THE GOAL OF THE WAKEFIELD SPOKE NETWORK IS TO BUILD THE CAPACITY OF OUR COMMUNITIES FOR EFFECTIVE RESPONSE TO ISSUES RELEVANT TO THE WAKEFIELD REGION.

The Wakefield Spoke Network is committed to working together for the verall advancement and future sustainability of our collective communities.

To achieve this goal, The Wakefield Spoke Network has three main objectives:

• Advocacy and leadership in our rural and local regions for regional issues management, planning and service development

• Promotion of partnerships between private sector, government and community organisations and service providers in the Wakefield region

• Increased Network membership participation for strengthened inter-agency contact, communication, sharing and networking

MEMBER ORGANISATIONS AND THEIR DELEGATES WILL BENEFIT BY THE FOLLOWING:

• Participation in Regular Meetings - Organisation members will be invited to attend Network meetings and planned sessions.

• Exchange of Ideas - Members are encouraged to share their experiences and ideas through the Network. Members will have an active role in regional planning, with corresponding opportunity to impact programs and cooperative initiatives throughout the Network.

• Exposure to Key Decision Makers - Network members will exchange information with private and public sector leaders on a regular basis, thereby contributing to regional planning and development. Members will also exchange knowledge with regional Spoke groups and collaborate on related work across the regions.

• Participation in the Annual Symposium and Forums - Members will be invited to attend the Annual Symposium. In addition, members will participate in scheduled Forums, which currently take place twice a year.

• Bi-monthly Newsletter - Members will receive the Network bi-monthly newsletter, Gaining Momentum. The newsletter includes articles of interest to the regions, as well as updates on upcoming events and meetings.

• No Financial Obligation - Network membership is at no cost for 2003 and 2004.

Funding for the Wakefield Spoke Network is based upon collaborative bidding across the region. This collaboration is essential for securing support for regional initiatives and the work of the Network.

FUNDING PROVIDERS HAVE INCLUDED:

• Home and Community Care (HACC)
• Department of Veteran's Affairs
• Department of Family and Community Services
• South Australia "Working Towns"

OTHER OBJECTIVES INCLUDE:

• To work in a collaborative manner to ensure that individuals within the community benefit from quality services.

• To support the application of community development approaches amongst member organizations working with and within their communities.

• To ensure a coordinated approach to the development of funding proposals & service development.

• To provide timely and effective input in to the State Community Service Providers Network affecting community service organizations within the Wakefield Region.

• To develop strategies to enhance Community Service Organisations.

• To promote quality service provision within the region.

• To facilitate training for members.

• To provide timely advice and information to members 

• To actively consult with members on issues and represent their interests and concerns to the relevant Organisations, Agencies and Government.

• To promote information exchange, benchmarking and mentoring between members. To provide a forum to discuss and debate strategic planning and quality improvement