“Named after Gugaa – the Wiradjuri word for goanna – this project will place QR-coded ‘Red Dots’ in public spaces across the Shire to connect people to resources, mentors, and networks.
Parkes Shire Council is proud to announce it has been awarded a NSW Social Cohesion Grant for Local Government to deliver the Gugaa: Connect the Dots Project – a bold and inclusive initiative designed to foster stronger, more resilient, and more cohesive communities across the Shire.
The grant of $59,596, is part of a statewide program aimed at preventing social division and hate-based incidents, and support Council’s efforts to build connection andbelonging within and between local communities.
Parkes Shire is a diverse and evolving community with a growing immigrant population and many transient workers in mining and transport. In the face of global tensions and rising divisive politics, the Gugaa: Connect the Dots Project offers a proactive and hopeful response.
Named after the Wiradjuri word for goanna – Gugaa, the overarching totem of the Wiradjuri Nation – the project will create permanent and mobile “Red Dots” in public spaces across the Shire. These dots, marked with QR codes, will connect residents to resources, mentors, and community networks, offering a safe and welcoming space for anyone wondering “How do I connect? Where can I belong?”The initiative also includes the launch of a “Living Library” program, where residents – both long-standing and newly arrived – can share their lived experiences as “books” to be “borrowed,” helping to break down prejudice and build empathy.
Through partnerships with Wiradjuri elders, local organisations, volunteers, and businesses, the project will fast-track integration and provide practical support in areas such as social connection and volunteering.
Parkes Shire Council invites all residents to participate in upcoming workshops and events as the Gugaa: Connect the Dots Project rolls out next year.