
“If you don’t like what either group is doing, join up, contribute your time and energy to make the change that you want to see in this town.”
MADCOW president Mark Seamer said the group’s meetings were open and anyone could put problems or interests on the agenda.
“We all have the betterment of Monbulk in mind,” he said.
“We don’t have the money to solve all the problems but we do the best we can.
“Monbulk’s no different to any other small town in terms of what businesses are going through at the moment. It’s just a turn of the times.
“Everyone’s trying their best to get Monbulk up and about.”
Mr Seamer said volunteers put their heart and soul into improving Monbulk.
“To constantly criticise them is unfair,” he said.
Monbulk Business Network meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 6pm at Friends on the Hill Café.
MADCOW meets at the Monbulk Living and Learning Centre once a month. Email michelle@repeatsigns.com.au for more information.