Barossa Spoke NETWORK

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

• Annual subscription - $15.00 per organisation

• Agenda items to be submitted to the secretary

• Terms of reference and pamphlet to be review at the AGM Meeting

OFFICE BEARERS

• Chairperson

• Vice Chairperson

• Secretary

• Treasurer

• Representative for Wakefield Spoke (2 Required)

• Small Health Promotions Grants Programme Manager

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Barossa Council

Ph (08) 8563 8444

Fax (08) 8563 8461

PO Box 295, Angaston, SA 5353

or

Mary Weymouth

Ph (08) 8563 8411

Weymouth.mary@saugov.gov.au

Box 270, Angaston, SA 5353