After three years of working towards their “vision for a socially and physically connected community”, the Community Facilities for Gulmarrad group has called it a day.

The group was formed in June 2017, “with the goal of working with Clarence Valley Council to help Gulmarrad acquire facilities, such as a playground and meeting area”, said spokesperson

Grace Westera.

“Unfortunately, three years of submissions to CVC’s budget were rejected.

“While quite a few individual councillors were supportive, Gulmarrad still does not have a park or meeting area within walking distance of the majority of Gulmarradians.”

However, while the council would not provide what the group desired, the group has facilitated social interaction among the community.

“Our monthly get-togethers on the verge of the road provided information to the community and connected residents,” Ms Westera said.

“A direct outcome of this has been the development of lasting friendships.”

While the COVID-19 pandemic forced the temporary closure of the group’s book swap library, Ms Westera said “we have also seen wonderful spontaneous community connections”.

“For example, photos on social media of neighbours enjoying refreshments over the fence; and others have used the Gulmarrad Community Facebook page to offer help to the isolated and elderly.

“This growing community spirit and increasing numbers of residents using the path for exercise and conversation has been heart-warming and, in alignment with our vision for a socially and physically connected community, our goals have, in part, been achieved through both our monthly gatherings on the verge of the road and as a result of Covid-19.”

Last week the verge-side swap library was reopened, “with a request to users to be COVID safe”.

Along the way the group has enjoyed the support of the Lions Club of Maclean, which helped with “the acquisition of the book swap library and red bench”.

“We thank them for this,” Ms Westera said, “and for a community noticeboard, too, that looks likely to be added.

“Other than the footpath, these are the only public facilities in Gulmarrad.

“Since our push began, nearby Townsend has acquired a brewery and op-shop – and now a proposed sports court, [as a result of Maclean Lions’ efforts].

“These benefit Gulmarradians, also, with increased opportunities for social and physical health.”

Ms Westera said the restrictions enforced during the pandemic created time for “our little team” to consider “our personal priorities and where we want to spend our future energies”.

“We would be more than happy if others with fresh ideas and enthusiasm would like to take over,” she said.

“The Gulmarrad marquee and chairs and tables will be available for use for community events from the Maclean Lions.

“We believe that we have shown the council the need for at least a playground here in Gulmarrad and hope that they will provide one in the near future.”

Ms Westera thanked the Lions, the mayor, Jim Simmons, and councillors Debrah Novak, Greg Clancy and Peter Ellem for their “significant support” of the group.

She also thanked the North Coast Primary Health Network, which “promoted us in their system and gave us $1,800 for equipment (via Lions), for our flag, furniture and banners”.

The group will soon close its Facebook page, and suggest people sign up to the Gulmarrad & Townsend Information Exchange.