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COMMUNITY NEEDS ANALYSIS

2011

The Coorong District Council area will be recognised for its cohesive community, prosperous economy and unique and highly valued environment.

Community Needs Analysis

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Executive Summary The Community Needs Analysis investigates and assesses current and future community needs so that future directions are targeted to meet local priorities in the most equitable, effective and efficient way within the parameters of Councils role and available resources. The key issues with regard to the Councils population and demographics trends are population decline, population ageing, the degree of remoteness and isolation and the higher than average degree of socioeconomic disadvantage across the district. The Council has shown a commitment to addressing these issues in its mission statement, goals, strategies and actions contained in the Strategic Management Plan 2008-2012. Community Services and Social Development in the Coorong District Council The Coorong District Council makes direct contributions towards several community service providers and directly supports existing community services and facilities. Overall, Council expenditure towards community services and facilities is $607,461. This includes $128,000 for Home and Community Care (HACC) Services, $73,150 towards Council community services and grant schemes, $22,508 towards other community service providers and $383,803 towards community facilities. Councils income from community services and facilities includes $130,600 from grants and $49,550 from use of community facilities, totalling $180,150. Community Needs Analysis Process Key stakeholders to be consulted as part of the Community Needs Analysis were initially identified as Service Clubs, Progress Associations, Development Groups, Community Service Providers and Schools. These community service providers and community group personnel were recognised as providing a wide and diverse array of members who were best able to provide an overview of their community and its needs. The community survey was drafted on the basis of the feedback provided at the stakeholder and community group meetings. The survey was designed to be thought provoking and the ultimate aim was to not lead the community members in any one particular area of community services but to have the community consider all aspects of community services and social development within the Council district. The stakeholder and community group consultation resulted in a range of proposed initiatives in the areas of Transport and Access, Community Services, Sport and Recreation, Tourism, Grants, Volunteers, Youth Services, Health Services and Childcare. The results of the survey indicate there is widespread support for Council to increase its contribution towards community services and social development. Furthermore, there was support for Council to employ a dedicated Community Officer. There was less clarity in the potential role this person may undertake however the following list prioritises the areas of work a Community Officer may undertake: Aged Care; Assisting Community groups and committees; Youth Services; Tourism and


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Economic Development; Grant Writing; Adult Education; Transport and Arts & Culture. Strategic Directions Section 6 of the report provides analysis and commentary of the current situation (Section 4) and the results of the consultation initiatives (Section 5) to clearly identify the strategic directions and objectives that will meet the community service and social development needs of the community. The strategic directions will provide for the foundation of the development of relevant and effective actions and initiatives. The objectives and strategies for Council must be compatible with the objectives and strategies of other community service providers in the district. Several of the key Strategic Directions identified are already contained in Councils Strategic Management Plan. However the list has been expanded to cover all the areas of Community Needs. This expanded list should be included in Councils new Strategic Management Plan which will be developed later in 2011. The Strategic Directions generally fall under Councils Goal of: Enhancing the quality of life of the community by encouraging health, well being and

safety. The Strategic Directions required as a result of the Community Needs Analysis report are:

To maintain Councils commitment to the Tailem Bend Community Centre and other community learning and gathering places.

To focus on an advocacy and coordinating role with regard to promoting community education opportunities across the district.

To assist in promoting and raising the profile of community and health service providers across the district.

To promote collaboration, communication and networking between community service and education providers across the district.

To foster a strong relationship with the young people of the district by directly supporting and coordinating youth programs and opportunities.

To respond to the challenge of an ageing population. To maintain Councils commitment to delivering the Home Modification and

Maintenance Program. To maintain Councils commitment to the Murray Mallee Community

Transport Scheme. To advocate on behalf of the community for improved transport services

across the district. To provide a wide range of sporting and recreational facilities. To maintain Councils commitment to its Community Events, Grants and

Donations Program. To seek and pursue external funding opportunities that meet Councils

Strategic Directions. To recognise and celebrate the essential role of volunteers for the social

sustainability of local communities. To develop and implement initiatives that will enhance investment, commerce

and investment potential across the district.


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To further enhance Councils relationship with the local Indigenous Community.

To create a Community Liaison Officer role. Recommendations and Action Plan

The following Action Plan contains the key recommendations for Council to consider as a result of the investigations, consultation and process undertaken for the Community Needs Analysis. The Action Plan is proposed to meet the strategic directions.

Employment of Community Liaison Officer It is recommended that Council include a 0.8 FTE Community Liaison Officer (CLO) in the 2011-12 Budget. The selection process for this position can occur in order for this role to commence as soon as possible in the next Financial Year. The budget expenditure for the salary, including on costs, for the position will be approximately $57,000. There will also need to be further expenditure of approximately $10-13,000 to support the officer for training, materials and other costs to implement the role. The employment of the CLO with the roles and responsibilities listed in Section 6.11 will ensure many of the Strategic Directions and Key Actions identified in Section 6 are met. For this to be ensured, an appropriate Job Description will need to be drafted which lists the objectives, aims and key result areas of the position. Community Organisation Budgetary Support The following actions will ensure Councils continued support of various community organisations.

Continue the auspicing arrangement for the Tailem Bend Community Centre (TBCC) Home and Community Care (HACC) funding. This does not require a direct Council financial contribution.

Deliver an expanded Home Modification and Maintenance Program. The budget for this program in 2011-12 will be in the vicinity of $52,000. This does not require a direct Council financial contribution.

Continue to support the Coonalpyn Communication Network (Coonalpyn Hub) with a $6,000 contribution towards operating costs in 2011-12 in recognition of the role the Coonalpyn Hub plays in the community as a meeting place and source of information.

Increase funding support of the Murray Mallee Community Education Network (MMCEN) to $7,500 in 2011-12 in recognition of the social development and educational opportunities it provides.

Maintain Councils commitment to the Mallee Murray Community Transport Scheme (MMCTS).

Community Grant Schemes

Continue the Community Events, Grants and Donations Program with a $40,000 contribution to this program per annum.

Youth Services

Include $20,000 in the 2011-12 Budget as Councils contribution to the Youth Bus Initiative.


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Executive Summary

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Contents

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1. Introduction 1.1 Methodology

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2. The Local Government Context 2.1 The Local Government Act 1999 2.2 Resourcing Social Development in Local Government 2.3 Commonwealth and State Government Policy Directions 2.5 Summary

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3. The Coorong District Council 3.1 Background 3.2 Strategic Directions 3.3 Demographic and Socio Economic Characteristics 3.4 Summary

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4. Community Services and Social Development in the Coorong District Council 4.1 Councils Current Role in Community Service Provision 4.2 Councils HACC Services 4.2.1 Tailem Bend Community Centre 4.2.2 Home Modification and Maintenance Program 4.2.3 Workforce Development and Minor Capital 4.3 Council Contributions to Other Service Providers 4.3.1 Murray Mallee Community Transport Scheme 4.3.2 Coonalpyn Communication Network (Coonalpyn Hub) 4.3.3 Murray Mallee Community Education Network 4.3.4 Murray Mallee Aged Care Group 4.3.5 Murraylands Be Active Field Officer Program 4.4 Community Services and Facilities Provided Directly by Council 4.4.1 Coorong Community Links Advisory Group 4.4.2 Youth Services 4.4.3 Community Group Grant Applications 4.4.4 Community Events, Grants and Donations 4.4.5 Indigenous Community Liaison and Development 4.4.6 Tintinara Aged Care Homes 4.4.7 Health Centres 4.4.8 Libraries 4.4.9 Town Halls 4.4.10 Sport and Recreation Facilities

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4.4.10.1 Coonalpyn Swimming Pool 4.4.10.2 Ovals, Parks and Gardens 4.4.11 Summary 4.5 Community Service Providers in the Coorong District Council 4.5.1 Tailem Bend Community Centre 4.5.2 Coonalpyn Communication Network (Coonalpyn Hub) 4.5.3 Murray Mallee Community Education Network 4.5.4 Murray Mallee Community Transport Scheme 4.5.5 Coorong Health Service 4.5.6 Murray Mallee Aged Care Group 4.5.7 Tumake Yande Aboriginal Aged Care Group 4.5.8 Coorong Housing Association 4.5.9 Murraylands Be Active Field Officer Program 4.5.10 Summary

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5. Community Needs Analysis Process 5.1 Stakeholder and Community Group Consultation 5.1.1 Transport and Access 5.1.2 Community Services 5.1.3 Sport and Recreation 5.1.4 Tourism (incorporating Arts and Culture) 5.1.5 Grants 5.1.6 Volunteers 5.1.7 Youth Services 5.1.8 Health Services 5.1.9 Childcare 5.1.10 Summary 5.2 Community (Householder) Survey 5.2.1 Locality 5.2.2 Sex 5.2.3 Age 5.2.4 Community Services 5.2.5 Councils Roles in Community Services and Social Development 5.3 Summary

