While the Premier and Cabinet descended upon Maroondah as part of their ‘Community Cabinet’ — and left without an announcement towards the redevelopment of Ringwood Station, I was chairing Maroondah’s Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee to discuss council’s direction in community wellbeing.

Today’s Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee discussed the charter of the existing group and began gathering input into council’s new Community Wellbeing Plan. This plan will replace the former Health, Safety and Wellbeing Plan and will encompass a broader perspective on issues facing our community.

The Maroondah Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee is one of the groups overseeing the plan and a number of workshops will be held to gather input from the committee and the broader community. Workshops will be conducted during August and September and will provide an opportunity for community service providers to provide guidance into the plan. This consultation will broadly involve four themes including the built environment, the natural environment, the environment environment and the social, cultural and health environment.

The Community Wellbeing Plan is expected to be finalised in mid 2009 and will guide council’s approach to a number of health, safety and wellbeing issues within our community.

Community Safety Week, which is planned for October was also discussed at today’s meeting and a separate meeting will be established to plan activities for the week. Connex is particularly interested in holding education sessions around safety at rail stations to ensure that people stand behind the yellow line and are mindful of ensuring that the needs for people with disabilities are respected.

The next Partners in Health, Safety and Wellbeing Committee is scheduled for the 16th of September and will provide further updates on the formation of the Community Wellbeing Plan.