News - Community & business

The Land Development Agency (LDA) has launched a project that aims to build a strong sense of community in the new suburb of Franklin by hosting a series of events and activities where people can meet their new neighbours. The project should lead to a model that can be implemented for other new LDA suburbs.

In March 2009, GCC president Alan Kerlin and committee member Estelle Sydney-Smith met with Julie Sutton, LDA Marketing Project Manager, and Steve Rossiter and Dianne Knott from Elton Consulting, to get our feedback and ideas about for the project.

Alan stressed that it was important that we learn from previous mistakes, such as when the LDA held one expensive party for Harrison, not to be heard from again.

Alan was also keen to see the planned wetlands and existing grassland reserves used as an educational resource for kids, their families and the local schools. He also discussed the need for establishing some paths through the reserves to the Gungahlin town centre, Burgmann School and the new college. This would allow people to learn about the environmental values of the reserves, while concentrating impacts on them, and providing easy pedestrian and cycle access for Franklin residents.

Estelle felt that it was important to make each event and activity different and unique, in order to attract people and create memorable cultural experiences together.

She considered it necessary to create central meeting spaces such as those found in tribal communities or the old ‘village’ model where caregivers could meet and spend time together while the children played together safely nearby. Tables, chairs, fences, indoor and outdoor toys or equipment, shelter or shade, toilets and access to food and beverages all facilitate families connecting with each other.

Many people with children are also not able to participate in community meetings and activities without the provision of some sort of childcare for the occasion.

There was some discussion about incorporating elements that have been historically successful in close-knit communities, such as bush dances, which encourage interaction with everybody else.

New technology such as social networking for local communities is a very real and exciting possibility in this day and age, a place where people can share information such as who has a cement mixer or a trailer they are willing to loan to a neighbour and who is looking for others interested in carpooling.

The meeting was very positive and those attending were enthusiastic and excited about the possibilities.
The LDA have been busily holding focus groups with Franklin residents recently but would still be keen to have your feedback on the program.

More information about the development can be found at:
http://www.lda.act.gov.au/?/bridgewater/index