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6. Future Strategic Directions 6.1 Community Services and Social Development 6.2 Youth Services 6.3 Aged Services 6.4 Transport and Access 6.5 Sport and Recreation 6.6 Grants 6.7 Volunteers 6.8 Tourism and Economic Development (incorporating Arts and Culture) 6.9 Health Services 6.10 Indigenous Communities 6.11 Community Liaison Officer

57 57 59 59 60 61 62 62 63

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6.12 Summary of Strategic Directions

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7. Recommendations and Outcomes

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8. References/Bibliography

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9. Appendices Appendix 1 Community (Householder) Survey

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1.0 INTRODUCTION At Councils meeting held in January 2010, it was resolved to undertake a workshop to define Councils role and function in the areas of sport and recreation, community services, community development, arts and culture, economic development and tourism (Minute 005/10). This resolution aimed to ensure Council achieved Action 4.10.1.1 of the Coorong District Council 2009-10 Annual Business Plan. Council subsequently held a workshop for Elected Members and Senior Staff on Friday 19 March 2010. The aim of the workshop was to consider and define Councils role in relation to Community Services and Community Development in accordance with Councils Strategic Management Plan 2008-2012. The workshop was facilitated by Donna Ferretti (Donna Ferretti and Associates) on behalf of Council. Council identified that its role and function in relation to various community services is generally either:

direct, where it provides staff, funding, resources and in kind support, coordination, where it assists in coordinating a service, or advocate, where it advocates on behalf of the community.

Minute Action Item 170/10 arose from this workshop and it was resolved at the April 2010 Council meeting: That Council proceeds with a Needs Analysis across the district with regard to Community Services and Community Development. The above minute item was listed as an action in Councils 2010-11 Annual Business Plan under Goal 4.10 and Strategy 4.10.2. The Community Needs Analysis is an important social planning initiative. According to Gould, Heylan and Carnegie (2002; 4), social planning is about planning to improve well being and quality of life in local communities. In order to undertake the Community Needs Analysis, a small working group of Council staff was formed. This group consisted of:

Timothy Tol (Deputy CEO/Director Sustainable Development). Tim was the Project Manager for the Community Needs Analysis project.

Wendy Ziersch (Sustainable Development Project Support Officer). Wendy was the Project Officer for the Community Needs Analysis.

Nat Traeger (Director Corporate and Community Services). Nat was the Project Manager from July to November 2010.

Jim Quinn (Environmental and Community Health Officer) and Liz Crane (Tailem Bend Community Centre Coordinator)

Donna Ferretti (Donna Ferretti and Associates) was also part of the working group. Donnas role was to provide expert advice, mentoring and guidance throughout the process. Donnas positive feedback, suggestions and assistance was much appreciated by all the Council staff.


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1.1 Methodology The proposed methodology to complete the Community Needs Analysis has been based on undertaking a Strategic Planning process.

Strategic Planning is about making choices and considering future options for the community and taking actions now to achieve desired outcomes.

Strategic Planning is a way to identify and move towards desired future states. It is the process of developing and implementing plans to reach goals and objectives. Strategic planning requires leadership to clearly define what is to be achieved, what obstacles might be faced, how goals and objectives will be achieved, and how to make it all happen. Planning is not simply a task, it is a way of setting directions and managing change. The strategic planning process undertaken focuses on community services and social development within the Coorong District Council The following are key elements of a strategic planning process that were considered relevant for the Community Needs Analysis: Assessing the Current Situation Prior to Council being able to make any decision about its future involvement in community services and the resources required, there is a requirement to make an assessment of the current situation. This involves looking for threats and opportunities, reviewing Council's strengths and weaknesses, undertaking an assessment of Councils services and activities, identifying other service providers in the district and undertaking an assessment of their services and activities. This analysis should provide a vast array of information about Community Service delivery in the district leading to: 1. Identification of the issues and opportunities for which strategies/resources are needed. 2. Identification of the environmental, social and spatial context in which the community

service delivery will take place. Section 4 of this report, titled Community Services and Social Development in the Coorong District Council aims to identify and assess current community services and social development opportunities within the Council area. Consultation Consultation with community and key stakeholders is a cornerstone to any effective planning process. During the process of undertaking the Community Needs Analysis semi structured interviews and workshops were held with key stakeholders, including community service providers, community groups, service clubs and local schools. An important forum for the consultation with community service providers has been the Coorong Community Links Advisory Group (CCLAG). CCLAG is made up of many key community service providers within the Council district and so acts as a key point of entry into better understanding the needs of the community and identifying gaps in provision. On completion of the key stakeholder interviews and workshops, Council was in a more informed position to undertake a survey of all households within the district. The interviews and workshops also assisted in the process of developing suitable questions to ask of the


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community via the survey. The distribution of the survey enabled all households in the Coorong District Council an opportunity to participate in the Community Needs Analysis consultation process. The results of the interviews, workshops and community survey are contained in Section 5 of this report, titled Community Needs Analysis. The Council would like to acknowledge the input of all the community groups and stakeholders during the process as well as those community members who provided input in the community survey. The input from the community is integral to the success of this project. Establishing Objectives & Strategies The analysis of the current situation and the results of the consultation initiatives provide the mechanism to clearly identify the core objectives in order to meet the community service and development needs of the community. The objectives are intended to provide the foundation for the development of relevant and effective strategies and resource allocation. The objectives and strategies for Council must be compatible with the objectives and strategies of other community service providers in the district. Section 6 of this report, titled Future Strategic Directions establishes some of the key objectives and strategies that have been identified through the Community Needs Analysis process. Formulating Action Plans Action plans will require prioritisation and adequate resourcing. The action plan will be the recommendation presented to Council following the completion of the needs analysis and will be based on the objectives and strategies identified during the process. The action plan and recommendations are contained in Section 7 of this report.


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2.0 THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CONTEXT In recent decades Local Government has emerged as an important local and regional area planner and has taken on roles of catalyst, facilitator and direct provider of community services. These roles make important contributions to social development in local communities. The important role Councils undertake in social development has been recognised in the current Local Government Legislation. 2.1 The Local Government Act 1999 The roles, functions and objectives of Councils are set out in the Local Government Act 1999 which forms the basis of the legislative framework within which Councils operate. The role of a Council (Section 6) includes the following:

to provide and coordinate various public services and facilities and to develop its community and resources in a socially just and ecologically sustainable manner;

to encourage and develop initiatives within its community for improving the quality of life of the community; and

to represent the interests of the community to the wider community. The objectives of a Council (Section 8) include:

participate with other Councils and with State and Commonwealth Governments in setting public policy and achieving regional, state and national objectives;

ensure a proper balance within its community between economic, social, environmental and cultural considerations; and

seek to provide services, facilities and programs that are adequate and appropriate, and to ensure equitable access to its services , facilities and programs.

Whilst there are no specific requirements in the Local Government Act for social planning and community development, there are clear themes and expectations that Councils will adopt a strategic approach to the delivery of services, underpinned by the provisions relating to roles and objectives. To meet these requirements, social planning in some form needs to be a key component of Councils overall strategic plans. Councils social planning is important because in addition to meeting the legislative requirements above, it ensures a planned approach to addressing local social issues, integration and co-ordination of services, and the most effective and efficient use of valuable community resources (City of Mitcham, 2004: 4). 2.2 Resourcing Social Planning and Community Development in Local Government Commonwealth Government policy directions and support through major national funding programs were catalysts for Local Governments involvement in social development. In some cases, program funding has been directly provided to Councils (for example, Libraries) and more recently, programs have been developed jointly through State, Commonwealth and Local Government involvement and resourcing (for example, Home and Community Care Programs, arts and cultural development.)


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Other than grant funding for specific purposes, Councils primary source of finance is rate revenue. This means that the extent and range of services provided vary from Council to Council depending on its geographic location and size, funding base, local priorities, service delivery orientation, and community needs. Increasingly also, the user pays principle is being applied to supplement Councils resource base and to ensure the ongoing provision of services. This approach is consistent with the Commonwealth Governments policy direction on welfare reform and the concept of mutual obligation. There is an increased reliance on the non-government sector and volunteer programs for community support services. In particular, volunteer efforts support the notion of social capital and contribute significantly to social sustainability in local communities (City of Mitcham 2004: 5). In more recent times, Councils have raised issues about compounding financial pressures, within a climate of community expectation of keeping rates low. Some reasons for these pressures are reported as follows.

State and Commonwealth Governments transferring functions to Councils without adequate resources this transfer is commonly referred to as cost shifting.

Cessation of funding for existing programs, requiring Councils to make up the shortfall for the continuation of programs.

