Kempsey South Community Project

The aim of place planning is to build community cohesion and connection in social housing communities through programs that are initiated by the community and also co designed by the community.

Some programs had already commenced, these programs were continued and expanded on.

We consulted extensively with the community and engaged community members and other agencies in developing programs to meet the needs of residents in social housing in west and south Kempsey.

Mathew Parr and Rachel Salmond were employed as community workers to facilitate the program, and Willy Thomson came on board in July 2020 to assist in the program.

A number of projects and activities developed as a result of this project, and these are covered in the following pages.

As of December 2020, the funding for the program ended, however, we are hoping to continue aspects of the project as part of our neighbourhood center’s role and seek new funding to continue our programs.

The Kempsey South Community Centre now hosts a Men’s Group, Make Mend and Grow, a Kids Group and a Craft Group. The Centre is also used by other services and is a venue for events and projects.

Kempsey South is also available for other services to use and for community to access for support.

Weekly Men’s BBQ’s with activities including Didgeridoo painting; karaoke; bicycle restoration; monthly fishing trips. A relaxing atmosphere is provided for men to come together and talk about health, social & community issues, healthy relationships and employment opportunities. Community Partners are invited along to provide accurate information regarding any issues concerning the group as well as what services are available to men in the Kempsey local area.

Make, Mend and Grow developed from ideas and suggestions made by people attending cooking groups at Kempsey South Community Centre. People identified that that we would like to learn more about things like home repairs, making things for the home, making jams and preserves, cooking healthy food on a budget, repairing clothing and recycling.

This group was part of the original Place Planning activities and continued to go from strength to strength. Mathew obtained a karaoke machine and this has become a great way to raise confidence and have fun. The group crafts in the morning, cooks and eats a healthy lunch together and those who are brave enough entertain with some singing.

This group now meets at the Catholic Hall in West Kempsey.

Comments from participants:

• Loved learning how to make beautiful things
• Everyone is so friendly
• Lunch is always nice
• Good to be with other people
• Really good to learn how to fix things in the house
• Didn’t know I could do stuff like this.
• I learnt how to cook proper
• Love the singing
• So nice to eat with other people
• I feel more confident
• Learnt some great recipes
• This is fun

This is an after-school group for primary aged children that runs every Tuesday afternoon at South Kempsey Community Centre. Twenty to thirty primary age children attend this group.

Activities have included:

• Slime
• Karaoke
• Handball
• Basketball
• Painting
• Mask making
• Cooking
• Running
• Hopscotch
• Playing

What the kids say:

• “this is fun!”
• “let’s make slime (again)”
• “can we do this every time?”
• “i’m hungry”