Community asked to provide thoughts on Social Inclusion

Published on 03 July 2018

Community asked to provide thoughts on Social Inclusion Media Release Gannawarra Shire Council is asking members of the community to provide their thoughts regarding social inclusion.

Director Community Wellbeing Stacy Williams said Council wanted to identify ways to help improve inclusion for all residents. “An inclusive community is one where people feel valued and involved, can take part in social events, sporting and cultural activities, and have the opportunity to work or volunteer,” Mrs Williams said.

“This includes people most at risk of social exclusion – people with disability, LGBTIQ community members, culturally and linguistically diverse residents, Indigenous community members, younger and older residents and those experiencing socioeconomic disadvantage.” Council is asking residents to provide their opinions around inclusion in the Gannawarra Shire via a survey.

Among other the questions, the survey asks about people’s experiences when it comes to being included in their local community, their views on community acceptance and what could help improve inclusion.

Mrs Williams said Council was developing a Social Inclusion Strategy and feedback from the surveys would form an important part of the strategy’s development.

“The Social Inclusion Strategy will aim to ensure everyone living in our Shire feels they are a part of everyday life, be it socially, getting support, accessing services, or generally feeling like you belong,” Mrs Williams said.

“To help develop this strategy Council wants to hear from as many people as possible regarding their thoughts and experiences when it comes to inclusion in our Shire.”

In addition to community feedback, Council will be discussing inclusion with local community groups and service providers.

The social inclusion survey can be completed online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/GSCinclusionsurvey

Hard copies of the survey are also available from the Shire offices in Kerang and Cohuna as well as the Kerang, Cohuna and Leitchville libraries, and Quambatook Community Resource Centre.

The survey should take five to 10 minutes to complete and all feedback is anonymous. The survey will be open for feedback until 5pm Friday July 27, 2018.

For more information please contact Council on 5450 9333 or visit Council’s website www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au.

…ENDS…

Date: 03 July 2018

Contact: T. 03 5450 9333 M. 0409 616 627.