All posts by : Mark Norfolk

The Jeder Institute recently ran a one day “Foundations of Asset-Based Community Development” (ABCD) course at the iconic Maryborough Town Hall as part of a FRRR initiative.

It was for groups who have assets, people, networks, buildings, skills and ideas.  It was about how to make the best use of those assets in engagement, connection and building community.

Attendees learnt a lot about how to identify, engage and build on our community assets, individuals and groups. MVRG members were present and all agreed it was a terrific day where the knowledge gained will enhance their initiatives moving forward.

FRRR workshops are always brilliant and the MVRG strongly recommends them to everyone. The highly skilled facilitators regularly work across the world and Australia  There will be more opportunities coming down the track. 

It is important to highlight the critical work that our local nfp organisations do across the shire. The MVRG is committed to realising and identifying through film those organisations. The Maryborough Street Harvest group provide support, necessary resources and a proactive approach to sustainable practices that can benefit all of us.

The MVRG is initiating a series of short films that highlight NFP groups across the shire because so many do not know what actually goes on in our shire. This is the first one featuring the Maryborough Community Garden, an initiative driven by passionate people who believe that community delivers through a common purpose.

We visited the Maryborough Community Garden group at work in their temporary base in Spring Street, where they grow and nurture vegetables and herbs for their community. Even though it’s a small plot they produce kilos of veggies each year. Please visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MaryboroughCommunityGarden/

to check in with what they are up to and see if it’s something you’d be interested in. Another example of the vast network of Maryborough volunteers who work hard and selflessly for all of us right across the shire.

A very well attended Energy Breakthrough Kitchen Table Conversation event was held at the Community Hub. Thank you to those that turned up and contributed with their thoughts and ideas for the future of Energy Breakthrough in Maryborough. This was an important event, bringing community members together sharing ideas and having their voices heard.

Our Maryborough and Surrounds community is well on it’s way in its FRRR journey. We’ve had the announcement of our facilitator, Alistair Shaw and together we look forward to refining our roadmap working together as a community for the betterment of all our NFP members. There will be exciting times ahead that will bring a lasting positive effect for all of us.