“FOOD for THOUGHT” to reward great community ideas

July 21, 2010

The town of Bingara will reward its citizen’s ideas and suggestions with a special taste treat.

Bingara Perfect Pancakes with Special Orange Festival sauce will be offered at the FOOD for THOUGHT Shop Front at the Bingara Orange Festival on July 31.

“It’s a part of the Community Economic Development Plan (CEDP) process that Gwydir Shire Council (GSC) and Bingara and District VISION 20/20 (V2020) have jointly undertaken as part of a program initiated by the NSW Department of Industry and Innovation,” said co-ordinator Rick Hutton.

“Planning for sustainability is a major focus of our local government, and  regeneration of the community is the primary theme of V2020,” he said. “FOOD for THOUGHT is an idea gathering exercise plus a chance to display some of the projects, concepts and achievements that have previously come from our community.”

The Shop Front will be at the Landcare Office (old Adam’s Garage) in Maitland Street. The display will be operating from 10:30am to 1:30pm.

“GSC has developed Social, Tourism, Management, and Environmental Plans and a Community Engagement Strategy,” Rick said. “V2020 have co-hosted Alternative Energy, Discover Gwydir and Country Town Living 2025 Forums as well as encouraging several unique community projects.”

A display of photos and items from Bingara Central School (BCS) and North West Theatre Company (NWTC) co-production of JOSEPH and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will feature at the Shop Front along with some of the cast and crew.

“Many other community groups have had successful projects that have engaged and benefitted our community. Sporting events, hosted state and national conventions, festivals, concerts and displays have produced a full calendar of options,” Rick added.

“Where will we be ten or fifteen years from now? What employment, learning and leisure activities will there be? How will OUR community respond to the likely and the possible social, environmental and economic trends of the future?”

“The FOOD for THOUGHT Shop Front followed by a Community Forum on the evening of August 4 at the ROXY, will do much to forward this process and enable a CEDP to be produced,” Rick concluded.

For further information about FOOD for THOUGHT or to make a submission to the CEDP, contact Rick Hutton on 0428 255380, email to faysons@nsw.chariot.net.au or post to Bingara and District VISION 20/20 P.O. Box 222, Bingara NSW 2404.