Residents who live, work or play within the 3160-postcode area across Belgrave and Tecoma are warmly invited to meet up to share ideas about new projects and contribute to a new direction for 2025.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday 5 June at the Belgrave Community Hub in Belgrave, and the group is keen to share ideas for change in the community.
The Belgrave Tecoma Township Group is a diverse group of local people who want to contribute to their community, making it a great place to live.
The current members are representative of schools, emergency services, businesses and both long time as well as recently arrived residents.
“We’d love to have more people join us,” said a current member and spokesperson.
Township groups are for community that are interested in bringing their expertise or gaining experience in a new group and would like to meet other local people and have input on a local level.
They provide a means to get curious and find out what’s happening in the neighbourhood, and offer a chance to get involved with upcoming events like the upcoming lantern parade and an opportunity to contribute to improvements in the township.
Yarra Ranges Councillor Peter McIlwain of Lyster Ward said that the spirit of community is alive and well in Belgrave and Tecoma, with a wealth of experience in the arts, local history, environment, community action and much more.
“The library, community garden, market and the many festivals and events are a big part of what makes this a wonderful place to live in. I am sure there are many other ideas for improvement out there,” he said.
One idea the group is considering is to apply for grant funding to change the murals in the laneways between Burwood Highway and the car park.
“The pictures show that they are well out of date and in need of a revamp,” said a spokesperson.
“If you have ideas for what is needed in the towns, we’d love to hear from you,” they said.
Cr McIlwain said that the Belgrave Tecoma Township Group is an awesome way for people to contribute knowledge and skills in many areas such as fundraising, ideas, community development and event planning.
“Township groups shape towns in really important short and long-term ways, whilst also creating friendships and connections for members in the process. I hope you can join them or connect with your ideas,” he said.
Created by and for the community, township groups will often advocate for local issues, provide a forum for sharing information, lead and support community projects, as well as apply for grants for events and projects.
In the Hills region there are existing Township groups in Upwey, Sassafras, Monbulk, Kallista and 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, festival, events, advocacy, markets and much more.
The group is usually 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.
The next meeting is at the Belgrave Community Hub – 1616/1624 Burwood Highway, Belgrave Victoria 3160 on Thursday 5 June
To RSVP or email for more information via bttginc@gmail.com
