HOW many people really understand what they have in their township – virtually on their doorstep – or, indeed, how their community really works?

Seawinds Community Hub CEO Heather Barton was speaking about the launch of Discover Capel Sound – an initiative aimed at encouraging residents to develop a Pride of Place in their suburb.

“Most of us have a narrow view of our local community, often shaped by limited experiences and long-held habits,” she said.

“With the renaming of Postcode 3940 from Rosebud West to Capel Sound last year, the Capel Sound Community Group – formerly known as Rosebud West Action Group – is backing the push to help residents and holiday-home owners understand and appreciate what they have in their local area, and encourage them to get out and enjoy it.”

The Discover Capel Sound initiative will be kick-started over the next few weeks with a brochure going out to letter boxes at every property in Capel Sound.

Titled 21 Good Things To Do in Capel Sound it covers the spectrum of local experiences: ranging from enjoying the sunsets, sampling what the village has to offer, exploring the wetlands and reserves and getting involved in the many volunteer groups that Ms Barton says are the “keys to a strong community”.

There is also a list of 10 good things for kids to do, too.

“It’s now up to each of us to help shape our new identity and build a community that cares for itself and for its special environment,” she said.

“A good way to do this is to get out and discover what we have, to enjoy it, and help make it even better.

“If each of us does just one thing we don’t normally do, Capel Sound will be a better place. Why not see how many you can manage to do?”                  

First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 7 November 2017