by Susanne Haydon
Introduction
The Maleny Working Together project grew from the recognition that our community need to find ways to work together and build our community capacity through partnerships. At a deeper level, this comprehensive research project was about generating a deep understanding of who we are and who we want to be as a community, in the face of on-going change, growth and development. The story began in 2001 when the Maleny and District Community Credit Union encouraged the formation of a broad-based community group called the Maleny Strategic Alliance. This group submitted a funding application to the Department of Family and Community Services through its Stronger Families and Communities program, to conduct a whole-of-community audit, needs analysis and strategic plan. The application was approved in November 2002. (continue…)