50 Quick Wins Guide

Simple, low-cost ideas to help make a positive impact in your community

#togetherwecan #makeithappen #actlocal

#quickwins

#dothething

Welcome to Building Communities, One Action at a Time This guide is packed with simple, low-cost ideas to help you make a positive impact in your community. Whether you’re an individual or part of a group, these 50 quick actions - that have already been successfully delivered by people just like you - will help you connect, engage, and build a thriving, more connected place.

Think of it as a recipe book for community action! Each Quick Win is easy to implement, requires minimal resources, and doesn’t need much approval. They’re perfect for kickstarting a new project, energising your team, or attracting volunteers.

Best of all, they create instant momentum, build trust, and strengthen local connections.

This publication is proudly brought to you by the Town Team Movement as part of ACT LOCAL: Flourishing Communities Through Active Citizenship - a new initiative designed to support and celebrate people taking positive action in their local areas.

Funded by the Department of Communities through the Volunteering Development Services Program, ACT LOCAL is all about inspiring individuals and groups by providing practical tools, uplifting stories, connections, and training. It’s here to spark ideas, encourage active citizenship, and strengthen the social fabric of our communities - one small action at a time.

Ready to get started? Dive into the 50 Quick Wins and let’s create lasting change together.

Let’s start making a difference today!

Contents

Why Should You Get Involved?

Show your place some love Page 7

Getting involved in your community isn’t just about helping others - it’s about enriching your own life. It fosters a sense of belonging, helps you build meaningful relationships, and supports your mental and physical well-being. Whether you're volunteering, joining local events, or supporting community projects, your efforts create a stronger, more connected place to live.

Events Page 19 Family Fun Page 32

At the same time, getting involved opens the door to personal and professional growth. You can gain new skills, expand your network, and even inspire others to take part. Every small action contributes to a ripple effect of positive change, making your community - and your role in it - stronger than ever.

Art in the community Page 44

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These icons appear as a quick guide to the benefits of each Quick Win!

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Look out for this icon- letting you know which Town Team achieved one of these Quick Wins!

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Care for your environment Page 55

Tap into your interests and passions

Achieved by a Town Team!

Approval may be required

FREE!

Great for kids

Healthy

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Ready to make a difference?

Get to know the community

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The benefits of getting involved are endless - and it’s a journey that’s rewarding for you and your whole community. Whether you’re building relationships, improving your well-being, or growing personally and professionally, your contributions create lasting change.

Let’s work together to build a thriving, vibrant community for everyone!

Nature

A Jane’s Walk is a hosted walk around a neighbourhood, with a focus on sharing local knowledge and stories.

Through the ACT LOCAL program, you can access free Placemaking Education courses - perfect for community champions, volunteers, and anyone who wants to help their neighbourhood thrive. Whether you're just starting out or want to deepen your placemaking knowledge, these courses will give you the tools, ideas, and confidence to create more connected, welcoming places.

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If you're excited about making a difference in your community, why not take your impact to the next level?

1 Jane's Walk

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Want to Create Even Better Places?

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Head to the ACT LOCAL website to get started and explore a range of practical resources designed to support you on your community-building journey.

Let’s turn good ideas into great places - together.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ An area you want to explore ☐ Retailers, residents or others to

share their stories about the place

☐ Put the call out for people to join you on the walk

Jane’s Walk is an annual festival of free, community-led walking conversations inspired by Jane Jacobs and takes place on the first weekend of May.

METHOD:

1. To prepare, grab a friend and go for a walk around your area.

2. Listen, observe, and learn interesting

things about the place. Knock on some doors and ask a few people to see if they would like to share their stories of the area. Contact your local council or historical society to learn more about the area.

3. Work out a day, time, a walking route and a schedule.

4. Once you have a route planned; invite

your community to join you on this walking conversation. Promote walk on your local community channels and/or print flyers and do a maildrop.

Show your place some love

7

2 Love Letters

METHOD: Arts

Get to know the community

Share the love for your local businesses by writing them a heartfelt appreciation letter!

1. Write a short note to a local business, sharing what you love about them—maybe their great coffee, friendly service, or how they care for their space.

2. Use coloured card or cut your note into a heart shape to make it extra special.

3. Tape your love letter to the business’s front door or window in the early morning for a heartwarming surprise when they open up, or hand it over in person to brighten their day.

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INGREDIENTS: ☐ Coloured paper - red, pink, or anything bright and cheerful ☐ ☐ Markers, scissors, and tape or Blu Tack ☐ ☐ A dash of imagination and a sprinkle of community spirit

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Valentine’s Day is a great excuse, but really - any day is the perfect day to spread a little kindness. Your local cafes, shops, and service providers are often the unsung heroes of the neighbourhood. Let’s show them how much they matter.

