The Garden Party Collective

Summary

The project’s aim was to facilitate the creation of a sustainable network of micro communities led by older volunteers in the City of Fremantle, to meet regularly for social activities and in the process encourage meaningful dialogue to inform the creation of happier and more connect neighbours.

The Garden Party Collective provided a framework to bring the forming micro communities together around an event theme. This could be anything from an afternoon tea, park party, book swap and include music or entertainment; to be decided by the Community Connectors as the project unfolded.

Workshops were facilitated to train and upskilled a group of seniors to:

Develop an understanding of community development principles and the positive impact their projects could have for community wellbeing.
Refine their idea to a realistic project which could deliver in time and using the given resources.
Learn how to engage successfully and mobilise other residents.
Learn how to plan and coordinate a public event.

People partnered to form a working group to design their “garden party” themed event to optimise inclusiveness as well as build the capacity of participants. The theme was interpreted freely to ensure that each event reflected the unique and local culture of the people involved. Each garden party event was allocated a $500 kit to spend. The money was spent on a mix of resources; catering, music and even an accessible toilet.

As a result 25 people participated in workshops and many joined forces to help each other run events in the community. A total of 9 events were held under the Garden Party Project, which was more than anticipated. Event funds were reduced for some groups to allow others to use funds to support additional events. Many spaces were activated, including non-traditional gathering spaces, and underutilised areas in Fremantle, including parks, laneways and streets.

All events included a range of ages, ability and cultures with a total of just over 400 participants. Small children were included as well as aged and disabled and people that represent the diverse culture in the Fremantle community. Events were held mid-week as well as weekend to try and connect with many different people and be as accessible and inclusive as possible.

I felt proud I was able, with the help of the Garden party Collective to get people together to become friends. Everyone wants to feel connected. Connie

I became involved in the GPC in order to gain skills/confidence in helping to organise community projects in my community. Nan Maria

Website: https://www.fremantle.wa.gov.au/

Key facts

Main target group: Both younger and older people (i.e. intergenerational)

Sector(s): Health, Housing, Information and communication, Social protection

Desired outcome for older people:
Build and maintain relationships

Other issues the Age-friendly practice aims to address:

Ageism
Ageing in place
Healthy behaviours (e.g. physical activity)
Intergenerational activities
Inclusion
Participation

Contact details

Name: Raymond Kay

Email address: kayr@fremantle.wa.gov.au

Age-friendly practice in detail (click to expand):

Engaging the wider community

Project lead: Volunteers

Others involved in the project:

Local authorities

Older people’s involvement: Older people were involved in the age-friendly practice at multiple or all stages

Moving forward

Has the impact of this age-friendly practice been analysed: Yes

Was the impact positive or negative:
Positive

Feedback:
I felt proud I was able, with the help of the Garden party Collective to get people together to become friends. Everyone wants to feel connected. Connie I became involved in the GPC in order to gain skills/confidence in helping to organise community projects in my community. Nan Maria

Expansion plans:
Further Garden Party Collectives are planned.

Looking back

Challenges:
Identifying and including seniors in the project who may be socially isolated, physically impaired or from cultural and linguistically diverse backgrounds is a challenge which was addressed through a series of workshops. These included an exercise to assist participants to reflect on attitudes and challenge assumptions around approaching and communicating with people from diverse backgrounds. In addition, a guest speaker from Silver Chain presented to the group and together the group brainstormed ways to find and invite vulnerable groups in the community to ensure they were included where possible in neighbourhood events.