Brookhaven Homepage Newsletter

Neighbourhood news SPRING/SUMMER 2023

ISSUE 10

MARION ALLARD Community Development Manager

Community Connectedness Brookhaven’s sense of community grows stronger every day with residents initiating meaningful connections with friends, family and neighbours through common interests, shared hobbies and regular get-togethers. The support offered and received in the Brookhaven community is inspiring and the benefits go beyond deepening one’s sense of belonging, it also helps improve mental wellbeing and combat loneliness.

INSIDE

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT UPDATE WINTER WELLNESS HIGHLIGHTS ADOPT AN AGED CARE RESIDENT 5 MINUTES WITH ARETA FARRANCE 2023 CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

In this issue of the Brookhaven Neighbourhood News, we celebrate resident-led initiatives, introduce a new Bush Play program, share highlights from the Winter Wellness event and invite readers to reflect on nurturing social connections as an antidote to loneliness. We also share an exciting line up of local community events, programs and initiatives to end the year.

Stay up-to-date with community news and events through our Facebook and Instagram pages @brookhavenliving or join the conversation in our private Brookhaven Residents Facebook Group.

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT UPDATE

The Great Separation and ending loneliness This segment is usually reserved for an announcement or message from our development team on new infrastructure, parks or precincts. In this issue, we want to share something a little bit different - an insight into what we have been working on nationally and why it’s important to us.

Our mission as a company and a community development team is to build more social connection and a greater sense of belonging in the neighbourhoods we create. It is this mission that drives everything from our community events calendar to our design choices and national partnerships.

In the last few years, this mission has led the team on a process of discovery and cultural research, culminating in an industry partnership with Ending Loneliness Together and a documentary exploring the state of social disconnection and the healing balm of community.

Released in early October and broadcast on the free-to-air SBS network, The Great Separation charts the journey of protagonist, Joey Fry, as he chats with a range of experts in the fields of anthropology, social psychology, loneliness, neuroscience and body language to explore the modern state of belonging in Australia today and what can be done to deepen our sense of connection.

Our team were lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the documentary late last year, and there was no-one that was untouched by Joey’s story, and the sense of hope and optimism we walked away with has left a lasting impact.

“Joey’s journey had such a positive impact on our team, from changing small daily habits to better appreciating the importance of feeling connected at work, at home and with our respective communities.

Brookhaven already has a strong sense of community and I look forward to seeing how Joey’s research helps strengthen it even more” Community Development Manager, Marion Allard.

The Great Separation, funded by Frasers Property Australia, will be available for streaming on SBS On Demand for 12 months in the hope to reach as many people as possible.

We hope that you get something out of this story and share with family and friends to help spread the message that if they’re lonely, they are not alone.

The topics covered in this documentary can be hard, but if you feel comfortable, we would love to get your first impression and have a chat about the themes discussed. Please reach out to the Community Development Team at communityqld@frasersproperty. com.au if you would like to share your thoughts with the team.

To find out more and watch The Great Separation, scan the QR Code or visit www.thegreatseparation.com.au/

SPRING/SUMMER 2023 - ISSUE 10

WINTER

Wellness at Brookhaven

Last winter, Brookhaven residents were invited to reflect on the importance of prioritising personal wellbeing and social connectedness by participating in a series of workshops and activities, hosted by local businesses. From exploring your inner creativity to appreciating the gifts of nature and taking home self-care strategies, the morning was filled with healthy vibes and new connections.

Own a property at Brookhaven?

Join our industry-leading customer care and loyalty rewards program.

Visit: careandrewards.com.au

5 MINUTES WITH

Areta Farrance FROM BUSH KINDY TEACHING

Founded and run by Early Childhood Teacher Areta Farrance, The Brookhaven Bush Babes program encourages families with children aged under 5 to come together in the park and explore nature and messy play while building new friendships.

This 12-week pilot program, sponsored by Frasers Property, was launched in August 2023 and alternates visits to Ullman Oval and Discovery Park. I had the immense pleasure to attend one of Areta’s sessions and immediately witnessed a grounding and relaxing atmosphere with a strong sense of connection to nature and people. We spoke to Areta to learn more about her passion for inspiring families to engage in nature play.

What attracted you to Brookhaven?

I was running a session and met the wonderful Mikaila who approached me and asked if I would be interested in running one at Brookhaven. I met Marion to discuss this further and the rest is history. The Brookhaven community is set in such a beautiful location and has so many lovely families so it just makes sense to provide a facilitated program here that will hopefully inspire families to make friendships with their neighbours and get outside more with their children.

How would you describe a typical Brookhaven Bush Babes session?

Areta Farrance

Tell us a bit more about you and what inspired you to start your company Bush Kindy Teaching?

Well, I’ve been an early childhood teacher since 2003 and have spent a lot of that time in the classroom.

As much as there is a lot of value in having a beautiful indoor space, my heart is in outdoor education. I started running bush kindys in 2011 and it’s been a passion of mine ever since.