Show your place some love

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4 Street Library A community street library is a communal 'box of things' (usually books) that people can contribute to or borrow from.

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INGREDIENTS: ☐ A private or public space to put a library

☐ ☐ A box, cabinet on legs or on a ledge

3 Adopt a

Bus Stop

How inviting is your local bus stop?

or pole

☐ A sign ie: "The Mullalyup Street Library"

☐ Books or other items for the library (you can do a community call out)

Hands on

☐ An invitation (online or letterbox

Approval may be required

drop!)

A few small touches can make waiting more pleasant and show pride in your place.

By caring for your local stop, you’re not only supporting commuters - you’re adding a little spark of joy for everyone passing by.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ A local bus stop that needs a bit of love

☐ ☐ Cleaning gear – brush,

dustpan, cloths or wipes

☐ ☐ Something welcoming

– a seat, potted plant, or flower vase

☐ ☐ A creative touch – think art, a book swap shelf, or colourful signage

METHOD:

1. Get support from your community, contact your

local council and discuss your idea. You can clean bus stop and create pop-up installation or library without approval but you may need approval for mural, we encourage you to work with your local government

2. Give your adopted stop a clean and tidy - is there any graffiti or rubbish that needs to be removed?

Can you sweep the ground?

3. With a clean and tidy bus stop canvas, you can now go about beautifying it. Add some colour, plants or seating if required.

4. Remember to consider accessibility and safety

when making any additions to your adopted bus stop - approvals may be required.

10 Show your place some love

METHOD:

1. Find a reasonably prominent place

people walk by, find or make a box with a lid or door so people can open and shut it.

2. Place it somewhere people can reach it.

3. Pop a sign on it so people know what it is and invite them to use it!

4. Then put a call out for locals to

contribute books and other items others in your community maybe interested in borrowing!

Show your place some love

11

5 Stick Library

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Dogs love to play too! This little library is a quirky way to provide a bit of fun for our four-legged friends.

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6 Light Up your

Neighbourhood

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Sticks ☐ Sign and/or Box ☐ Sense of humour

METHOD:

1. Make a simple sign, perhaps some

paint on a piece of old cardboard reading ""Stick Library"" and install it in a park with a pile of sticks. If you want to you could use an old crate or box, or keep it simple.

2. Bring your own dog or encourage

others to borrow a "toy" and play a game of fetch.

12 Show your place some love

Get to know the community

It's hard not to be happy when you're looking at fairy lights!

Lighting contributes to safer, healthier, happier streets and can be easy to install.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ ☐ Lights such as solar fairy lights or festoon lights

☐ ☐ Something to attach them to, eg a tree, pole or a fence

METHOD:

1. Wrap or string your chosen lights

to a tree, fence or bollard in your neighbourhood. Remember to place the solar panel where it can get plenty of sun (high up often works best).

2. Enjoy the twinkling lights as the sun goes down.

Show your place some love 13

8 Host a Competition

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An informal (or more serious) competition can provide an excuse for people to contribute or celebrate something unique about an area. Examples could include: a best photo of the area competition, a dog show, a bake-off (lasagne, cake, scones etc), best coffee or barista contest, best nature strip k Colle garden challenge or shop window competition. ar ea m nT

your street

Get to know the community

This is a great way to activate your street, meet new people, and make your street friendlier and safer by encouraging people (particularly seniors) to linger for longer.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ A bench or seat in front of your

house or business or local park.

☐ Optionally dog water bowl and/or pop-up library

METHOD:

1. Put some furniture outside your house, business or local park to make people feel welcome

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Choose the competition topic ☐ Choose the location (find a partner venue, ie local pub, community organisation)

☐ Work out the process including: - how do people register, - how are the winners chosen - how will it be promoted - prizes and glory

METHOD:

1. Make it simple, fun and creative

2. Promote and encourage people to get involved

3. Go through the process

4. Find the winners and celebrate!

☐ Incentivise community-led action!

More info

14 Show your place some love

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Get to know the community Show your place some love 15

10 Mow Someone's

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Lawn

We've all seen that house on the street with the overgrown lawns and gardens, perhaps the owner hasn't got the means to keep it tidy themselves. Helping someone with their lawn not only makes the place look better, both you and the recipient of your service will feel good too!

9 Community

Hands on

Busy Bee

outdoor cushions, books for pop-up library

☐ Plants ☐ Paint ☐ Chalk

16 Show your place some love

2. Invite your friends, family, neighbours and local businesses to come and help. (word of mouth, social media, posters or flyers)

3. Clean the area, add some furniture (seating,

coffee table), pop-up library, community art, plants.

4. Enjoy relaxing in your newly refreshed space!

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1. Identify a space that needs a spruce up.

