In the heart of the North Eastern Wheatbelt of Western Australia, Mukinbudin—a small yet tight-knit rural town—boasts a spirited and resilient community, and one of its driving forces is Alyce Smith. As a Town Team Builder and a passionate community member, Alyce has made it her mission to inspire others to step up and contribute to the fabric of life in Mukinbudin, a place where active citizenship is not just encouraged, it’s essential for survival.
A Journey Rooted in Community
Alyce’s volunteer journey began early, growing up in the small town of Mukinbudin. Like many in rural Australia, she learned that in a community of few, everyone needs to pitch in. “As a kid, you learn that you need to help out to make things happen,” she says. It’s this simple yet profound ethos that has guided her path into adulthood.
When Alyce returned to Mukinbudin a few years ago, the reality of community life set in. She understood that if she didn’t get involved, things wouldn’t happen. In a place where people are few and resources scarcer, putting up your hand is often the only way forward. From taking on multiple roles in local sporting clubs—president, secretary, treasurer—to being the go-to volunteer for umpiring basketball games or scoring netball matches, Alyce quickly became a pillar of her community.
“It’s important to me to get out there and put my hands up,” she says. “Otherwise, things just don’t happen. We need everyone to get involved, especially in small towns. Without things like sporting clubs, town teams, or community groups, our towns will eventually fade away.”
For Alyce, volunteering isn’t just about keeping things running; it’s about fighting isolation and fostering mental health in a rural area where such issues can often be exacerbated.
Motivating Others to Step Up
While Alyce’s own commitment to community is unwavering, motivating others to get involved can be more challenging. The impact of COVID-19 left many feeling disconnected, and getting people back into the swing of things in 2024 has been a slow process. Yet, Alyce remains optimistic.
Her approach to motivating others involves sharing personal experiences and highlighting the long-term benefits of engagement. “It’s about realizing that if we get out there and do it, we’re not just helping today—we’re shaping a community for future generations,” she says. In regional communities like Mukinbudin, where many people stay across multiple generations, this sense of responsibility is especially powerful. The vision for a thriving, sustainable community isn’t just for today’s residents—it’s for those who will come after them.
Alyce’s passion for building a strong future for Mukinbudin has inspired others, particularly in smaller communities, to reconsider what they can do for the place they call home. Her message is clear: stepping up today ensures that the community stays alive for future generations.
A Strong Partnership with Local Government
One of the key components of Alyce’s active citizenship journey is her relationship with the local government. Mukinbudin’s Shire has a proactive approach to leadership. This plays an important role in supporting community initiatives, and Alyce has witnessed first-hand how a strong partnership between local residents and their government can create an open environment to create lasting change.
“We’re very lucky here,” Alyce says of the relationship with Mukinbudin’s Shire. “Our CEO and community development staff are very involved, and community development is a high priority.” The Shire’s willingness to support local events and initiatives, whether by providing a marquee for a sporting event or staffing a community gathering, speaks to the level of collaboration that exists between local government and the community. “There’s a really good relationship,” Alyce adds. “They take on a lot of feedback from the local community, which not all regions are fortunate to have.”
Building Relationships Beyond Small Communities
Alyce’s advice for those in larger communities is simple but powerful: “It’s all about building relationships. Relationships with your local government and with the people in your community. That’s where Town Team Builders are effective—they help community members liaise with local governments and navigate the resources available to them.”
The role of Town Team Builders, like Alyce, is to connect people, ideas, and initiatives with local governments, ensuring that everyone works together towards common goals. “Local governments are eager to showcase the strengths of their communities,” she notes, “and community members want the same thing. It’s a win-win.”
By focusing on mutual respect and shared goals, Alyce believes that communities—whether rural or urban—can unite to create better places for everyone.
A Vision for the Future
As a Town Team Builder for Town Team Movement , Alyce Smith is not just a local community volunteer; her work entails being a champion for the future of her community. Through her tireless efforts to foster connection, inspire others to get involved, and build strong relationships between community members and local government, Alyce is making a lasting impact in Mukinbudin.
Her journey is a reminder that active citizenship is not just about doing your part—it’s about building a community that prospers no matter its size or location. As she says, “If we don’t get involved, nothing will happen. And if we don’t take care of our community, it won’t be here for future generations.”
In small towns across the country, Alyce’s story is an example of the power of active citizenship—a reminder that even the smallest actions can make a big difference.