A new regional association for the High Country / Omeo Region - do we need another committee?

Over the past couple of months I've had the privilege of working with and learning from the communities that live along and around the Great Alpine Road of Victoria, from Tambo Crossing, Ensay and Swifts Creek in the south and into the high country of Benambra, Anglers Rest and Omeo in the north.  Firstly, I want to thank everyone who contributed to the community conversations around what is required and what is not required for a regional association for the communities of the Omeo Region or the High Country, and for responding to the question, "do we need a community-based regional association?".

The over-whelming response that emerged at all the conversations was 'YES!'. And 'the why' is compelling. A new association will: 

• Provide a genuinely representative community voice that benefits all areas of the region 
• Develop community trust through thorough understanding and truly local knowledge 
• Bring a collective louder voice regarding shared experiences and concerns to all levels of government and agencies 
• Enable self-directed skill development to be retained and shared within the community 
• Build social capital across the High Country communities of the Omeo Region and strengthen cross-community relationships for when (not if) the next disaster strikes.

A clear concept has emerged for a community-led regional association, noting there are still details to work out, including the association name.  However, we have developed an outline for what the regional association could look like - it's purpose, objectives, values, governance, priorities and how we work together.  Feel free to view the attached.

We also have an Expression of Interest form for those from the region seeking to nominate for the initial regional committee.

By way of context, these conversations were held in light of the Omeo Region Community Recovery Association (ORCRA) winding up at the end of this month, 31 October 2024.  ORCRA has supported the communities of the Omeo Region to navigate through the recovery landscape, including hosting community gatherings (a vital reconnection function for communities), working with a multitude of government organisations and agencies, and applying for, managing and acquitting welcome grant funding for much needed community assets and initiatives.  However, now that the formal recovery functions are winding back following the 2019-20 Black Summer fires, the communities enjoyed a spirit of coordination and cooperation and wish to see it continue, and advocate for a prosperous and thriving region.  

If you are interested in being on the Committee of the new regional association for the high country, please send through your completed Expression of Interest by 11pm Sunday 10 November 2024 to me, Liza Gelt, at info@collaborativeconsultingco.com.au.  As an independent, I will be receiving all nominations and working with a purpose-formed Nominations Committee (non-ORCRA and non-EGSC) from across the region.