Group C Independents for Ward 1 (fronted by Sam Parker-Davies) held a community meeting on Saturday to promote their core principle: community and council co-operation.
The event was held at 142 Katoomba Street, the site of Katoomba's Soul Kitchen and the meeting was designed as a platform to create solutions directly from the community.
With free soup given out by Earth Recovery Australia, the meeting was opened by local jazz legend Neill Duncan. Having lost his arm to cancer a year ago, Neill still plays flawless drums and saxophone. Long-time local resident and personality, Franklin Scarf, introduced Sam Parker-Davies, Alex Driscoll and Allison Bliss, voicing his support for "the historic event".
Topics included the environment, employment, small business, art, education, social justice and council transparency. Clear policies were outlined throughout, providing solid foundations for council and community co-operation.
"It was gratifying to see the way a room of diverse people created solutions together today. I was reminded of the amazing potential and power of a collective group working together," Mr Parker-Davies said.
Mr Parker-Davies said he would continue holding the meetings. See: www.yourcommunitybm.com.
The conversation explored a clear homelessness solution. A specific example of the local council of Medicine Hat, Canada was discussed, where homelessness has been eradicated whilst saving the local council money.