ARTS NORTH WEST CONDUCTS COMMUNITY CONSULTATIONS

FOR TAMWORTH REGIONAL COUNCIL CULTURAL PLAN

 
 
 

Shaping Tamworth Regional Council’s 2024–2029 Cultural Plan

Arts North West successfully delivered 14 community consultation sessions, which directly informed Tamworth Regional Council’s (TRC) Arts and Cultural Strategy for 2024–2029. Facilitated by Arts North West Executive Director Lauren Mackley, these consultations were designed to reflect, enrich, and enhance the lives of residents through a cohesive and inclusive cultural plan.

The consultation sessions, conducted across Tamworth and its surrounding villages, provided diverse community members the opportunity to voice their ideas and priorities. Specific sessions catered to First Nations voices and youth. Interactive discussions and visual prioritisation techniques encouraged meaningful participation, ensuring all voices were heard.

The community’s input directly shaped TRC’s Arts and Cultural Strategy, ensuring alignment with residents’ aspirations and needs.

Over 145 residents attended the 14 face-to-face sessions, while additional feedback was gathered through an online cultural survey. This high level of engagement demonstrates the community’s strong interest in shaping the region’s cultural future.

The consultations fostered a sense of shared ownership and collaboration among residents, artists, and council representatives, promoting a unified vision for Tamworth’s cultural development.

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION SESSIONS WERE HELD IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

  • First Nations Session at The Bumbira Wellbeing Space, Tamworth - 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm, Thursday 15 February, 2024

  • Tamworth Lands Building – Goonoo Goonoo Room, Tamworth - 10.00 am – 12.00 pm, Friday 16 February, 202

  • The Craft Shed, Tamworth - 10.30 am – 12.30 pm, Saturday 17 February, 2024

  • Manilla Small Town Hall, Manilla - 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm, Saturday 17 February, 2024

  • The Playhouse, Barraba - 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm, Saturday 17 February, 2024

  • The Nundle Library, Nundle - 10.00 am – 12.00 pm, Sunday 18 February, 2024

  • Kootingal Hotel, Function Room, Kootingal - 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm, Sunday 18 February 2024

  • Tamworth City Library, Tamworth - 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm, Sunday 18 February, 2024

  • The Tamworth Hotel, Dining Room, Tamworth - 6.00 pm – 8.00 pm, Monday 19 February, 2024