Regional planner devoted to Newfoundland and Labrador

The Avalon Region Steering Committee of the Strategic Social Plan has a new (acting) regional planner. Priscilla Corcoran-Mooney, a social worker from Branch in St. Mary�s Bay, takes over from Jamilee Fitzpatrick who is on maternity leave.

"I welcome Ms. Corcoran-Mooney to her new role," said Gerald Smith, lead minister for the Strategic Social Plan. "I�m sure she will find the work rewarding, challenging and certainly worthwhile. No one organization has the answer to issues that challenge us, but working together is a great way to find innovative solutions."

"I am truly interested in being part of a strategic and determined effort to sustain the rural character of Newfoundland and Labrador," said Ms. Corcoran-Mooney, still living in her hometown of Branch. "I am interested in all things Newfoundland, and I want to help people and communities realize a brighter future.

The Strategic Social Plan is about coming together to make a long-term difference for people, and I�d like to be part of that collaborative approach. We can accomplish so much when we work together for change."

The Avalon Region Steering Committee is one of six committees across the province working to implement the SSP. They come together to focus on common issues that impact development in their regions, look at ways to improve delivery of local services, and encourage partnerships, that for example, build new skills in community volunteers.

The steering committee has four strategic directions including building community leadership and capacity, focusing on prevention and early intervention, and human resource development, and working to ensure all people have access to recreation.

Priscilla will work with the committee on initiatives that, for example, further recreation and early intervention. A region-wide inventory of soccer fields, hockey areas, swimming pools, and other recreation infrastructure has just started, and is a partnership involving the SSP and the region�s three zone boards. Access to recreation is an important component of health and well being.

Steering committee members include regional boards of health, education (including post secondary) and economic development, along with representatives from federal/provincial/municipal governments and other agency partners.

For more information about the work of the steering committee, contact Priscilla Corcoran-Mooney, acting regional planner, at (709) 227-1322.

Photo #1: Priscilla Corcoran-Mooney

Media contact: Marcia Porter, Communications, Strategic Social Plan, (709) 729-0175

2003 09 16                                       12:10 p.m.