Pumpkin soup was the after-meeting fare.
GEURIE VILLAGERS and district residents turned out in force last Sunday afternoon to endorse the formation of Geurie Village & District Association Incorporated.
The attendance book attracted 32 locals who opened their purses and wallets to pay membership fees immediately after the meeting.
With the adage of “many hands make light work” adopted as the motto guiding the new Association, incoming president Belinda Edmondson said the newly formed group will squarely focus on long-overdue investment into the provision of services, infrastructure, and amenities in the postcode of 2818.
“Regular informal morning tea gatherings of the older-folk in the village will bring back the lost connection and community that can happen in modern society,” she said.
“Potholes throughout the Geurie district were also mooted as an ongoing maintenance issue.”
During the meeting a dedicated executive and committee were elected to lead the Association’s mission of driving progress while protecting the unique character of the area.
Belinda Edmondson was elected president, Claire Booth secretary, Raelene Graham treasurer and Madeleine Cannon publicity officer.
Committee members: are Katrina Sheridan and Craig Whiteley.
The Association has established a clear, seven-point framework to guide its operations, focusing heavily on strong governance, community engagement, and local advocacy.
The formal objects of the Association are:
1. Advocacy and Representation: To act as the primary representative body for the Geurie village and district in dealings with federal authorities, state authorities, and Dubbo Regional Council, ensuring the adequate provision of services, infrastructure, and amenities.
2. Transparency and Governance: To promote transparency, accountability, and the efficient delivery of projects and services by the Dubbo Regional Council and other relevant authorities for the broad and timely benefit of the area.
3. The Public Register: To maintain a structured framework and public register to identify, document, and monitor the status of infrastructure requirements, maintenance tasks, and service obligations.
4. Public Forum and Information: To provide a non-political, transparent forum for members to discuss issues, voice concerns, and share information relevant to the district.
5. Preserve Local Character and Community Spirit: To foster community spirit, cooperation, and social well-being while protecting the unique rural character, heritage, and natural environment of Geurie for current and future generations.
6. First Nations Engagement: To acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and actively seek the participation and perspectives of local First Nations people in the Association’s advocacy and community projects.
7. Independence and Neutrality: To operate as a voluntary, non-partisan, and non-sectarian organisation, ensuring actions remain focused solely on the interests of the Geurie village and district.
Once formalities concluded, a warming community soup dinner was held at the Geurie Bowling Club, with locals breaking bread with elected representatives, Federal Member for Calare Andrew Gee, State Upper House representative Stephen Lawerence and Council mayor Josh Black.
The next meeting of the Association will be Sunday, July 5 from 4pm to 5pm at the meeting room in The Mitchell Inn.
Publicity Officer, Madeleine Cannon said all residents who live in the 2818 postcode were welcome to join as members and attend.
“We look forward to what we can achieved with a positive mind set and local people power,” she said.