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☐ Second hand furniture,

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materials/tools

METHOD:

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INGREDIENTS: ☐ Cleaning and gardening

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Find a place that needs some extra love and organise a community busy bee! Some cleaning, gardening, little bit of paint, second hand furniture can give a new life to every place.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Lawn mower ☐ Personal safety equipment - boots, hearing and eye protection

☐ A lawn in need of mowing

METHOD:

1. Locate a lawn in need of a mow

2. Speak to the owner to gain their permission

3. Mow the lawn

4. Clean up and compost lawn clippings

5. Admire your handiwork!

Show your place some love 17

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Campaign

Local businesses are the economic heart of our communities and usually run by local people. Supporting small business has many benefits including: accessing products grown and made in your area, fostering personal connections, keeping money local, and it can be more cost effective.

INGREDIENTS: METHOD: ☐ Shop local flyers / signs 1. Shop local more often (instead online or supermarkets) ☐ Social media channel 2. Promote your local businesses through social ☐ Local businesses media, a flyer drop or even organise a farmer's market for local producers.

3. Focus on a different small business each week.

4. You could interview the owner and share their story to create personal connection.

Get to know the community 18 Show your place some love

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12 Catch Up at the

pub or local cafe

Get to know the community

One of the easiest ways to bring your community together, is to simply ask people to get together.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Community Members ☐ Venue ☐ Invitation

METHOD:

1. Pick a time, date and location for

your catch up; it could be at your local cafe or the pub.

2. Invite people - this could be verbally, via social media or letterbox drop.

3. You might want to organise some

name stickers or conversation starter questions, however often informal, organic gatherings spark the best connections.

5. Leaving online reviews of businesses also helps to get eyes on them.

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13 Neighbourhood

Soup

METHOD:

1. Choose a time, date and place for your event.

2. Start to sell tickets, these are usually around $10 Get to know the community

Neighbourhood SOUP is a crowdfunding initiative that brings people together to support community led activations.

Community members pitch their ideas as guests share a meal of soup and bread, then vote for their favourite pitch. The winner takes home a cash grant to implement their initiative.

community.

4. At the event, guests receive soup, bread and a vote.

5. 4 pitchers, pitch their idea in just 4 minutes, with 4 minutes for questions.

6. Diners then vote for their favourite idea, with the winner taking home the kitty raised from ticket sales to implement their idea.

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20 Events

3. Put the call out for pitchers who have an idea that will improve your local

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INGREDIENTS: ☐ Venue ☐ Soup and Bread ☐ Tokens for voting ☐ 4 pitchers to pitch ideas ☐ MC

More info

Events 21

14 Sundowner

Picnic

Get to know the community

Bring your picnic blanket, dinner and drinks to enjoy a sundowner picnic. This is a family friendly, inclusive and informal way to meet new people and strengthen relationships in your community.

15 Paint n Sip METHOD:

1. Choose a location for your

sundowner, a park, beachfront or public open space is perfect!

2.

Invite local families to BYO picnic, or a takeaway from a local eatery.

3. Encourage interaction through lawn

games or activities, or just let people mingle organically.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Picnic blanket ☐ Picnic dinner ☐ Lawn games - optional 22 Events

Embrace your inner artist with a Paint 'n' Sip event. As the drinks start flowing, so do the creative juices - what masterpieces will your community create?

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Tables and chairs ☐ Canvas ☐ Paint, Palettes, Brushes ☐ Towels and Water for clean up ☐ Food and drinks

Arts

METHOD:

1. Invite your community to create their own masterpiece at a paint'n'sip event. You could use blank canvas, follow an artist's instructions or paint an object such as plaster cast gnomes!

2. Guests can enjoy a glass of wine or beer

as they paint, chat and enjoy getting creative. Depending on your venue, guests might purchase food and drinks or BYO.

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17 Long Table Lunch Nothing beats people joining together for a meal, family style. work To et

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INGREDIENTS: ☐ Table to serve from ☐ Bowls + spoons ☐ Ice cream, toppings, sprinkles.

METHOD:

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Tables + chairs ☐ Table decorations ☐ Cutlery + crockery ☐ Food + drinks to share

Get to know the community

METHOD: Great for kids

1. Set up a table with ice cream,

sprinkles, sauce, fruit and invite your guests to create their own epic ice cream sundae to eat.

2. This activity is a great one to set up

on your front lawn and invite your neighbours to - kids absolutely love it!

24 Events

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A tasty twist on ice cream sundae - invite your community for ice cream on Sunday!

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1. Choose a location for your long table lunch, perhaps in a park, laneway or on your front lawn.

2. Invite your community to join you, this event

is really easy if people pitch in with their own tables, chairs, and food to share.

