Embedded Files
How did the Paterson Community Builders program start?
How did the Paterson Community Builders program start?
The Community Builders Program is a leadership and networking experience and initiative being implemented within rural and remote Australia by Rural Aid and the Bank of I.D.E.A.S. Locally the team is lead by Julie Overton, Zoltan Lyall, Andrew Overton, Leah Gale and Jacky Keena.
It started as a six-month program that seeks to motivate and empower local residents to become more involved in building their community and its economy. In mid 2024, Rural Aid ran a series of ‘Cluster Muster’ workshops throughout Dungog Shire. The Paterson Session 1 was held on Tuesday 13th August 2024 at the Paterson School of Arts. Steph Walsh (Rural Aid) and Peter Kenyon (Bank of I.D.E.A.S.) presented a session titled “Creating Community Organisations in which people want to be involved”. Peter guided us through creating strong and inclusive organisations an how to:
create an environment where people want to contribute and make a difference to something they care about.
get more people involved in local Community organisations.
create a welcoming inclusive environment where people have fun and make a difference.
get people involved so they feel as if their time is valued.
to appreciate and recognise people for difference they make.
create an environment where young people want to get more involved in the Community.
In the weeks after this workshop a meeting was held at the Paterson Tavern and was attended by approximately 30 people interested in making things happen for Paterson. We introduced ourselves, the reason/s we were interested, and some of the skills and experiences we bring to the table.
More workshops were held across the Dungog LGA in 2024 by Rural Aid, introducing the participants to amazing and innovative entrepreneurs from across Australia, and to get us excited about making a difference in our communities.
In April 2025, Paterson was a hive of activity at the Community Opportunity Workshop. The School of Arts Hall was buzzing with energy, enthusiasm and conversations, encouraged and facilitated by Steph Walsh and Peter Kenyon from Rural Aid. Ideas from residents aged from a 6 year old to our oldest participant of 88 years of age. It was clear from the people who attended that we have a community who are committed to making things happen for Paterson, while keeping a deep respect for the amazing history.
The photos entered into the Paterson Photography exhibition displayed during the Community Opportunity Workshop were ponder over by attendees, and even the youngest photographers were able to see their entries with great pride.
Following the Community Opportunity Workshop, and focus group meetings with local groups, the Paterson Community Action Plan was drafted and is currently in the stage of being prepared for print.
Page updated
Report abuse