The need to comply with ever increasing financial and regulatory demands from the State Government.

Shortfall in the revenue required for ageing infrastructure under the care and control of Councils.

In addition the Coorong District Council needs to maintain a very large road network in a safe and trafficable condition as well as maintain and improve other infrastructure assets to acceptable standards including footpaths, lighting, stormwater drainage, community wastewater management schemes (CWMS), street trees and plantings, open space and Council properties. The maintenance and/or renewal of ageing infrastructure, and associated risk, financial planning and liability management, is a major issue relevant to the Coorong District Council. The Coorong District Council is making a concerted effort in the 2011-12 financial year to get its asset management and long term financial planning aligned, based on contemporary management techniques, robust data collection and strategic planning. 2.3 Commonwealth and State Government Policy Directions There has been a clear policy shift from the provision of care and community services being the role of the government sector to that of individual responsibility. The issue associated with the increase in neoliberal modes of government where responsibility for the provision of community services is increasingly passed onto individual citizens is individual citizens in areas of socio-economic disadvantage are less capable of taking on this responsibility. This has been compounded in the Coorong District Council by the difficult economic circumstances brought about by the recent drought, putting further pressure on Council and the community. Some of the key shifts in policy directions are as follows.

The concept of mutual obligation (referred to in 2.2 above) building peoples capacity to actively contribute and participate in aspects of life.


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Assisting people to age in place staying in their own homes longer with support services rather than providing supported accommodation. Councils Home Modification and Maintenance program meets this policy direction.

Social inclusion policies of the State Government fostering a better understanding of the experience of disadvantage, and ways to tackle entrenched disadvantage.

Incentives for taking up private health cover aimed at reducing the pressure on public health funding.

Superannuation provisions in employment contracts ensuring income in retirement rather than reliance on an aged pension.

Trends towards an integrated whole of government approach recognising that policies and decisions have an impact across government functions.

Involving people in decision making and prioritising service needs (City of Mitcham, 2004: 5-6).

2.5 Summary The Coorong District Councils social planning and community development role is undertaken within the context of wider Commonwealth and State government policy directions, and it is therefore necessary to consider the context of these directions. The key objective of the Community Needs Analysis is to investigate and assess current and future community needs, so that future directions are targeted to meet local priorities in the most equitable, effective and efficient way within the parameters of Councils role and available resources.


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3.0 THE COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL 3.1 Background The Coorong District Council was formed in May 1997 following the amalgamation of the District Councils of Peake, Coonalpyn Downs and Meningie. The Council area comprises land within regions generally known as the Murraylands and the Upper South East. A diverse range of primary production industries operate within the District, including cropping, livestock (sheep, cattle, pigs, poultry), dairying, commercial fishing, aquaculture, horticulture and mining. The Council is within the Murraylands Riverland RDA and is a member of the Murray and Mallee Local Government Association. The Council is within both the SA Murray Darling NRM Board and the South East NRM Board areas. The principal office of Council is located at Tailem Bend. Council also has offices at Meningie and Tintinara.


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3.2 Strategic Directions The following Vision, Mission and Councils core values were adopted as part of The Coorong District Council Strategic Management Plan 2008-2012 in June 2008.

Vision Statement Councils vision for the district.

The Coorong District Council area will be recognised for its cohesive community, prosperous

economy and unique and highly valued environment.

Mission Statement Councils business purpose and role in contributing to the Vision.

The Coorong District Council is committed to:

Responsibly managing the natural and built environment with the aim of attaining sustainability.

Facilitating economic prosperity, sustainable growth and employment throughout the district.

Enhancing the quality of life for the community by encouraging health, well being and safety.

Providing leadership for the community and ensuring efficient and effective management of the communitys resources.

The Coorong District Council Strategic Management Plan 2008-2012 also contains several goals, strategies and actions that pertain specifically to community and social development. They include:

Goals Strategies

3.1 Enhancing the quality of life of the community by encouraging health, well being and safety

3.1.1 To maintain Councils commitment to the TBCC and other community learning and gathering places

3.1.2 To maintain Councils commitment to the Murray Mallee Community Transport Scheme

3.1.5 Further enhance Councils relationship with the local indigenous community.

3.1.7 To foster a strong working relationship with the young people of the district.

3.1.8 Respond to the challenge of an ageing population.

4.10 Have appropriate organisational capacity to ensure effective and efficient fulfilment of responsibilities

4.10.1Optimally structured and resourced organisation to appropriately reflect its role and functions.

4.10.2Specify Councils role, responsibility, service provision, organisational arrangements and funding levels for the districts community services.


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In addition to the above goals and strategies, there are several actions in the Strategic Management Plan 2008-2012 that the Community Needs Analysis aims to address, these include: Action 4.10.1.1 Define the Councils role and function in the areas of sport and recreation,

community services (health, transport, education, youth, aged, disabled, multiculturalism, community engagement/liaison, indigenous relations, crime prevention), community development, arts and culture, economic development and tourism.

Action 4.10.1.2 Assess current allocation of responsibilities, reporting arrangements and

level of resources and ensure responsibility and all roles and activities are assigned to appropriate staff.

Action 4.10.1.3 Development of an appropriate organisational structure that will meet the

needs of the Council and the community. Action 4.10.2.1 Prepare a report which details Councils current position with regard to its

role, responsibility, service provision organisational arrangements and funding levels for the Districts community services.

Action 4.10.2.2 Consider options for Councils role, responsibility, service provision,

organisational arrangements and funding levels with regard to community services and determine a preferred option.

3.3 Demographic and Socio Economic Characteristics Population & Age Profile

1996 2001 2006

Age Group Number % Number % Number %

0-4 years 472 7.9 403 7.1 365 6.5

5-14 years 1,032 17.3 885 15.6 853 15.2

15-19 years 312 5.2 359 6.3 310 5.5

20-24 years 323 5.4 239 4.2 259 4.6

25-34 years 824 13.8 638 11.3 585 10.4

35-44 years 881 14.8 892 15.8 795 14.2

45-54 years 829 13.9 789 13.9 816 14.5

55-64 years 595 10.0 690 12.2 813 14.5

65-74 years 456 7.7 439 7.8 458 8.2

75-84 years 167 2.8 252 4.5 288 5.1

85 years & over 62 1.0 74 1.3 73 1.3

TOTAL 5963 5660 5615

Median Age 35 38 40

Source: ABS, Community Profile Series, 2006 Census

The population within the Coorong District Council declined by 6% (348 persons) between 1996 and 2006. This trend of declining population is also evident in the population projection below. The Coorong District Council is aiming to address this population decline with the aim of facilitating population growth.


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A significant change in the age profile of the population is the ageing population. This is evident in the median age of the Coorong District Council population increasing from 35 in 1996 to 40 in 2006. The median age in 2006 for South Australia was 39 and Australia was 37. Population Projections

Population Projection

5000

5200

5400

5600

5800

population 5721 5587 5425 5248

2006 2011 2016 2021

Source: Planning SA

The population projections undertaken by Planning SA (now Department of Planning and Local Government) indicate a steady reduction in population. The projected population decline from the 2006 census population to 2021 is approximately 8%. This is contrary to the State wide trend of population increase. Township Populations

2001 2006 2001-2006 2006

Town Population Population % Change Median Age Tailem Bend 1391 1457 5% 43

Meningie 902 940 4% 43

Tintinara 271 257 - 5% 45

Coonalpyn 209 231 11% 40 Source: ABS, Community Profile Series, 2006 Census

The only township that experienced population loss during the period 2001 to 2006 was Tintinara. When considered alongside the overall population trends noted above, the majority of population decline is occurring in the rural regions of the district. Indigenous Population

The Coorong District Council has a significant Indigenous population making up approximately 6% of the population in 2006. This proportion of Indigenous population is much greater than the State average. Raukkan, an Indigenous community, is located on the Narrung Peninsula within the Council district. The Coorong District Council area is part of the traditional lands of the Ngarrindjeri.

1996 2001 2006 Indigenous Persons Number % Number % Number %

TOTAL 289 4.9 284 5.0 315 5.6



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Birthplace, Language and Citizenship

1996 2001 2006

Birthplace Number % Number % Number %

Australia 5433 91.3 5081 89.8 4851 86.4

Elsewhere 368 339 390

Language spoken at home

English Only 5721 96.0 5305 94.0 5212 93.1

Other 132 147 145

Australia Citizen 5671 95.3 5357 94.6 5147 91.7


The above table indicates the population of the Coorong District Council is not culturally diverse with the majority of residents being English speaking and born in Australia. Of those residents born elsewhere, 194 (50%) were born in the United Kingdom. The major language spoken at home other than English was Australian Indigenous Languages. Other Statistics

Internet Use In 2006 51% of dwellings were connected to the internet compared with the state average of 56% of dwellings. Of those connected to the internet 73% were dial up connections and 19% were on broadband. Selected Averages During the period 1996 to 2006 the median individual income increased by 62%, family income increased by 68% and household income increased by 40%. However there was also a corresponding increase in rent and housing loan repayments of 50%. Incomes, repayments and rent is significantly less in Coorong compared to South Australia overall.

