Our Organisation - DCSG
Dysart Community Support Group Inc acknowledges the Barada Barna Aboriginal Corporation as the Traditional Owners of the land we operate on in Dysart, recognising their enduring connection to country and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present & emerging for they hold the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.
Dysart Community Support Group Inc. is a local not-for-profit, passionate about building community connection and cohesion, and providing information, services and supports that help enrich the lives of the community members who live and work in Dysart and visit our centre each year. Dysart Community Centre invites full and part-time residents to access our centre-based supports and community led activities & services.
Our Purpose
To action support for vulnerable community members and enrich local experiences, protecting the rights of Dysart Residents through inclusion, participation and empowerment.
Our Mission
We strive to be a source of trusted information, resources and community led action, believing in collaboration to improve community liveability and cultivate inclusive opportunities for meaningful connection, participation and capacity building.
Our Vision
To cultivate a community hub which promotes a sense of belonging & provides access to information and resources that support residents to build and sustain a vibrant community they can thrive in.
In order to achieve its objective, the Dysart Community Support Group Inc monitors and helps with the needs of the community. The group collects and disperses information on local services and resources and helps create new avenues for residents to engage in their local community. This not for profit group operates under a management committee. The group values diversity and new members and volunteers are welcome to become involved in the centre and its activities.
Membership
As an incorporated association, a volunteer management committee undertake governance of our organisation, with the Community Development Officer managing the day to day operations of the Dysart Community Centre. Community members are always welcome to join as members, with executive positions being elected at our Annual General Meeting and General Meetings held quarterly. Other committee meetings, including special meetings and strategic planning will be communicated throughout the year. More information, including the Smart Business Guide for Incorporated Associations can be found here.
Dysart Community Support Group Inc are a Child Safe Organisation. We welcome all children, young people and their parents, guardians/carers to our service. We take our obligations seriously and all volunteers must undertake a Working with Children Check (Blue Card). Dysart Community Centre staff can assist you to navigate the application process if you are interested in gaining a blue card to undertake volunteer work.
If you would like to find out more about becoming a member or volunteer, please contact the Dysart Community Centre office on 07 4958 2461. You can find more information about management committees roles and obligations here.
History
The need was identified for further local representation when requesting community services and funding for the township of Dysart. A group of Dysart residents formed a committee in 1987 to address these needs and by 1989 became an incorporated association - ‘The Dysart Community Support Group Inc’.
The Dysart Community Support Group grew from strength to strength supporting local residents and bringing many new services to the local area. This growth prompted the group to relocate their service to 21 Queen Elizabeth Drive, which continues to be the Dysart Community Support Group's site of operation. It was at this current location that the ‘Dysart Community Centre’ was officially opened by Mr Jim Pearce, State Member for Fitzroy, on 24th May 1994.
The Dysart Community Support Group Inc walked alongside community members and stakeholders, to improve the quality of life for the residents of Dysart. This goal was based on the value that all people have the right and potential to participate in the decisions that affect their lives and community. The Group continues to find strength through community collaboration, believing quality of life can be achieved by providing people with the right information that can help them to develop the skills that allow them to respond effectively to issues and concerns
In May 2014 The Dysart Community Support Group held a celebration to mark their milestone achievements of; 25 years as an incorporated association and the 20th anniversary of the Dysart Community Centre’s opening, welcoming original members Judith Rowe and Anne Butcher, who was also Dysart's first Community Development Officer and honorary lifetime member Margaret McDowall.