REALM Issue 10 - Spring 2020

TIGHT KNIT COMMUNITY THRIVES

HAMILTON REACH RESIDENTS DISCOVER NEW WAYS TO CONNECT DURING LIFE IN LOCKDOWN.

From an “abundance of caution” to Zoom drinks, the past few months have thrown up an A-Z of unique challenges and adjustments for everyone. Hamilton Reach residents were determined to make sure social distancing did not mean an end to social interaction and took a creative approach to staying connected, finding new ways to catch up and planning COVID-safe activities.

HAMILTON REACH FACEBOOK GROUP

A community Facebook group was created for residents across Hamilton Reach. More than 260 neighbours joined to forge friendships, post photographs, share local tips and advice and, as restrictions eased, arrange community and social events.

COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS

Seven Community Champions were recruited, one for each of Hamilton Reach’s residential developments. These communityminded volunteers meet weekly to nurture, connect and communicate with residents.

Bugle player on ANZAC Day 2020

Residents gather for a dawn ceremony

WARM-UP FOR WINTER

Hamilton Reach residents brought colour and vibrancy to their local parks over winter by knitting and crocheting scarves to wrap around tree trunks and branches. Volunteers produced dozens of bright winter woollies, incorporating the colour blue in a show of support to all the frontline workers. The scarves were removed on July 31, washed and presented to Homeless Connect for distribution to people in need.

ART & CRAFT WORKSHOPS

From caligraphy to crochet, watercolours to winter knitting; new fortnightly workshops emphasise fun and friendship as much as they do arts and crafts.

EMU BOB

Volunteers keep the community tidy while enjoying a spot of fresh air and friendship with a monthly Emu Bob clean-up morning.

WOOL & WINE NIGHTS

Crafty residents meet fortnightly to knit, stitch and crochet over a cup of tea or a glass of wine in this new social craft group.

COMMUNITY LIBRARY AND BOOK EXCHANGE

Avid readers are invited to take a book and leave a book at the new community library and free book exchange, which is currently located between Riverlight and the Hamilton Reach Sales and Display Centre. Hamilton Northshore Men’s Shed members constructed the weatherproof library case, helped by donations from Frasers Property Australia and Bunnings. Books covering all genres and suitable for all ages are donated by residents and managed by a volunteer librarian.