Coorong South

Australia

1996 2001 2006 2006

Median individual income ($/weekly) 229 300 372 433

Median family income ($/weekly) 505 691 848 1,103

Median household income ($/weekly) 461 566 645 887

Median housing loan repayment ($/monthly)

433 477 650 1,018

Median rent ($/weekly) 50 65 75 150

Average number of persons per bedroom

1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1

Average household size 2.7 2.5 2.4 2.4


The Coorong District Council is identified as an outer regional area indicating a moderate level of remoteness and isolation. There is a high degree of socio-economic disadvantage which is reflected in the significantly lower median individual, family and household incomes when compared with averages across the State.


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Dwellings, Tenure & Households In the 2006 Census:

There were 2,293 occupied private dwellings counted in the Coorong District Council area. 92.3% were separate houses, 2.5% were semi-detached, row or terrace houses, townhouses etc, 1.4% were flats, units or apartments and 3.8% were other dwellings.

40.7% of occupied private dwellings were fully owned, 26.0% were being purchased and 25.3% were rented. In South Australia, 33.7% of occupied private dwellings were fully owned, 33.5% were being purchased and 25.6% were rented.

67.2% of occupied private dwellings were family households, 26.1% were lone person households and 1.8% were group households.

3.4 Summary The key issues with regard to the Councils population and demographics appear to be population decline, population ageing, the degree of remoteness and isolation and the higher than average degree of socio-economic disadvantage. The Council has shown a commitment to tackling these issues in its mission statement, goals, strategies and actions contained in the Strategic Management Plan 2008-2012.


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4.0 COMMUNITY SERVICES AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL Sections 4.1 to 4.4 outlines Councils current role in the provision of Community Services and facilities. Section 4.5 provides an overview of other Community Service providers within the Coorong District Council area. 4.1 Councils Current Role in Community Service Provision With regard to Councils role in Community Service Provision it is generally either i) direct, where it provides staff, funding, resources and in kind support; ii) coordination, where it assists in coordinating a service; or iii) as an advocate, where it advocates on behalf of the community. The Council receives Home and Community Care (HACC) Funding, some of which it auspices on behalf of the Tailem Bend Community Centre (TBCC) and some of which is used to deliver the Home Modification and Maintenance Program (HMMP). Councils role with regard to the TBCC and HMMP is primarily as a Coordinator but it also provides some direct support. The Council provides direct support to the Mallee Murray Community Transport Scheme, Coonalpyn Learning Hub, Murray Mallee Community Education Network, Murray Mallee Aged Care Group and the Murraylands Be Active Field Officer Program. However, each of these organisations are managed by groups other than Council. Council also provides direct support for the;

Community Group Grant Application Scheme Community Events, Grants and Donations program Indigenous Communities Liaison and Development Tintinara Aged Homes Tintinara and Coonalpyn Health Centres Community Libraries Town Halls and Sporting and Recreation facilities.

The Council assists in coordinating the Coorong Community Links Advisory Group and directly supports, as well as, coordinates funding for youth services. The Council has played a key role in supporting its community through the recent drought and water issues associated with Lake Albert, Lake Alexandrina and the River Murray by advocating on behalf of the community for additional funding, programs and political support on a range of initiatives aimed at assisting the community. Council has recently advocated on behalf of the community to assist the Keith Hospital in trying to reinstate State Government funding. Sections 4.2, 4.3 and 4.4 provide on overview of the above roles where Council directly supports or coordinates community services and social development. 4.2 Councils HACC Services The Council currently receives Home and Community Care (HACC) funding through the Department of Families and Community Services. The HACC funding Council receives goes towards the Tailem Bend Community Centre (TBCC) and also a Home Modification and Maintenance Program (HMMP). In total, Council receives $120,000 for the TBCC and HMMP and an additional $2000 towards Workforce Development and Minor Capital. In early 2008 Council, in collaboration with the Meningie and Tailem Bend Hospitals, sought to change the way the HACC funding to Council was allocated. Prior to the 2008-09 Financial


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Year, Council auspiced HACC funding that was used by the two Hospitals. It was determined that this HACC funding should be directed straight to the Hospitals to remove Council from being accountable for the Hospitals funding. This has resulted in a much more efficient process for Council and the Hospitals. The result being that Council is now only responsible for the HACC funding it auspices for the TBCC and to coordinate the HMMP. In February 2011 the Department for Families and Communities announced its additional approved HACC programs for 2010-11. The Coorong District Council has been successful in obtaining a further $85,000 recurrent HACC funding for the TBCC and Home Modification and Maintenance Program (HMMP). The HACC funding currently available for the areas of Council that include Meningie, Coonalpyn and Tintinara are managed by the Coorong Health Service through the Meningie Hospital. However, given the recent announcement of additional HACC funds Council is keen to distribute some of this additional funding into these areas of its district. 4.2.1 Tailem Bend Community Centre In 2001, a partnership between the Tailem Bend Community Centre (TBCC), Tailem Bend Hospital and the Coorong District Council was successful in obtaining ongoing funding from Home and Community Care (HACC). The funding was used to run a range of programs at the hospital and TBCC and also enabled the TBCC to employ a Coordinator for four (4) days per week. The Coorong District Council auspices the Centres HACC funding and acts as the host employee for the Coordinator. Council does not directly contribute any of its own funds towards the operation of the TBCC and employment of the Coordinator. Councils budget for the TBCC for the 2010-11 financial year is identified in the following table.

Tailem Bend Community Centre Expenditure 2010-11 Budget ($) Coorong Health Links (Programs) 26,747 Staff Wages (including on costs) 61,253 TOTAL 88,000 Income HACC Funding 88,000 Council Contribution 0

4.2.2 Home Modification and Maintenance Program The Home Modification and Maintenance Program (HMMP) is coordinated by Councils Environmental and Community Health Officer. Council adopted the Home Modification and Maintenance Policy that includes the aims and objectives of the HMMP in May 2008. The aim of the HMMP is to provide modifications and maintenance to the homes of people who are frail, aged or have a disability, so they can stay in their homes. The implementation of the HMMP is in accordance with the policy and is reliant on the Coorong District Council receiving appropriate HACC funding to maintain the program. Residents can only access the HMMP through referral from the local hospitals. The Councils HMMP Budget for 2010-11 is below.


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Home Maintenance and Modification Program Expenditure 2010-11 Budget ($) HMMP 32,000 Carry Forward from 2009-10 6,000 Income HACC Funding 32,000 Council Contribution 0

The total expenditure for the HMMP in 2010-11 will be $38,000. It should be noted that the demand for this program is high and Council could easily expend more funds than it has allocated. The following table indicates the breakdown of expenditure regarding the HMMP in the 2009-10 financial year. It should be noted that the expenditure of the HMMP is reliant on demand and needs and therefore the amount spent in any location may fluctuate over time.

Expenditure Home Maintenance 2009-10 Budget ($) Tailem Bend 10,516 Meningie 4,170 Tintinara 1,230 Coonalpyn 1,675 Coomandook 850 KI KI 80 East Wellington 2,055 Home Modification Tailem Bend 30,358 Meningie 8085 Tintinara 0 Coonalpyn 0 Coomandook 1,213 Total Expenditure 60,232

The Meningie Hospital covers Tintinara and Coonalpyn districts with regard to HACC funding which includes some Home Modifications. This explains why referrals from that area are virtually non-existent in the above table. 4.2.3 Workforce Development and Minor Capital In the 2008-09 Financial Year, Council first received HACC funding for Workforce Development and Minor Capital. In 2010-11, Council received $2000 of this funding. This funding has primarily been used for training opportunities for the TBCC Coordinator, TBCC volunteers and the Environmental and Community Health Officer, all of whom implement HACC programs.