To the point that I decided to make it a small business and go mobile and reach more families and activate more green spaces in my city of Logan.

We start with an acknowledgement of country and a conversation to settle everyone in. Then the children commence what we call “free play”.

I have nature inspired “play spaces” set up. We value child-led learning as this is where children can use their problemsolving skills, their creativity and their bodies to explore nature. We follow the children’s interests and extend on these each week.

When the time is right during a session, I run group time which includes nature inspired music, movement and puppet play, songs and sometimes a story.

What are the benefits of nature play?

Research has shown that nature play, particularly for children 0 to 5, is essential to optimal learning and development. Nature carries no bias, which means a child of any background or ability can find an optimal learning experience through play. Play is how children learn best.

When a child plays in nature, their five senses are fully engaged, establishing essential brain connections that form the foundation for more formal learning at school. Nature play also connects us with the land and where we live and helps to develop our sense of belonging in the community.

How could parents extend nature play beyond this playgroup?

When families spend time outside with their children, they can have fun observing how their child plays, for example if they notice a bird, talk about the bird, extend their language development by asking what colour it is? Where is it flying? What does it sound like? Allow children to take small risks like playing with a stick or balancing on a log. Allow children to play in the rain if they have good wet weather gear, it’s wonderful to feel the the water on your face and understand the science of the seasons.

I imagine that you witness many magical moments, can you share one of your favourite moments?

Some of my favourite moments so far at Bush Babes have been watching the children become more confident on uneven ground, using their balance to navigate the rocks and muddy surfaces. Watching them carry baskets to collect things, and I particularly enjoy seeing how messy they get. I also really enjoy a “coffee” or a “soup” from the mud kitchen, especially when they feed it to me!

If you wish to attend one of the Brookhaven Bush Babe sessions, get in touch with Areta via email: areta@bushkindyteaching.com.au

SPRING/SUMMER 2023 - ISSUE 10

Closing the gap on loneliness A passionate member of the Brookhaven Collective, Michelle Hunter, brought to Brookhaven an initiative inspired by her previous community that is very close to her heart, Adopt an Aged Care Resident.

Launched ahead of Father’s Day, Michelle worked closely with a local Aged Care facility, Palm Lake Care Mt Warren Park, to identify a group of gentlemen that do not receive visits or gifts from family and friends.

Armed with eight first names and a short description for each of these gentlemen, Michelle shared her initiative on the Brookhaven Residents Facebook group and received an overwhelming response from residents wanting to help brighten their Father’s Day by donating a thoughtful gift and card. Needless to say, both the recipients and staff were overjoyed by these kind gestures and look forward to collaborating again for Christmas and upcoming birthdays.

Michelle Hunter

To participate in future donation drives, request to join the “Adopt an Aged Care Resident” Facebook group. www.facebook.com/groups/879745270177467

Strengthening connections is a Collective affair Brookhaven was buzzing with gardening themed discussions and activities led by The Brookhaven Collective this September.

Amy and Erin encouraged the community to partake in a crop and plant exchange at the Brookhaven Bean Cafe.

Hannah and Nick hosted a Street Clean-Up.

Erin approached Bunnings Bethania to run an exclusive workshop for residents.

Thank you to everyone who supported their initiatives by participating and spreading the word in the community.

Mikaila introduced a nature play school holiday activity for children of all ages and abilities.

SPRING/SUMMER 2023 - ISSUE 10

WHAT’S ON

Fun for everyone

Stay connected

with like-minded residents

KRANK SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM Start planning your action-packed January school holidays The KRANK school holiday program will be delivering activities in January for kids and teens aged 5 to 17 years.

With over 150 activities to choose from, you will be sure to have a fun time!

BROOKHAVEN

STAY FIT AND HEALTHY

Bookings open 9am on Monday 11 December 2023, start planning now. logan.qld.gov.au/krank

facebook.com/groups/ brookhavenstayfitandhealthy/

ACTIVE & HEALTHY PROGRAM

BROOKHAVEN

July 2023 - June 2024 New activities in Logan - get fit and healthy without breaking the bank

BEAN CAFE

Logan City Council’s Active & Healthy program offers free and low-cost physical activity, health and wellbeing programs near you.

The July 2023 - June 2024 program is now online with 200+ weekly and oneoff activities the whole family can enjoy. logan.qld.gov.au/healthy

facebook.com/brookhavenbean

UPCOMING EVENTS AT BROOKHAVEN

CHRISTMAS GIVING TREE

CHRISTMAS LIGHT TRAIL

CHRISTMAS MOVIE IN THE PARK

November 2023

December 2023

2 December 2023

For further information on upcoming Christmas events, please visit: Brookhaven.com.au/events

BE PART OF THE NEWS 13 38 38 / BROOKHAVENLIVING.COM.AU 33 MENORA ROAD, BAHRS SCRUB QLD 4207

If you would like to be featured in this newsletter or have any suggestions on what you would like to see, please drop us a line at communityqld@frasersproperty.com.au We’d love to hear from you.