3. Perhaps hold a competition for best table decorations to get guests really invested.

4. Enjoy a meal with your community.

Events 25

19 Garage Sale Trail

One person's trash is another's treasure! A garage sale is a great way to clear out your clutter, rehome items and make some money all at the same time. A garage sale trail coordinates many sales on one day benefiting both buyers and sellers!

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18 Yoga in the Park Yoga has so many health benefits, as does being outside and connecting with your community. Join all these elements together with a yoga practice in the park.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Yoga mat or towel ☐ Open space

Healthy

METHOD:

1. Engage a local yoga teacher to offer an

open air class in your local park. This might be free for participants or for a small fee.

2. Making the class beginner friendly is

an inclusive way to gain participants remember you don't need fancy equipment - just clothes you can move in and a towel is all you need to nourish your body and soul.

3. Invite your community, post on local social media groups, door knocking or maildrop

26 Events

More info

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Neighbours ready to hold a garage sale

☐ Garage Sale signs ☐ Pre-loved treasures to sell

METHOD:

1. Speak to your friends and neighbours to

agree on a date to hold your garage sale trail.

There is a national event in November if you wanted to go all out!

2. Advertise through signs on nearby street

corners, and your local online chat group.

3. Price and display your items for sale

4. Put on a smile and get ready to welcome your customers.

Events 27

21 Bonfire Night

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Like moths to a flame, bring people together over a bonfire in your place.

**Whilst a bonfire is a wonderful social event, fire can be dangerous! Make sure to have someone responsible actively supervising the fire, safety equipment on hand and abide by all local fire bans and restrictions.

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20 Book Club

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Bring people together regularly over a shared love of books, reading and talking with others.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Book or eBook you've read

METHOD:

1. Invite people to join you at a local cafe, library or community space.

2. Discuss your book of the month, this

might be one title everyone is tasked with reading, or bring along your latest read to share.

3. Some book clubs dedicate some time to silent reading together during their meetup.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Fire pit or Brazier or prepared bonfire site

METHOD:

1. Choose an appropriate site, time and date for your bonfire

☐ Kindling and Wood 2. Link in with your local council or bushfire brigade for approval and advice ☐ Safety equipment - fire extinguisher or water source

☐ Matches or lighter

3. Invite your community to come along and enjoy the warmth and company around your fireplace

4. Perhaps you might like to roast

marshmallows or have a sing-a-long too!

28 Events

Events 29

22 Buy Nothing Market

METHOD:

1. Choose a location for your buy nothing market, an easy to access public space near a local cafe or community hub works well.

A buy nothing market involves no exchange of money! Instead market goers are encouraged to gift items they no longer need, or take home a new treasure. This style of market contributes to the circular economy as well as fostering connections within the community.

2. Promote your market on local social media groups, community noticeboards, and by putting up posters in nearby cafes, libraries, and shops. Encourage people to bring a few items they no longer need - or just come along to browse and find a new-tothem treasure.

3. Enjoy a relaxed setting where people can chat, connect, and maybe grab a coffee while they browse. It’s as much about community as it is about sharing things.

4. At the end of the market, take home any items you brought that weren’t claimed. You can bring them again next time or donate them elsewhere - whatever works best.

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INGREDIENTS: ☐ Venue e.g. community hall, local park or footpath in front of local cafe

☐ Social media and/or flyers to advertise your market

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☐ Tables to display items ☐ Pre-loved treasures to gift 30 Events

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24 Chalk Fun

23 Bubble Bonanza

Great for kids

Chalk is an easy and temporary art medium to create a masterpiece, set up an obstacle course or simply express yourself through art.

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as you like. One way to bring a bit of joy to your community is to simply set up a bubble station on your main street on the weekend and invite passers by to participate.

2. Have a range of bubble wands available to

use, perhaps include giant bubble wands or everlasting bubbles.

3. A speaker playing fun pop tunes and a bubble Great for kids 32 Family Fun

machine will entice even more people to join in the festivities.

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1. A bubble bonanza can be as informal or formal

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☐ Buckets ☐ Bubble machines

METHOD:

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Chalk ☐ Hard surface to draw on.

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Bubbles of fun for everyone!

Create a festival of bubbles for kids and big kids alike.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Bubble mixture ☐ Bubble wands of

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METHOD:

1. There are no rules on how you can use chalk to activate your place.

2. You could draw hopscotch on your pavement and encourage people to play.

3. You could leave the box out and see what masterpieces people draw

4. You could encourage colouring in pavers in different colours.

5. There's no limit to what can be created with a few sticks of chalk and a lot of imagination.

Family Fun 33

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25 Dinner on your

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Driveway drinks or dinners are fun and super easy! Instead of enjoying a few drinks, a BBQ or even dinner in the backyard, why not swing around to the front yard or driveway? Help to make your street safer, friendlier and more fun the relaxing way!

