Opportunity to develop a space that works for everyone in Wee Waa

I would like to thank Cr Ethan Towns for his motion to suspend the current community hall proposal in Wee Waa.

From many conversations I have had, it is clear the project, as it stood, was not in line with what a large part of the community wanted.

We are fortunate in Wee Waa to already have a number of excellent facilities available for meetings and events, including the bowling club, the Arts and Cultural Centre, and the Country Women’s Association rooms, among others.

These spaces are already well used and serve the community effectively.

In a rural town like ours, practical and flexible spaces matter. We do not always need more buildings — we need places that can be used every day, by everyone.

A well-designed green space in the main street, complementing our war memorial, would better reflect how our community actually lives and gathers.

Open space with shaded seating, accessible amenities, electric barbecues and room for families, travellers and community events would provide far greater day-to-day value.

It would support everything from a quick stop for visitors, to local catch-ups, to small community gatherings, without the limitations that come with a single-purpose building.

The success of the smaller park already shows how strongly these types of spaces are embraced.

Expanding on that idea in a central location would create something far more inclusive, usable and reflective of rural life.

This is an opportunity to invest in a space that works for everyone — not just some of the time, but every day.

Andrew Dewson, Wee Waa