Kimba Community Development Group

Many hands make light work

Facing drought, depression and devastating loss to suicide, has banded one small community together to prove that anything is possible when people work together; providing opportunity for growth and a future for generations to come, but above all hope, pride and ever-present community strength.

About Kimba

Driving in to Kimba the giant grain silos bear testament to the importance of agriculture to this grain growing district. Geographically situated “halfway across Australia”, the township of Kimba is home to 650 residents, with approximately 550 more people living in the wider district. Located on the North Eastern section of South Australia’s Eyre Peninsula, Kimba’s economy is reliant on broad acre grain production with the Haskett family sowing the first wheat and oat crops in 1908.

En-route to the Nullabor Plain on Highway 1 with the impressive Gawler Rangers nearby, the town is well placed for the development of tourism. Travellers are reminded of the abundance of birdlife (some 140 species identified) with the eight metre high “Big Galah” a popular snapshot spot.

A challenge for the community has been to search for new ways to broaden the economic base in a marginal farming area with unpredictable rainfall.

The Community takes charge

It has been said that the Kimba community is resilient, self reliant and creative. People ‘pull together’ in times of need and have the ability to find solutions to local problems, taking risks when necessary.¹

In 1988, when the community was savaged by drought and its devastating effects, a public meeting was called; action was needed. Kimba is a township that celebrates their strong sense of place and purpose, and like many challenges that had come before, they decided to work together to find a solution to the rapid decline in local businesses and service providers. The damaged economy also provided limited opportunity for young people to stay in the area. Starting out with a dozen willing ‘movers and shakers’ from the district the Kimba Community Development Group (KCDG) was born, and now boasts 70 financial members.

“We just had to do something – there were so many people leaving that the standing joke was ‘for the last person left – to turn out the lights’,” recalled Heather Baldock, founding member and Events Organiser of KCDG.

With a strong focus on the ‘health and wellbeing’ of the community as a whole, as well as stimulating economic growth, the group has been integral in lifting spirits and providing vital avenues for diversification.

Group Objectives and Outcomes

One of the key projects of the group has been to develop the previously untapped opportunity for tourism. The region’s natural beauty and little known pristine national parks and reserves, pose enormous potential. The Grey Nomad² trekkers were identified as a prime target market and when the University of Sydney commissioned a report into the tourism potential, the concept of a visiting volunteer program was developed. Travellers who take part in the program can use the camping facilities and amenities at no cost and in return they volunteer their time to assist with the myriad of community projects and services always in need of support.

“It is a win-win situation. The travellers love the opportunity to get to know our region; the locals have embraced it, and enjoy interacting with our visitors.”

“New friendships are developed and it adds a new dimension to our community,” said Heather.

To further support the tourism industry, a Visitor Information Centre (staffed by 70 volunteers) was opened in the main street and familiarization tours were instigated to keep volunteers and business people abreast of local attractions. Two events were developed to raise the profile of the region, the National Balloon Challenge and the Beyond & Back Gawler Ranges Outback Challenge. “While these projects helped put Kimba on the map, we’ve found it is important to know when things have served their purpose, and when to ‘get out’ so volunteers don’t burn out,” said Heather referring to the events that no longer take place.

Another important project of the KCDG has been the beautification and upgrade of the streetscape and main entrances to the town, not only important for developing the identified opportunities associated with tourism, but instilling a sense of community pride.

Heritage street furniture has replaced tired seats and benches, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. As with nearly all projects undertaken in Kimba, volunteers play an important role in the project’s success; a long term resident maintains the stonewall entrances, and the local school children are involved in the care of the furniture including oiling the hardwood structures.

To further foster ongoing community involvement, the high school has imbedded local history into the curriculum. Year nine students undertake a project which includes oral history with some of the oldest citizens, researching key events, as well as ‘hands on’ work with the Kimba Historical Society at the local museum.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our community and we need to involve people of all ages. In return they gain by learning new skills, increasing confidence and most importantly, social interaction. It is a win-win situation,” emphasised Heather.

Like many rural communities suffering drought conditions, the prevalence of depression has prompted the Kimba Community Development Group to focus on laughter and hope in tough times. After the death of a young local farmer to suicide, the group organised the ‘Kimba Community Night Out’ attanded by some 300 people. Over $14 000 was raised from donations, sponsorships and grants to run the Community Night Out and provide free admission, food and entertainment. Comedians, inspirational guest speakers and an address by a mental health worker, together with a good dose of humour and camaraderie amongst friends, assisted the locals to once again draw on their inner strength to help cope with the devastating impact felt by the whole community.

So while Kimba’s early pioneers may have referred to the area as “Heartbreak Plains”, the modern day locals have proved that anything is possible when people work together, have the courage to take risks, and the vision to plan for a better future.

Contact Details

Heather Baldock
Kimba Community Development Group
Email: check
Phone: 08 8627 4056
www.kimba.sa.gov.au

References

1: Report of Kimba Field Visit – Project with the University of Western Sydney (funded by the Australian Research Council’, October 2006, by Professor Jenny Onyx, University of Technology Sydney and Associate Professor Rosemary Leonard, University of Western Sydney

2: Grey Nomand: identified group of travellers who are over 55, usually retired, undertaking extended travel around Australia.

Location: Kimba, SA, 5641 Australia