By Dongyun Kwon
The Badger Creek Hall Committee hosted a strategic planning meeting on Thursday 26 October.
Committee member Adam Cole said they needed reinvigoration of energy after a long period of service.
“We have an ageing committee that has managed the operation for many years and we’re trying to rejuvenate the whole program,” he said.
“It needs a lot of work and we’re trying to make it relevant to the community. We want to find out what will make it fit for purpose looking forward through this meeting.”
The meeting started with looking back at the history of Badger Creek and the hall.
30-year-served committee member Kevin Mason said the town of Badger Creek was formed in 1894 with the harmony of white settlers and Indigenous people.
“Badger Creek Hall was originally built in a day and a half in 1924, sited opposite the Healesville Sanctuary and moved to the current location in 1978,” he said.
The attendees discussed the groups using the hall, SWOT and the future of the hall.
Casey MP Aaron Violi attended the meeting and shared his idea to improve the hall by giving some examples of what other communities have done.
Through the Stronger Communities Grant, Mr Violi helped the Badger Creek Hall Committee upgrade the facility’s kitchen.
Mr Violi said he had a lot of gratitude for the work the hall’s volunteers put back into the community.
“We wouldn’t have such a strong community without volunteers and it is volunteers that really drive our community spirit, so it is vital that we continue to support volunteers prior to politics,” he said.
“I’ve volunteered for many community groups and raising money is harder than ever and volunteer groups have fewer volunteers. I am really proud to be able to support them and play a little part in helping amplify the work that they do for our community.”
Secretary Kathy Cameron said the meeting was excellent.
“We need fresh input and it made good progress today which made me look forward to the next meeting,” she said.
The next meeting will be on Friday 24 November and anyone is welcome to attend.
The meeting will start with recapping what ideas came through during the first meeting for those who did not attend.
