Meet Manning’s Local Doers: Rory Murray from Manning Town Team

We like to bang on about how great (or rather, OK!) Perth is – but our greatness doesn’t just happen out of nowhere!

With a mission to create thriving, connected and empowered communities, Town Team Movement is all about “doers”.

We’re partnering up with Town Team Movement so we can shine a light on some of the people who help make our communities so unique, and just a few of the excellent initiatives they’re working on.

This week, we’re featuring Rory Murray, one of the brains behind the local Manning Town Team.

To begin, I’m interested in learning about the festival your group organised a few weeks back. I’m curious to hear how it unfolded and what it entailed.

Let me take you back a bit. When my children were in the early years of primary school, I became involved with the P&C. Through this, I got acquainted with numerous people in the school and local community, given that most families sending their kids to the school were neighbours residing within a few kilometres. Participating in the P&C allowed me to get to know my neighbours better. As a result, we organised various social events for parents and children in the neighbourhood, which laid the foundation for a burgeoning community network. However, as some of these children progressed to high school, I found it challenging to maintain the same level of engagement with the community.

During this period, I was part of a group of dads from the primary school who formed a cycling group known as the Knight Riders. Beyond cycling, our group aimed to foster a sense of community among fathers, meeting midweek for rides followed by socialising over a beer. This ethos of community-building inspired us to formalise our group and seek opportunities to extend our impact beyond our cycling activities.

Soon after, the City of South Perth announced a grant opportunity for activation events following the completion of the Manning Hub construction project, which included a new laneway. In 2023, we mobilised several members of the Knight Riders to organise an event aimed at activating the laneway. We reached out to local businesses, clubs, and community groups, inviting them to participate.

How large is the Knight Riders group?

Presently, we have issued around 80 membership numbers, with participants attending three events to receive their permanent number. Initially, we started with a core group of about a dozen individuals, but our initiative quickly attracted others beyond our cycling circle. However, I began to question whether a cycling group was the most suitable vehicle for our long-term community-building goals.

Subsequently, I encountered the Town Team Movement through my work at West Cycle and recognised it as a more fitting platform for our aspirations. Despite this realisation, we proceeded with organising the initial event under the Knight Riders banner, which drew approximately 2,500 attendees.

The event focused on activating the laneway and featured around 25 stalls comprising local businesses and community groups. Rather than traditional informational booths, we encouraged participants to offer engaging activities, fostering a vibrant atmosphere.

Following the success of the event, we decided to continue our efforts and explore further initiatives to enhance the Manning area throughout the year. This led to the establishment of a Town Team to coordinate ongoing community activities.

What advice would you offer to community organisers facing challenges in team size?

While I don’t claim to have all the answers, I’ve learned that fostering collaboration among team members is essential. Initially, we benefited from a close-knit group of individuals who shared a common vision. However, as our initiatives expanded, we had to adapt our approach to accommodate diverse perspectives while maintaining momentum. Balancing inclusivity with efficiency is crucial, ensuring that everyone feels heard while progressing toward our shared goals.

How would you describe the relationship between the community, your town team, and local government?

I see it as a tripartite relationship involving the local government, businesses, and the community, with each entity playing a distinct yet interconnected role. Businesses contribute to the economic vitality of the community, while the local government serves as a facilitator for collective success. By fostering partnerships among these stakeholders, we can align our efforts and pursue shared objectives, transcending adversarial dynamics and fostering efficiency through mutual understanding.

What are some common misconceptions about volunteering, in your opinion?

One prevalent misconception is the fear of commitment associated with volunteering. Many individuals are hesitant to get involved due to concerns about being locked into long-term obligations. To address this, it’s crucial to emphasise flexibility and autonomy, allowing volunteers to contribute on their own terms. Additionally, modern volunteering often involves a reciprocal exchange, where individuals seek immediate value or fulfillment from their involvement, highlighting the importance of aligning volunteer opportunities with personal interests and aspirations.

Does your less structured approach align with the values of the Town Team Movement?

Absolutely. Town Team Movement emphasises spontaneity and action over bureaucratic formalities, resonating with my inclination toward a more agile and dynamic approach to community engagement. By eschewing rigid structures in favour of fluid collaboration, we can capitalise on immediate opportunities and deliver tangible benefits to the community.

What motivated you to take on the role of operational lead at Town Team Movement?

My involvement with Town Team Movement stemmed from a deep-seated belief in its transformative potential. While I initially pursued a career in cycling advocacy, my encounters with Town Team Movement ignited a passion for community-driven initiatives. Recognising the movement’s ethos of empowerment and grassroots action, I was compelled to contribute my skills and expertise to its ongoing endeavours, ultimately assuming a leadership role to further its mission.

Want to get involved and become a doer in your own community? Head to the Town Team Movement website to learn more.

Photography and interview by Ophélie Barbeau, edited by Perth is OK!