We're a small group of locals interested in connecting community and government
Mount Alexander Shire is special
We think Mt Alexander is a pretty awesome community, with some of the most diversity in any regional area. We believe that diversity makes us stronger and old and new together makes us better. We believe we need to meet everyone's needs, not just the loudest.
We're independent and volunteer run: Why are we doing this?
A bunch of locals has been meeting over the years to talk about Democracy through bigger events, forums and informal gatherings facilitated by Democracy for Dinner. From that group a small group of people got together to see if they could reach a wider audience and help bring a range of different parts of our community together. At this stage Bryn Davies & Simon Smallchua are doing the leg work, with advice & ideas from various people, however, we'll need more help to bring all of this to reality.
We have no funding, no political alignment or policies we want to push.
Democracy is great, but it's only as good as the connection between voters, community groups and our various arms of government. Local councils have a direct impact on day to day lives of people but also struggle with budgets, funding, and a misunderstanding of their role. At the same time, we want people to represent us who will work hard, listen, engage with community, and change their mind if they need to.
These are the kinds of challenges that have encouraged us to do something.
We have short and very long-term goals (see below!) to encourage grass roots communities to step forward, drive change and keep government to account.
We are starting in 2024 to amplify community voices and to encourage people to run for council in the October elections.
(We are exploring with the Mount Alexander Shire Council on whether they can partner with us on some of this, so if they can - will let you know!)
Our short and very long term goals
This year
- Community members who feel more connected to the Council election process, what Council does and who is standing
- Candidates who are well connected with their local communities running in every ward
Medium term
- Councillors able to do their job better due to better connection and engagement with local communities
- Council staff, leadership and Councillors are working together well
Longer term
- A community that is well connected to their council understands its role and is able to engage and influence
- An elected council that is derived from and deeply engaged in their local communities