Wakefield Spoke Network INC.

The Barossa Spoke Network's aim is to improve the health and wellbeing of all people in the Barossa and surrounding area by working in partnership in developing our communtiy.

OBJECTIVES

To promote services and activities of different agencies
To build on the existing local strengths and achievements in our community
To link into existing networks
to build on the existing local strengths and achievements in our community
To link into existing networks in communities, both local and regional
To work together on community issues, creating local solutions
To communicate effectively in order to increase knowledge of service availability and identify gaps
To provide support for programs and community activities
To participate in regional forums through representation
To enhance collaboration between services

HISTORY

The Barossa Spoke group was established in 1981 and has achieved a number of well-documented successes for it's community

FOR EXAMPLE

Antenatal Classes

Community Transport

Carers Link

Lesiure Options

Barossa & Districts Housing Association members of community organisations, individuals and service providers meet monthly to address community needs. Any interested person is willing to attend.

Meetings are held at 10.30 on the third Wednesday of each month at St Petri Meeting House, 21 Second Street Nurioopta.

The name SPOKE is derived from several symbolic associations:

"Spoke" as in speaking forums

"Spoke" as in connections to a hub

"Spokes in a wheel" to keep things rolling

INFORMATION SHARING

Barossa Spoke brings together community organisations, individuals and service providers with a common interest in developing our community

Working together on community issues, creating local solutions

Building on the existing local strengths and achievements in our community

Linking into existing networks in communities, both local and regional

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The Barossa Spoke model is seen as an example of "best practice" and has successfully initiated the development

of the following:

Ante-natal classes - A regular program for pregant women & their partners/family

Community transport scheme - Facilities access to service or activities which maintain or improve the quality or life of the target group

Carers Link - Provides support for carers of frail aged, younger, disabled & mentally ill people.

Leisure Options - A recreational service for all people with a disability, the frail aged & for carers

Barossa & District Housing Association

NETWORKING ACROSS THE WAKEFIELD REGION

The Wakefield Spoke Network is comprised of the Barossa, Lower North & Yorke Peninsula Spokes, creating a "hub" of community collaboration with reputation of service development that is seen,

particularly by those in Government as means for:

The local community to share information

A mechanism for Local, State and Commonwealth departments to disseminate information to the community

Collecting Vital local level planning information for use in allocation of funding to the region

Bringing a local community focus to state and national issues

STRATEGIES

Meet on a regular basis to network and promote organisation/services

Encourage / invite guest speakers to increase our knowledge and awareness of resources appropriate to our services.

Lobbying and advocacy groups to address community needs

Work together on local health and wellbeing activities/initiatives

Disseminate information to the group and the wider community

Administer and promote the Small Health Promotion Grants Programme (funding from Wakefield Spoke)

Representation on Wakefield Spoke

Work together collaboratively for funding planning and applications (eg. HACC)

MEETING STRUCTURE

Office bearers to be elected at the November Annual General Meeting
Meeting to be held on the third Wednesday of each month 10.30 - 12.00pm, unless otherwise agreed
Small Health Promotion Grant sub committee to meet at 12.00pm as required
Venue: St Petri Chruch Meeting House, 21 Second Street, Nurioopta
Agenda items to be submitted to the secretary
Terms of reference and pamphlet to be review at the AGM Meeting