7.2 Implications for the place and the community – key themes and ideas

• 45.3% strongly disagreed or disagreed ‘I sometimes feel isolated and lonely living in the Peninsula’. However, the results also suggest that for some respondents Rhodes Peninsula may not always be such a good place to be, as: • Almost half (48%) agreed or strongly agreed ‘There is not enough for me to do here at night’ – This sentiment was also reflected in the focus groups and Neighbour Day consultation activities, with many participants commenting on the need for more places to eat out at night, and some also expressing a desire for small bars within the Peninsula. Several suggested the Town Square, Station Precinct and waterfront areas present good opportunities for outdoor dining / dining with water views. ‘We need more restaurants. The place needs to be more friendly for people to have a meal at night and walk home.’ • Almost one third neither agreed nor disagreed with the statement ‘I can call on my neighbours for help when needed’ and another 20.7% disagreed or strongly disagreed.

• Over one third (35.6%) neither agreed nor disagreed with the statement ‘I feel a strong sense of belonging in the Peninsula’. This may be related to the considerable proportion of people who are new to the Rhodes Peninsula / and or are living there on a temporary basis – whether from other parts of Sydney or overseas.

• Almost 15% (14.7%) agreed with the statement ‘I sometimes feel isolated and lonely living in the Peninsula’ and another 25% were undecided. Diversity and related perceptions were explored in the Place Plan consultations. That is, cultural diversity, age diversity, economic diversity, diversity of housing status and diversity between permanent and temporary residents. While some focus group participants described the cultural diversity of the local community as being an important and positive contributor to its character and identity, others identified challenges relating to diversity within the Peninsula. Key issues raised in focus group discussions focused on the: • need for spaces and activities within Rhodes Peninsula where members of different cultural groups within the community can come together, such as public art projects, activities and celebrations in the Community Precinct (eg Tai Chi classes, Dragon Boat racing, community garden, Chinese New Year celebrations). ‘If we’re going to have a cultural centre it should bring everyone together, not become insular / used by one group only.’ • importance of culturally specific activities and opportunities – such as a youth specific facility and activities, social activities and exercise classes for older people, English classes and support services for new arrivals. ‘It’s a slow road to assimilation / integration and if we want that too soon it’s counterproductive. You really do need culturally specific activities to begin with, and then once people feel comfortable they are more likely to feel they can more confidently participate in the mainstream community. For some cultures study centres and ethic specific cultural workers and youth workers are needed. Eg employing a casual worker for 1 day/week or finding a service that might have an outreach worker who can work in Rhodes.’ • need to address negative attitudes within the community towards people from diverse cultural and linguistic groups – for instance, through cross cultural interaction and Council leadership.

• need to provide universal access to ensure Rhodes Peninsula is an accessible place for all – including parents with strollers and older people with limited mobility.

• Comments by several members of the community that they were initially attracted to the area due to its affordability. Many also commented on the importance of providing free and low cost activities in the Community Precinct.

• Suggestion that the large transient population in Rhodes Peninsula (including renters and people on overseas work or student visas) makes the area vibrant, but may negatively impact on sense of community, resulting in illegal dumping, etc. It is recommended that sense of community is tested following completion / occupation of residential and other major projects within the Peninsula and at key milestones, to measure potential change over time (eg through a post occupancy style survey).

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Three overarching themes emerged from community feedback on the Place Plan. These were: • The need for infrastructure to accompany development and population growth

• The need for Council, other local stakeholders and the community to work together to ensure the public domain within the Peninsula is clean, tidy and well maintained

• The desire for Rhodes Peninsula to be a more active and vibrant place.