Junortoun Community Action Group Inc.

The Junortoun Community Action Group (JCAG) is a volunteer community organisation representing and advocating for the interests of residents of Junortoun.

History

JCAG was formed in 2012 when a group of residents came together to develop the first community plan. The group incorporated in 2014.

Statement of purposes

• To improve the community of Junortoun, Victoria by developing activities and initiatives in accordance with the wishes of those who live and work in Junortoun; and
• To achieve a friendly, safe and peaceful, semi-rural environment, with a sense of community and a focus on families

Notable achievements:

• Developed two community plans (2013 and 2016).
• Advocated for and achieved:
  - Playground at McIvor Forest Estate, Junortoun
  -  Cycling and walking path between Junortoun and Strathfieldsaye.
  -  Public transport service improvements.
  -  McIvor Highway safety improvements.
• Numerous community events and public forums.
• Protection and management of Honeyeater Bushland Reserve.
• Construction and erection of over 100 nest boxes on O’Keefe Rail Trail.
• Manning Reserve signage and weed control.

Junortoun Community Plan

JCAG works to deliver the community’s aims and objectives that have been set in the Junortoun Community Plan. This neighbourhood community plan was developed for Junortoun by local residents and has been adopted by the City of Greater Bendigo.

Alignment with City of Greater Bendigo Community Plan

The activities of JCAG align with several goals of the City of Greater Bendigo Community Plan, including:

• Goal 2: Wellbeing and fairness
• Goal 4: Presentation and managing growth
• Goal 5: Environmental sustainability
• Goal 6: Embracing our culture and heritage.

Working relationships

The Junortoun Community Group works closely with the City of Greater Bendigo and many other agencies and groups. Community partners include Junortoun Fire Brigade, Bendigo Baptist Church, Strathfieldsaye and Districts Community Enterprise, Friends of the Bendigo-Kilmore Rail Trail, and Longlea and District Landcare. JCAG as well-established relationships with NCCMA, Regional Roads Victoria, DELWP and the Department of Transport.

Communication with residents

JCAG produces a quarterly community e-newsletter, maintains an informative website, and curates several social media channels.

Activity areas

The JCAG Sense of Community group organises events and activities that bring the community of Junortoun together and make our suburb a better place to live. These events include picnics and BBQs, Australia Day breakfast, markets, clean-up days and sausage sizzles.

Interest groups The Junortoun Community Action Group organises several community interest groups including a walking group, a book club and a gardening group.

Honeyeater Bushland Reserve The Junortoun Community Action Group acts as Committee of Management for a 17-hectare nature reserve in Junortoun. 

Legal structure and financial accountability

The Junortoun Community Action Group is a not-for-profit Incorporated Association. JCAG is registered for GST.
Annual reports and financial statements are published on the JCAG website.

Insurance

The Junortoun Community Action group holds $10m public liability insurance (placed with Berkley Insurance Australia) and voluntary workers insurance (through QBE Insurance).