Big Ideas, Bright Future!
Over 80 passionate and engaged community members (plus a dozen kids!) attended the Community Opportunity Workshop (aka COW) on Thursday 27th March at the Clarence Town Bowling & Recreation Club.
This workshop was part of Rural Aid’s Community Builders Program, which has run across the Dungog Shire over the past 12 months. The sessions encourage residents to think critically about building strong, thriving communities.
Facilitated by renowned community development expert Peter Kenyon from the Bank of Ideas and sponsored by Rural Aid, the Clarence Town COW was a vibrant evening filled with ideas, conversations – and chocolates! It’s clear we love our town and want to harness the beauty of our river, outdoor lifestyle, and expand youth engagement opportunities.
The evening began with a heartfelt Acknowledgement of Country by Nan Margaret Sherman, a Biripi woman who grew up in Clarence Town and has since returned. Nan shared her poem My Heritage, mourning the loss of ancestral connection and the fading freedom to walk and live on Country.
Activities began with asset mapping. Tables of 5-6 listed as many town assets as they could under the categories of People, Social Networks, Culture/Stories, Institutional, Physical and Economic. Our long lists included clubs, events, schools, natural assets and local services.
Participants then rotated tables and responded to: What do we love about Clarence Town that we want to keep? The community values the Williams River, national park, flora, fauna, and services like the RFS, markets, schools and healthcare.
There’s also a desire to retain the rural charm, historic identity and close-knit spirit that supports families, youth and traditions.
Next: What do we want to change – what do we want more or less of? Suggestions included reopening a fuel station, upgrading roads, signage, footpaths and transport, plus more parks, services and youth activities. There were calls for local business support and environmental care.
And finally…What big new ideas do we want to start? Ideas included better footpaths, trails, public amenities, creative placemaking (like a Big Duck sculpture), festivals, ecotourism, arts and live music, environmental initiatives, sports facilities, housing, health and youth activities.
Participants voted with red sticky dots on the Keep, Change, Start lists. Priorities included better footpaths, reopening the fuel station, activating the old police station, and creating an annual town event. There was strong support for river access, wildlife care, creative placemaking and outdoor experiences.
In the week leading up to the event, Peter and Steph explored Clarence Town, met locals, visited businesses and shared lunch with seniors. Our school students also ran mini COWs. Ideas included bush care, skatepark upgrades, soccer field seats and plans for the old quarry.
Next steps are underway. Thank you to everyone involved – your energy and ideas made this a truly inspiring event.
Join our email list ctowncommunitybuilders@hotmail.com
Sacha Anderson
