Profile provides planning tool

Overall increases in community need, challenges in recruitment and retention of workers, viability of services, and the need for co-ordination are key themes in the Buller Community Profile released this week.

Launching the report yesterday to the Buller Interagency Forum which commissioned the profile, West Coast Medical Officer of Health Dr Cheryl Brunton said, “many of the indicators discussed in this Profile show concerning trends, however, the considerable human, natural and organisational capital available within the Buller should not be underestimated.”

Dr Brunton was impressed at the commitment of the staff of agencies who took part in more than 80 interviews to provide information for the Profile.

“It is a snapshot of a community with many challenges. Job losses, decline in traditional industries, old housing stock, changing population dynamics and difficulties in recruiting and retaining specialist staff are all factors putting pressure on Buller communities and their health, education and social service providers.”

Buller Interagency Forum Chair and West Coast DHB General Manager Buller Kathleen Gavigan says the Profile pulls together great information and an analysis of what’s going on in Buller.

“The launch of the Buller Community Profile is a celebration of agencies working together to strengthen the Buller community. It enables the Buller Interagency Forum to focus on what we can do to reduce the load currently being experienced by agencies and people in our communities.” Ms Gavigan says.

Buller Mayor Garry Howard welcomed the Profile, saying it painted a clear picture of the situation in Buller.

“The Profile confirms the reality of our challenges, and provides us with information that will help us plan for the future together more strategically. We all want a brighter future for our residents. We now have a benchmark and can work with Government and non-Government agencies to enhance services. What’s next is that all the agencies will get together and start working on those plans.”

The report acknowledges the contribution of Buller REAP in the collection of data and providing invaluable local knowledge contributing to the final report. Pete Howard, in his role as Buller Community Development Facilitator, assisted in interviewing representatives of local agencies.

Buller Community Profile

ENDS

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