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4.3 Coorong District Council Contributions to Other Community Service Providers The Council makes contributions toward other community service providers in the district, including the Murray Mallee Community Transport Scheme, Coonalpyn Communication Network (Coonalpyn Hub) and the Murray Mallee Community Education Network. Further explanation of the role and services offered by these groups is provided in Section 4.5. 4.3.1 Murray Mallee Community Transport Scheme (MMCTS) The Council contribution to the MMCTS in 2010-11 was $6908, which is in accordance with the MMCTS Regional Subsidiary Charter. The Coorong District Council, as host Council for the MMCTS, also provides all corporate support functions and, more specifically;

Human resource support, including payroll administration; Accounting service, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking,

receipting, asset management, procurement, monthly reporting, annual financial audit and statement preparation; and

Use of premises without charge or lease. It is estimated that Councils in kind support for the MMCTS is $10,000 per annum. 4.3.2 Coonalpyn Communication Network (Coonalpyn Hub) At Councils meeting in April 2009 it was resolved to consider including a $6000 contribution in Councils 2009-10 Budget to the Coonalpyn Hub for operating costs. This contribution was subsequently included in the 2010-11 Budget. It should be noted that the Coonalpyn Hub has received funding through the Community Grants, Events and Donations rounds of funding in the previous two financial years. This funding went towards ongoing operating costs, which is not in accordance with the criteria for that funding. It was more appropriate for Council to make a contribution towards the Coonalpyn Hub in its operating expenditure. This funding is not an ongoing commitment by Council but is considered during budget deliberations each financial year. Council did receive budget submissions for the 2010-11 budget seeking additional Council support for the Coonalpyn Hub for employing a Coordinator, as well as a proposal for Council to lease the Coonalpyn Hub premises. Further explanation of the services provided at the Coonalpyn Hub is outlined in Section 4.5.2 of this report. 4.3.3 Murray Mallee Community Education Network (MMCEN) At Councils meeting in April 2009 it was resolved to consider including a $6,500 contribution in Councils 2009-10 Budget to MMCEN so it can increase the hours of the MMCEN Coordinator to support the improvement of education opportunities across the region. This was subsequently included in the 2010-11 budget. This funding is not an ongoing commitment by Council but is considered during budget deliberations each financial year. An informal condition of Councils funding of MMCEN was that all funded MMCEN courses should be delivered at locations other than Tailem Bend. The reason for this is that the TBCC is already over burdened by courses and educational opportunities and Council recognised that MMCEN can cater for the need for educational opportunities in its smaller townships. Since 2009, only one MMCEN course had been held in Tailem Bend. This was a Courage, Confidence and Charisma Youth course held in October 2009. The reason this was held in Tailem Bend is


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that participants for this course were travelling from Pinnaroo, Lameroo and Karoonda and Tailem Bend was a central location to hold this course. Section 4.5.3 outlines the role of MMCEN, its history and the courses they have offered throughout the Coorong District Council area. 4.3.4 Murray Mallee Aged Care Group The Coorong District Council makes a quarterly contribution to the Murray Mallee Aged Care Group. This contribution is based on the number of aged care clients provided a service during each quarter. The contribution of Council for 2010-11 is estimated to be $1,100 based on the first three quarterly contributions. Further explanation of the Murray Mallee Aged Care Group is outlined in Section 4.5.6 of this report. 4.3.5 Murraylands Be Active Field Officer Program The Coorong District Council is a proud supporter of the Murraylands Be Active Field Officer Program. This initiative improves the communitys wellbeing through a coordinated involvement in sport and recreation activities throughout the region. Councils contribution to the Be Active program is $2,000 per year plus an additional $1,500 per year in kind support. Further explanation of the Be Active program is outlined in Section 4.5.9 of this report.


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4.4 Community Services and Facilities Provided Directly by Council The Council directly provides a range of other community services and facilities in the area of youth and grant applications as well as the Tintinara Aged Care Homes and Sport and Recreation Facilities. The Council also has a Coorong Community Links Advisory Group which it coordinates. 4.4.1 Coorong Community Links Advisory Group The Coorong Community Links Advisory Group (CCLAG) was initially established as a Section 41 Committee of Council. The then Committee originally administered the Coorong District Councils HACC program. However the scope of the committees work varied from that purpose over time and in July 2007 the Council resolved that the Committee be reconstituted as an advisory body of Council. In January 2008 a new Terms of Reference was adopted by the CCLAG. The aim of the CCLAG is to support the achievement of social development objectives by providing advice to The Coorong District Council in relation to collaborative and co-ordinated approaches for the delivery of aged care and disability services and other community issues. The CCLAG were consulted as part of the Community Needs Analysis, this consultation is detailed in Section 5 of this report. The CCLAG objectives include:

To facilitate and maintain information networks to gain a greater collective understanding of community issues.

To promote collaborative approaches and partnerships between organisations to address community services issues in the District.

To demonstrate leadership through identifying current service delivery needs and emerging issues in the District, and exploring opportunities to address relevant gaps through relevant organisations.

To provide advice to The Coorong District Council on current and emerging social development issues relevant to the District.

To support advocacy efforts and represent the priority needs of the Districts communities to relevant agencies and spheres of government.

The membership of the CCLAG consists of at least one member from each of the following groups and organisations:

Coorong Health Service. Murray Mallee Community Transport Scheme. Tailem Bend Community Centre. Ngarrindjeri community. The Coorong District Council. Murray Mallee Aged Care Group. Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre. Department of Health and Ageing (Commonwealth). Murray Mallee Ageing Taskforce. Office for the Ageing (State).

Other representatives may be invited to join the committee from time to time to consider relevant to community issues, such as youth, education, safety and security, transport and accommodation.


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The CCLAG meets quarterly and is chaired by Liz Crane, the Tailem Bend Community Centre Coordinator. Meeting locations, agendas and minute preparation and organising meetings is undertaken by Council staff. 4.4.2 Youth Services In total there were 1422 persons in the Coorong District Council aged less than 24. Councils youth demographic at the 2006 Census highlighted a large number of younger children, 5-14 (59%), than the age group of 12 24 (40%) whom are generally targeted by the State Governments Youth policy. Council youth programs should have regard to these demographic statistics. In 2010/11, Council will be involved in the National Youth Week during April 2011. Some of the activities that Council has been and/or will be involved in for Youth include; subsidised food handling training, "healthy and safe food" find-a-word and poster competition, poster winner display, Tintinara Under the Stars Toy Library Experience, and Cinema in the Coorong. Funding has been provided for 2 Blue Light Discos with an additional amount of $400 from the Mayor's discretionary budget directed towards the Youth disco held in the Tailem Bend Town Hall after the Christmas Parade of 2010. Other youth related activities include undertaking the PetPep program in the local schools, participation in the Murraylands Career Expo and providing colouring and activity story books promoting environmental awareness. A recent initiative of Council has been setting up a Sports Library Program, this program allows local community groups and schools to book sports equipment for special events and youth engagement activities. The Council is also looking at being part of a regional Dodge Ball competition with the Mid Murray District Council, Rural City of Murray Bridge, District Council of Karoonda East Murray and the Southern Mallee District Councils. The Dodge Ball competition will be organised in conjunction with the Be Active program (refer Sections 4.3.5 and 4.5.2). In 2010 Council undertook a Youth Survey to gain an insight into the issues and gaps in youth services within the Council area to try and improve the services that are available to our youth. The following is a summary of the results of the youth survey. Youth Survey The Councils website hosted an electronic form which yielded 12 online surveys, the three Council offices had 100 surveys per location and the return boxes yielded a total of 34 surveys. This resulted in a total of 46 returned surveys from a potential cohort of 1422, being a 3.2% return rate. The age of respondents to the survey ranged from 10 to 23, with 71% of respondents being aged between 13 and 16. Only 27 of the respondents indicated their location, of which 17 (63%) were from Meningie. Barriers to participating in recreational and youth events was the heavily weighted to one area, being access to transport. 38% of responses indicated that transport was a major barrier to participating in youth based recreational events, followed equally by the cost of attending (15%) and the fact that most events are not held locally (15%). The responses to the survey reflect the high number of surveys returned from the Meningie area. The three main areas that the youth of Meningie would like to see addressed are the provision of a Skate Park, Community Swimming Pool and more Youth Facilities.


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It was hoped that the survey would inform Council of the activities that the youth wanted to see organised for each township instead of the infrastructure they would like to see. However, the feedback is useful and may assist Council in planning for future infrastructure. As a result of the survey the Councils Environmental and Community Health Officer became a member of the Murraylands Youth Bus Steering Committee, the youth bus being an initiative that may be able to provide additional youth services and support across the Murraylands district. Youth Bus Initiative The Youth Bus initiative will provide a service to youth within the region. Participating Councils include Mid Murray District Council, the District Council of Karoonda East Murray, the Southern Mallee District Council, the Coorong District Council and the Rural City of Murray Bridge. Other organisations represented on the steering committee are, School and Beyond, ICAN (DECS), Headspace Murray Bridge, the Murray Mallee Division of General Practice and the Office for Sport and Recreation through the Be Active program. It is intended that the youth bus will travel within these Council areas on a predetermined route, stopping at the major towns for possibly a week at a time with the option to then travel to the smaller nearby towns and their schools delivering a variety of programs. The bus will provide a unique focal point for agencies, workers, school staff and community organisations to utilise in the delivery of various events or activities. For the Youth Bus initiative to achieve its maximum potential, input from as many local workers as is possible is being sought. This input will be in the form of nominating for activities that may benefit local youth and can be delivered from this unique venue. Ultimately, the bus will repeat the same circuit around the region visiting perhaps 3 or 4 times in the year. Ongoing local support from the various service providers and stakeholders will ensure the success of this initiative. As the project is still in the planning stage, early expressions of interest will enable a program of services with dates and regions to be drawn up, as well as providing confidence for the project organisers to proceed to the next level of planning. The youth services provided through Council are currently coordinated by Councils Environmental and Community Health Officer. Whilst the Environmental and Community Health Officer does an exemplary job coordinating the youth services it is recognised that this service should not be the responsibility of the Environmental and Community Health Officer. Councils 2010-11 budget for youth services is below.

