Thriving Together 2026-2030 plan adopted

Published on 23 June 2026

Gannawarra Shire Council’s efforts to strengthen community connection, equity, wellbeing and resilience will be guided by a new document.

Adopted at Council’s June 2026 meeting, the Thriving Together – a plan for a diverse, inclusive and resilient Gannawarra document builds on previous social inclusion, disability and resilience work undertaken by Council, and aligns with the Gannawarra Shire 2025-2029 Council Plan and Community Vision 2040.

Funded by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) following the 2022 floods, the document acknowledges the significant impact of natural disasters on rural communities and highlights the importance of social inclusion and connectedness in supporting recovery from adverse events.

“Thriving Together – a plan for a diverse, inclusive and resilient Gannawarra is Council’s roadmap for building a diverse, inclusive and resilient Gannawarra. It reflects our commitment to ensuring every resident feels valued, welcome, safe and connected, while also meeting our obligation to develop and implement a Disability Action Plan,” Chief Executive Officer Geoff Rollinson said.

“This plan builds on the successes of Council’s Social Inclusion Strategy 2019–2023, which delivered key projects such as three All Abilities Play Spaces in Kerang, Cohuna and Koondrook, a Changing Places facility at Atkinson Park in Kerang, and improvements to disability parking and footpaths through streetscape upgrades.

“During this time, Council also became a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provider, improving local access to disability services and expanding the local workforce. The service and workforce later transitioned to another local provider in 2023.”

The new Thriving Together document was influenced by feedback gathered from more than 1,100 people via three community engagement activities: the review of the Social Inclusion Strategy 2019–2023, development of the Gannawarra Shire 2025-2029 Council Plan and 2040 Community Vision, and the six-month Let’s Talk About the Weather program.

Additional feedback was sought during a community engagement period held during March and April 2025. Two responses were received, resulting in a minor change to the document.

“Council thanks all residents who helped shape Thriving Together – a plan for a diverse, inclusive and resilient Gannawarra and looks forward to working with residents, communities and other stakeholders to implement the document’s measures to ensure that every resident can continue to thrive into the future,” Mr Rollinson said.

To view the Thriving Together – a plan for a diverse, inclusive and resilient Gannawarra document, click on the “Strategic Documents” heading at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/documents