We moved here with a young family from the East.
Streets Alive helped to make us feel at home quicker than we have with any other move.
Tracey, Doubleview, WA
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Lilly street in South fremantle is
having their 5th annual Lasanga
Bakeoff. We close the street, place
tables and chairs on the road and
eat everyones lasanga. Others enter
the competition to win the famous
Lilly St Bakeoff trophy. last year we
had 37 entries and over 150 people
attended the day, Lots of fun for kids
and adults with many different ways
shown how to cook lasagna's.
T-shirts are designed each year by a
local Lilly Street artist and sold to
promote the day. We sell the shirts
for around $13.00 to cover cost and
sold over 100 last year. We also
have a raffle to cover costs and have
prizes donated by local businesses.
We are finding it harder to get
permission to close the street
because of public liability but we
think that this type of event should
not be lost to red tape. We hope by
associating ourselves to Streets
Alive we can keep this bake off alive
annually.
Matt, South Fremantle, WA
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I live on a very small street. Each of our 12 houses is separated by super six fencing and we all lead very busy lives. These barriers kept us more or less apart until becoming an active Streets alive street earlier this year.
As a group we whole heartedly ran with the concept of connecting with other families on the street. The initial street party on ANZAC day brought many neighbours together for the first time and it was unanimous that we keep the close ties. We meet informally for a cuppa bimonthly and plan to continue the ANZAC day party as well as having a Christram street party annually.
Close ties mean that we know what is happening on the stret. We play an active role in maintaining security for neighbours who are absent. As a group we support newcomers to the street and make them feel welcome. It's not just for the adults! It's an opportunity for families to interact with other families on the street.
The informal gatherings are a co-operative effort, and a wonderful opportunity for us to meet in a supportive, stimulating and enjoyable way.
Jan, Churchlands, WA
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I am in Planet Street in Carlisle. My husband and I both work full time, have a busy social life and are involved in extra curricular activities. We thought we'd never have time to get to know those around us - so kept saying...one day.... Since plucking up the courage to have an event for a section of our street - those between two cross roads - in November 2001 (a simple BYO everything event, with low fuss and time to organise) we have loved living where we are and have noticed how little time it has taken. In fact, in alot of ways it has saved time. We have a 50% rental in our area and I thought that would be an issue - I was wrong! We had 30 at our first event on our front lawn and another household held a Christmas drinks with around 25 turning up. We now have people we chat to as they walk by, we borrow and share tools (which saves us driving 30 minutes return to the inlaws to borrow things), share plants and lemons, water gardens when each other are away and generally help each other out.
It's great to have a laugh and yarn or even a simple wave with those we live around.
If you arecontemplating organising something simple - go for it! Feel the fear and do it anyway.
Sonia, Carlisle, WA
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I think it is a wonderful, back to basics, keep it simple idea! I first heard of your Streets Alive on Radio National. I am in Queensland and don't know of anything here, but who knows, maybe I can link with others and do something. My work is with people who are socially isolated - starting with where they live is the place to start.
I hope all enjoy a peaceful and neighbourly festive season with loads of wonderful connections! Thank you for the inspiration.
Kerrie, Queensland
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After two or three low-key get-togethers, the street decided it was time for the big street party.
We had great fun organising it, and about 80 people, neighbours, ex-neighbours and friends,
enjoyed eating, drinking, chatting, and street games.
A definite success!
Val, Woodlands, WA
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