A new regional association for the High Country in the Omeo Region - do we need another committee?

In late 2024 I had the privilege of working with and learning from the communities that live along and around the Great Alpine Road of Victoria, from Tambo Crossing, Ensay and Swifts Creek in the south and into the high country of Benambra, Anglers Rest and Omeo in the north.  Firstly, I want to thank everyone who contributed to the community conversations around what is required and what is not required for a regional association for the communities of the Omeo Region, and for responding to the question, "do we need a community-based regional association?".

The over-whelming response that emerged at all the conversations was 'YES!'. And 'the why' is compelling. A new association will: 

• Provide a genuinely representative community voice that benefits all areas of the region 
• Develop community trust through thorough understanding and truly local knowledge 
• Bring a collective louder voice regarding shared experiences and concerns to all levels of government and agencies 
• Enable self-directed skill development to be retained and shared within the community 
• Build social capital across the High Country communities of the Omeo Region and strengthen cross-community relationships for when (not if) the next disaster strikes.

A clear concept emerged for a community-led regional association, noting the new association and its members would determine the priorities.  However, not starting with a blank sheet, but with an outline for what the regional association could look like - it's purpose, objectives, values, governance, priorities and ways of working as emerged through consultation. See attached, below.

By way of context, these conversations were held in light of the Omeo Region Community Recovery Association (ORCRA) winding up at the end of October 2024.  ORCRA has supported the communities of the Omeo Region to navigate through the recovery landscape, including hosting community gatherings (a vital reconnection function for communities), working with a multitude of government organisations and agencies, and applying for, managing and acquitting welcome grant funding for much needed community assets and initiatives.  

Post article update:

Formal recovery functions have wound back following the 2019-20 Black Summer fires, the communities of the Omeo Region continue to enjoy the spirit of coordination and cooperation through Our Community Our Voice (O.C.O.V), a committee that advocates for a prosperous and thriving region.