Update - 9 September 2009

BAG NEWS ….

Community Workshops – our first workshops on Project Management proved a very entertaining two evenings. Lots of information and ideas were shared to apply our learnings to current community projects. If you have missed the first workshop but would still like to be able to do the other workshops and get the certificate of attainment, it’s not too late! I have had a few enquiries on this already, so am arranging a catch up day for those community members who missed the first workshop. Please contact me if you want some more information on this.

Some feedback we received:

“This workshop has been extremely worthwhile to me as I have realised how so many people are interested in working for the community. Not only are we keen to progress relevant projects, but are happy to work together.” Donna McCarrol

“The course was a great opportunity for busy people to be focused for a period of time on community projects. Further, the attendees are gaining valuable project management tools that can be shared and taught to others.” Adam McEvoy

“The workshop taught me that from the simplest idea, by developing a plan of action and working through it you can attain success.” Christine Waldron

“I felt that the course presented by Pen allowed for all participants to engage in discussion relating to the topics presented. The open format of this course allowed for an exchange of ideas that could be directly related to the needs of the individual projects as per need. Through Pen’s enthusiastic and positive approach attendees were able to engage in self exploration not only in regard to individual projects but also the management of those projects in regard to human resources and directional input. The loose structure of the program allowed for an expanse of ideas that could be pinned to a variety of uses beyond the sole purpose of project management per say. Through hands on engagement I feel more was learnt as people were able to be actively involved in the process of their learning, taking from the program what was necessary for them in a point in time.” Tilly Butler-Woodall


Our next workshop is Leadership - Monday 14 September and Tuesday 15 September 2009, 6.00 pm – 9.00 pm. Explore leadership styles and qualities, leadership vs management, leadership models and develop skills to become a more effective leader. All welcome! Please contact me to register.


A decision was made at our last general meeting to move to holding our General Meetings every two months, instead of each month. Please note that there will be no General Meeting this month.


BAG PROJECT UPDATES ………

Community Walk – On Sunday 27 September 2009, the BAG Walking Track working party will be going for a walk! They will be investigating and mapping our current tracks. We would like to invite community members to come along on this walk with us. It will be a perfect opportunity to discuss the how, when, where, why and who’s of improving our local tracks for both walking and cycling while we casually walk and talk! We will, of course, continue to liaise with Council on the work they and external consultants are doing to map out potential walking tracks. No RSVP necessary, just join us if you can. We will be meeting at the swimming pool entrance at 4 pm.


GENERAL COMMUNITY INFORMATION ………

Child Safety Awareness while using Mobile Phones – To coincide with National Child Protection Week, concerned parents are hosting a public meeting to raise awareness for an emergent local issue regarding the use of mobile phone chats. This is a real and growing issue where the safety of our children is at risk. Everyone is invited to attend the meeting being held Thursday, 10 September 2009 at 7pm, at the Mitchell Town Hall. Guest speakers include Telstra, AIRG, a representative from the Mayor's office, and representatives from Hon Bruce Scott MP. The whole community needs to know how BIG and REAL this problem is. Please come along to find out how to be mobile safe and smart. A light supper is provided so please help by letting Cathy know if you can attend – phone 4623 6662 or email csomp@yahoo.com.au ...

Mitchell goes digital! Upgrades have been completed which now allow Mitchell & Amby residents to receive digital television. You will need a digital ready television or set top box to access this new service which includes some new channels - ABC1, ABC2 and the soon to be broadcast ABC3. The new digital frequency gives you stereo sound and with the right equipment you can pause, rewind and record live tv! Worth following up if this is of interest to you.

Check out the new and improved Heartland FM 102.1 – Heartland FM have just installed a VPN connection to their transmitters which means daily updates from their base studio …. every day if need be! For the past six years Heartland FM have had to come out and update the data base at each site, technology has made this no longer necessary, so any community service items can now be handled on a daily basis. Please contact me if you would more information and contact details for the station.

Calling Youth for Applications in Maranoa Youth Council - If you are between the ages of 12-25 years, and looking to develop your leadership and social skills, want to voice the opinions of youth within the Maranoa region, or create and work on projects and events for youth to participate in, then nominate to become part of the first Maranoa Youth Council! Youth Council membership is free and will run annually for 12 months from November to November. Youth Council members will get to work closely with Maranoa Regional Council’s Regional Youth Coordinator, Samantha Grant, and will have the opportunity to assist with a variety of regional and national community events along with investigating projects of their desire! The first elected Youth Council members will have the opportunity to vote for the new Council’s name and also design the logo. Applications are now open to all youth between 12-25 years and who reside within the Maranoa region. Visit www.maranoa.qld.gov.au/community/youth.shtml . Applications close 5:00 pm on Friday, 9 October 2009 for the 2010 Council. For further details, please feel free to contact the Regional Youth Coordinator – Samantha Grant on 1300 007 662 or at regionalyouthcoordinator@maranoa.qld.gov.au

Until next time! :-)

Cheers,
Sharyn.