Overview
Circular Head and Waratah-Wynyard Councils are working together on a Community Wellbeing Plan 2025-2030. This plan will serve as a roadmap for the next five years, guiding how we improve the health, safety, and overall wellbeing of our communities. It outlines a shared vision and goals to address key issues and ensure our municipalities remain vibrant and healthy places to live. The Plan’s purpose is to coordinate efforts across both Councils so that services and initiatives are aligned with what our community needs most.
Community input is essential in shaping this plan. We want to hear from you – our residents, businesses, and community groups – about what matters for your wellbeing. Your feedback will directly influence the Plan’s priorities and the actions we take over the coming years. By contributing your ideas and experiences, you will help shape future wellbeing initiatives, making sure they truly reflect local values and aspirations. Together, we can create a plan that supports a healthier, happier future for everyone in Circular Head and Waratah-Wynyard.
Background
Our region has a strong foundation in community wellbeing planning. In 2019, Circular Head and Waratah-Wynyard jointly introduced a Community Health and Wellbeing Plan 2019-2024, a five-year strategy to promote physical, mental, and social wellbeing. That plan was based on eight identified priorities – for example, reducing isolation and supporting mental wellness – among others.
The integrated approach of the 2019-2024 plan reflected the close partnership between the two Councils, allowing them to set strategic goals together while tailoring actions to meet the unique needs of each community. This collaboration has helped lay the groundwork for continued improvements in health and wellbeing across both municipalities.
Looking ahead, the 2025-2030 plan will take this collaboration even further with a more consolidated approach. Instead of maintaining separate plans for different issues or age groups, the Councils are combining several initiatives into one comprehensive Community Wellbeing Plan.
This holistic plan will cover all life stages – from children and youth to working-age adults and seniors – ensuring no group is left out. It will also align with the councils’ overall mission and values, taking into account the social factors that influence wellbeing in our communities. So far, five key areas have emerged as priorities:
- Access & Mobility: Making it easier for everyone to get around and access essential services and facilities.
- Connected & Active Communities: Encouraging social connections, community participation, and active lifestyles.
- Education, Training & Employment: Supporting lifelong learning opportunities and local job growth.
- Health & Diversity: Promoting public health, and embracing diversity and inclusion for all residents.
- Safer Communities: Enhancing community safety and resilience.
By focusing on these priority areas, the new Plan will provide a well-rounded strategy to improve quality of life. It will guide Councils’ decisions and partnerships, ensuring that resources are directed where they can make the greatest impact on community wellbeing.
Survey Participation
Now is your chance to help shape the Community Wellbeing Plan by sharing your thoughts. Community participation is at the heart of this planning process. By hearing from as many people as possible, Councils can ensure the Plan truly reflects our residents’ needs, concerns, and ideas.
Whether you have suggestions for new programs, want to highlight an issue in your town, or simply wish to share what wellbeing means to you, your input is valuable. Every voice matters in this conversation, and your feedback will directly influence how we prioritise and take action on local wellbeing issues.
How to participate in the survey: It’s quick and easy to get involved. Please take a few minutes to complete our online survey. The survey will ask about your experiences and what you believe is important for community wellbeing. Your responses are confidential, and the survey should take about 5–10 minutes to finish.
- Online: Visit and fill in the online questionnaire.
- Paper: If you prefer a paper survey, you can pick one up at any Council office.
The survey opens 3rd March 2025 and closes at 5pm on Friday 21st March, 2025.
The survey is open to all community members – we encourage everyone from Circular Head and Waratah-Wynyard to participate. If you need assistance or have questions about the survey, please contact Council offices.
FAQ
The survey is being coordinated as part of works being undertaken to deliver an update to the existing Council Community Plans that expired in 2024. (Age Friendly, YPlan, Health and Wellbeing). As part of this work, the appointed consultants are keen to understand the residents perspective on a range of health and wellbeing matters.
The Social Planners, a specialist social and community planning consultancy were appointed by Waratah-Wynyard Council and Circular Head Council to coordinate the update to the existing Council Community Plans. As part of the scope of works, the consultants are coordinating this survey to capture feedback from residents.
Responses will be used to help inform the development of the next iteration of the Community Plans, which are used to guide Council, stakeholders, and community in the planning priorities of both Council’s for the five years.
Data captured will be used solely for its intended purpose and in accordance with data protection legislation. No data will be disclosed to a third party.
The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.
Hard copy surveys are available at both Council’s main administrative office.
- Waratah-Wynyard Council. 21 Saunders Street, Wynard, Tasmania 7325
- Circular Head Council. 33 Goldie Street, Smithton, Tasmania, 7330