26 Set up a

Play Street

Play streets temporarily reclaim a quiet residential street to create a place for neighbours of all ages to connect and play and build stronger and healthier communities.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ A street ☐ Local people of all ages

METHOD:

1. Scan the QR code to get some ideas

2. Check with your local government has a Meet your Street

or other program that can support Play Street monetary or in-kind (giant games etc)

3. Talk to your neighbours about the idea and invite them to get involved

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Table and chairs ☐ Your dinner

METHOD:

1. Instead of eating your dinner inside, bring a table and chairs to your driveway and eat outdoors.

2. Perhaps invite your neighbours to join you.

34 Family Fun

4. Invite your neighbours to Play Street - door knocking, flyers Get to know the community

5. Start small and test the idea Play Streets Website

Safer Speeds, Better Places info

Family Fun 35

27 Box City Simple ideas are often the best! Box City is a quick, cheap, family-friendly activity that can keep kids amused for ages, allowing parents to relax and chat. ction To Team

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28 Paper Planes Dalyel

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INGREDIENTS: ☐ Empty cardboard boxes ☐ Gaffer tape ☐ Scissors ☐ An empty space (e.g. park, street verge or car park)

36 Family Fun

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Bring out your inner child or competitive Dad with a paper plane competition!

METHOD:

INGREDIENTS: ☐ A4 paper ☐ Something to mark out a start

1. Collect empty cardboard boxes from

shops, department stores or residents.

2. Tip – whitegoods boxes are fantastic!

3. Tape them up and then put them into a space to play with.

4. Add some extras for adults likes drinks,

line e.g. chalk, tape or cones

METHOD:

1. Challenge participants to make a paper plane that flies the furthest!

2. You can have everyone launch their

planes at the same time, or run heats, or run the event over a longer timeframe keeping track of the distance to beat.

3. There might be a prize for the winner or

just award bragging rights until next time.

music or a food truck

Family Fun 37

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Venue - private or public land like street,

METHOD:

☐ Furniture - BYO chairs or any furniture, crates,

2. Organise music, some

☐ Entertainment - music ☐ Activities like games or chalk ☐ Food - bring a plate or catering from local

3. Invite guests

parking, town centre, laneway picnic blankets, cushions

businesses

38 Family Fun

1. Choose a venue for your

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Block Party is a party put on by and for the residents and local businesses of a local block or neighbourhood.

It can be as small or as large as you like, often a small group of residents on a residential street is a great place to start!

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29 Block Party

Why are public spaces so serious? Playful interventions with a serious intent can help to attract different people to use a space, but is also a simple and fun way to bring joy into everyday activities.

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30 Playful Intervention

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Get creative - it might be chalking

out a "skipping only zone", adding hopscotch with numbers in different languages, playful signage or one of dozens of other playful interventions

block party

food, and places for people to sit

4. Have a good time!

METHOD:

1. Choose a space and imagine what might be possible here.

2. Chalk or washable paint is a great way to make an idea come to life very quickly!

Family Fun 39

31 Playing in the

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Where is everyone? Suburban streets are often quiet—not because people aren't home, but because they're all inside.

This simple idea encourages you and your family to bring life back to the front yard.

Whether it's kids playing, adults gardening, exercising, or simply relaxing and watching the world go by, being visible helps spark connection and neighbourly moments.

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32 Christmas Caroling Spread some Christmas cheer to your town centre by singing Carols for Christmas OR Christmas in July!

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Portable speaker ☐ Song books ☐ Festive outfits - optional ☐ Christmas cheer!

INGREDIENTS: ☐ ☐ A picnic blanket and/or camping

METHOD:

☐ ☐

2. Add some games, toys, or an activity to

chairs

☐ Toys, games, or outdoor activities ☐ Anything that encourages being outside and visible—music, snacks, books, plants, pets!

40 Family Fun

METHOD:

1. Print up some songbooks and compile a playlist.

2. Put on your favourite Christmas attire.

3. Head down to your town centre 4. Sing!

1. Set up a comfy spot in your front yard with chairs or a picnic rug.

keep things fun and relaxed.

3. Hang out, play, wave at neighbours and see what connections unfold!

Family Fun 41

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34 Create a

Street Tradition

33 Leaf Pile Fun Nature

You could view fallen autumn leaves as a nuisance - or turn them into an asset! Embrace your inner child to create a giant leaf pile.. then JUMP! INGREDIENTS: ☐ Fallen leaves ☐ Rake ☐ Sign that says JUMP!

