New chairperson Courtney Hamill said the group’s first mission would be the development of the 2022-2026 community plan.
With Bernard Hamill also new to the committee as vice-chairperson – and currently also as acting secretary – the committee hopes to see another community member nominate for the secretary role soon.
Other new committee members are Ann Laherty-Hunt (treasurer) and Daryl Otzen (website manager).
“Vice-chairperson and treasurer were filled at the first AGM and I nominated at the second AGM,” Mrs Hamill said.
“I’ve been doing the Fairley Leadership program and saw a need for a chairperson after the action group’s first AGM.”
RCAG was formed in 2009 to support, coordinate and supplement the activities of various existing community groups in the Ruffy area.
Former chairperson Rob Jamieson said the community action group had achieved 29 community projects totalling $20,439 between 2018 and 2020. However, the onset of COVID-19 had so far paused new projects in 2021.
Projects within the township included varied works and new equipment at Ruffy CFA, Ruffy Hall, and Tablelands Community Centre; first aid training; and social connection through a community luncheon.
Mr Jamieson said the major achievement was the linking of many of the projects to upgrade village infrastructure and elevate community preparedness to manage a fire emergency or critical incidents.
“Advocacy for the community was the highest priority for RCAG,” Mr Jamieson said.
“The community thanks committee members, Felicity Sloman, Heather McCall, Ann Laherty Hunt, Jacqui Hagan and Darryl Otzen for their contribution to the success of RCAG during this period.”
Strathbogie Shire Mayor Cr Chris Raeburn thanked the retiring committee for its hard work and encouraged the Ruffy community to continue supporting future RCAG initiatives.
“Ruffy Community Action Group is a vital asset in helping to strengthen its community, and Council thanks all volunteers who have played a role,” Cr Raeburn said.
“We encourage residents to engage with the action group to help plan and achieve common goals, and work with Council in the design and delivery of local services and initiatives.”
Mrs Hamill said the new committee would consult with the community to find out what people would like to see incorporated into the new community plan, which will be submitted to Strathbogie Shire Council next year.
“The first thing we will be looking at is making a strong community plan,” Mrs Hamill said.
“We need to start planning now and will look at new means of consultation including online options.”
Mrs Hamill looked forward to developing a community plan which built on the hard work of the previous committee, noting the 2020 installation of history boards which had been popular in the region.
“It’s great seeing people stop and reading these history boards,” she said.
Mrs Hamill said with generational families and increasing number of newcomers in the region, RCAG was an important community connector and voice to Local and State Government.
“We are committed to achieving for our community, and achieving some big things,” she said.
