The Blackmans Bay Community Association turned its focus from municipal issues towards rich, authentic community resilience building, broadening engagement and more than doubling its membership.
To achieve this, the association has organised regular, low-cost connection activities, for example, beach clean-ups, crop swaps and boardgame nights. The association also established an annual edible garden trail in Blackmans Bay aimed at bringing gardeners together and inspiring others in the community to develop edible gardens. It attracted a more diverse group of participants by ensuring activities were as inclusive as possible, particularly for new residents and those how may be struggling with their health and wellbeing.
Association meetings are at times that suit a diverse range of people (like families, who are welcome to bring their children), are structured to allow equitable contribution from everyone, and aim to be interesting and fun. There have been parties in the skate park, and one AGM was a community group market-type event. Events are attended by hundreds of people, and community connections created through the association’s activities are continuing to grow.
Content contributed by Louisa d’Arville, Blackmans Bay Community Association.
