Community organisations and groups across the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council have been praised for their efforts during last week’s sitting of State Parliament.
Tony Piccolo MP, who attended the 2025 Peak Body Forum held by the Council at the Riverton Community Hall on Monday, 2 June, highlighted the various projects and services the 100+ volunteers have provided to their communities.
“These groups act as a very important conduit between the community and the council, but more importantly work alongside council to make the ratepayer dollar go further,” said Mr Piccolo during last Thursday’s personal statements.
“They also, importantly, engage with their communities to provide the best possible services.
“I would like to commend both the peak body members and also the council for their work in making our communities better.”
The Peak Body Forum is an annual forum where the various town committees get together and give a report on the things they have done in the preceding 12 months.
The peak bodies that current exist within the Council area are the Auburn Community Development Committee, Mintaro Progress Association, Manoora Community Association, Marrabel Districts Community Association, Saddleworth District Community Association, Sevenhill (Richardson Park Inc.), Stanley Flat Soldiers Memorial Hall, Tarlee Hall and Community Services, Riverton Community Management Committee, Waterloo Soldiers Memorial Hall, Watervale Community Association and Stockport Community Association.
The Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council provides $6,000 per annum for each peak body, plus additional funding when groups apply successfully.
Mr Piccolo highlighted some of the key initiatives outlined during the forum.
The Auburn Community Development Committee has invested in activities for families and youth throughout the year, along with formulating a strategic plan in consultation with the community.
The Mintaro Progress Association is putting a lot of work into projects to improve facilities, including developing the space of their cemetery, and had numerous events, including the 175th celebration for Mintaro.
The Manoora Community Association outlined their key successes in restoring and improving utilisation of the Manoora Hall, upgrading their public school as numbers increase and the opening of their Wellness Centre.
Stanley Flat Soldiers Memorial Hall unveiled the cut-out image of a Bugler on Remembrance Day to complete their Avenue of Honour upgrade, along with an upgraded kitchen in the Memorial Hall.
Tarlee Hall and Community Services exhibited numerous instances of strengthen social connections and enhancing local facilities, including the Back to Tarlee Disco drawing more than 300 attendees and raising over $10,000 for a playground and recreation upgrade.
Riverton Community Management Committee outlined their Riverton Community Hall structural repairs and increased usage, introduced community awards and provided funding for local clubs and groups to deliver key projects while also outlining their future goals.
Stockport Community Association worked to improve facilities at the Soldiers Memorial Park, including the playground and toilet block while dealing with regular vandalism.
The Marrabel, Saddleworth, Richardson Park, Waterloo and Watervale groups also provided reports exhibiting key projects and events throughout the year.
“These achievements are just a glimpse of the great things happening across our communities,” said Mr Piccolo.
“With thoughtful planning, a shared vision, passion and pride, there’s no limit to what we can all accomplish together.”