The Rural Support Roadshow is an initiative organised by Angelee Brown from Gisborne District Council. Angelee travels to rural communities throughout Tairāwhiti with her job and saw an opportunity to bring other services along for the ride. What started small was soon embraced by a number of local organisations who now visit these rural locations regularly.
Since early 2019 the Roadshow has been visiting coastal communities monthly at 3-4 locations over two days from Tolaga Bay to Hicks Bay. The Roadshow has been so successful that last month it went south for the first time visiting Te Karaka, Matawai, Muriwai, Manutuke & Patutahi.
The Roadshow has been wonderful for local social services to regularly connect with hard to reach communities. Through advertising on facebook and radio whānau know when and where the Roadshow will be and can drop in to get assistance and support that they might not otherwise get. It’s become popular with the locals who are now booking appointments with the various organisations that attend.
New services are invited to jump on board and can pick and choose when and where to attend – so there is no pressure to attend each and every Roadshow location. Some of the services are now carpooling making it cost effective and social - What a great way to spend your working day!
Angelee invites newcomers to join the Roadshow by getting in touch with her at 06 867 2049 or Angelee.Brown@gdc.govt.nz. There is a regular panui to advertise the events so sending your organisations logo and a short blurb would be appreciated. You can also give a presentation at any of the locations, likewise sending a brief of your presentation will be forwarded to the venues and radio stations for promotion.
Angelee is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when you have the desire to make a difference. Increasing social supports to our rural communities through networking community organisations together is a significant feat.
Many Thanks to Angelee who organises the Roadshow as a voluntary add-on to her GDC mahi. "Ngā mihi nui Angelee, Ka pai!"
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