Community momentum in Manning

For Rory Murray, founder of Manning Laneway Festival, his volunteering has taken him down many roads.

Rory Murray’s journey began with a singular ethos – that the smallest contributions can make a profound impact. Even the popular Manning Laneway Festival, now in its second year, started from humble beginnings; a local dad’s group.

Following a successful dad’s campout at Manning Primary School, Rory and a few of the other fathers started a group for those wanting to get more involved in their children’s lives and schooling. Part of the national ‘The Fathering Project’, the group was a way to show their kids they cared about their world and their community.

However, there was also another passion that the group shared – cycling. And so, a spin-off community was born – the Manning Knight Riders, a cycling group where local dads could come together to exercise and socialise.

“You hear statistics about men– that men in Australia over 40 have fewer and fewer close friends,” Rory says.

“Manning Knight Riders started out as a way for guys to hang out and connect over bikes, but they were telling us that what we had started was really unique – it was helping them get their physical health and mental health back on track.” Manning Knight Riders soon took off, with more and more members telling their mates to come along. Nine years later, the group was ready to take on a new challenge. 

“We wanted it to be more than a riding group,” Rory says. “We wanted Manning Knight Riders to be community-minded– an active and healthy group founded on connection to community.”

When an opportunity to activate the Manning Hub presented itself, the club put forward a fantastic idea; the first Manning Laneway Festival – a way to bring the community together with local businesses and organisations to enjoy music and good food and to form deeper connections.

The first festival took place in 2023, drawing a crowd of over 2,000 people. The response from the community was immediately positive. “I overheard people talking about having so much fun there – it’s great to know you played a part in creating something that allowed people to feel like part of the community,” Rory says.

This year, the much-loved festival was once again supported by locals. “The number of contributors this year was way above expectations,” Rory says.

“They say volunteerism is on the decline but so many people showed up for us this year – it’s been overwhelming in the best way.”

 With Manning Laneway Festival having already gained so much momentum, another community offshoot has blossomed. Led by Rory, the Manning Town Team, has taken charge of the Festival – and the plan is to deliver even more community projects in Manning.

“We’re hoping to create more small-scale events and arts initiatives,” Rory says. Having fronted so many community initiatives in Manning, it’s no surprise that last year Rory won the City of South Perth Volunteer of the Year Award. And although he’s honoured by the recognition, it’s just a small part of what his volunteering has given him.

“You get so much satisfaction and wellbeing from it. It opens so many opportunities – in your social life, professional life and upskilling opportunities.”

“You always get so much more than you give.”