Community engagement starts on the future of McLaren Vale Hospital site

Community engagement on the future of the McLaren Vale Hospital site has started with the community able to provide input through the post, online and in-person at a series of community locations and events, and a dedicated Open Day.

Led by the McLaren Vale Hospital Advisory Group, the community engagement process will run until September 6th. The Advisory Group, which was formed in March, comprises representatives from the community, local government and current tenants.

The Group has helped inform how the community should be engaged on the future of the McLaren Vale Hospital site. 

Kalyra Chief Executive Officer Sara Blunt said she looked forward to hearing from a diverse range of community members on their ideas and the community’s needs for the future of the McLaren Vale Hospital site. 

“Our aim is to attract as many voices and perspectives as possible in the engagement process which has been co-designed with community representatives through the Advisory Group,” said Ms Blunt.

“We know people will want to engage in different ways, so the engagement process incorporates community events, ‘kitchen table’ discussions with members of the Advisory Group, postal responses, online surveys and workshops, and a dedicated onsite Open Day.

“Community members will be able to share their views in person through public forums or in confidence through our online survey if they prefer.  

“We look forward to building on what we already know from our first, initial community survey that GP, wellbeing and community services are priorities for the community, along with recognising and protecting the heritage and history of the site.”

Among the questions being asked through the community engagement process are:

-    What aspects of the current site do you value most and don’t want to lose?
-    What would you like to see the site used for in the future?
-    What do you think the focus of the site should be in the future?
-    What do you think the community needs on the site?

Participants in the community engagement process will also be asked how they’d like to engage and be kept informed as further engagement is undertaken and specific plans for the site are developed.

Community events and locations where people will be able to share their views include the Almond Blossom Festival, Willunga Farmers Market and McLaren Vale Centre Shopping Centre. 

An onsite Open Day at the McLaren Vale Hospital site will be held on August 31 from 11am – 2pm. 

The full details of the community engagement process including key dates and locations for the community events are available online at https://kalyra.org.au/community-engagement-mclaren-vale-hospital/

To take part in the online survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/McLarenHospital