There was a giant step forward for the TEAM (Together Everyone Achieves More) Harden project this week with the appointment of its economic development officer (EDO).
Harden Shire Council mayor Chris Manchester said council is pleased to advise that local resident Karen Kemp has been appointed to this vital position and will be commencing duties with council on Monday, September 20.
Following extensive community consultation during 2009 the TEAM Harden strategy was developed as a vehicle to revitalise the economic and community wellbeing of the whole Harden shire area.
Two major initiatives of that community strategy was the employment of an EDO and the development of a marketing and branding strategy to sell the unique attributes of the Harden shire area to the region and beyond.
Harden Shire Council mayor Chris Manchester today announced that those two significant appointments have been made.
“Council is pleased to advise that a local has been appointed to the vital position as the community’s EDO, with Karen Kemp commencing duties with council on Monday, September 20,” Councillor Manchester said.
“Karen comes to us with extensive experience in the employment, education and industry development.
“Karen has over 20 years experience in writing and submitting tenders and grant submissions and has a strong working knowledge of the local small business sector.”
Expressions of interest were also recently called, for a consultant to complete a shire wide marketing and branding strategy, following which, the Werrin Company of Newcastle were appointed.
“This project will allow the positioning of the Harden shire inclusive of all villages by identifying what makes us unique.
“The whole community will then be promoted as a centre of excellence for agricultural production; a place of historical and cultural diversity and ‘a can do’ community.”
These two major projects represent an investment of a quarter of a million dollars over the next three years.
Councillor Manchester formally thanked the state government (Department of Industry and Investment), the Kruger Trust for their significant corporate
sponsorship, as well as the other community organisations that have contributed to the project, being the Bendigo Community Bank, Harden Chamber of Commerce and the Harden Murrumburrah Community Action Group.
In closing the mayor stated the Harden shire community is on the cusp of some important
developments over the next three years.
“This community has established the vision for the TEAM Harden strategy, and this council, the local Chamber of Commerce, the Kruger Trust and especially all local residents are now committed to turning that vision into reality,” he said.
“Now the real hard work starts.”
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