Community
1 August, 2024
Call for members amid declining numbers
A COMMUNITY group with hopes of supporting the prosperity of Terang through upcoming development has put out a call for new membership as it faces dwindling numbers.
Terang Progress Association (TPA) president Ken McSween said he hoped members of the community would be willing to put their hand up to support the TPA in its efforts to support the town.
“We’re looking to try and find some new members,” he said.
“We’ve had a lot of success in the past but as of late the numbers are dwindling.
“The workload is being placed on too few so we’re hoping to find people who want to be involved and grow this town.”
The TPA is the latest community group to struggle with declining membership, however Mr McSween said he hoped new members could support the group in its efforts.
The TPA has been behind a range of projects and events such as the highly-successful Terang Gala Night and Colour Terang Festival, both of which have grown from strength-to-strength over the years.
They were also the driving force behind forming and hosting the July 2023 community meeting on the future of aged care in Terang, following Lyndoch Living’s closure of May Noonan Aged Care Centre.
“Our ethos is to promote the town and to make it a better place to live,” Mr McSween said.
“We want to enhance the town and make it better because over the next 10 years we aim to be one of the developing towns within the Corangamite Shire, and we need people who want to come on board to enhance that.
“I see the TPA as a voice to the council – should anybody have any problems, I like to think they could come to us to try and help in some way.
“Our goal is to support people.”
Mr McSween offered his thanks to departing committee members including secretary Mary Bell, long-time member Margaret McIntosh and Claudia Morris as treasurer - although she will remain on as a member.
“Thank you to them for all the fantastic work they have done over the years,” he said.
“We could not have accomplished all we have without their dedicated efforts.”
The Terang Progress Association meets monthly, typically the third Monday of the month, at the hall beside the Senior Citizens Hall on The Promenade, which the TPA has leased as its base.
Mr McSween said he had found his time with the TPA a rewarding experience, and felt there was plenty of individuals in the community who could make a positive difference.
“We’ve won event of the year twice, and were again nominated last year (Australia Day Award),” he said.
“The aged care meeting was an absolute success, which has now borne the Terang Aged Care Future group which is looking at building an aged care facility in the town.
“There is a lot we can do, and many hands make light work.”
Anyone interested in becoming a member is invited to contact Mr McSween on 0417 317 544.
He said he hoped people would reach out prior to the upcoming annual general meeting on Wednesday, August 21.
“I’d be glad to answer any questions if people want to know more about TPA,” Mr McSween said.
“We’re just looking for people who love this town, and want to see it grow and prosper.”