VOICES 4 Mid North Coast (V4MNC) recently launched a new phase of grassroots action, involving 70 people across two events in Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie.
The group has grown out of ‘Voices 4 Cowper’ to become an ongoing, community-led movement for the region, from Wauchope to Woolgoogla and beyond.
It describes itself as an independent, grassroots movement that exists to give the community a stronger voice and to work constructively with all levels of government to deliver real, practical change.
Co-chairs Anita Tang and Clancy Barnard told the Coffs Harbour crowd the renamed organisation aims to turn years of momentum from the Voices 4 Cowper campaigns into an ongoing effort, one that listens to communities and acts on what matters to them all year, not just at election time.
“We live in a very special place, with a very special community,” Ms Tang said.
“We love this place, our beaches, our rivers, our festivals, and the community groups who care for our community, each other, and our spaces and places.
“This place is stitched together by people who show up for each other.
“But we also know that all is not well.
“We hear it from young people who can’t see a path into secure housing, from people needing health care closer to home, and from families doing it tough at the checkout every week.”
She said many attendees were frustrated that, instead of real solutions to problems faced by the community, they were seeing far-right politics and messages driving division and blame.
Mr Barnard said, “That’s why we’re building Voices 4 Mid North Coast into a movement that’s useful to this community all year round.
“Over the coming months we’ll be out at markets, on doorsteps and in local community groups right across the region.
Come say hello, tell us what’s on your mind, and get involved in whatever way suits you.”
September events will include a stall at the Harbourside Markets in Coffs Harbour and another at the Foreshore Markets in Port Macquarie.
More events and doorknocking are planned across the region as momentum builds.
V4MNC also holds regular monthly meetings in Coffs Harbour and in Port Macquarie for people who are interested in being involved.
Similar kick-off events are being held next weekend in Macksville and Bellingen, and organisers are encouraging anyone in those areas, or with friends or family there, to come along, hear what the movement is about, and be part of the action.
“Action is the antidote to despair,” said Mr Barnard.
“We already know what happens when this region works together.
“When people get organised, listen to each other and act together, real change follows. If we do that again, we can change the conversation across our region and give people something hopeful to be part of.
“We are now taking our volunteer leadership, regional networks and support base into a broader, permanent movement, one that champions communities right across the region, all year round, not just around elections,” Ms Tang said.
“It was great to see new people joining, as well as renewed energy from those who have been part of past efforts.”
By Andrew VIVIAN
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