Social networks

Social networks

Anne Wheaton

As a long-time resident of Henley Beach and keen amateur photographer, I went to the local beach foreshore on Anzac Day 2009 and snapped away, capturing a huge king-tide storm event. Two years later, when exhibiting my photos at the Henley Beach Library during the South Australian Living Artists (SALA) exhibition, I met a few members of the Western Adelaide Coastal Residents’ Association (WACRA). Encouraged by members to join, I saw this as an opportunity to get more involved in my local community and utilise my administrative and technology skills.

Prior to becoming a member, I had spent ten years of my life caring for a child living with Crohn’s Disease. Like so many parents, I was desperate for support in dealing with our situation, and initially formed an informal support group bringing parents and children together. Later on, I coordinated a formal Adelaide support group for families dealing with this disease, and this group successfully convinced SA Health of the need to retain a position for an Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Specialist Nurse at Flinders Medical Centre. These nurses are important as they are able to cut through red tape and fast track treatments without having to wait to see a specialist doctor, thereby causing less stress for those living with this chronic condition and their families.

As a member of WACRA, I received valuable advice on ways to deal with both the media and bureaucrats and felt that this advice contributed to the IBD support group’s success. It also gave me an insight into the power of community activism and the expertise and support available in my community.

After attending a few meetings and gaining confidence, I was approached to join the committee in 2012, taking on the role of membership officer and joint administrator of the WACRA Facebook page. This was a great platform to communicate with community about local issues as they arose. I helped to write newsletters informing members and supporters of important WACRA activities, issues and outcomes.

I have helped to frame and write submissions, produced PowerPoint presentations, attended the Environment, Resources and Development (ERD) Court and Charles Sturt Council meetings, spoken publicly against a proposed telecommunications tower, assisted with production of the WACRA newsletter, and helped plan and run annual fundraisers and social events. These activities have increased my skills while broadening my understanding of the power of community and of social inclusion.

I have a sense of pride in being part of this unique longstanding community group with members from diverse social and political backgrounds who are able to work together for common causes and social cohesion.