By Mikayla van Loon
The Lilydale Township Action Group gathered online on Thursday 9 September to provide updates on local community events and projects happening in the area.
President of the Lilydale Community Garden Group Benson Bannon spoke about his desire for the community garden outside Bunnings to be a space for everyone in the broader community to be able to use.
While many events planned by the community garden group have been cancelled or postponed because of the lockdown, Mr Bannon wanted to reassure residents that the garden group wants to be involved in the community and will resume doing so in the near future.
One of the main projects being worked on in Lilydale at the moment is the establishing of a community house which will be run out of the senior citizen centre on Hardy Street.
Lilydale Community House coordinator Suyin Chan has been tasked with the job of setting up the house in Lilydale.
“So this is week three. Starting a job in lockdown and starting a community house in lockdown has been an interesting exercise,” she said.
To get a better understanding of what the community might like to have made available to them, Ms Chan has put together a survey, which so far has received over 50 responses.
“Our aim is to be responsive to community needs, and to become the go to place for those who want to access activities, events, classes, or even just have a social catch up with others.
“Our goal is to offer welcoming and affordable opportunities for social connection and lifelong learning.”
Ms Chan said many of the responses received ask for a community space where like minded people can gather to have a cup of tea and a chat, whether it be a mothers group or youth group.
Another project which has been raised a number of times by residents as an important addition to the Lilydale community is a community centre or hub.
Yarra Ranges Council officer Nathan Islip provided an update on the progress of this much needed and wanted meeting place.
With funding from the revitalisation program and support from the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, Yarra Ranges Council has been working on a social planning assessment to identify the demographic and geological need for a centre.
Mr Islip also mentioned that the council would be looking at how stretched some state level services, like the Ringwood Magistrates Court and Maroondah Hospital, are and whether Lilydale could eventually take some of the burden as the area grows.
Another exciting project on the horizon for Lilydale is the Art and Sole walking art installations that have been designed by Inspiro.
Inspiro’s health promotion officer Toby Ware said with grant money from the Department of Health, Lilydale’s health services have linked with local artists to encourage active living.
“The goal of this project is to increase walking and decrease the number of car trips in Lilydale by promoting walking through art and behavioural nudges,” he said.
Mr Ware said Inspiro has put together a walking map which will include 12 artistic points for people to locate in the Lilydale west area.
The artworks will be chosen in coming weeks and should be installed by early next year.
To have your say on what should be offered at the community house, use this form https://forms.gle/kAoGT8xTi16Ly3726.
