$250,000 awarded to Central Hawke's Bay

By the end of the year, a much-needed Community Development worker will be appointed to help support the elderly, local Marae, and improve Economic Development for Central Hawke’s Bay, says CHB District Council’s Communication advisor, Shelley Burne-Field. 

“Council is thrilled to secure funding of $250,000 over three years from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) for a joint initiative to employ a Community Development worker to help empower our community.”   Other stakeholders involved in the project are Central Health, Anglican Care, Age Concern, Grey Power, Enliven, CHB Promotions, Taiwhenua o Tamatea, and local Police.

Shelley says that based on previous research, existing statistics, and submissions to Council, the three areas above were identified as needing immediate support. 

“Initially, a Positive Ageing Forum will be set up, a strategy for the CHB economy will be developed, and local hapu/marae will be supported.  This also includes supporting the exciting new Waipukurau Community Marae project.”

The Community Development worker will also work closely with government agencies, the District Health Board, and the public to address gaps in the health and social service areas in Central Hawke’s Bay.  These gaps are being identified by the current ‘CHB Solutions’ project and the information will be released in the next few months detailing where improvements in our local health and social services systems can be made.

It is the first time the Community Development Scheme has been awarded to Central Hawke’s Bay, and key to its success is finding the right person for the job; somebody passionate about empowering our Central Hawke’s Bay community to support and sustain our people and our district.  The position will be advertised in September 2010.