Representatives from across Collie’s various sectors have been selected to lead a fresh conversation about Collie’s future, as part of the Operation Next Gen program.
The program has been developed specifically for rural towns wanting to take control of their own destiny and strengthen their future prospects, by entrepreneur advocate Kerry Anderson, who has been working closely with the group.
Advisory committee member Sarah Stanley said while the program would be guided by Kerry, using her experiences from other places, it was really up to the Collie community to empower new leaders to help shape Collie’s own destiny.
“New and exciting conversations will be taking place with new people in new places,” she said.
Operation Next Gen Collie ‘ambassadors’ leading the conversation include; James Abbot, Brant Edwards, Brianne Farr, Jodie Hanns, Mystique Hillier, Jasmine Hulls, Jarrod Martin, Tyron Massara, Wil Massara, Erik Mellegers, Regan Old, Jo Stanley, Ash Stewart, Natasha Ugle, Katie van den Brand, and Rebecca Woods.
Advisory committee member Julie Hillier said she was exited to be involved in the long-term planning for Collie’s future.
“We will focus on how we can stimulate entrepreneurship, youth connections, leadership, and self-investment to build upon our rich history and ensure that Collie continues to be a great place to live and work well into the future,” she said.
The ambassador group met for the first time on Friday 26 May at the Museum and then took a tour around town to reflect on how they may be able to generate new ideas to take Collie forward.
The next day the ambassadors took part in a workshop at Harris River Estate.
Advisory committee member Jodie Hanns is focused on a prosperous future for the town.
“Innovation and change comes from seeing a problem, finding a solution and working together to make it happen,” she said.
There will be the opportunity for community members to join in as the ambassadors start sharing their plans with the wider community and putting them into action.
Ideas already identified through the recent community consultations, and a youth survey conducted in May, will contribute to the conversation.
As part of the program, Collie’s ambassadors will have the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and network with other rural community leaders across Australia and overseas.
The Operation Next Gen program is a two-year project that is being funded by the Collie and District Community Branch of the Bendigo Bank.