Youth Services Expenditure 2010-11 Budget ($) Meningie Youth Centre 1,500 Youth Week Activities 1,500 Youth Activities General 3,000 Income National Youth Week -1,500 YAC -3,000 Council Contribution 1,500


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4.4.3 Community Group Grant Applications At Councils meeting in October 2007, it was resolved to contribute towards a regional community grants officer position with Dynamic Project Delivery on a 12 month trial basis. Council subsequently agreed to fund 10 grant applications at a value of $1250 each in a Service Agreement with Dynamic Project Delivery. This was on a one-to-one basis whereby Council would sponsor half the cost of the application and a community group would fund the other half. There have been three funding submissions lodged as part of the Councils Community Grants Application Scheme with Dynamic Project Delivery prior to 2010-11. Unfortunately, none of them have been successful. It should be noted, however, that Dynamic Project Delivery have lodged funding submissions for five community groups in the Council District outside of the scheme since July 2007. All of these applications were successful resulting in a total of $221,280 in grant funding being spent in the Council area. In Councils 2010-11 budget $6250 is allocated towards this program. This equates to sponsorship for 5 community grant applications. So far, $2,500 of this allocation has been spent in the 2010-11 financial year. Whilst Dynamic Project Delivery has an excellent and successful record with regard to grant applications, the scheme Council has implemented has not been successful. 4.4.4 Community Events, Grants and Donations The Council has a Community Events, Grants and Donations Policy. This policy is intended to provide a framework for Council to allocate its funds in an effective and equitable manner. The purpose of these grant funds are for projects and activities that focus on the development of local communities, encourage groups to take a more active and visible role in the life of the community, and create opportunities for wider community participation. Applicants are only eligible for funding once per financial year and Councils maximum contribution is $5,000 per application. The Council has allocated $44,000 in its 2010-11 budget to community events, grants and donations across the district. Council calls for nominations generally in March and September each year to encourage Community Groups to submit applications for this funding. At Councils meeting in November 2010 the first round of Community grant funding for 2010-11 was approved, this included: Community Group Amount ($) Meningie Cricket Club 2,500 Coonalpyn Golf Club 2,500 Tailem Bend Lions Club 1,000 Tintinara Bowling Club 3,000 Tailem Bend Tennis Club 2,000 Meningie Progress Association 2,600 Borderdowns Football Club (Coonalpyn) 2,000 Tailem Bend Cricket Club 3,500 Tintinara Lions Club 2,700 TOTAL FUNDING 21,800


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The following grant applications were approved by Council in the 2009-10 financial year. The budget for Community Events, Grants and Donations was $40,000. Community Group Amount ($) Tintinara Tennis Club 5,000 Coonalpyn Communication Network (Hub) 1,500 Tailem Bend & Districts Development Program Inc 1,845 Salt Creek Community Emergency Response Team 3,228 Meningie Pony Club 4,126 Meningie Aero Club 2,850 Meningie Progress Association 578 Coorong Cottage Industries 4,500 Tintinara Pony Club 5,000 Meningie Cheese Factory Museum Inc 500 Peake Community Centre Inc 3,000 Lilkafest Camping & Musical Festival 2010 2,500 Tailem Bend Primary School Library Board 2,500 Tailem Bend Christmas Parade Committee 1,000 Coonalpyn Tennis Club 2,137 Meningie Football Club 2,500 KiKi Pastime Club Inc 5,000 Sherlock Community Centre Inc 3,000 Meningie Netball Club 2,000 TOTAL FUNDING 52,764

4.4.5 Indigenous Communities Liaison and Development Council provides a budget allocation of $5,000 in the 2010-11 Budget to assist local indigenous persons to attend conferences. So far, none of this allocation has been expended. 4.4.6 Tintinara Aged Homes The Coorong District Council owns four aged home units located on Wendt Terrace, Tintinara, two of which are resident-funded and two are subject to rental agreements. The units are managed by the Tintinara Aged Homes Committee, which is a Section 41 Committee of Council under the provisions of the Local Government Act 1999. Councils budget for the Tintinara Aged Homes is presented below.

Tintinara Aged Care Homes Expenditure 2010-11 Budget ($) Maintenance 11,900 Income Rent -4,100 Council Contribution 7,800

4.4.7 Health Centres Council maintains and rents the Health Centres at Coonalpyn and Tintinara as well as the H&R Centre at Tintinara. The Coonalpyn and Tintinara Health Centres are leased to the Coorong Health Service and is used by doctors and specialists to provide health services to the community. The Tintinara H&R Centre adjoins the Health Centre but is a separate entity. It is run by a Council Committee and is used in an ad hoc basis by community groups.


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Councils Budget for the Health Centres and H&R Centre is below.

Health Centres & H&R Centre Expenditure 2010-11 Budget ($) Coonalpyn Health Centre 15,150 Tintinara Health Centre 18,240 Tintinara H&R Centre 8,650 Income Coonalpyn Health Centre -10,045 Tintinara Health Centre -10,045 Tintinara H&R Centre -500 Council Contribution 21,450

4.4.8 Libraries Council is advised by the Public Library Service what Councils annual population based contribution for each library will be. This is paid directly to the libraries. The Council contributions for 2010-11 are in the table below. The Tintinara Library includes a sub-branch or depot at Coonalpyn. Council makes a further contribution of $9,973 for library depot attendant salary. This amount is not reimbursed from any other government body and is a pure contribution by Council to the service. The library depot attendant is a Council employee. Councils budget in 2010-11 for Libraries is below.

Libraries Expenditure 2010-11 Budget ($) Meningie Library 14,000 Tailem Bend Library 17,000 Coomandook Library 7,050 Tintinara Library 10,600 Coonalpyn Library Attendant 9,973 Income Meningie Library -800 Tailem Bend Library -3,300 Coomandook Library -900 Tintinara Library -460 Council Contribution 53,163

4.4.9 Town Halls The Council maintains several halls across the district, these are used by the community for a range of events and activities. These halls provide a central meeting place for community groups and are used for community functions and events apart from the Meningie Hall. The Meningie Hall is leased by Coorong Cottage Industries and is used as a tourist information centre and for craft sales. The expenditure on halls is generally broken up between maintenance and operational costs. Income is generated by use of the halls, the fees for use of the halls are listed in Councils Fees and Charges schedule. Councils Budget for Town Halls is below.


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Town Halls Expenditure 2010-11 Budget ($) Tailem Bend Hall 21,250 Coonalpyn Hall 10,250 Tintinara Hall 10,700 Meningie Hall 5,250 Moorlands Hall 2,330 Income Tailem Bend Hall -2,000 Coonalpyn Hall -1,600 Tintinara Hall -1,600 Meningie Hall -5,200 Moorlands Hall -300 Council Contribution 39,080

4.4.10 Sport and Recreation Facilities The Council maintains and provides several sporting and recreational facilities on behalf of the community, including the Coonalpyn Swimming Pool, Ovals and Parks and Gardens. 4.4.10.1 Coonalpyn Swimming Pool The Coonalpyn Swimming Pool is open from mid-November to mid-March. It is run by a Section 41 Committee of Council. Council employs casual Swimming Pool Attendants during the entire opening period of the pool as well as a year round caretaker. The hours of operation are -

Weekdays - 4 to 6 pm Weekends and Public Holidays - 2 to 6 pm

Councils budget for the Coonalpyn Swimming Pool is below.

Coonalpyn Swimming Pool Expenditure 2010-11 Budget ($) Canteen 4,100 Maintenance 10,500 Operational 33,750 Income Canteen -3,800 Fees -7,800 Council Contribution 36,750

Tailem Bend, Meningie, Coomandook and Tintinara also have swimming pools at the local schools. These pools are generally available for use by the community depending on qualified volunteers being present. VAC swim and other similar programs are offered at these pools (as well as Coonalpyn). Swimming Pools are generally a very costly asset for Councils to establish and maintain. The annual cost for operating a new swimming pool with paid lifeguards would approximately equate to at least a 1-2% rise in Council rates. 4.4.10.2 Ovals, Parks & Gardens


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There are five ovals across the district that Council maintains. They are located at Coonalpyn, Meningie, Peake, Tailem Bend and Tintinara. Council also maintains parks and gardens in each township as well as playgrounds. These areas not only provide a venue for sport and recreation but also add to the amenity and character of townships. Councils expenditure for maintaining ovals, parks and gardens for 2010-11 is $185,010. 4.4.11 Summary The Coorong District Council makes direct contributions towards several community service providers as well as directly supports community services and facilities. The following table provides a summary of all Council contributions towards community services and social development.

