Dear Councillors,
On behalf of the committee of Management and all supporters of the Transition Village Wallan project I want to thank you for your ongoing support of this project.
In October 2015 a group of friends met to determine if they would continue in 2016 to develop the Transition Village Wallan project. The answer was ‘Yes’ and I am reporting today on three plus years of action.
The Village:
The design has been submitted to the Planning Department and is being managed by Reece May. We know there is still much work to be done to bring the application up to final approval standard, but having senior staff involved has been very beneficial to us.
Every contact with Mitchell Shire staff has been helpful and enthusiastic and as CEO I cannot state my gratitude enough.
The stated aim of building an eco-village will be achieved with:
A garden design based on Permaculture principles, guided by our Garden Team Leader, Cass Groves. TVW was recently awarded a $5000 grant from RACV to develop a program of garden related workshops.
Grid connected solar
Rain water harvest and use
On-site treatment of grey and black water.
Correct siting of the buildings to maximise solar heating of the units.
The Finances.
TVW is sitting comfortably within its proposed budget consisting of $200,000 from the Pick MY Project grant and monies available from fundraising, grants and donations. TVW does not receive ongoing Government funding and has developed a strong, local fundraising calendar of events to provide for the daily running costs of the project.
The final fundraising event for 2019 is the ‘Comedy for a Cause’ night (see attachment). You are cordially invited to attend. The evening will have Auslan interpreters, made possible by a generous anonymous donor.
The Residents.
TVW is working with Nexus Primary Health, The Northern salvos and The Centre (for continuing education) to prepare the client pathways during the 12 month accommodation. The Client Agreements will be informed by tenancy requirements, but the draft documents have been prepared.
Referrals for TVW residency will be accepted from Nexus Primary Health and the Northern Salvos only, for the initial intake.
The Local Community.
The communities of Mitchell Shire have been kept updated on the progress of the TVW project. The aim of TVW to be involved with community and to challenge the communities across the shire to accept and work with the project has been successfully met. Feedback received from community members at local markets or events has been positive and the committee feels that a high percentage of the population is aware and accepting of the project.
TVW will continue to foster community connection through its volunteer program, attendance at service agencies meetings (as a presenter), by personal contact at markets and events and via social media platforms.
TVW’s Committee of Management is confidant at this stage of meeting its obligations in carrying the project through to a successful conclusion. Once established, and with residents on site, the second stage will be implemented, that of ongoing monitoring and improvement to maintain its objectives.
Yours sincerely,
Judy Clarke
CEO
Transition Village Wallan
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