We are inclusive so we work with all sorts of community organisations and individuals, building on existing strengths to create vibrant and connected communities. We have worked with grass roots and established community groups; individuals wanting to connect with a group or build their own; and potential and existing community leaders and businesses.
Community Exchange isn’t about a list of services, but rather ways we can help build community capacity and make connections. Some of the ways we have been doing that include:
- Lending a hand to find, write and apply for community grants
- Connecting community groups and businesses together for mutual benefit
- Building capacity and skills within community groups
- Helping build skills to host successful events
- Helping identify service gaps in consultation with the community so together we can find ways they can be filled
- Help community groups plan their growth to make their idea achievable and sustainable
Bennett Springs steps up
The COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be tough time for many communities. However, during this time the Bennett Springs Resident Association, with support from Community Exchange, were able to step up to provide hope, reassurance and support for its community through community care packages filled with goods and services sourced from local businesses.
Though representatives from sporting clubs, faith communities, schools, dog walking groups and neighbour door-to-door conversations community members of highest need to receive a care package were identified. Call-outs for residents to nominate a worthy recipient of a care package was also used to great effect.
By buying local items for the packages, we were also able to help strengthen the #SpendInTheSprings campaign, started last year by the committee members as a way of promoting residents to support local businesses and promote cross-pollination amongst the local business community.
Working together with Bennett Springs Resident Association, Community Exchange was able to assist with helping secure funding and rolling out of the project through:
- Planning and strategy
- Assisting in grant draft and budget
- Assisting with collaboration and feedback for the grant
- Connecting with City of Swan
- Project updates
Let the games continue
After losing the venue where the Daytonian Board Game Club hosted its catch ups, Community Exchange Community Development Coordinator Matt Aitken was a conduit for the club to link with the nearby Riverlands Montessori School, who had a space within the school grounds for community groups to meet. The facility had been funded on the proviso that it would benefit local community groups, so Matt putting the two in touch has been beneficial to both parties.
Wanneroo:
Tracy Tuari, Community Development Coordinator
cxwanneroo@mercycare.com.au
0481 004 210
Swan:
Matt Aitken, Community Development Coordinator
cxswan@mercycare.com.au
0436 916 538