Connect Health & Community was delighted to last week receive a cheque for $20,000 from the Women's Committee of the Royal Melbourne Golf Club to help build a new playground at the Bluff Road Housing Estate.
The Committee raised the funds during its recent Charity Day.
Representatives of Connect Health & Community and Bluff Road Estate Resident Advisory Group member and resident, Ron Takdare, met with the Committee to discuss the donation and the amazing community-building impact of the Bluff Rd Engagement Project.
The Bluff Rd Engagement Project was established at the start of this year with the aim of increasing social engagement and access to support services for residents of the estate. The working group connected with residents who provided feedback on the issues of most concern to them and together found opportunities to improve residents' health and wellbeing.
Connect Health & Community worked with residents to developed a plan for addressing the issues and leased a two bedroom unit from DHHS to provide a safe and welcoming space from which we can deliver a range of projects to help address residents’ concerns.
Some of the activities include:
- Social groups and workshops including monthly lunches, a breakfast and school lunch-making program, maternal and child health clinic, library outreach and an art group;
- Bi-monthly BBQs to provide the opportunity for community connections in a non-threatening environment;
- A monthly community newsletter to build regular communication with residents; and
- A Resident Advisory Group to gather resident feedback and build community engagement.
Creation of the Resident Advisory Group demonstrates a new community trust, with members working with the project team to support and participate in opportunities on the estate. One of these oppirntities was the creation of a wonderful mural that was designed and painted by more than 40 residents over a two day period. A new playground beside the mural is the next stage of the project.
With the project still in its early stages, the sense of connection, community and engagement throughtout the Bluff Rd Estate community is an inspiring outcome, demonstrating a real, positive impact on residents' lives.
We look forward to working with the community going forward as it continues to develop the project, build the capacity of residents and develop the opportunities for residents to enjoy long into the future.
