THE ORARA Valley Community Hub Action Plan was officially introduced to the public at the Glenreagh markets on Saturday 4 November.

The Action Plan represents the culmination of a six-month process involving engagement and consultation with the Orara Valley community to identify their needs.

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Chris Hanson, President of Glenreagh Heartstart Inc, provided an overview of the initiative.

“In May 2023, we initiated the Orara Valley Community Hub project with the aim of establishing a community hub in Glenreagh, either by constructing a new building or repurposing an existing one.

“Over the last six months, we conducted several information-gathering activities, including workshops with community representatives, postcard surveys, one-on-one consultations, and community outreach at the Orara Valley Fair.

“Subsequently, we organised a feedback opportunity at the Timber Festival stall and convened another community workshop to determine the way forward,” he said.

Based on the insights gathered from the community, the group is moving forward with a plan to create a network of interconnected hubs throughout the broader Orara Valley.

“These hubs will make use of existing facilities and assets like community halls, and we are exploring the concept of a mobile service to support this network,” Mr Hanson said.

“The hub will take on a virtual dimension and will aim to enhance the capabilities of existing groups and organisations.”

The Orara Valley Community Hub Action Plan is a reflection of community engagement and transformation, marking a pivotal step towards enhancing the Orara Valley and its communities.

“The results of our six-month consultation are detailed in the Action Plan,” Mr Hanson said.

“This plan outlines the shift in our initial vision for the hub based on the community’s input.

“Crucially, the Action Plan can serve as a resource for any community group or organisation in the Orara Valley seeking funding or support for a local project.

“Our reinvigorated committee is committed to driving this project forward with renewed vigour.

“In the coming year, we have ambitious plans to bring this vision to fruition.”

The project was auspiced by Glenreagh Heartstart and received funding from the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal and the Yulgilbar Foundation.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/heartstartglenreagh.org.au/.

By Andrea FERRARI