Coorong District Council Contribution Towards Community Service Providers, Social Development and Community Facilities 2010-11

Expenditure

($) Income

($) Comments

Tailem Bend Community Centre (TBCC)

88,000 88,000 Auspiced funding on behalf of TBCC, provided Coordinators salary as well as HACC programs.

Home Modification and Maintenance Program (HMMP)

38,000 32,000 The $6,000 Council contribution in 2010-11 is carryover funding from 2009-10.

Workforce Development & Minor Capital

2,000 2,000 Used to assist developing skills of staff who are involved in coordinating HACC programs.

HACC Services 128,000 122,000 Murray Mallee Community Transport Scheme (MMCTS)

6,908 Council also contributes approximately $10,000 in corporate, HR and accounting support.

Coonalpyn Learning Hub 6,000 Direct support goes towards general operating expenses.

Murray Mallee Community Education Network (MMCEN)

6,500 Direct support assists with employment costs of Coordinator and to support community educational opportunities across the district.

Murray Mallee Aged Care Group

1,100 Quarterly contribution based on services used by CDC residents.

Murraylands Be Active Program

2,000 Plus $1,500 in kind support.

Other Community Service Provider Contributions

22,508

Youth Services 6,000 4,500 Youth services generally revolve around

Youth Week activities as well as assisting with Blue Light Discos.

Community Group Grants 6,250 Scheme developed in 2008, has not been successful.

Community Events, Grants & Donations

44,000 Successful program of assisting community groups with events and grants up to $5,000.

Indigenous Community Liaison & Development

5,000 Has not been utilised. Will need to be brought to local indigenous communities


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Coorong District Council Contribution Towards Community Service Providers, Social Development and Community Facilities 2010-11

Expenditure

($) Income

($) Comments

attention in future if contribution continues. Tintinara Aged Care Homes

11,900 4,100 Four aged care homes based in Tintinara

Contribution Towards Council Schemes

73,150 8,600

Coonalpyn Health Centre 15,150 10,045 Currently leased to the Coorong Health

Service. Tintinara Health Centre 18,240 10,045 Currently leased to the Coorong Health

Service. Tintinara H&R Centre 8,650 500 Generally used by community groups as a

meeting place. Libraries 58,623 5,460 Expenditure based on Public Library

Service agreement. Town Halls 49,780 10,700 Important meeting and event places for the

community. Coonalpyn Swimming Pool 48,350 11,600 Expenditure is for maintenance and

operation of the pool. Ovals, Parks & Gardens 185,010 1,200 Maintenance of community infrastructure

and assets is a major expenditure item. Council Facilities 383,803 49,550 TOTAL 607,461 180,150


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4.5 Community Service Providers in the Coorong District Council The following is an overview of Community Service Providers in the Coorong District Council area. These include:

The Tailem Bend Community Centre The Coonalpyn Learning Hub Murray Mallee Community Education Network (MMCEN) Murray Mallee Community Transport Scheme Coorong Health Service Murray Mallee Aged Care Group Tumake Yande Aboriginal Aged Care Group Coorong Housing Association Murraylands Be Active Field Officer

4.5.1 Tailem Bend Community Centre (TBCC) Section 4.2.1 outlines Councils involvement in auspicing funds on behalf of the TBCC. However the TBCC has a proud and long history in providing community services in Tailem Bend. The TBCC was established in 1987 by a group of like-minded, committed community members who volunteered their time and skills to develop a central meeting place for all community members. The aim was simple create a kind and welcoming place, central to the community, where people would feel comfortable to come if they were in need. From this, it developed into what we have today, an integral location for community development. The TBCC is a not-for-profit organisation, run by a dedicated Volunteer Management Committee, with the assistance of a dedicated group of volunteer staff. A paid coordinator is employed four (4) days per week to undertake administration duties (the Coordinator salary is funded by HACC funding which is auspiced by the Coorong District Council). The Management Committee successfully managed the Centre for 14 of its 23 years without paid staff before a Coordinator was employed in 2001. The TBCC is a hub for Community activities for local residents and community organisations alike. The strength of the TBCC is in its openness and flexibility. It aims to respond to the community needs in a relaxed and informal style that encourages active participation. It seeks to encourage people, through centre involvement, to develop and enrich their lives, recognise their strengths and improve their weaknesses, at the same time accepting and appreciating the differences between people. The TBCC provides a venue for the community to meet people in their local area, make new friends, learn new skills and develop networks of support and care that extend beyond the walls of the house and contributes to the well being of the whole community. The TBCC has recently formed a partnership with the Tailem Bend Primary School (TBPS). The school bring their special needs children to the Centre once per week to participate in sensory learning activities such as woodwork and cooking. Both TBPS and TBCC volunteers assist with these activities. Whilst the majority of users of the TBCC are residents of Tailem Bend, the TBCC does serve the whole Coorong District, the TBCC regularly have students from Meningie, Tintinara, Ki Ki & Coonalpyn attend classes. The majority of the Centres income comes from government grants, both ongoing and one off.


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Grant opportunities are sought when available. The TBCC funding structure is noted below. HACC (Home and Community Care) The Coorong District Council auspice the HACC Grant, meaning the money is paid to the Council who then distributes it to TBCC. This grant covers the Coordinators salary and program delivery. The CDC acts as the host employer for the coordinator and pays salary directly. The HACC funding is recurrent. Programs delivered under HACC funding are:

Golden Oldies Meals and Transport Mah-jong Group and Social Craft Circle Monthly meals for the Tailem Bend Day Care Group Tai Chi and Exercise Class Computer support Advocacy and support

DFC (Department of Families and Communities Neighbourhood Development Program) The DFC grant contributes towards Centre running costs and upkeep; it is paid in quarterly instalments of $2775. This grant concludes in June 2012. ACE (Adult Community Education via Department of Further Education Employment Science and Technology) The ACE Multi-Literacys funding supports program delivery. In the 2010/11 financial year TBCC were granted a $16,000 rollover of funding to continue programs until June. ACE grants are contracted for 12 months only and must be reapplied for annually. Programs delivered under ACE funding are:

Computer Classes Woodwork Classes Folk Art Classes Sewing Classes Art Classes Creative Writing Classes

The TBCC has been very successful in increasing its visitor numbers and courses offered. This is identified in the following table.

2007/2008 2008/2009 2009/2010 Visitor Numbers 2754 3629 3269 Volunteer Hours 4572 5754 4719 ACE Student Contact Hours

3310 4170 4813

HACC Centre Based Day Care Hours

2563 3024 3845

HACC Meals Delivered.

589 577 547

HACC Transport 182 232 217 This success has meant that the TBCC is now exceeding its capacity to hold all the programs and courses that the community require. The TBCC now have 17 regular activities running every week including 7 that have been introduced in the last 12 months. This has forced the TBCC to hire other facilities in which to hold programs in due to lack of space.


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Furthermore, as the rooms at the TBCC are constantly in use for Centre run activities the TBCC are unable to hire them out to other community organisations which reduces its already limited income. Due to this lack of space, the TBCC have enlisted the services of a local architect who has drawn up plans for extensions at the TBCC. These extensions will ensure the TBCC has additional meeting rooms and safer facilities for the Coordinator and volunteers. The TBCC has sought funding for the extensions over the last year without success. The estimated costs of the extensions are $250,000. A budget submission for Councils consideration for the 2010-11 Council budget was submitted for the extensions as a capital project. Another option that has been raised is that in the event that Council may decide to construct a new Council office at Tailem Bend that a new Community Centre be included as part of the development. Other issues currently being experienced at the TBCC include:

Employment agency MADEC recently ceased attending the centre. Residents still want this job search assistance and it now defaults to the TBCC staff to offer it.

Demand for emergency assistance (food hampers, advocacy etc) is increasing. Saint Vincent De Paul have recently reduced the emergency assistance services they are offering.

The need for a counselling/quiet room has become more evident as the TBCC often has distressed people turning up at the centre needing assistance. Currently there is nowhere to support these people other than the coordinators office.

Volunteer workforce is ageing and becoming less available. The TBCC relies on them just to keep the centre running on a day to day basis.

