Meet Scarborough’s Local Doers: Wayne Bowen from Scarborough Beach Association

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 Wayne Bowen, one of the brains behind Scarborough Beach Association, one of Perth’s local Town Teams.

Could you delve deeper into your involvement with the Scarborough Beach Association?

The Scarborough Beach Association has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1994, predating the Town Team concept. I’ve been affiliated with it for three decades through my businesses. Initially, its aim was to foster collaboration between businesses and residents in Scarborough, culminating in our instrumental role in the area’s redevelopment. From 2015 to 2018, amidst the disruptive redevelopment, we facilitated cooperation between stakeholders, resulting in a rejuvenated Scarborough foreshore. Post-redevelopment, we transitioned from a purely lobbying entity to a proactive liaison between the community and the Development Authority, ensuring transparency and engagement. Subsequently, we initiated activation programs, fostering community engagement and vitality.

Apart from yourself, who else contributed to setting up the Town Team?

In 2016, during the redevelopment’s final phases, there was a proposal to dissolve the Scarborough Beach Association, considering its perceived mission accomplished. However, my business partner, Jeff, and I disagreed, recognising the ongoing need for our involvement. We assumed leadership, revitalising the association’s mission. Over the years, we’ve garnered around 80 members, primarily residents and some 30 businesses.

How many actively participate in the town team’s initiatives?

Residents are really supportive when it comes to joining our events like markets, the recent Brazilian Carnival, and the Groundswell Surf and Skate Festival. They participate more actively compared to businesses, who mainly contribute financially. It’s understandable since businesses have limited time to spare.

What motivates residents to participate in Scarborough’s projects?

Living in close proximity to the beach, residents cherish the community aspect, fostering regular social gatherings and contributing to Scarborough’s vibrancy.

Tell us about your collaboration with Perth is OK! and the Scarborough mural project.

I initiated our involvement in Perth is OK!’s mural program through the Scarborough Beach Association, culminating in the mural’s completion, enhancing Scarborough’s identity and attracting visitors.

What feedback have you received regarding the mural?

Nowadays, it’s seamlessly integrated into the landscape, which is a positive development. People still actively engage with it, often pausing to snap photos. Initially, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive; there were no negative remarks. Our aim was to create something inclusive, a nod to the community’s history. It’s heartening to see families enjoying themselves, relishing fish and chips by the beach. The mural serves as a focal point, attracting visitors who share images worldwide, inadvertently promoting Scarborough. It’s a win-win situation.

How do you navigate your relationship with local government?

The local government’s involvement is essential because we often operate on public land, needing their approval for what we do. Even though sometimes we use private property for events, we still usually need the government’s green light. While we’re the ones mainly behind the events, we make sure to give credit to the City of Stirling for their big financial support. If there’s not enough space to mention us on banners, we’re okay with highlighting the local government instead. We focus on engaging our community rather than aggressively recruiting new members. Events like the carols and Brazilian Carnival show how we work together, with us leading and the City of Stirling supporting us.

What advice would you offer to Town Teams seeking sponsorship?

The funding source shapes our approach. Aside from local government aid, we seek funds from government sectors like Lotterywest and local businesses. Government funding prioritises community benefit, requiring us to demonstrate tangible, lasting impacts.

Local businesses on the other hand seek returns on their investment, aiming for long-term benefits like reputation enhancement and future opportunities. While some Town Teams might expect businesses to offer financial support outright, it’s crucial to frame partnerships in mutually beneficial terms, ensuring sustained support and community growth.

Finally, could you share a bit about yourself?

As a native West Australian and Scarborough resident, I’m deeply invested in both my community and business ventures. Engaging in community activation allows me to foster connections and expertise, enriching both personal and professional spheres.

Can you share in a few sentences what are some benefits from being involved in a Town Team?

I often bump into people I know in Scarborough. It’s like a big suburb but feels small because everyone’s connected. When I need help out of the blue, I’ll call someone from the Scarborough Beach Association who possesses the expertise I need. That’s what Town Teams do – bring people together.

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

Interview by Ophélie Barbeau, edited by Perth is OK!