Getting the ball rolling for 2024 was the focus of board members at the first Saddle Hill Community Board meeting for the year, held last Thursday in the Council Chamber at the Dunedin Public Art Gallery.
Board chairman Paul Weir told The Star the board had discussed the Dunedin City Council’s Future Development Strategy, and how the board could effectively contribute to this.
It also finalised planning for its Ambassador Award funding round in support of projects and activities being undertaken by rangatahi in the board area.
"We will be calling for entries for the Ambassador Award soon, and are really looking forward to seeing the amazing work of our young people, and hopefully providing them with some funding support.
The Governance Support Officer’s report showed that the board’s Project Fund contained $8313, of which up to $3000 could be allocated to the Ambassador Award, depending on decisions.
The board also ratified its meeting schedule for 2024, which will include meetings on April 11, June 20, September 12 and November 14 — alternating venues in Dunedin and the board area.
"Our next meeting will be held at Sunnyvale, which will be easier for the Ambassador Award applicants to access when they come to speak to us," Mr Weir said.
The Saddle Hill Community Board had a broad range of priorities for the year ahead, he said.
"We are also keen to ensure our community has access to sports fields they can enjoy all year round," he said.
With regard to specific projects, the board would be working towards project opportunities, such as a Waldronville basketball course, and a Brighton beach toy box, as well as liaising with the council on the status of the planned Smooth Hill landfill.
Board members were also committed to supporting young people in the area through the SHCB Ambassador Award, donating money to groups which applied for funding, helping out Civil Defence in emergencies, and checking on community food stalls.
