3Place Communities (3PC) is an overview of what can be special about a local Community and creating a framework for others to associate and share that.
Its about how a small group of people in a small suburb in the South Eastern Suburbs (Melb, Aust) have created a special place to meet and grow as a Community.
Having tried to engage Local Government, (LoG), not being recognised, and then experiencing rejection, we launched a local ‘Park’ Facebook page which has allowed us grow, and support each other. With growing numbers, combined, we can challenge LoG, create a presence and a voice.
Jokingly, we told Local Government that we were invisible to them, they could hear us but they didn’t see us.
But in our special place (see overview) we can share the ‘little things’ that help us through the day. We can step out of the craziness of life and share some banter, talk about the health of our Friends, engage in some casual exercise, walk the dog and start a conversation with a complete stranger, who somehow seems familiar and already shares our space. Whilst doing this we grow and our Reserve has become a very special “Third Place Community”. A place to be, part of everyone’s day, and a environment that can grow relationships and happiness.
Sharing our experience to help you
The blogs will then share ideas on creating Consultation, understanding the challenges, and finding ways to work with LoG, with the focus on helping them transition to becoming a more People/Service focused organisation.
Our Friends Facebook
Now in our 6th year, FoMAR is the online news centre. It welcomes new Friends and links them into our Community and what is happening. It shares our Values and Respect messages. Local Councillors and Local Government Officers share their information whilst engaging in regular Community banter. As the Role of a Ward Councillor moves towards a ‘strategic’ focus we provide them with feedback on local issues that reflects our specific needs and desires.
It has also allowed us to lobby for Maintenance, OH&S, and underline the importance of respecting all users and resident Clubs.
Facebook, has facilitated that growth, given us that ‘voice, a presence and credibility’. 3Place is now the next chapter in that journey. It is hoping to encourage other small localised Communities to gather, talk and work towards a 3Place Community model. In time we hope to engage with LoG, change attitudes and promote innovative delivery models.
One goal still remains omnipotent.
To be recognised as a ‘Stakeholder’ in ‘our special’ Third Place. We are not a Club, Association or Incorporated body, but Local Government ‘needs’ to connect with us, understand our Health and Wellbeing needs and involve us as they work towards a Vison and Mission Statement that reflects that they understand Community needs.
Join us on this journey.
Be ‘those people’ who see what might/could be achieved. We appeal to, and want to work with those who are passionate about their own little Community and prepared to put in some effort to create a 3Place of their own.
With a bit of enthusiasm, passion, and sharing of ideas perhaps we can help you to build/evolve your special ‘Third place’.
Let it become a ‘shared’ journey.
Sharing and supporting our Friends has helped lots of people to remain connected, engaged, active and relevant in our special place. It makes a difference in this crazy world.
Right now, we are challenged by sickness, isolation and dramatic changes to our lives, but for those Friends lucky to be in ‘our’ 3Place Community, we will always be there for you, our neighbour and our Friends. We are constantly amazed at the little things that our Friends do for each other, and that act of giving and helping is very satisfying.
What we have learnt
Want to collaborate?
