Geoff Helisma | “Maclean Lions Club brought along not only a marquee for protection from the weather [but] a number of civic-minded members to support the cause,” says Grace Westera, spokesperson for Community Facilities in Gulmarrad (CFiG). On Saturday March 24, CFiG advocates held a public workshop and meeting on the verge across the road from Gulmarrad Public School, a symbolic gesture to highlight the non-existence of community spaces. The day’s objective: “Residents were asked to help develop accessible routes and circuits for recreational walking or cycling,” Ms Westera said. “Gulmarradians left with a map in hand which could be described as a work in progress.” Before setting off, those who attended were updated on negotiations with Clarence Valley Council, which has indicated its support for the group’s initiative. “While we await a response from council, Gulmarradians continue to engage with stakeholders and, on Saturday, got together to discuss possible routes and circuits through Gulmarrad,” Ms Westera said. “Lions members also gave out information on the wide range of support that they can offer.” Ms Westera said her group will make a formal presentation to the Lions club at 5.30pm on Wednesday April 4 at the Maclean Bowling Club – all interested parties are invited to attend. She said people can monitor the group’s progress or make contact on its Facebook page, where a high definition version of the map is available. “This map will be updated with suggestions for walking routes and approximate times to walk them, as residents send in their suggestions,” she said. “Residents can stay up to date by giving us their email address, as well as following us on Facebook.” Ms Westera said “what a future socially and physically connected community might look like” was brainstormed on the day, too. “Innovative ideas provide helpful background material for grants and funding submissions,” she said. “If you have suggestions about how your group and the community could use facilities that would ensure ongoing feasibility, please email them to us at cfgulmarrad@gmail.com.”