Rebuilding community should be a priority for the next Council

Sunday Forums #2 wrap

Rebuilding community should be a priority for the next Council – that was the key message from our most recent Sunday forum.

On a bitterly cold and wet afternoon, more than sixty residents heard a great examples of the crucial role of Council as a connector, innovator and funder of vital services such as early learning and care, aged care, arts, sports and libraries.

Speakers included Hugo Armstrong from the Albert Park Sports Clubs Association; Sarah Hunt from the National Theatre in St Kilda , Megs Alston from the Friends Of Suai and Delia Bradshaw on behalf of library users.

The Stiletto Sisters provided a warm and fun musical introduction and Karen Mahlab AM facilitated superbly.

Three key themes emerged.

Care is central to culture.

It certainly is to the work of Sr Brigid Arthur AO and the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project. Located in Albert Park, Sr Brigid spoke to practical support and advocacy for people seeking refuge in Australia and how our humanity needs to shape our future. Check out the Project’s amazing work here.

Care drives change.

Caroline Martin, a senior woman of the Yaluk-ut Weelam clan of the Boon Wurrung peoples, provided a stirring Welcome to Country and the place of strong women in First Nations cultures. In particular, Caroline highlighted the inspirational leadership of Louisa Briggs and her struggle for Indigenous rights in the early days of colonisation.

Laura Hill underlined how care displaced self-interest in driving the successful parent and community campaign opposing Council’s proposed sale of three early learning centres.

Care is the secret sauce in the design and delivery of services.

Beris Campbell highlighted how the idea of providing locally based care for ageing residents informed the ground breaking work of Port Melbourne, South Melbourne and St Kilda Councils. And care, planning and advocacy needed to be at the heart of Port Phillip’s services.

The next forum is focused on Community Safety and is on Sunday, 11 August at 2.30pm at the Uniting Church, 235 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne. Register here.

Karen Mahlab AM interviewing Laura Hill and Sr Brigid Arthur AO