METHOD:

1. Rake fallen leaves into a large pile on your

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Residents of your

2. Make and put out a simple sign encouraging

☐ An invitation to

Kwinana host an annual Easter Egg Hunt. Families donate chocolate eggs which are hidden along the verges and front gardens by teenage residents.

3. Regularly re-rake the pile back together

☐ Food and drink is

2. The younger children hunt for the eggs whilst adults

verge

kids (and big kids) to jump in the pile!

4. When the fun is finished, fallen leaves are a great addition to compost.

42 Family Fun

A street tradition is a regular, repeated event, that fosters a sense of belonging, ownership and connection between neighbours. It could be an annual birthday party for your street, a Christmas BBQ, the anniversary of X, or the first Sunday of Y month each year! street

participate

often a welcome addition

METHOD:

1. An example: Residents of Bellingham Parade in

enjoy their BYO coffee and a good chat.

3. Someone usually brings out a tray of hot cross buns for everyone to enjoy.

Family Fun 43

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Brighten up a bench with a fresh coat of paint and a healthy does of care for your community.

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35 Paint a Park Bench

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36 Rock Snake

Great for kids

Remember the rock painting craze, where people would paint river stones and hide them in parks and gardens? A rock snake expands on this, forming a snake of painted rocks in a public space.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Get some paint and sandpaper

(Bunnings often will donate paint for community causes such as this!)

☐ Pick a date and bench in town ☐ Do a call out for volunteers. ☐ Sand and paint and have some fun!

44 Art in the Community

METHOD:

1. A great team building activity that creates impact in town!

2. Could be a great way to have your next team meeting!

INGREDIENTS: ☐ River stones or rocks ☐ Paint and brushes ☐ Creativity

METHOD:

1. Determine where your rock snake will

slither, is it going to be a permanent installation with the rocks cemented in; or a temporary snake where the rocks can be rearranged and added to?

2. Engage your community to paint rocks to form your snake; this is a fantastic activity for all ages to participate in.

Art in the Community 45

Arts

ands To el

wn

Team

wn Tea To

Lak

Pocket

m

er

S o ut h F

38 Yarn Bombing

o Corn re

37 Wheelie

Bin Painting

Arts

Get to know the community

Art can improve most things - even utilitarian wheelie bins!

This is an engaging and easy to organise activity for budding artists of all ages.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Garbage or recycling bins ☐ Paint ☐ Artists of any ability

METHOD:

1. An activity for a street to do together.

Put a call out for old paints lying around in the shed, or see if a local hardware store can donate some products.

2. Find some keen artists to provide

some instructions and encourage people to paint their bins.

46 Art in the Community

Yarn bombing is a guerrilla creative craft - adding crochet, knitting or other yarn based crafts to public objects such as trees and bollards.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Yarn based crafts such as

METHOD:

☐ Yarn

2. Put the call out to the community for

crochet/knitting

1. Choose an object that needs to be brightened up such as a tree trunk or bollard.

crocheted granny squares or similar then adorn your object with them. This is a great activity to get older citizens involved with, and pass down their crafty knowledge.

3. We've seen some fabulous examples of

bollards turned into characters and trees given knitted jumpers for winter.

Art in the Community 47

40 Washable Paint

39 Brick

Painting

Arts

Hands on

A splash of colour can make a big difference! Boring brick walls or paving are perfect for this quick win activity.

on the Road

Using washable, water-based, non-toxic kids paint can quickly transform a hard surface like a car park or footpath into a temporary work of art. It can help to show what some more permanent art or placemaking could do to a space.

METHOD:

1. Select the area that you are going to paint.

2. Pour some paint from the tin into a

coffee cup and hand to a helper with a paint brush.

3. The painter can paint any brick they like, with the only rule being to not put the same colours next to each other.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Brick wall or paved area ☐ 6 to 8 colours of outdoor,

sun-resistant paints (e.g. Wattyl Solagard)

☐ Paint brushes ☐ Disposable coffee cups 48 Art in the Community

4. This produces a random, eye-

catching effect, or come up with a design and create it via a paint by numbers approach.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ A surface that needs some colour ☐ Washable, water-based, non-toxic kids paint

☐ Paint brushes and/or rollers ☐ Disposable coffee cups and/or roller trays (both is best)

☐ Cloth tape

METHOD:

1. Mark out a geometric pattern on the surface using the cloth tape.

2. Allocate paint to helpers using coffee cups or roller trays.

3. They can spread paint within the taped area.

4. Once the pain is dry, remove the cloth

tape to reveal the final design. The paint will wash away with rain or a hose.

