Planning the Future
With the recent development of the Marulan Village Plan, it’s a reminder that outlying villages of a shire often need some special attention. Marulan shares some common features to Gunning, namely its proximity to the Hume Highway, the village history and heritage that needs preservation, a growing number of Canberra commuters choosing to reside there, community funding in addition to government and council resources, a desire to develop and maintain our great village character and lifestyle, and a need for diversified local employment options.
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The recent workshop hosted by the Gunning District Association is a great start along the journey of creating such a plan, and will present a baseline of projects and aspirations identified by those in attendance.
What is clear from the Marulan Village Plan is the need for wide consultation and input to reach a shared vision, that gives a longer term and strategic view of how the village will appear at the end of the process. With a burgeoning population in Gunning driven by affordable housing, our village lifestyle and our proximity to Canberra, there is a need to embrace the ideas of the older residents and the new in a way that unites and energises all.
As soon as you say ‘strategic’, it can be a recipe for some eyes to glaze as these activities are pieces of paper that are developed and then often filed. But like a good wine, all things of value take time. We don’t need to stop everything else and develop the plan but rather ratify our current activities in the vision and keep delivering; ‘maintain the rage’ as it were.
Collector is another village on the rise due to Canberra’s proximity and the search for a village lifestyle. Our shared aspirations may be an opportunity to combine and collaborate for an accelerated outcome.
Dogs Rule
An increasing aspect of those visiting Gunning is that their four-legged companions get out of the vehicle for a leg stretch and a break just as their owners do.
I have tried many times to capture an image of the dogs and their owners in this happy state but as is the way of the relationship, they are will not pose for me as their owners are the centre of attention. They say children are difficult to work with, but I say ‘fur children’. ‘Charlie’ was the best of a bad bunch.
Creative Gunning ‘Come and Try Day’
This coming Sunday, a Gunning Lions Market Day, will also host the Creative Gunning ‘Come and Try Day – Spinning’. There are two sessions available for those wanting to have a go before investing in a spinning wheel – 10am-12pm, and 1-3pm, with bookings essential for those who wish to participate. Sessions cost $20 for non-members and $15 for members. Visitors can have ‘sticky beak’ in the Gunning Court House for a gold coin donation. For all enquiries email creatinggunning@gmail.com or message Creative Gunning on Facebook or call 0418 423 270.
