Community input to shape future of recreation in West Wimmera
Published on 22 October 2026
West Wimmera Shire Council is collecting community feedback and health and recreation data to help shape new initiatives for children and young people across the municipality.
The work is part of Close to Home, a two-year project aimed at creating more equitable and sustainable opportunities for people aged 0 to 25 to be active, connected and involved in community life close to home.
The project will explore ways to make sport, recreation and other activities more accessible to young people.
Council is now collecting local data and feedback to better understand the needs of West Wimmera communities.
This information will help identify barriers to participation and guide the development of future initiatives.
Consultation will begin with schools across West Wimmera next week.
Council will also meet with community groups, health organisations and other stakeholders.
Community members are encouraged to take part and share their ideas.
The first two community sessions will be at Apsley Hall at 7.30pm on Wednesday 28 October and at the Goroke Community Complex at 7.30pm on Thursday 29 October.
Both sessions are open to anyone who wants to contribute. Further sessions in other areas of the shire will be announced as they are confirmed.
Council is also preparing a community census to collect information about health, wellbeing, sport and recreation across the municipality.
The census will help establish a baseline of local data to guide future planning.
Council Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout said local knowledge and reliable data would be important in shaping the project's direction.
“We don't currently have data specific to West Wimmera that tells us about the health, wellbeing and recreational opportunities available to our communities,” he said.
“Collecting this information, alongside feedback from local people, will help us understand what is working, where the gaps are and what changes could make a real difference for children and young people.”
The information collected during the initial stage will help Council identify priorities and develop trial initiatives early next year.
The first initiatives are expected to begin rolling out in term 2, 2027.
Close to Home is supported by $200,000 in funding through VicHealth's Partners in Place program.