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Feature story
Reconnecting Communities
Following two years dominated by lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the start of 2022 has brought with it the opportunity to bring people together again.
Hunter’s Hill Council is looking at reconnecting communities in a COVID-safe way, bringing new events to the area, adding something a little a different to traditional offerings, and utilising the local government area’s picturesque outdoor spaces.
“After months of distancing, it’s time to come together and reconnect in a COVID-safe way,” Hunters Hill Mayor Zac Miles said.
“We know people are looking forward to getting out and enjoying all that our community has to offer after being physically distanced for such long periods of time.
“For our Council, providing events and activating our village spaces throughout Hunters Hill is crucial to reconnecting with friends and neighbours and will go a long way to helping those services, businesses and community groups who were hit hard during lockdowns.”
The year began with a celebration of community on Australia Day at Bedlam Bay.
The site sits on the shores of the Parramatta River, with open green spaces looking out to water views.
It was here that the Council recognised outstanding service and welcomed new members to its community in an outdoor Australia Day Awards and Citizenship Ceremony.
In the evening, the Council hosted a free night at the movies for residents with a screening of Red Dog at the Hunters Hill Open Air Cinema. The festivities at Bedlam Bay Oval also featured stilt-walking street performers, a popcorn cart and food trucks. The event was presented with the assistance of the National Australia Day Council. During March, events with a focus on youth and the environment are planned, bringing volunteers together for Clean Up Australia Day and linking school students for an annual Youth Summit.
Next month (April), two more events will focus on connecting communities, one with a focus on seniors and the other aiming to activate the night-time economy.
As part of Seniors Festival
2022, Hunters Hill is working with neighbouring councils in Lane Cove and Ryde, as well as service and support providers, and social and special interest groups. These include Sydney Community Services, Stryder Community Transport, The Happy Hens and North Ryde Community Aid - Presbyterian Aged Care.
The groups are hosting a Garden Party at Henley Community Centre on 7 April, from 10am to 1pm.
It will feature morning tea, music, stalls and more.
The idea is for attendees to reconnect with their community and celebrate the culmination of the NSW Seniors Festival, which will take place across NSW from late March to early April. This year’s festival theme is ‘it’s time to reconnect’.
“We know that lockdowns and distancing hit seniors particularly hard during COVID,” Clr Miles said.
“Whether it was an inability to get out to regular social activities, or not having friends and relatives visit inperson, it presented a challenge for older members of our community.
“We are aiming to bring people together in our community in a COVID-safe way.
“Working with local service providers and our fellow councils in a spacious outdoor setting at an event such as the Henley Garden Party is a great way to do it.
“Having groups such as Sydney Community Services, Stryder and Community Aid involved is also a testament to the work these organisations have been doing all throughout COVID.
“During lockdown their work was essential for things like getting food packages to people in need and transporting people to medical appointments.
“This event is also about taking a moment to thank these services for keeping our community going during challenging times.”
L ocal businesses have also faced challenges during COVID. Another event on April 1 is designed to activate the local economy around Hunters Hill Village, for businesses and residents.
The Festival of Fools, to be held in Hunters Hill Village from 5pm to 10pm on 1 April is a fun, pop-up festival to introduce visitors to the precinct and stimulate the night-time economy.
The April Fools’ night celebration is set to include entertainment, displays, workshops, tasting menus and themed takeaways.
“We will install festival decorations and lighting around the precinct to create performance spaces and outdoor dining areas,” Clr Miles said. “We want to work with local businesses and landholders to bring our villages and public spaces to life. “We’re providing a framework for businesses to showcase themselves to locals and visitors alike.”
The event is being held with support of the Gladesville Chamber of Commerce, as part of the Festival of Place Summer Night Fund initiative from the NSW Government, and the Council’s Love Your Local campaign. For more information about these and other events go to: www.huntershill.nsw.gov.au.