Art in the Community 49

Hands on

s We t Le

Flowe

istrict

e

rD

42 Eyebombing

ervill ed

41 Stencil Painting Bring your streets to life - one stencil at a time!

Street stenciling is a simple, low-cost way to add colour, spark conversations, and make your neighbourhood feel more loved. It can even help calm traffic and highlight areas for future street improvements. Whether it's bold patterns, playful shapes, or local messages, stencils turn plain pavement into a canvas for community creativity.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ A blank section of footpath ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐

or street

☐ A design or message ☐ Stencils (DIY or professionally made) ☐ Washable or acrylic paint ☐ Paint brushes and rollers ☐ Volunteers to help out

METHOD:

1. Pick your spot - Choose a stretch of footpath or quiet street and brainstorm designs with your team.

2. Make your stencil – Create your own using

cardboard or acrylic sheets, or have one cut at an art or signage store.

3. Choose your paint – Use washable paint or

chalk for a trial run, or opt for solar-resistant acrylic for longer-lasting colour.

4. Get painting! – Lay down your stencil, apply the paint, and add your unique flair. Try seasonal designs or rotate themes.

5. Celebrate and share – Take photos, post them Hands on

Arts

50 Art in the Community

online, and enjoy the community’s response. It's amazing how small splashes of creativity can brighten a whole street.

"Eyebombing" is the art of sticking googly eyes on an inanimate object in a public space, that makes it look like a funny living creature.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Googly Eyes or Eye

METHOD:

☐ Imagination

2. Stick on googly eyes to give the object some

Stickers

1. Locate an object to eyebomb, such as a lamp post, tree, or bollard. character

3. Laugh at the creature you have created

4. **Use your judgement when applying googly eyes as not to cause damage or harm

Art in the Community 51

Por t

Little Finds

eTow ea m nT

sid

44 'Freestyling" Arts

Freestyling Little Finds is a creative and playful urban intervention which instills a sense of wonder, surprise, and delight and transforms ordinary spaces and objects into the extraordinary. Street Art is related to graffiti, you might see it on your street, on walls, poles, paving and all over buildings!

43 Street Gallery

es and el n frie ds

SJ E

Guerrilla artists use markers, spray paint or stickers to make their art! Here's your chance to make your own!

Arts

Create an outdoor, public gallery to display the artwork or installation of talented locals!

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Artwork or art installation

METHOD:

☐ ☐Blank surface such as

2. This could be done by applying art directly

from talented local (artists, students) fencing, planter boxes, bollards

☐ Method of attaching

artworks e.g. cable ties

52 Art in the Community

1. Identify a blank space that need some

love and could be transformed with local artworks. to the space e.g. painting a planter box, or by attaching artworks to it.

3. Remember to credit your artists - a QR code or social media handle works well

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Some POSCA markers (or paint, stickers)

☐ A whimsical or cheeky spirit ☐ Permission to not be perfect

METHOD:

1. Find an unloved and unmaintained space (be sure to check it's not heritage listed or government owned)

2. Add value to the unloved space by transforming elements into something fun or clever

3. Be prepared to remove if required Art in the Community 53

Show your place some love.. SPARK JOY

Arts

Sprinkle the little seed bombs somewhere that needs a pop of colour and life! Verges, empty garden beds, cracks in the footpath, vacant lots... just throw them in and watch them grow!

172 To 6

n Team

Kar

C o n ne

ow ct T n

am Te

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Resin fairy doors ☐ Publicly accessible land

dy

Nature

w

Add a touch of magic to your neighbourhood by installing fairy doors in a local park or open space. These tiny surprises spark big imaginations - inviting kids (and grownups) to step outside, explore, wonder and connect through playful discovery.

Hands on

PK

45 Spark Joy

46 Seed Bombs

METHOD:

1. Collect or make fairy doors

2. Select a local park or garden

3. Place fairy doors at the bottom of trees or shrubs

4. Wait for locals to discover and for the news to spread

INGREDIENTS: ☐ 4 parts bentonite clay ☐ 1 part native potting mix (sifted) ☐ A sprinkle of native fertiliser ☐ Wildflower seeds

METHOD:

1. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.

2. Add water slowly to make a playdoh type consistency.

3. Roll into balls - about 1 inch round.

4. Add 4-6 seedbombs to a paperbag to give out or take home.

5. Throw seed bombs where you would like to see some flowers bloom!

54 Art in the Community

Care For Your Environment 55

Centr Partne

Find a patch of dirt or even a pothole and do a guerrilla gardening blitz! It might be a permanent change or even Nature Hands on just an urban provocation.

The number 1 rule in placemaking is to show that someone cares about the space.

St

reet To

wn

Team

ip rsh

47 Clean Up Day

Smart

Ipswi

al

ch

48 Guerrilla Gardening

Clean Up Days or working bees are an excellent way to quickly improve a space or area. They help to show your commitment, attract local doers and create positive momentum. Plus you can see results very quickly!

