Building communities in community buildings

From the tiniest country towns to the bustling suburbs of major cities, you’ll find buildings dedicated to the community in which they stand.

Whether you know them as the ‘local hall’ or the ‘community centre’, these spaces are the lifeblood of Australian neighbourhoods, supporting shared experiences and social bonding.

Community halls in Australia trace their roots back to the earliest days of settlement, often built as adjoining rooms to churches and Sunday schools. The period between the World Wars saw an increase in the establishment of standalone memorial halls, built to honour those who served.

Over the years, these buildings acted as vital community hubs where locals could gather for social events, town meetings, and various civic activities. Many still stand today, dotted across the Australian landscape from the outback to the big city. A testament to the life and times of their towns, these community spaces have hosted everything from cake stalls and community dances to weddings and political meetings.

Today, the importance of a room for a community to call their own is just as necessary as ever. The technology may be better and the uses more diverse and inclusive than in days gone by, but the fundamental essence remains: community spaces are valuable enablers of belonging and connection.

Claire Palmer, Frasers Property Australia’s Community Development Manager at Ed.Square in Sydney’s south west, says that community spaces are vital elements of shared infrastructure with the potential to foster civic engagement and local pride.

"Community spaces remove the friction of trying to find a suitable place to meet," she says. "When you remove location and logistics as a barrier, the space becomes a reliable and convenient enabler for community connection."

Claire has been a key driver in the establishment of Ed.Square’s Community Centre, opened in mid 2022. A bright and modern wheelchair-friendly space with a large meeting room and a fully equipped commercial kitchen with cooktop and other modern facilities, the Ed. Community Centre has been busy ever since hosting playgroups, reading groups, board game nights, painting classes, meditation and stretching sessions, meet-your- neighbour events, and community resilience training.

"Being able to deliver this space early in the community’s establishment has really enabled us to respond to the enthusiasm of our founding residents who are keen to connect with neighbours," says Claire. "It provides a welcoming environment that physically demonstrates the opportunities to get involved and be part of the community."

And it’s not just about what’s happened so far, but what’s in store as well. Opportunities for increased educational uses, creativity, and crafts, as well as possible co-working are all under discussion.

The power of connection

Looking to the future, Claire’s vision for the community at Ed.Square is one where the bonds of belonging and a tight-knit community overcome the growing challenge of loneliness.

"With loneliness such a huge problem in Australia and around the world, we now know there are significant social and health implications," says Claire. "Research shows that the most effective way to counteract and reduce feelings of loneliness is to ensure people feel connected to their community. I love that my job allows me to help enable and facilitate those connections."

And with a dedicated space to do that in, Ed.Square promises to be a beacon of community spirit for years to come.