Gugaa: Connect the Dots Project

• Project typeGrant funded
• Project value$59,596

Building a stronger, more connected Parkes Shire

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.

About the Project

With funding of $59,596 from the NSW Government, this project is part of a state-wide effort to prevent social division and hate-based incidents by strengthening connection and belonging within and between local communities.

Parkes Shire is home to over 14,000 residents, including a growing number of immigrants and transient workers in the mining and transport sectors. In a time of global uncertainty and increasing social division, the Gugaa: Connect the Dots Project offers a proactive and hopeful response.

Why “Gugaa”?

“Gugaa” is the Wiradjuri word for goanna, the overarching totem of the Wiradjuri Nation. The project draws inspiration from this powerful symbol of connection and resilience, honouring the deep cultural heritage of Wiradjuri Country, and will incorporate the Owl totem in Peak Hill. 

What’s Involved?

• Red Dots in Public Spaces
  Permanent and mobile “Red Dots” will be installed across the Shire. These visual markers, embedded with QR codes, will connect residents to:

  • Local resources
  • Community mentors
  • Support networks
    Each dot will serve as a safe and welcoming space for anyone wondering:
    “How do I connect? Where can I belong?”

• Living Library Program
  Residents – both long-standing and newly arrived – will be invited to become “living books,” sharing their stories and lived experiences. Community members can “borrow” these books through facilitated events, helping to:

  • Break down prejudice
  • Build empathy
  • Celebrate diversity

• Workshops & Events
  A series of inclusive events and workshops will be held throughout the year to promote dialogue, understanding, and community participation.

The project draws inspiration from:

• David Robson’s book The Laws of Connection
• The Human Library Project (Denmark)

These global ideas are being reimagined for a regional Australian context, creating a unique model for social cohesion on Wiradjuri Country.

Community Voices

“This funding allows us to create real, lasting change. The Gugaa: Connect the Dots Project is about people. It’s about helping new residents feel they belong, and giving our existing community the opportunity to learn, connect, and grow together. We’re building a stronger Parkes by embracing our differences and celebrating what unites us.”
— Tracy Dawson, Project Manager, Parkes Shire Council

Get Involved

Parkes Shire Council invites all residents to be part of this exciting journey. Whether you’d like to share your story, volunteer, or attend an event, there’s a place for everyone in the Gugaa: Connect the Dots Project.

Location

2 Cecile Street, Parkes 2870  View Map

-33.138013398795636, 148.1732067595197

2 Cecile Street , Parkes 2870

2 Cecile Street , Parkes 2870

Gugaa: Connect the Dots Project