Brisbane City Council Showcase
Engaging communities using cultural processes - Chermside Community Hub
- Where we began
- Methods used to involve people
- On the journey
- Where we ended up
- What we have learnt
- Keeping it going
Where we began
Brisbane City Council's plan to extend the Chermside Library to include more services that met community needs and create a sense of 'place' was the catalyst for the creation of the Chermside Community Hub.
The Hub aimed to include:
- an outdoor area and coffee shop to take advantage of the new hub environment;
- a major extension to make the library one third larger;
- two new meeting rooms for people from the community to use;
- 10 new computers with online access in the library;
- shaded paths and adjoining walkways, combining mature trees and manufactured shelters;
- linking three areas (the Chermside Aquatic Leisure Centre, Kedron Wavell Services Club and the library) via walkways; and
- safety improvements, so pedestrians can freely walk around the precinct.
Kedron Wavell Services Club was Council's partner in this project. They redeveloped their building to include alfresco dining facilities to enhance the atmosphere at the Hub.
Methods used to involve people
Community participation was encouraged from the outset of this project. This participation ensured that the community felt ownership, excitement and pride in the complex throughout the construction period and beyond.
The following methods were used to inform and consult the local community:
- Letterbox drops in the local area
- Promotion and information on project progress in the Chermside Library, the pool complex, Kedron Wavell Services Club and the Ward office
- CD-ROM with project information, including plans. Details on how to provide feedback or raise concerns included in this package
- Project website
- Project hotline
- Public workshops
- Discussions with community organisations
- Feedback forms
- Online discussion forum
These methods ensured maximum involvement and that the needs of the end users were taken into account. They also clearly outlined the level of influence that the community could have throughout the project cycle. This process of information and consultation created community buy-in and a sense of ownership of the project.
During the construction phase, several activities were implemented which allowed the community to actively participate:
- mosaic seating wall;
- painted mural wall; and
- historical DVD.
These three projects were designed to show the story of Chermside. These features were designed by 'resident artists', in conjunction with Community Jobs Plan (CJP) participants, local primary and secondary schools and representatives of the community and historical groups.
On the journey
Involving the community in cultural processes side by side with the construction of the hub provided a sense of interaction between residents, the participants in the above projects and the construction workers. This was complemented by consistent information and project updates. Among other things, an enormous amount of goodwill was established.
The mosaic seating wall included handmade tiles made by CJP participants and Craigslea State Primary School children. This allowed for individual artistic interpretation while also creating a functional seating area!
The design for the painted mural wall was determined at a workshop with a resident artist, CJP participants, Craigslea State High School students and members of the community. The workshop allowed all stakeholders to share their opinion and brainstorm the designs and features for the wall. Participants built the wall and painted it with Craigslea State High School students, under the supervision of a resident artist.
The two public art features enabled creative expression of artistic talents whilst focusing on learning and encouraging skill sharing and development.
The historical DVD showed the social history of the Chermside community. Interviews with members of the Chermside community were undertaken by Craigslea State High School Film and TV students and Big Bridge, a commercial production company. Key historical families and members of the community were identified through the Chermside Historical Society. The interview 'grabs' were edited together and combined with other visions such as historical footage and photographs to create a narrative of the growth of the community and its residents. People spoke about "what I remember about Chermside", "what I love about Chermside" and "when I was growing up Chermside was ...". The video was used in the opening of the Chermside Community Hub. It is also available to the general public through the Chermside Library, available to Craigslea State High School students through their school library and was presented to key partners as a token of appreciation.
Where we ended up
Key outcomes include:
- The first development of its kind in Brisbane.
- A uniquely designed area, or meeting place, for people to use for social, cultural and recreational activities. In addition, it provides access to the full range of Council library services and collections – both over the counter and online.
- Enhanced links between Chermside Library, Chermside Aquatic Leisure Centre and Kedron Wavell Services Club.
- Community mural makes an entry statement to the facility which sets the atmosphere and tone.
- The hub reflects a sense of place and showcases the history of the local community.
- An excellent model for future construction projects - no negative feedback was received throughout the construction phase. This is a lesson in the impact of positive community engagement on construction projects.
- The Chermside Community Hub registered an increase of 11% of patrons in the first three months after opening!
What we have learnt
This is a good model for engagement that works! The keys to success include:
- Creating a clear and consistent scope of influence from day one.
- Make information on progress and directions available through a range of channels and promote through local information networks.
- Build a sense of ownership and excitement amongst current users and interested community members.
- Form strong partnerships with local business, community organisations and services.
- Involve Ward Offices and Councillors.
Keeping it going
The consultation and engagement process was thoroughly documented in the Project Implementation Review and subsequently shared across the organisation.
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