Meet Port Hedland’s Local Doers: Karli Beresford from Activate South Hedland

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 Karli Beresford, one of the brains behind Activate South Hedland, one of the Pilbara’s local Town Teams.

A Town Team Builder characterised your town team as fostering small actions with significant outcomes. Could you expand on that idea?

We prioritise organising small, cost-effective activities since our team members lead busy lives. Last year, we managed about nine activations over eight months, considering the warmer climate of Port Hedland makes summer events challenging. Our activities, such as yoga and painting sessions for plant pots or pen cups, aim to bring people together without the scale of larger events commonly seen in other Town Teams. While we aspire to grow towards larger events eventually, we believe these smaller gatherings still create meaningful connections.

Your team frequently hosts yoga sessions. How did you initiate this, and why did you select yoga as an activity?

Yoga offers several advantages. It’s easy to schedule, provides a consistent activity that fosters overall support, promotes health, and can be conducted in public spaces like parks. Additionally, many of our team members practice yoga, making it a natural choice for our community gatherings.

Could you share a bit about your background and activities outside of your involvement with the Town Team?

I work as a strategic planner with an architecture background. Beyond that, I volunteer with the SES and enjoy activities like camping. Currently, I’m exploring printmaking, particularly lino printing, and I hope to delve into pottery soon.

How do you perceive your role in contributing to the Town Team?

I see myself as an idea generator, constantly proposing initiatives to enhance South Hedland’s vibrancy. I also take charge of organising events and handling administrative tasks behind the scenes.

Has your background as a strategic planner influenced your approach within the Town Team?

Certainly. While my professional work involves formal planning with local government, my involvement with the Town Team allows for more creative, community-focused endeavours, offering a fulfilling balance.

It’s been mentioned that your Town Team fosters a sense of belonging and community. Why do you think that is?

South Hedland experiences a high turnover of residents, with many newcomers seeking connections. Our events provide a platform for people to engage, make new acquaintances, and build lasting bonds. We also conduct surveys to gauge community pride, highlighting positive aspects of South Hedland.

How successful was your recent survey?

We received approximately 150 responses during our last survey, conducted at a Community Garden plant sale, which attracted significant foot traffic.

Do you actively recruit new members, and how do you perceive interest in Town Teams?

Recruitment remains a priority, especially given the transient nature of our community. Increasing our visibility will attract more participants. We aim to overcome any existing preconceptions about Town Teams through proactive engagement.

How long have you been involved with the Town Team?

I’ve been involved with the Town Team for nearly two years now. It all began with an initiative from the local government as part of the South Hedland Place plan. They kicked things off with a block party, attracting initial members for the team. I joined a couple of meetings later, eager to contribute to our community’s development.

What do you believe South Hedland requires, and how do you contribute to fulfilling those needs?

South Hedland could benefit from increased vibrancy to encourage residents to spend leisure time locally. This year, we’re exploring initiatives like buskers and beautification projects to address these needs.

Your team has demonstrated the potential for small actions to activate a town and foster community belonging. Do you have any advice for those struggling to initiate similar efforts?

Even small-scale events can make a difference. Embrace the idea that every effort, no matter how modest, contributes to community activation. By focusing on smaller activities that require minimal resources, you can celebrate achievements regardless of turnout.

What personally motivates you to be part of the Town Team?

I’m passionate about contributing to my community and relish the opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals. Being part of the Town Team allows me to blend my interests in urban design and community involvement, creating a fulfilling experience.

Where do you envision the Activate South Hedland Town Team in the next five years?

I anticipate steady growth for our team, with a continued focus on smaller activities complemented by occasional larger events. Building brand recognition and community engagement will be key objectives, fostering active participation in our initiatives.

Do you have a guiding motto or principle?

“Movement creates movement” resonates with me. This principle underscores the importance of taking small steps to initiate change, leading to momentum and progress. It’s about embracing the journey, one action at a time.

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!