A NEW Warrnambool group wants people from all walks of life to come together to create a better sense of community.
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Local women Angela Alexander, Belinda Rogers and Angel Middleton say they want to address disadvantage through self-esteem, community pride, skill building and social cohesion.
Ms Rogers said she wanted people who felt they may not fit in the community to be involved.
“It’s people who might be on the outer because of their sexuality, or their mental health or drug issues,” she said.
The group plans to be based at Fleetwood Court Neighbourhood House and Ms Rogers said they wanted to remove any stigma associated with living in Fleetwood Court.
People are encouraged to attend a barbecue on December 19 at Fleetwood Court Neighbourhood House in Fleetwood Court at 6pm to get the ball rolling.
“I’ve spoken with a few residents who think the neighbourhood could improve so much more than it is and we want to help them try to achieve that,” Ms Rogers said.
“Any other ideas they have and that’s what the barbecue is about, people sharing their ideas of what they’d like.”
Ms Alexander said the purpose of the group was to empower people to reach their full potential.
“I think everyone has got something to offer, often all it takes is for someone to believe in them,” she said.
The women want to hear from others in Warrnambool about the problems they face, and then work collaboratively to address them.
“What is holding us back or getting up your nose, get it off your chest,” she said.
“If you’re not happy, let’s do something about it.
“It could be things around providing proper nutrition, healthy lunches in schools.
“One woman is really keen to run a cooking group once a week.
‘‘We might get a group together who really want to improve their gardens.
“We’re not going in with a set program, it could go anywhere.
“This is the beginning story.
“I don’t want there to be a sense that someone is not welcome here.”
For Ms Middleton anything that provides a sense of community would be a good thing.
“We’re just a bunch of individuals living next to each other,” she said.
So far businesses, including Perfect Memories, Amazon Printing, Studio 257 Hair and Beauty and Cut and Colour have thrown their support behind the group and have donated prizes.
For more information on the group email nobullinthebool@hotmail.com or visit their Facebook page Stop the Bull in the Bool.