Without the extensions and additional administrative support, the TBCC will not be able to keep up with the communitys demands. Additional administrative support will be provided through the additional HACC funding in 2011-12 with the employment of a Part-Time Officer or Trainee. A Trainee would be a cost effective way to provide the additional support, train a local person in the role and to allow the TBCC to provide more outreach services across the district. TBCC has recently been involved in a successful collaborative funding submission for the Adult Community Education (ACE) Foundation Skills program with the Murray Mallee Community Education network (MMCEN). This is detailed in Section 4.5.3. 4.5.2 Coonalpyn Communication Network (Coonalpyn Hub) Councils contribution to the Coonalpyn Hub is detailed in Section 4.3.2. The Coonalpyn Hub was established in 2000 through Networking the Nation funding. This funding was used to purchase the current premises as well as computers and IT training available locally and operated as a computer based centre. The Coonalpyn Hub provides the community of Coonalpyn and surrounding district with valuable and important learning opportunities. Some of the courses offered at the Coonalpyn Hub include, but are not limited to, Computer classes, Floral Art, Yoga, Scrapbooking, Lead lighting, Cooking, Defensive driving, Senior First Aid and Business and Agricultural studies. The Coonalpyn Hub delivered 6,500 student contact hours during 2009-10. Furthermore, members of the public use the Coonalpyn Hub for photocopying, internet, email and computers. The Coonalpyn Hub has always intended to have a paid coordinator but has been unable to secure funding to employ one until this year when it was successful in obtaining $20,000 from Community Benefits SA. The Coonalpyn Hub is run by a dedicated group of 4 regular


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volunteers and several seniors help out. The Coonalpyn Hub publishes a monthly newsletter which is distributed to over 700 families across the district. Funding received by the Coonalpyn Hub in last two years includes, but is not limited to:

$6,000 from Coorong Council for operating costs (2009-10 and 2010-11) $1,600 from Coorong Council through the Community Grants scheme for the installation

of a new stove. $3,300 from CAHN (Community and Neighbourhood Housing) towards lifestyle and

nutrition Three $1,500 grants from the Be Active program $400 from Centrecare for parenting workshops $22,000 from Positive Ageing $6,600 from Community Benefit Scheme for 4 new computers $20,000 from Community Benefit SA for coordinator/collaborator Three $1,500 grants through SA Works Program $5,000 Seniors Grant

Courses held at the Coonalpyn Hub in 2009-10 and so far in 2010-11 include: Course/Service Course/Service Information Funding Body Art Coonalpyn Students learning different art techniques MMCEN Art Tintinara Students learning different art techniques MMCEN Senior First Aid Required for employment CCN HR/HC Truck Licenses

Required for employment CCN

Front End Loader Licenses

Required for employment CCN

EMMA Easy Moves for Active Ageing CCN Womens Wellbeing Course

Including aromatherapy, yoga, anxiety and depression, scrapbooking and meditation

MMCEN

Wellbeing Group Meets monthly CCN Lifestyle, Nutrition, Exercise

12 meetings over 6 months CCN

Yoga Coonalpyn Active Ageing CCN Yoga Tintinara Active Ageing CCN Craft Coonalpyn Scrapbooking CCN Pilates Tintinara Health, social and community service CCN Bus Trips To Virginia, Padthaway and Penola, for seniors CCN Digital Photography

IT MMCEN

Computer Courses IT CCN Regional Skills Training

3 days per quarter delivers Certificate in Agriculture

Workskill Monthly meetings Centacare Quarterly visits Seniors Leisure Group

Monthly meetings HACC

Identify Depression

Beyond Blue addressed issues related to suicide and depression in regional areas

Beyond Blue/CCN

COTA (Care of the Ageing)

Presentation to Hub, EMMA and Senior Leisure Group.

Cota/CCN


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4.5.3 Murray Mallee Community Education Network (MMCEN) Councils contribution towards MMCEN is detailed in Section 4.3.3 of this report. The MMCEN was formed in 2002 with the coming together of the Southern Mallee Community Education Group Inc and the Education Sub-group of the Murray Mallee Strategic Task Force. The MMCEN is a not-for-profit organisation made up of volunteer community members representing community groups, small business, primary production, TAFE and government agencies. The vision of the MMCEN is to establish a flexible learning environment for the Murray Mallee region that allows communities to pursue life long learning opportunities. The MMCEN covers the Coorong District Council, District Council of Karoonda East Murray, Southern Mallee District Council and the Mid Murray Council. The MMCEN organises a diverse range of courses including; but not limited to, digital photography, emotional well being, basic computing and Microsoft office applications such as word, access, publisher and access, art, web design, lead lighting and senior first aid. Courses in the Coorong District Council have been held in Meningie, Tintinara, Gemini Downs, Coomandook, Coonalpyn and Tailem Bend. The MMCEN is managed by a Management Committee of local community members. The current members and their locations are: Member Location Judy Schroeder (Chairperson) Pinnaroo Patsy Crabb (Secretary) Tintinara Liz Crane (Treasurer) Tailem Bend Community Centre Denise Richardson Coonalpyn Hub/Coonalpyn Rosa Hillam Meningie Julianne Symonds (yet to be confirmed) Karoonda Annette Flanagan Centacare Annie Gibbons is the Regional Learning Coordinator and based at Tailem Bend. The MMCEN Committee is well represented by members from the Coorong District Council area. The following tables indicate the courses MMCEN have offered since 2009-10. 2009-10 DFEEST Funded Courses Adult Community Education (Multi Literacies) Project Course Name Location Date Digital Photography Coomandook 2 & 9 June 2010 Digital Photography Coonalpyn 24 & 31 May 2010 Digital Photography Geranium 22 and 29 April 2010 Digital Storytelling Geranium 23 & 30 June 2010 Computer Course Karoonda 28 July 09 8 September 6

weeks Digital Storytelling Karoonda 18 and 25 May 2010 Intermediate Computing Karoonda 8 June 29 June 2010 Basic Computing Karoonda 16 March 2010 4 May 2010 Digital Photography Lameroo 10 and 17 May 2010 Computer Course Basic Meningie 31 August 09 23 Nov 09 10

weeks Computer Course Intermediate

Meningie 31 August 09 23 Nov 09 10 weeks


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Course Name Location Date Basic Computing

Meningie Aboriginal Self Help group - via Centacare

15 March 2010 19 April 2010

Computer Training Basic (Night Time)

Pinnaroo 22 April 20 May 2010

Computer Training Intermediate (Day)

Pinnaroo 27 May 24 June 2010

Computer Training Intermediate (Night)

Pinnaroo 27 May 24 June 2010

Digital Photography Pinnaroo 9 & 16 June 2010 Courage Confidence and Charisma

Tailem Bend 10,11 & 25 October 09

During this period 10 non-funded courses were held, they included:

Senior First Aid Training at Karoonda, Lameroo and two courses in Pinnaroo. Two courses of Woodwork at Meningie Peace Circle at Tailem Bend Certificate IV in Training and Assessment at Tailem Bend, and Two Art Classes at Tintinara.

2010-11 DFEEST Funded Courses Adult Community Education (Multi Literacies) Project July to December 2010 Course Name Location Date Computing Basic (MASH Group)

Meningie 11 October 2010 6 December 2010

Digital Photography Meningie 25 October 22 November 2010 Computer Training - Intermediate

Meningie 12 October 9 November 2010

Woodwork Meningie 21 July 15 August 2010 Art Tintinara 11 October 15 November 2010 Emotional Strength Building (Therapeutic Touch)

Coonalpyn 1 December 2010

Computer Training Intermediate

Geranium 12 October 9 November 2010

Computer Training Basic Tintinara 19 August 9 September 2010 Art Creative Art Therapy Coonalpyn 10 November 2010 Digital Photography Meningie 26 July 23 August 2010 Computer Training Advanced Tintinara 17 August 21 September 2010 Jewellery Making Karoonda 24 October 2010

During this period three non-funded courses were held, they were:

First Aid at Lameroo in September 2010. Community Benefit Grant Writing Workshop at Meningie in August 2010, and Youth Presentation Workshop at Coomandook in September 2010.

There were 29 funded courses held by MMCEN during the 18 months leading up to December 2010, of these courses 16 (62%) were held in the Coorong District Council area. Of the courses held in the Coorong District Council area, 8 were held in Meningie, 3 in Tintinara and Coonalpyn and 1 at Coomandook and Tailem Bend. Proposed DFEEST Funded Courses Adult Community Education (Multi Literacies) Project, from January to June 2011, include:

Computer Basic, Digital Photography (by 2), Photography Field Trip (by 2) and Woodwork at Meningie.


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Art Class, Computer Training (by 2) and Digital Photography at Tintinara. Leadlight

community needs analysis 2011 - coorong district … · · 2011-10-10community needs analysis...

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