Let’s Chat: Dapto engagement hub invites community to get involved

If you’ve ever taken an interest in a local plan or project, you’ve no doubt heard the term engagement; but what does it actually mean?

For Wollongong City Council, engagement describes the many different ways we seek feedback on all matters affecting the community, considering the varying needs, views, and priorities of our residents.

Community input is vital to inform Council’s plans and policies in a host of areas, including infrastructure projects, environment and waste management, services and facilities, and other long-term strategic plans.

How we engage can vary from project to project but will typically involve a combination of online discussions, surveys, information stalls at community events and street fairs, and drop-in information sessions or workshops.

Council is constantly looking at new ways to keep the community informed and we’re excited to hold a ‘Let’s Chat Dapto’ event at Dapto Ribbonwood Centre on Thursday 27 March to talk all things Dapto and surrounding suburbs.

The expo-style event will see key staff from various Council teams onsite to chat about a range of topics, including planning, infrastructure, and environment projects planned or underway as part of the West Dapto Development.

Members of Council’s City Strategy, Infrastructure Planning and Strategy, Transport, Environment, Maintenance, Waste Management, Cultural Development and Recreation teams will be on hand for the event, with all interested community members welcome to drop in any time between 3.30-6pm to chat.

Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown said Council is committed to involving the community in its decision-making processes, encouraging residents of Dapto and surrounding suburbs to get involved.

“Listening to the community is first and foremost when it comes to delivering projects and services that make our city such a great place to live,” Cr Brown said.

“Seeking that feedback and encouraging people to have that conversation with us enables better decision-making and a more connected community.

“Let’s Chat Dapto, allows us to put all the plans and projects directly affecting the local community in one place and maximise the opportunity for people to have their say on things directly affecting them.

“Having knowledgeable Council staff from our various teams on hand to address concerns and hear feedback ensures people are reliably informed on matters important to them, and perhaps some things they were not previously aware of.

“We’re always looking for better ways to hear from our residents and this approach ensures we’re undertaking meaningful and effective engagement and making informed decisions on behalf of the community.”

Council carries out upwards of 100 engagements each year regarding various projects and plans, with insights provided helping to ensure decisions made are inclusive, transparent and reflect what the community needs and wants.

The approach aligns with the Council’s updated Community Engagement Strategy, adopted last December, which outlines the range of opportunities for people to share feedback, and allows us to continuously improve the services we provide while building an engaged and connected community.

There are lots of ways you can get involved in engagement activities to learn more about what Council does and help us make Wollongong a better place to live and work.

You can join our Register of Interest to let us know what topics interest you and we will let you know via email when there is an opportunity to have your say. If you would like to register or simply find out more about how you can get involved, visit Our Wollongong.

All material for any engagement open for feedback is available at the relevant ward library or all seven Wollongong Libraries locations if the matter is LGA-wide. Libraries staff can direct you where to find the information.

People can also email: engagement@wollongong.nsw.gov.au with any enquiries.

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