Linking Glenroy
The Linking Glenroy Project began in 2004 as a project to increase community capacity building and wellbeing in an area of socio-economic disadvantage. Hey, We’re Here – The Voice of Youth involved young people working with community agencies to express their views of their community in a week of presentations and exhibits. In 2006 the project developed further links between community organisations and young people in Glenroy. Using the arts as a vehicle for expression and connection the project linked seven community agencies to build a greater sense of community and enabled young people to take pride in their area. The agencies included Moreland Council, Anglicare, the Royal Children’s Hospital, Victorian Arabic Social Services and the Victorian College of Koorie Education.
The cornerstone to Linking Glenroy has been the use of arts activity to: explore ideas of community and identity; increase self-esteem; develop skills and express the unique stories of the individuals who make up the community of Glenroy. Arts activities have included: Stencil Art, performance, rap and beat box, film and public art.
Today the Linking Glenroy project continues. A community task group has been established to inform and develop ideas that will continue to strengthen community capacity and wellbeing. Moreland Council is committed to putting in place structures that will integrate the arts into community planning and engagement. This presentation will explore how the arts are integral to the development of notions of self, community and place and also in regard to explorations of diversity.
Prior to migrating to Australia 12 years ago, Paula Jorgenson worked as a design consultant for a living and directed summer camps for love. In Melbourne, the absence of summer camps led to community work. Her motivation is an interest in people – their stories, passions and creativity -- and the energy that develops in organisations and in communities when people work together. Paula works at Moreland City Council as Community Development Programs Coordinator. When not at work, she can be found creating in the kitchen with her children or expressing her commitment to community participation in her neighbourhood.