Service Spotlight: Nicky Angus

Helping community project ideas come to life

When Nicky Angus walks out of the Council office for the final time next week after 27 years’ service, she’ll leave a legacy in the local community like few others.

Drive around the shire and there’s evidence galore of Nicky’s impact.

As our Community Project Development Officer for the past eight years, she’s supported dozens of local groups to deliver projects they’re passionate about.

“There’s a lot of satisfaction and pride, partly in Council’s role, but mainly I’m proud of the community for all of their hard work and passion,” Nicky said.

“Every time I see a particular project that has been delivered by the community I recall all the people involved and what they achieved.

“They become really special places that each have their own story.”

The examples are everywhere.

The Maering-Myre outdoor pavilion in Deans Marsh, Yellow Gums performance space in Jan Juc, and the Winchelsea Station Precinct Mural were all initiated and delivered by the community with support from the Community Project Development Program.

The Anglesea and District War Memorial is another successful outcome, as is the Murrun Garrang tree sculpture (pictured) right nearby in Cameron Park.

The latter was the product of a partnership between the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and Anglesea Art House, with many other local community supporters.

“I really love working with community groups who are prepared to put in the hard yards,” Nicky said.

“All community projects are so unique, as are the people and personalities delivering them, so no two projects are ever the same.”

Having joined Council in 1997 and worked for many years as a Community Recreation Officer planning and delivering playgrounds, pathways and parks, Nicky became Council’s first Community Project Development Officer in 2017.

The role was created to fill a clear void – many groups were coming to Council with ideas, but there was no clear pathway or process to support the community to deliver them.

Council wanted to empower community groups to take ownership of and deliver their own projects, while also playing its role in supporting the process and developing community skills and capacity.

“Building trust from the very beginning is critical,” Nicky said.

“Taking the time to listen and learn, and working together to try and make the process as enjoyable as possible.

“The reality is that in project delivery, there will be some frustration. But if we’re working through it together, outcomes are achieved that people can connect to and that will last a long time.”

As she heads into retirement, there are many things Nicky will miss.

The informal chats with passionate community members from all walks of life, seeing volunteers build confidence and skills as projects progress, and the satisfaction when an idea or vision is realised.

“I think it’s the greatest job at Council because you’re always working in a positive space,” Nicky said.

“We get excited when a community group is able to celebrate the end of their project, because it’s such a reward for all of their effort and time.”

While Nicky looks forward to volunteering her skills to her own community, Council’s Community Project Development Program will continue as she passes the baton to someone new.

“I’m just really grateful for what I’ve learned from the community, and I’m rapt that our new Council Plan has a real focus on enabling the community to deliver more projects,” she said.

“There are so many amazing people who give so much for their community, and that’s just been so inspiring.”

If your group has an idea for a community project you’d like to get off the ground, visit our Community Projects webpage.