Dr Erin Evans is looking forward to 2015
For WECA the word for 2014 is intense. We had an incredible year of events and campaigning. WECA is member-led organisation and we welcome residents, other community organisations and businesses to join with us in our initiatives and that’s how we achieve great outcomes.
Size matters. We hit +2,000 members on Facebook and consistently tracked above 20,000 views on posts. We learnt that one thing that sends shudders through the halls of government are organised, informed community groups on social media. Your engagement makes a difference.
WECA celebrated its 10th year as an incorporated not for profit association. WECA works very hard to capture and articulate the vision for what the community wants for the area (see the Kurilpa Vision www.weca.org.au). Our initiatives enable events to come to life, including the Kurilpa Derby and the West End Film Festival, already in its 5th year.
We hosted three major events celebrating the vibrancy of West End. 2014 kicked off with a successful WEFF. The Kurilpa Derby was sensational. West End turned out in all its colour and energy for a great event. The West End Festival showcased over 40 local artists. BCC has contracted WECA to deliver the event 2014-16.
On the campaign front, the year did not let up. We established working groups on parks, the draft Kurilpa Master Plan, major events and transport. Advocacy started with parks – revealing that the seven (7) ‘new’ parks in the Local Area Plan are not actually zoned for (see May 2014 ed. Westender). City Council continues to play residents for fools.
We have taken a leading role on the draft Kurilpa Master Plan. Our strategy and intervention took the oxygen from the media spin on the afternoon of its launch. We hit the headlines with 20 interviews advocating for what we want: leading practice design for the 21st Century. At our Brisbane’s Green Heart campaign launch over 350 people attended. It was shocking and bemusing that the Planning Minister Jeff Seeney had the Executive Building locked to our President, State MP and Local Councillor as they delivered our petition calling on the government to treat the people equally. The Deputy Premier has committed to further consultation – please complete our survey www.brisbanesgreenheart. We have reignited Brisbane’s Residents United to make City Planning a key issue in the upcoming State election.
In 2015 We have a great line-up of events – we are working with Rio Rhythmics on the Rio Carnival Parade for Boundary Street, new energy for the Film Festival and we welcome back the Kurilpa Derby and a bigger West End Festival. Join WECA (memberships can be paid online) and we’ll enjoy another 10 strong years.
