Both sides were able to use negotiation and level-headed reason to come to a satisfactory arrangement, palatable to all concerned.

However, that the situation should have arisen in the first place is a problem requiring some second thought. And measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future would be prudent.

Although both sides walked away happy, the entire exercise was a waste of both time and energy. 

I do not know enough of the events that led to the decision to change the status quo. But I cannot believe it arose from malice or mean spiritedness – more likely a lack of appreciation of the value of the Rex. 

Such a misunderstanding and miscalculation has its roots in a lack of communication, and awareness of community sentiment.

While it’s an advantage that councillors, for the most part, are not full-time politicians, they – along with the council employees – are neither infallible nor omnipresent. 

They do require the input of residents in order to serve those residents. 

However, in the real world there are monetary constraints, and, especially in a shire with so many different communities with differing needs and values, the individual cannot be catered to.

Also, it is not feasible to try and please everyone simultaneously.  There have to be compromises made before a project is undertaken, or a decision acted upon. 

It is far more effective, and efficient in a world of finite resources, to prevent or avoid a problem rather than fix it. 

The mess of the garbage collection to outlying townships is a case in point. 

Nor is it possible to please everyone, as shown by the streetscape debacle, or for that matter, at the other extreme, bring in outside consultants to assist in deciding upon a course of action. Overseeing a shire such as Hepburn is not an easy task. 

Resources, including manpower, are stretched and there are so many amenities needed that a population of this size cannot support (for example, more public transport). This is why community groups are so necessary in helping to meet the needs of residents. 

This is also why there must be a unified and concerted effort among residents to create and protect facilities, and good communication – not only among residents, but also between council and residents.  

It is just not effective for individuals, or tiny groups to petition for their needs, and voice their concerns. 

Council meetings, unfortunately, are really not the place for lengthy debates between individual residents, or even small groups. 

The meetings are not an adequate forum for discussion between members of a community, or a place to brainstorm. 

However, discussion and brainstorming, along with problem solving and compromise are necessary for any project to come to fruition.

This is where a body such as or similar to, a residents association could help bring together and co-ordinate locally initiated projects, or help to petition council for necessary changes or actions. 

Since I arrived here in 2010 I have heard, for example, how the shire needs more public transport.

I’ve also heard how we need a year-round public swimming pool, and how flawed the layout of the main thoroughfare is. 

Valid and vital projects all, but we can hardly convince local council, state or federal politicians of their necessity if we do nothing to make them happen, to start the ball rolling.  

If something is wanted enough, those who want it will endeavour to create it. 

We are a community of very capable, talented people who have been able to create one of the finest community theatres in the state, and then unite to keep it going. Why stop there?