By Belinda Nolan
A COMMUNITY newsletter, business conference and awards scheme for good neighbours are among a barrage of ideas residents suggested during Brimbank’s inaugural Ideas Day.
Nine people met with Brimbank’s administrators on 8 November to air their concerns and grievances and bend their ears on their vision for the municipality.
A community compiled newsletter, a tidy streets campaign and community awards topped the wish list of residents, while safety fears, police numbers and exercise and education opportunities emerged as key concerns.
Other ideas included a campaign to encourage residents to shop and dine in the municipality and a conference to bring the city’s businesses and services together.
Each presenter was allocated 20 minutes to meet with administrators face-to-face during the consultation day.
Chief administrator Peter Lewinsky said the Ideas Day had been so successful, council was planning to take it on the road in 2011 to meet residents one-on-one.
“Talking to our community about the issues which affect them is very important to us, and since our arrival we have engaged with the community in a variety of ways, including listening posts, local district forums and issue specific meetings,” Mr Lewinsky said.
The council will sift through the ideas to determine whether they are feasible.
