Streatham resident Dorothy Dunn revealed an intriguing historical perspective of her community to the Rural Towns Community Regional Development Leaders, describing life in the region before her grandmother's time in the 1800s.

This was an era in which squatters held leases, most of which were later broken up into smaller holdings - some too small to be viable. Post-war Soldier Settlers later moved into the region, again significantly altering the community's demographic make-up.

Ararat Rural City community development officer Margaret Burbidge said Ms Dunn's presentation was thought provoking in its analysis of how shifting demographics over some years could significantly alter townships.

''It was a really interesting talk, outlining how even small population changes can have a major impact upon smaller communities,'' Ms Burbidge said.

Ararat Rural City chief executive officer Steve Chapple also addressed the meeting, explaining how valuable volunteers were to every community and to the municipality as a whole.

He said Community Action Plans had been a vital tool for Council to refer to when funding opportunities arose, often with the expectation of an early response.

Council's sustainability officer Jane Marriott presented the Ararat Rural City Environment and Sustainability Strategy, while Environmental Health Officer Gillian Tattersall discussed the Municipal Health and Wellbeing Plan.

The YMCA's Brooke Le Sueur outlined her organisation's outreach plans.

Ms Burbidge said one of the key roles of Rural Towns Community Regional Development Leaders meetings was to offer networking and information exchange for community leaders.

''These meetings are an excellent opportunity to find out how Council can support regional communities and also for rural leaders to give voice to their own questions, expectations and ideas,'' Ms Burbidge said.

Regional leadership meetings are held three times a year.