<< Peninsula New 18 April 2005 - Family action group starts >>

Family action group starts

A community action group for families with young children is being established in Umina, following meetings on April 6.

Initiated by the Umina Beachside Family Centre, a part of the Schools as Communities project, training and skills development will be provided to assist in the initial start-up and planning process.

"Our goal is to facilitate residents, and particularly families, to come together as a community group, share ideas and work on projects to bring positive changes and development to the area that particularly focus on the needs of families with children," said Beachside Family Centre facilitator Ms Debbie Notara.

"This is also a great opportunity for people to learn new skills and forge new connections and friendships in their community."

One local resident eager to make a contribution to the group is mother of two young boys Ms Sarah Tolmie.

"I think the action group is a great way to have a say and play a part in the future of our community," Ms Tolmie said.

"My husband and I moved up here from Sydney four years ago and it took a couple of years to make friends and feel like it was home. We see this as another way for us to get to know more families and be active members of the community.

"We love the Central Coast. It's a beautiful area with a strong community feel.

"It has so much potential and I think it is important to be involved in ideas and plans for the area and ensure it is developed in a way that delivers on the needs of families.

"I have a particular interest in things like the standard of the local parks and playgrounds, child safety issues, and access to quality education and health services," said Mrs Tolmie

While the main focus of the group is on the needs of families with children up to eight years, everyone from the community is welcome to be involved in achieving change in the Umina area.

"We are providing a two-day practical workshop on how to gain skills in working with your community and how to develop your ideas into a reality," said Ms Notara.

"We will look at what we want to achieve and how to define and develop a vision for our community. It will also cover how to operate an effective community group, how to involve people and build connections, and identify peoples strengths and share and develop new skills."

The skills workshops will be held over two Mondays, May 9 and 23, at Beachside Family Centre, in the grounds of Umina Public School, Sydney Ave, Umina.

It is free and child care is available but will need to be booked.

To find out more about Umina Community Action Group, or to be a part of the training workshops, contact Beachside Family Centre on 4343 1929.

Press release, April 12 Debbie Notara, Beachside Family Centre