Community Services

The community development unit provides professional advice and assistance to government, non-government agencies and the community by planning, facilitating, developing, co-ordinating, and supporting community and cultural services in the Shire of Gnowangerup.

Community development is about enhancing the community’s ability to determine its own needs and priorities. This process encourages active participation in decision making and maximising potential for personal, social, cultural, social and economic development as well as environmental quality.

Community development implies the exercise of government powers and resources in partnership with all sectors of local communities in a manner that enables a sharing of responsibility and outcomes for all residents while promoting equal outcomes for those who may be disadvantaged.

The value base of community development is the four main principles of social justice and embrace:

• Equity in the distribution of resources
• Access to quality services
• Participation in decision making
• Equality of opportunity

For more information on community development and services, contact the Community Development Coordinator.