Shire news: on our bikes, and a space for Koori kids

As if we didn’t know already, walkng and cycling are healthy for us and the environment, and Council is getting behind it. The newly adopted Walking and Cycling Strategy 2010 – 2020 for Mount Alexander Shire will be launched on Friday 28 May 2010 at 2pm at Victory Park, Castlemaine.

The Strategy is part of Council’s long-term plan to support walking and cycling activities across the Shire. Council consulted widely with the community to find out what ewe wanted in transport, health and recreation.

Local primary school children will be there in numbers, and Mayor Cr Philip Schier will officially launch the strategy 2010 – 2020. Everyone is welcome t come along. To see the 2010-2020 Walking & Cycling Strategy, visit the Publications section of Council’s website at www.mountalexander.vic.gov.au

And in another bold move, Mount Alexander Shire Council will launch “The Meeting Place” at 12.30pm on Tuesday, 25 May in Victory Park. The Meeting Place allows young Koori people to celebrate their culture and spend time with Elders and positive role models, and it will run every second Tuesday, excluding school holidays.

Twenty young Koori people from local schools have already signed up and will be involved in activities in an inclusive environment where the young people can speak their mind and learn through regular social interaction with elders and leaders from their community. Some of the activities planned for the sessions include craft (weaving baskets), making art, carving bowls and designing didgeridoos.

Council is working with local schools, and in particular Winters Flat Primary and the Castlemaine Secondary College, to provide this program as part of the Youth, Participation and Access program.

Youth Participation and Access (YPA) is an innovative program designed to help build strong, active, and resilient communities by providing targeted support to young people who are disengaged from, or face additional barriers to, participation in community life. YPA provides funding to local governments and community organisations to deliver many programs across Victoria.

For information about the program please contact Julie McHale Teacher/Co-Facilitator on 5472 1522 or Greg Neale, Youth Services Coordinator, Mount Alexander Shire Council on 5471 1700.