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Now that you’ve moved into your new home at Ropes Crossing, there are a number of ways that you can get involved in your local community.
Have you thought about starting up a community group? It is more than likely that you share hobbies or interests with other members of your new community.
Community groups can take many different forms such as walking and jogging clubs, mothers groups, play groups, book groups, historical groups and community associations. The list is only limited by your imagination!
At Ropes Crossing, we can help you establish your community group. Our Community Connections staff can help you find out what groups are currently located at Ropes Crossing and what hobbies or activities residents have registered an interest in.
Name/Identity:
Once you have created the group name/identity it may be a good idea to register the name with the Department of Fair Trading.
Incorporated vs Unincorporated:
Most small community groups register as incorporated associations. Benefits include being eligible for non-profit status and limited financial liability for board members. Being incorporated means that you can apply for grants or funding. However, you will need public liability insurance, a constitution and up to seven board members.
To find out more about setting up an incorporated association, go to www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au and follow the prompts to ‘incorporated associations’.
Constitution:
The constitution outlines what the group is setting out to achieve and also includes information on how the group will be run such as: number of board members and roles, profit/non-profit status, frequency of annual general meetings, etc. The constitution should also outline your mission statement.
Mission Statement:
The mission statement clearly states the aims and objectives of the group.
Budget:
It is recommended a budget will need to be set in order to keep track of money coming into the organisation vs. expenditure and to plan for future activities or events.
Volunteers:
Every community group needs volunteers to share the workload, inject new ideas and resources into the group. Volunteers need to feel appreciated and be rewarded. Thank you certificates, awards or events can be an effective, low cost way to show your appreciation.
Find out more about Creating Community Groups:
Download pdf
Once your community group has been formed, you then need to start thinking about getting your message across to the broader public.
So how do you do this?
- Send out an agenda or running sheet to all members before meetings
- Create a newsletter (both electronic and hardcopy)
- Send emails – you can reach your audience quickly and it’s free
- Create a website
- Write letters, flyers and information sheets
- Make use of the Community Notice Board in the Sales and Information Centre
- Liaise with local businesses. Set up partnerships or sponsorships.
- Advertise in local shopfronts
There are a number of different ways to raise money for your group. Some ideas include:
- Sponsorship with local businesses
- Have a membership system and charge a minimal membership fee
- Grants - there are numerous grants available. Visit www.communitybuilders.com.au for further information.
- Donations
- Wills and bequests
- Hold a special event e.g. a fete, sausage sizzle, cent sale, community market
- Find a celebrity to lend support to your group!
There are a number of useful websites that can help you on your way. We’ve listed off a few that are a great starting point.
Check out Blacktown City Council’s website at www.blacktown.nsw.gov.au for further information on groups, activities and programs currently active in the local area.
For further information and advice on starting a community group, contact Ropes Crossing Community Connections on 9628 4399.
Some of the community groups currently operating in and around Ropes Crossing are listed below.
- Lions Club International ph 9673 3382
- Greening Australia ph 9672 4009
- Conservation Volunteers Australia ph 9564 1244
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