Meet Northam’s Local Doers: Juana and Esther from Northam 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 Juana and Esther, two of the brains behind Northam Town Team, one of WA’s local Town Teams.

To begin, let’s take turns sharing three sentences about who you are.

Juana: I come from Northam, a family-oriented individual with a passion for sports and creativity. Our family enjoys engaging in various activities together, fostering a love for community and fun.

How do you express your creativity?

Juana: For me, creativity is all about infusing joy into everyday life. I thrive on communal experiences, participating in activities that bring people together. Being part of the Northam Town Team has been a fantastic outlet for this.

Esther: I’m Esther, boasting three decades of experience in the hospitality industry. As an extrovert, I draw energy from interactions with others and love sharing that energy in return. Fun and energetic define my personality.

How long have you been involved with the Northam Town Team?

Esther: My journey with the Town Team began in 2018 at a Convergence in West Perth. Witnessing the vibrant energy and community spirit, symbolised by a person doing a spontaneous backflip, I knew I had found my tribe. Since then, our involvement in Northam has blossomed, driven by a shared passion for activation and place-making.

What’s your strategy for keeping the Town Team active and engaged?

Juana: Staying committed is easy when you’re passionate about the cause. However, garnering support is crucial. We generate ideas, solicit feedback, and build interest to create a collective momentum to make things happen together

Esther: Understanding the community’s interests is key. We tailor projects to align with their preferences, fostering a sense of ownership and participation. For instance, our mural project not only beautifies the town but also reflects the community’s history and aspirations, garnering widespread respect and support.

How have people responded to art projects in Northam?

Juana: The community’s response to our murals has been mixed but overwhelmingly positive. People are passionate and vocal about aesthetics, demonstrating their engagement. Securing grants like the one from RAC Connecting Communities has been instrumental in rallying support and funding for such initiatives.

What motivated your involvement with the Town Team Movement?

Esther: Juana and I were already active in various community groups, but Town Teams offered a unique opportunity to collaborate across different sectors. It transcends traditional boundaries, fostering networking and cooperation among diverse groups, making it an ideal platform for community engagement.

Juana: Town Team caters to diverse interests, ensuring everyone finds a role that resonates with them. It’s about empowering individuals to contribute in meaningful ways, fostering a sense of fulfilment and purpose within the community.

Esther: Like any group, we face challenges, but we tackle them with creativity and humour. Our committee, humorously named GREG (Group of Responsible, Enthusiastic Go-Getters), embodies our approach—taking responsibility while maintaining a light-hearted attitude.

What are your short-term goals for Northam Town Team?

Juana: We’re in the process of formalising our incorporation and establishing a funding strategy for the next few years. Setting up a bank account will facilitate financial management, enabling us to pursue our vision of organising regular activations and community events.

Looking ahead, we envision exciting projects like a community mini-golf course and additional murals to further enrich our town’s cultural landscape.

What achievement with the Town Team are you most proud of?

Esther: The “Invisible Zoo” project stands out as a testament to our creativity and community engagement. By inviting people to dress up as animals and participate in playful activities, we not only created memorable experiences but also sparked interest and involvement in our initiatives.

Juana: The mural project holds a special place in my heart. Overcoming bureaucratic hurdles and mobilising community support, we transformed a neglected space into a vibrant showcase of our town’s spirit. The overwhelming turnout for the handprint painting event underscored the community’s eagerness to participate in positive endeavours, reinforcing our commitment to making Northam a better place for all.

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!