Community & Agency working together

 The Community Participation Register aims to develop effective links in partnership with government and non-government agencies and community members while assisting to build community capacity.  HCO assists community members to link with appropriate government and non-government agencies for effective community participation.  

What is it?

In broad terms, the Community Participation Register is simply a database with community member’s names, their issues & concerns registered into categories.  The database becomes the bridge for agencies wishing to involve community members in their service for things like focus groups, program planning, workshops or even community action.  The Community Participation Register will assist community members link collaboratively in partnership with government and non-government agencies for efficient community participation and assist to build community capacity.

Where did it come from?

The Community Participation Register is an initiative of Healthy Cities Onkaparinga Inc.  It was first noted as a presentation at the Australian Pacific Healthy Cities Conference in Canberra in June 2000.

The Community Voice

On 9th May2001 a “think tank” morning was hosted by HCO where community members and agency workers who had an interest in collaborative partnerships formed a Steering Committee.

The first meeting of the CP Register Steering Committee was held on the 27th August 2001.  The Steering Committee was keen to develop a framework that identified what constitutes an organizational commitment towards efficient community participation, and how this will impact on the ability of an organization to sustain its support for staff and community members working together.  The concept of the Community Participation Register was developed. 

To date…. 

It is apparent that they are passionate about ensuring that consumers have a voice to help improve the health & well-being of the community.