On Wednesday 24th August a group of more than 30 community representatives came together to start a process overseen by the CFbD team.
Deb Langridge, the project officer from Health Cities Illawarra along with Associate Professor Geoff Woolcock and Prue Walsh from the Griffith University prepared a presentation that reviewed the progress of the project so far.
We then enjoyed a short DVD prepared by the NSW Commission for Children and Young People of children talking about the places they like to play and the things they like to do. It was a great reminder that experiences that stretch the imagination and/or pose a physical challenge are more important to kids than a piece of "Fantastic Plastic" that quickly becomes boring.
The challenge to our group was to look at the map of the 2528 area (Warilla, Lake Illawarra, Barrack Heights and Mt Warrigal) and using our experience and some photos taken by Deb and Tessa to jog people's memories, highlight The Good, The Bad and The Ugly places for children to play. The contributions from Community Police Officers Ben and Dave, Park and Play Coordinator Lynne, Jenny Mahony and other participants who have lived and worked in the area for many years helped to confirm some of the team's assumptions about where the hot spots are.
Over delicious sandwiches, cheese and fruit plates there was much lively discussion. Finally we all had a chance to vote for a shortlist of sites that a working group will examine in more detail and begin the process of consulting with the children and young people.
This is an exciting time and the beginning of another great C4C inspired activity. If you missed out on the workshop but would still like to get involed, make sure you contact Deb debra@healthyillawarra.org.au she will be happy to bring you up to date and include you on the working group.
Tessa
