Sarah is appointed to playground committee

Peninsula resident Sarah Tolmie of Umina Beach has been endorsed by Gosford Council as a community representative on the Gosford Regional Playground Committee.

Ms Tolmie is a member of the Peninsula Families Action Group.

Five other community members from the Gosford local government area were also accepted onto the committee.

Written applications had been received from 19 people by Gosford Council, including applications from Peninsula residents such as mother Ms Keryn Walsh, mother and grandmother Ms Jill Marggraff and Out of School Care coordinator Ms Christine Burge.

An assessment panel, including council staff and councillors Vicki Scott and Chris Holstein, reviewed all applications based upon applicants' responses to questions including community involvement and interests relevant to the area and playgrounds, affiliation with a community organisation or relevant interest group, knowledge and skills, ideas on seeking input from the broader community towards developing the strategy, and previous involvement in similar activities.

A council report stated that all other applicants would be encouraged to contribute to the strategy by being involved in extensive community consultation planned for throughout the year.

It also stated that there may be opportunities to second unsuccessful applicants, other community representatives and interest groups, and additional council staff when and if required.

The Gosford Regional Playground Strategy will include planning for regional, subregional and local playground areas.

The strategy will take a big picture approach to guide the upgrading, replacement or establishment of play facilities across the local area.

The report stated that the function of the committee would be to work in partnership with the broader community and identify opportunities for improved playground facilities with a particular focus on providing accessible and creative playgrounds.

Councillors Vicki Scott and Chris Holstein were formally nominated and endorsed as Council's representatives for the Committee.

The council resolved at its October 4 meeting to form a Playground Strategy, directed by a committee of two councillors, council staff and up to six community representatives.

The first meeting of the Gosford Regional Playground Committee is scheduled for Wednesday, February 15.

Council agenda CIT.3, January 24