• Update March 2025

• Update November 2024

PRIORITY PROGRAMS

Following a period of consultation with Mansfield Shire Council and community groups, the Delatite Valley Association (DVA) proposes to progress several programs.

These programs are consistent with the purposes of the DVA and build on the desire of members and the community to improve the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the community. We invite feedback from all who are interested.

As Council's draft Delatite Valley Plan is due to be released by January 2025, having a set of priorities will help with this process.

1) Information Hub

The DVA will engage with Council and other relevant agencies on planning, development and infrastructure with the purpose of identifying and communicating about matters relevant to the Delatite Valley community and any likely impact.

The DVA will engage with community groups, social services organisations and other relevant agencies on welfare, access, affordability and services relevant to the Delatite Valley community with the purpose of improving community wellbeing.

The result will be an online information hub ensuring that all community members have access to information that may affect them.

2) Amenities and Culture

Consensus exists around a desire to improve community amenities for residents and visitors with appropriate consideration of the unique history and culture of the Delatite Valley.

As a result the DVA is seeking funding for a feasibility study to develop a river park in Merrijig that would centre on the Delatite River at Omega Street. The proposed park may extend via a pedestrian bridge across the river connecting both banks and opening up green space for community use.

3) Delatite Valley Access

Active engagement in, and lobbying for, improving transport and access links, including public transport and cycling

4) Community get-together

Most likely in the form of a periodic market that would provide opportunities for local groups to raise funds and also to provide an outlet for local producers and makers. A range of other activities to engage the community and visitors could be incorporated over time. The DVA are aiming for the first get-together to take place in early 2025.

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• Update 30 June 2024

COMMUNITY DROP IN SESSION – SUNDAY 15 TH SEPTEMBER 2024 -11.30AM

A drop-in session for the Merrijig community and Delatite Valley in general will be held on Sunday 15th of September at 11.30am at the Merrijig Public Hall, in relation to the new FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) service currently available throughout the Mansfield Shire.

The Council will outline the FOGO initiative provide hand out information on the service, provide free kitchen caddies for collection, and assist with any questions people have in relation to the service, how this can benefit them and how they can opt-in for the service.

All welcome.

(An initiative of the Mansfield Shire Council in conjunction with Delatite Valley Association. Inc.)

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• Link to Association rules

• Link to membershiap geographical area

Update 30 June 2024

The committee elected at the AGM on 15 May, 2024 met for the first time on Sunday June 30 to commence work on establishing community priorities. First up the committee will meet with representatives of Council to be clear on any activities underway that affect the Delatite Valley, such as the proposed 20 year Delatite Valley plan.

Consultation will also take place with existing groups in the Valley to ensure we build on established efforts and work together.

The committee's goal is to identify a set of priorities that are realistic and actionable prior to year end.

The committee comprises Mary Dunn (President), David Ritchie (Vice-President), Kevin Hogarth(Secretary), Eliza Foster (Treasurer) and general committee members Des Dunn,Dan Flynn, Linda Rippingille, Nick Whitby and Ross May.

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Prior Updates:

UPDATE 15 May 2024

The inaugural annual general meeting of the Delatite Valley Association unanimously supported motions to:

            • modify the 'Purposes' contained in the model rules to reflect feedback from community consultation;

            • adopt the qualification for membership criteria, including geographical area;

            • adopt an annual membership fee of $20;

            • set the committee size at nine members.

Full details of the Association rules can be found HERE

Purposes

The purposes of theAssociation are to improve the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the community, including but not limited to:

(a) Through collaboration, harness the collective strength and unity of the Community;

(b) Advocate for and represent the members of the Association in relation to significant planning, development, environmental, agricultural and heritage matters;

(c) Promote and support awareness of the region's culture and history and endorse its preservation;

(d) Advocate for new and/or improved amenities and infrastructure and support community interests;

(e) Seek funding opportunities from all levels of government and other sources; and

(f) Regularly consult with Mansfield Shire Council to pursue the purposes of the Association.

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UPDATE 24 April 2024

The Delatite Valley Association Inc. Committee has been working on revisions to the Rules of the Association to reflect matters raised and discussed at the inaugural meeting.

The DVA is aiming to hold its first AGM at the Sebel, Pinnacle Valley on Wednesday 29th of May 2024 and will send formal Notice of the Meeting to members in the next few weeks.

At the meeting, a special resolution will be proposed that revises the standard rules to better define among other things:

·       Qualification for Membership

·       The geographical region of the Association

The Delatite Valley community is encouraged to sign up for membership. Take note that interested members must have joined at least ten (10) business days prior to the AGM (ie 15th of May) to be in a position to vote.  Application form HERE.

We are also seeking nominations from members for committee positions.  These must be received at least 14 days prior to the AGM  (ie 15th May) including a short bio/summary of why members should consider you for a general or executive specified Committee position.

Dan Flynn

Secretary –Delatite Valley Association Inc.

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Update and request for comments 27th February 2024

Dear community members,

Since the community voted to establish the Association in December 2023 your committee has been working to present the proposed Association purposes and membership framework to you. Two separate sub-committees were established to consider these important aspects.

The recommendations of these sub-committees were presented to the full committee on 26 February and we are now asking the community for your thoughts on these proposals.

We would like to have your responses by Friday 22 nd of March please, prior to a proposed AGM, where these recommendations will be voted upon.

NB: To vote you will need to be a registered member prior to the AGM. A membership form is available HERE

Please let us know your opinions and thoughts to delatitevalleyassociation@gmail.com

Thank you for your participation and assistance with the establishment of what we believe is an important addition to our community.

We welcome new members to the Association. No membership fees will apply until after the AGM.

Mary Dunn – President (Delatite Valley Association Inc.)

Delatite Valley Association Inc. proposed Purposes (full committee consensus)

1. Through collaboration, harness the collective strength and unity of the community

2. Advocate for and represent the community in relation to significant planning, development, environmental, agricultural and heritage matters

3. Promote and support awareness of the region’s culture and history and endorse its preservation.

4. Advocate for new and or improved amenities and infrastructure and support community interests.

5. Seek funding opportunities from all levels of government and other sources.

6. Regularly consult with Mansfield Shire Council to pursue the purposes of the association.

Delatite Valley Association Inc. proposed membership framework (committee consensus not achieved on voting criteria)

Membership Criteria

• Ratepayers

• Residents of 3+ years (to provide proof)

• Minimum age 18 years

• 1st Nation membership – proxy member of Tarungurung Land and Water Council

• Associate Membership – anyone with interest in the Delatite Valley region - but unable to vote, however can attend meetings and receive member communications

Voting Criteria

• One vote per household

Important note on Voting Criteria

• The committee recognised that there are two potential models and did not reach consensus

1) One vote per household. This model proposes that it most equitable that all households have a single vote;

2) One vote per member. This model proposes that all financial members (excluding associates) would have a single vote and proposes that all residents/ratepayers should have this right.

• Community Group/Association in Delatite Valley- one vote from chosen proxy of that organisation with no pecuniary interest

• All members have 1 vote and all votes are equal

Membership fee

• Annual fee of $20