Listening Post heading to Narrawong

Published on 06 March 2024

It’s almost time for another of Glenelg Shire Council’s Listening Posts, where those in smaller communities in our Shire can meet with Councillors and Council staff without having to travel.

Narrawong will be the venue for the first Listening Post of 2024 to be held at the Mechanics Hall between 4pm and 5pm on Tuesday, 19 March.

Drop in to have a chat – the Listening Post sessions are not a ‘Town Hall’ style meeting, but rather an informal setting where while having a cuppa you can share your thoughts and ideas for your community with Councillors and Council staff.

There is no need to RSVP, simply drop in any time while the session is on.

It will be the sixth Listening Post of 2023-24, following on from Nelson, Portland, Casterton, Merino and Dartmoor.

The past two Listening Posts, in Merino and Dartmoor in October, attracted 15 and 17 attendees respectively.

Community members chatted casually with Councillors and staff over coffee to discuss their communities, providing feedback and ideas and voicing their concerns.

Several formal submissions were received including review of tourism signage, new events and how can communities work with Council and request for Council to advocate on their behalf.

In addition, Council staff were able to assist straight away with service request submissions for items such as blocked drains, fallen trees and weed control.

Dartmoor Progress Association President Wendy Dowling said the Listening Post held there was invaluable.

“The session was a great success and they are a wonderful opportunity for people to speak to staff as it is a much more personal and comfortable environment for people,” she said.

Glenelg Shire Mayor Karen Stephens agreed.

“Our 2021-2025 Council Plan makes a commitment to host engagement sessions, and we know that many community members do not wish to attend a formal meeting or appointment to discuss ideas for their township or relevant group,” Cr Stephens said.

“As a result, the Listening Posts provide a more relaxed setting for residents to feel comfortable to ‘drop in’ and share their ideas.

“The Listening Posts complement other methods and approaches within the Community Engagement Framework that Council utilises as part of its commitment to ongoing engagement and communication with its communities.”

But if you can't make it on the day, you won’t miss out.

Head to our online forum where you can submit your ideas and share your thoughts at any time.

There is one more Listening Post after Narrawong scheduled for 2023-24, at Heywood, with details including a date and time to be confirmed.