This year Bingara and District Vision 20/20 intends to capitalize on its foundations of the past five years and seek some new community programs.
At the Annual General Meeting held on February 3, Rick Hutton was elected President of the organization. The other executive members are,Vice President, Erik Ozols, Secretary, Garry McDouall, Treasurer, Frances Young and Committee members, Philippa Morris, Bill Goldthorpe, and Rodney Brown.
“It is now more than five years since our organisation began,” Said Rick Hutton. “We have achieved much in that time, with the Community Survey, the VISION Document, the Bingara website, the “Imagine” – Bingara Tourist Brochure, and the Riverscape Project, among the highlights.” he said.
“Our challenge for the next five years will be firstly to reappraise our focus. This will begin by considering the challenges to year 2025.” Rick said. “A review of our community’s desires and aspirations will require a new survey. There is a need to engage more people in this process and the challenge to consider a “brand” for Bingara.” he said.
“Our next scheduled general meeting is due on March 3 but an extraordinary general meeting will be held on Wednesday evening, February 23, 6:30pm at the Imperial Hotel, to start get the ball rolling.” Rick said. “I invite all Bingara citizens, whether they are members or not, to come along and to say what projects and priorities they would like to have included in the 2011 year.”
Some ideas thus far include:
- Support for locally grown produce and regular growers markets.
- A stimulus for Bingara Tourism.
- A “brand” for Bingara retail businesses.
- Ideas for the “Living Classroom” and Bingara Farm Gardens site.
- Progress of “Cunningham’s Trail”.
- An “artist-in-residence” program.
- Ideas for townscape and mainstreet beautifications.
“There is a saying, that some folk make things happen, some folk watch things happen….and some who wonder, “What happened?”” Rick said, “Bingara has great potential to thrive well into the 21st century, but that is far more likely to happen if there with a clear and shared plan.” he concluded.
Submitted by Rick Hutton – President/Publicity Officer. Ph: 0428 255 380
