About Us


	Please note: for the latest events and more information go to http://www.marysvillecommunity.net/. This website is gradually being incorporated into the community website About Us The Marysville & Triangle Development Group was formed to be an interim community group to represent and work for the bushfire-affected communities of the Triangle region following Black Saturday. Experts who were experienced in similar national disasters all made the point that the communities that recovered and prospered fastest after a natural disaster were those that worked as a united group rather than waiting for outside assistance (e.g., Andrew Forrest of the Australian Children's Trust and the CEO of VECCI). MATDG began when the Hon. Fran Bailey, Federal MP for McEwan, recognised the need for a community-based group to assist in the rebuilding and reconstruction efforts. She asked Jim Roennfeldt, President of the Taggerty Community Progress Group, to quickly involve other influential representatives of local community groups. The group that was to become the nucleus of MATDG met for the first time in mid February and established a charter and an operational strategy. The four principles of the charter substantially guided the activities of the Group from the very start: Consultation and communication Initiative(s) from the community, not above it Aim for ‘better’ rather than for ‘replacement’ Build confidence, and hence build aspirations MATDG was on its way. The original MATDG members were later supplemented by other citizens who were committed to the same principles. Despite the natural difficulties thrown up by the effects of the bushfires, MATDG has persistently pursued and facilitated the community's interests. Under the circumstances, its achievements have been considerable. The Group and the community was supported in this effort by the Australian Children's Trust, particularly the four volunteers who worked within the community (two of whom remain with us) and Mr Kim Wilkie, an ex-Federal Parliamentarian who volunteered his services. Although Kim is from Perth, he made -- and continues to make -- himself available to serve the Triangle community. All these people are unpaid volunteers giving their time and expertise freely to assist the community during this national disaster. The job continues… MATDG now has over 250 members and is increasingly a focal point for planning, activity and a number of targeted and open donations for Marysville and the Triangle District. The AGM and formal elections were held on 13th June 2009. The following are now representing the community as elected representatives: President: Graeme Brown Vice President: Doug Walter Secretary: Vicki Moritz Treasurer: Jim Roennfeldt Committee: Bruce Ackerman Ken Adams John Cann Clive Clayton Glenn Dovaston Dr Lachlan Fraser Judy Frazer- Jans Diane James Jim Kennedy Dirk Versluys But to be truly effective MATDG needs your help. MATDG welcomes anyone who would like to help. The advisory groups will plan, design & deliver services and resources into our community. The advisory groups and contacts are as follows: Community Wellbeing , contact Dr Lachlan Fraser 0438 642 426 or snow.doc@hotmail.com Business, Employment and Training, contact Graeme Brown 0418149912 or gcc@virtual.net.au Recovery Reconstruction (incorporating building, storage & distribution etc), contact Ken Adams 5963 3247 or info@scenicaccommodation.com.au Communication, Consultation and Marketing, contact John Cann 0394395368 or johncann@optusnet.com.au Gardens and Landscaping, contact Judy Jans 5963 4030 or home@sigmaconsultancy.com Innovation and Sustainability, contact Di James 0437634241/dij@vurt.net or Mike Wasley 0409 436 508/iswaswillbe@live.com Finance, contact Jim Roennfeldt 57747575 or roennfeldt1@bigpond.com 'Putting up the right frame - a frame on which others can build’