The Draft Golden Plains Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy 2022-2026 (Draft Strategy) is on public exhibition, following endorsement by Council at its meeting on 28 September 2021.
The Draft Strategy describes cultural aspirations for Golden Plains and details four clear strategic directions, each with a list of key actions. The objectives guiding the Draft Strategy ensure that arts, culture and heritage initiatives will directly and measurably contribute to connected and resilient communities in Golden Plains over the next four years, with strong links to positive health and wellbeing and economic development outcomes.
Responding directly to the relevant strategic objectives of the Council Plan 2021-2025, in line with the Golden Plains Community Vision 2040, the Draft Strategy promotes understanding and celebration of the Shire’s Indigenous heritage, rich histories and creative future.
The Draft Strategy was developed from extensive community consultation earlier in 2021. Following an Expression of Interest process, a dedicated Community Reference Group was formed to guide the development of the Draft Strategy. Council also held six community workshops with a total of 40 participants and 35 residents shared their ideas via a paper and online survey in May and June.
Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr Helena Kirby encouraged all community members to make a submission on the Draft Strategy.
“Council is very pleased to present the Draft Golden Plains Arts, Culture and Heritage Strategy 2022-2026 to the community. A reflection of our vibrant and creative local communities, the Draft Strategy is a clear plan of priorities to strengthen arts, culture and heritage projects and initiatives across the Shire.
“I’d like to thank the Community Reference Group, a passionate group of local artists, creatives and historians, who dedicated their energy to working collaboratively with Council over the past year. Along with this group, the many community members who attended workshops and completed the survey have made a valuable contribution and Council appreciates their involvement and commitment.
“Over the next month, Council hopes that many interested community members will review the Draft Strategy and share their views on this important plan. We look forward to adopting the final Strategy and getting started on delivering quality arts, culture and heritage outcomes in our Golden Plains’ communities.”
The Draft Strategy is published on Council’s website and hard copies are available at its Customer Service Centres at 2 Pope Street, Bannockburn and 19 Heales Street, Smythesdale.
Community members can make a submission on the Draft Strategy from 30 September to 28 October 2021:
- online at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/consultations;
- by email to [email protected]; or
- by mail addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Golden Plains Shire Council, PO Box 111, Bannockburn, VIC 3331.
All submissions will be considered prior to Council adopting the final Arts, Culture & Heritage Strategy later in 2021.