McCann Crescent Park rejuvenation works highly commended

Published on 19 June 2019

Gannawarra Shire Council’s partnership with the community to rejuvenate McCann Crescent Park at Kerang has been nationally recognised.

The ReSpark the Park project was highly commended in the Prevention and Community Safety category at the 2019 National Awards for Local Government, announced last night in Canberra.

The award recognises Council’s work with residents, Regional Arts Victoria, Gannawarra Library Service and local Elder, Uncle Lloyd Murray in rejuvenating McCann Crescent Park, Kerang.

It is the second year in a row Council has been recognised at the National Awards for Local Government, following on from last year’s Arts Animates title for its Performing Arts Partnership Delivery Model.

“All 537 local government areas in Australia are invited to nominate projects for these awards, so to be recognised for a second year running shows that Gannawarra continues to achieve outcomes for its residents that are worthy of Australia-wide recognition, Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.”

“The award for ReSpark the Park is credit to all who were involved in the project, which has provided Kerang residents with a community asset they helped design.

“Residents have welcomed the project, commenting that the finished development provides a ‘much needed place for children to hang around, play and meet others in the neighbourhood.”

The opening of the park in September 2018 was the culmination of two years of work that involved residents reclaiming an under-utilised park into a thriving community asset.

Council obtained a Victorian Department of Justice and Regulation Community Safety Grant in 2016, which enabled a community celebration to be held on-site that year. Attendees at this event identified attractions that would encourage residents to use the park.

Using this feedback, Council funded and undertook works to revitalise the park, installing a basketball half-court, slide and swings.

“The end result is an open space that is vibrant, engaging and an area where residents feel a sense of pride and belonging. To be highly commended in a national award is a real credit to all involved,” Mayor Learmonth said.