Drawing inspiration from our local community

I draw such inspiration from attending community events in our City and meeting the people who make these organisations tick. There is so much great work being done by our community members, the majority of whom are volunteers. Whether it be community-building through local sporting clubs or not-for-profit groups who want to make a real difference in the local area. And do you know what? They are making a difference!

This month I had the chance to attend the Perth Zoo’s 120th birthday celebrations. What a milestone for this iconic South Perth landmark. Executive Director Wendy Attenborough outlined the planning that has commenced to transform the world renowned Zoo so it can provide new wildlife experiences for the WA public and visitors into the future. These are exciting times indeed.

The Como Croquet Club also celebrated a very special birthday this month. Can you believe they have been going for 90 years! They marked the milestone with a fabulous party. Deputy Mayor Glenn Cridland and I joined in the fun and celebrated with club members at their newly revamped clubrooms. Here’s to another 90 years!

Photo courtesy of Como Croquet Club

Similarly, it was a pleasure to celebrate with Soroptimist International South Perth, who marked their 20th birthday this month! These women of Soroptimist work tirelessly to be of service to the community here and abroad. Their focus is on empowering women and girls through education and leadership.

The City of South Perth has been a long-time supporter of Millennium Kids and I continue to be amazed and inspired by their work and ambition. The not-for-profit youth organisation empowers young people to have their say about the environment, leading to hundreds of inspiring youth-led initiatives that have contributed significantly to the environment and communities in WA and beyond.

Earlier this month I attended a Millennium kids conference in which they discussed how Green Lab was born, a new Millennium Kids program in collaboration with Trillion Trees, where young people will lead a campaign to help you to get to know your trees, and cool the city, in partnership with local councils and tree lovers. Following a survey of over 500 kids a vision for the next 50 years was created. Kids are anxious about climate change, and know that our cities are heating up. Some Perth councils having only 10% tree canopy, but 60% carpark and roads. Kids want a cool city. They want tree-lined streets, places for wildlife, and bushland. They want these precious places protected for future generations.

Photo courtesy of Millennium Kids

I was fortunate to attend the John Curtin Medal presentation. The prestigious Medal is awarded by Curtin University to outstanding people in the community who have contributed to the well-being of society and shown John Curtin’s qualities of vision, leadership and community service in their chosen field. This year the Medal was awarded to two very worthy recipients Susan Saleeba and Fay Alford. Susan has advocated and established the Nakuru Hope Foundation in Kenya addressing the vast gap between affluence and poverty while Fay’s work has seen her volunteer her time, advocate and dedicate her life to WA children and families in need of foster care. She is one of the state’s most knowledgeable, well-respected and active leaders in the foster care sector.

The South Perth Baseball Club marked the opening of their season and new batting cages this month. As co- patron of the club, I was able to share this happy moment with the members and ‘cut the ribbon’ to officially mark the opening of the new cages. The club received funding from the City of South Perth and the Department of Sport and Recreation for the work. 

The South Perth Baseball Club also has a Little League Challenger Division for boys and girls ages 5-18 that have physical and intellectual challenges which may have prevented them in the past from participating in a mainstream Little League Baseball or Tee-ball programs.

The South Perth Little League Challenger program will provide these kids with an opportunity to enjoy the full benefits of Little League Baseball participation at a level structured to their abilities. The Challenger program will allow the kids to experience the joy of being part of a team, develop their social skills while building their self-esteem. So many fantastic volunteers in our community working with sporting teams.

Photo courtesy of South Perth Baseball Club