I’ve been involved with the Town Team for nearly two years now. It all began with an initiative from the local government as part of the South Hedland Place plan. They kicked things off with a block party, attracting initial members for the team. I joined a couple of meetings later, eager to contribute to our community’s development.

We prioritise organising small, cost-effective activities since our team members lead busy lives. Last year, we managed about nine activations over eight months, considering the warmer climate of Port Hedland makes summer events challenging. Our activities, such as yoga and painting sessions for plant pots or pen cups, aim to bring people together without the scale of larger events commonly seen in other Town Teams. While we aspire to grow towards larger events eventually, we believe these smaller gatherings still create meaningful connections.

Our team also frequently hosts yoga sessions as it offers several advantages. It’s easy to schedule, provides a consistent activity that fosters overall support, promotes health, and can be conducted in public spaces like parks. Additionally, many of our team members practice yoga, making it a natural choice for our community gatherings.

Belonging and community

Our Town Team fosters a sense of belonging and community. South Hedland experiences a high turnover of residents, with many newcomers seeking connections. Our events provide a platform for people to engage, make new acquaintances, and build lasting bonds. We also conduct surveys to gauge community pride, highlighting positive aspects of South Hedland. Our last survey was completed by approximately 150 people, conducted at a Community Garden plant sale, which attracted significant foot traffic.

Recruitment remains a priority, especially given the transient nature of our community. Increasing our visibility will attract more participants. We aim to overcome any existing preconceptions about Town Teams through proactive engagement.

I believe South Hedland could benefit from increased vibrancy to encourage residents to spend leisure time locally. This year, we’re exploring initiatives like buskers and beautification projects to address these needs.

My background

I’m passionate about contributing to my community and relish the opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals. Being part of the Town Team allows me to blend my interests in urban design and community involvement, creating a fulfilling experience.

My background and activities outside of the Town Team include volunteering with the SES and I enjoy activities like camping. Currently, I’m exploring printmaking, particularly lino printing, and I hope to delve into pottery soon. I also work as a strategic planner with an architecture background. I perceive my role in contributing to the Town Team as an idea generator, constantly proposing initiatives to enhance South Hedland’s vibrancy. I also take charge of organising events and handling administrative tasks behind the scenes.

My background as a strategic planner has certainly influenced my approach within the Town Team While my professional work involves formal planning with local government, my involvement with the Town Team allows for more creative, community-focused endeavours, offering a fulfilling balance.

The future

I anticipate steady growth for the Activate South Hedland Town Team, with a continued focus on smaller activities complemented by occasional larger events. Building brand recognition and community engagement will be key objectives, fostering active participation in our initiatives.

My guiding motto or principle would be “Movement creates movement” .

This principle underscores the importance of taking small steps to initiate change, leading to momentum and progress. It’s about embracing the journey, one action at a time.

Advice

My advice for any community that is struggling to initiate similar efforts Even small-scale events can make a difference. Embrace the idea that every effort, no matter how modest, contributes to community activation. By focusing on smaller activities that require minimal resources, you can celebrate achievements regardless of turnout.

Photography and original interview by Ophélie Barbeau, edited by Perth is OK!