The project, "Safer Waitaki", was launched last month when Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton signed a letter of intent, the first formal step towards the goal of Waitaki becoming a World Health Organisation-designated International Safe Community.
The project has established a coalition working party made up of representatives from a wide range of community groups and the first step will be a district-wide survey of what is being offered in the community and where gaps exist.
Waitaki community safety officer Helen Algar is project co-ordinator and said already it had brought benefits, including $5000 funding from the Otago Southland Primary Health Organisation towards meeting the requirements for designation.
"This exciting project was initiated as a way to identify the key community safety priorities for the Waitaki district and provide a collaborative approach for the community to work together, maximising resources and expertise," she said.
Work began on the project in September, with an initial meeting of key stakeholders to gauge interest and support for the project. A working group was formed to develop the project to a stage where designation could be sought.
"The project will provide a structure from which a co-ordinated community and agency response to the issues that affects health and wellbeing can be achieved.
"People are already doing great things but we don't always know who is doing what, where gaps may be and what the priorities are. In the current environment there is more pressure on funding and working together is our solution to difficult times.
"The icing on the cake is that if we achieve designation, we will be putting the Waitaki district on the national and international stage as a safe place to live, work and play.
This is good for everyone in our communities," Mrs Algar said.
The working group is co-chaired by Pat Taylor of the Waitaki Safer Community Trust, and Paul Olsen of St Kevin's College.
The team will be supported by the Safer Communities Foundation of New Zealand as it moved towards designation within six months.
"This is just the beginning, there is a lot of work to be done, but it will be a positive process," Mrs Algar said.
Anyone who wants to be involved or know more can contact Mrs Algar through the Waitaki District Council.
The criteria
- Criteria to qualify as an International Safe Community: An infrastructure based on partnership and collaborations, governed by a cross-sectional group that is responsible for safety promotion in its community.
- Long-term, sustainable programmes covering both genders and all ages, environments, and situations.
- Programmes that target high-risk groups and environments, and programmes that promote safety for vulnerable groups.
- Programmes that document the frequency and causes of injuries.
- Evaluation measures to assess programmes, processes and effects of changes.
- Ongoing participation in national and international Safe Communities networks.
