Released 21/09/2018
The City Renewal Authority is assisting a group of residents and businesses to create an independent “Town Team” to stage community events and organise improvements in the Dickson Group Centre.
Local residents, traders and groups embraced the idea of a Town Team during the City Renewal Authority’s engagement process for a Dickson Place Plan.
The Town Team group will have its first annual general meeting on Tuesday 25 September, with the intention to incorporate shortly afterwards, and is looking for more locals to become involved.
City Renewal Authority chief executive Malcolm Snow said the format had worked well in other cities and he was pleased to help introduce it to the ACT.
“Town Teams work because they are people who have a very strong connection to their area and a genuine desire to make real improvements,” Mr Snow said.
“Town Teams are ‘doing’ organisations and this group will work collaboratively to run events and make small physical improvements to its local area for the benefit of the community.”
Dickson business owner Jason Mann said the time was right to establish a Town Team.
“Dickson already has a number of committed advocates who are passionate about the area and we’re looking for additional motivated people to join the Town Team in helping make Dickson a stronger, more enjoyable community,” Mr Mann said.
“If you have an interest in Dickson would like to make an on-the-ground contribution to your local community then joining our Town Team is a great place to start.”
The City Renewal Authority commissioned place makers Spaced Out to identify improvements, events and actions that could strengthen the Dickson community and make the area more active, accessible and attractive.
Spaced Out managing director David Snyder agreed that Town Teams could have a big impact in Dickson.
“We are really excited and confident about the future of the Dickson Town Team,” Mr Snyder said.
“Dicksonians have a lot of pride in their suburb and it’s a very capable community, so a Town Team makes a lot of sense.
“Town Teams play a huge role in activating town centres in other parts of Australia. In Western Australia, Town Teams coordinate large festivals, weekly food markets, urban art projects and street murals. The Vic Park Collective Town Team has even developed an urban forest strategy.”
To get involved in the Dickson Town Team please contact Jason Mann at jhay@mydickson.com.au
The City Renewal Authority is supporting the establishment of the group by funding Spaced Out Placemakers, PLACE Laboratory and the Town Team Movement organisation to provide set-up support and advice.
The draft Dickson Place Plan, which will identify events, activations and public realm upgrades to improve the Dickson Group Centre, will be released for community feedback later this year.
- Statement ends -
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