Stories and successes

CREATE COLEAMBALLY PROJECT

Coleambally Revitilisation of Employment, Activity, Trade & Enterprise (CREATE) project: The CREATE project grew out of the Coleambally communities response to the loss of water entitlement and changes to national water policy and the need to diversify the economic base of the community. This community decided to take a proactive approach to help reinvigorate their community and investigate possibilities so Coleambally could be a thriving community for future generations. The CREATE project was a partnership between the Coleambally community, Centre of Student Engagement at the University of Wollongong, the international consultancy firm-Ban k of IDEAS and Regional Development Australia-Riverina with funds provided  by Industry & Investment NSW through their Community Economic Development Program. The core component of the project was bringing 23 talented and enthusiastic students with 3 staff under the guidance of well known community and economic development practitioner Peter Kenyon to Coleambally for a “Community Conversations” week (September 2009). The numerous creative conversation activities enabled an incredible range of ideas and possibilities to be gathered from over 550 residents. A wonderful example of community engagement involving the energy and fresh eyes of the students with the wisdom and experience of the locals. The outcome has been the development of a Coleambally Community & Economic Action Plan but also a more engaged, positive and connected
community. The students also gained a greater understanding and appreciation for life in a regional, rural community. For further information about the project contact Lynne Stuckings on 0269 544 242.