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Community

Consultation

In 2024 Learning the Macleay team spoke with people from across the Macleay Valley to capture the voices from community members to learn about our region’s passion, aspirations, concerns and ideas.

Over 21 days in 5 staff visited 18 locations in the Macleay Valley to capture 443 surveys with pop up information stalls. The staff yarned with community members of all ages. Further to this, for those unable to attend the stalls, they were able to do an online survey. This work allowed us to beginning shaping our conversations with Community leaders, Governments and local service providers.

These insights reflect what our community shared through the survey

💚 What people love about the Macleay

Nature & environment

  • Stunning beaches, rivers and mountains
  • Clean water and natural beauty
  • A unique mix of bush and coastal living

Community

  • Friendly people
  • Close-knit community
  • "You know everybody"
  • Diversity

Peaceful lifestyle

  • Slower pace of life
  • Quiet and less crowded
  • Strong connection to nature

Connection to place

  • People value the lifestyle
  • Appreciation for the local environment
  • A strong sense of living close to nature 
⚠️ Challenges in our community

Safety & crime

  • Break-ins, vandalism and drug-related issues
  • Concerns about police presence and response
  • Ongoing feelings of unsafety

Infrastructure & services

  • Road conditions and limited public transport
  • Access to healthcare, education and retail
  • Internet and mobile connectivity issues
  • Environmental concerns (waste, green spaces)

Cost of living & economy

  • Rising rent, mortgages and everyday expenses
  • Limited job opportunities, especially for young people
  • Business closures reducing local options  

Social challenges

  • Racism and discrimination
  • Lack of cohesion and community engagement
  • Bullying and limited support in schools  

Quality of life

  • Mental health and loneliness
  • Limited recreational activities
  • Housing affordability and availability
  • Environmental pressures (disasters, pollution, pests)

What needs to happen?

Community engagement, collaboration & connections
Police engagement in community & improved law & order
Youth engagement & activities
Address Racism
Connectingwith Elders
More variety in, & access to, retail outlets (shopping), Medical Services, & transport
Family friendly entertainment & activities

All data/information is © with Learning the Macleay, contents may only be reproduced with the permission from Learning the Macleay. Indigenous Data Sovereignty is about truth telling, strength-based narratives and First Nations’ ownership