Belgrave and Tecoma communities interested in bringing expertise or gaining experience in a new committee and meeting new people are invited to the annual general meeting for the Belgrave and Tecoma township group.
On Thursday 7 March at 6.30pm at the Belgrave Library, residents interested in having input into their community are invited to the meeting to be part of the independent local organisation.
Yarra Ranges Councillor Johanna Skelton of Lyster Ward said that Belgrave and Tecoma are amazing communities that benefit from the work of creative, generous people who have focused on local history, arts, environment, community wellbeing and so much more.
“The library, community garden, Tecoma Twilight and Belgrave’s Big Dreams Markets are a big part of what makes these towns wonderful to live in. I am sure there are many other ideas for improvement out there,” she said.
Township groups are independent community organisations created by and for the community.
Groups will often advocate for local issues, provide a forum for sharing information, lead and support community projects as well as applying for grants for events and projects.
“There is a role in the Township group for people to bring knowledge and skills in many areas such as fundraising, landscaping and urban design, community development and event planning,” Cr Skelton said.
“Township groups shape towns in really important short and long term ways, whilst also creating friendships and connections for members in the process,” she said.
In the Hills region, there are existing Township groups in Upwey, Kallista & Kalorama with other groups further afield in Montrose, Kilsyth, Lilydale, Mt Evelyn and throughout the Yarra Valley.
Each group chooses their area of focus which may include emergency planning, festivals and events, advocacy, markets and much more.
The group is an incorporated association with an elected committee empowered to make decisions and provide leadership in the area.
Yarra Ranges Council provides insurance, mentoring and a quarterly network where Townships can share ideas and gain funding.
This will be an exciting year for Belgrave and Tecoma with events for the centenary of Tecoma as well as the amazing festivals, events and gatherings in the area.
The new committee will be integral to great things happening in the area as well as having a voice in the Belgrave and Tecoma townships.
I’m looking forward to meeting them at the upcoming Annual General Meeting,” Cr Skelton said.
Belgrave and Tecoma joined together to form a township group some time ago and the existing committee are stepping back.
This is enabling a renewal with new leadership, new projects and new direction.
Community interesting n bringing their expertise or gaining experience in a new committee, to meet new people and have input to their community are invited to come along to the AGM in March.
The Belgrave Tecoma Township Group AGM will be held on Thursday 7 March at 6.30pm at the Belgrave Library, Reynolds Lane in Belgrave.
To RSVP or get more information, email bttginc@gmail.com