INGREDIENTS: METHOD: ☐ Rubbish bags or sacks 1. Choose an area to clean up, then invite your community to come and help. ☐ Gloves local government might be able to ☐ Hand sanitiser / wipes for clean up 2. Your support with providing supplies and/or collecting the rubbish picked up.

3. Remember to separate out recyclables and containers for change.

METHOD:

1. Try to choose plants that are native

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Find a space ☐ Add some plants

to the area, hardy and/or have low water needs. Native pigface (Carpobrotus Glaucescens) is an excellent choice as it grows from cuttings (so basically free), very hardy, native and spreads quickly over a patch of dirt.

2. You might need to water whatever Sustainable 56 Care For Your Environment

you plant to begin with until it gets established.

Care For Your Environment 57

49 Clothing Swap

"The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.

The second best time is now."

Chinese Proverb.

Freshen up your wardrobe in a sustainable way by participating in a clothing swap in your community.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ Venue ☐ Tickets / tokens ☐ Tables / display racks / hangers ☐ Pre-loved quality clothing

Sustainable

METHOD:

1. Decide on a time, date and place for your clothing swap. Often a community hall works well.

2. Put the call out for donations of

clean, pre-loved clothing. Ticket your event, this might be free or a small donation to cover costs.

3. Determine how many items each

participant will receive per ticket - 5 is a good number.

4. On the day of the event, set up

clothing on tables / racks organised by size; you may need a few volunteers for crowd control as your community choose their new, but pre-loved clothes!

50 Plant

a tree

Sustainable

Hands on

Nature

Trees cool our streets and neighbourhoods, improve our physical health, and even raise property prices! Every place could benefit from having more trees planted.

INGREDIENTS: ☐ A tree sapling ☐ Spade or shovel ☐ Watering can / hose

METHOD:

1. Locate a suitable site for your new tree.

2. Dig a large hole, about twice the size of the root ball.

3. Gently plant your sapling into the hole and backfill with soil, pressing lightly to remove air pockets.

4. Give the tree a deep watering after planting, and

continue to water regularly - especially during dry periods - until it’s well established.

5. NOTE: Some local councils offer free or subsidised

street trees. It's worth checking if your area has a treeplanting program!

58 Care For Your Environment

Care For Your Environment 59

Inspiring Words to Keep You Going

The next Quick Win is waiting.

Creating change doesn’t have to start with a big plan or a perfect moment.

Sometimes, all it takes is a single step - a small action that makes someone feel seen, valued, or connected. That’s what this 50 Quick Wins Guide is all about.

Whether you're picking up a piece of litter, hosting a community cuppa, or simply saying hello to a neighbour you’ve never met - you are making a difference.

Here are some words to keep close when you need a little reminder of your power and purpose:

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”

Turn the page. Take action. And let’s build stronger communities - one Quick Win at a time.

Prioritising ideas Brainstorm some potential project ideas. Work out whether they will be easy or hard to do. Would they have a low impact or high impact on the place?

Easy To Do

Start with an idea that you might enjoy and might be easier to do

“Community is not a place, it is a feeling .”

— Unknown

— Mahatma Gandhi

“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”

“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.”

— Eleanor Roosevelt

— Theodore Roosevelt

Hard To Do Low Impact

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world.

Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

— Margaret Mead

60

Why Quick Wins?

High Impact

Some people might wonder why we recommend quick wins. After all, they won't change your town overnight. We recommended quick wins because they promote playful, experimental ideas, build trust and confidence in you and your team of helpers and demonstrate how easy it can be to create positive change. You don't need to wait for the big priorities or actions. You don't need to wait for permission to act. Most importantly, many small wins can create a big difference. Make it happen!

Now it’s your turn.

You don’t need permission. You don’t need a big team.

You just need the heart to care and the courage to act.

Pick one Quick Win. Try it this week.

Invite someone to do it with you.

Let that first step spark something bigger - conversations, collaborations, and real community change.

Because this isn’t just a guide.

It’s a movement.

And you are part of it.

This is your invitation to act, connect, and grow something amazing - right where you are.

Keep the Momentum Going We hope you feel inspired and find this toolkit useful in bringing your ideas to life - connecting with your community and creating great places to live, work, and thrive.

For even more ideas, stories, and practical tips, check out our website and follow us on social media. We’re constantly sharing fresh ways to help you build more connected, vibrant, and thriving communities - just like yours.

Write your ideas here:

"People can feel a deeper sense of purpose, agency and belonging through connecting and contributing to their place and community. You can too!”

Dean Cracknell,

Town Team Movement

@townteammovement www.townteammovement.com

www.actlocal.com.au