Meet West Leederville’s Local Doers: The Flower District

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 The Flower District: West Leederville’s resident Town Team, made up of a collective of locals including doer Chris Green.

“My passion revolves around authenticity and forming meaningful connections with people, which I consider a central aspect of my life’s journey.”

Chris, a retired nurse, now runs a busy community café in West Leederville which she co-owns with her partner Michael.

“The café management, in my view, is intricately tied to the idea of community, connection, and sharing.”

Chris sees herself as quite proactive and derives great satisfaction from taking action. She believes that the essence of this satisfaction lies in the company of the people that she collaborates with, as it is what truly lends purpose to her efforts.

“Volunteering helps me embrace my genuine self, as it’s not driven by financial incentives.”

Chris strongly believes in the importance of fostering connections and contributing to others’ lives, realising that we’re all on a collective journey: “If my efforts can positively impact someone else’s life, it, in turn, enriches mine.”

The town Team’s structure allows locals doers like Chris to ideate freely and fluidly: “It’s about nurturing ideas collectively and creatively, without the burdens of strict guidelines.” She adds that it is crucial for their efforts to remain apolitical, so that they can explore and experiment.

“Undoubtedly, the 2021 Northwood Community Festival stands out as a remarkable instance of community benefit. Yet, even prior to that, a smaller event, the progressive dinner, showcased the community’s response.”

(The 2023 Northwood Community Festival will be from 1-6pm on Saturday, October 7!)

The dinner brought together different aspects of the community, businesses, and residents, illustrating how much people wanted to be part of these endeavours. It was an initial step, taken without guaranteed funding, and it demonstrated the community’s eagerness to participate.

“The progressive dinner was structured around moving from one location to another,” explained The Flower District member Michael.

“We facilitated the event by connecting with local businesses in the area who really got behind the event – donating their spaces, produce, gift vouchers and pitching in to help on the night.”

“We began at a vintage car workshop, which isn’t typically open to the public, moved on to a private dining space and finished with coffee and cake at a local cafe. It was a unique experience as it focused on creating surprise and delight – revealing hidden gems and including local favourites.”

The event not only raised funds but also strengthened community bonds through shared meals and exclusive access to local venues.

“The progressive dinner aimed to generate funds for the Flower District’s project,” added Chris. With the community’s generosity and active participation, it exceeded expectations. It’s a testament to how much the community values these initiatives and seeks to be part of them.

So what words of encouragement would they share with someone considering joining or initiating their own town team?

“My advice would be to enter with an open mind and not rigid expectations,” says Chris.

“Let go of predefined outcomes and simply engage. Embrace the experience, as it could lead to unexpected personal growth, connections, and the joy of contributing to something larger than oneself.”

Michael believes that everyone has something to contribute, regardless of whether they identify as a “doer” or not. The Flower District Town Team thrives because of their diverse roles, skills, and perspectives. By embracing a positive and respectful mindset, one’s involvement will undoubtedly make a meaningful difference.

“You don’t need to take on everything – it’s about collectively enriching our community.”

As with any team, it can be difficult to navigate varying volunteer roles and to effectively get things done.

“While we do maintain agendas, the focus isn’t on personal agendas. Our meetings are more about sharing progress made since the previous one.”

The Flower District member Chrystal agrees:

“There’s a WhatsApp group for continuous communication, allowing us to celebrate achievements and brainstorm ideas. The group’s energy is concentrated, and discussions generate creativity and efficiency.”

The group appreciates each member’s capacity and acknowledges that everyone’s availability fluctuates. There’s an inherent understanding that people are juggling various responsibilities.

“This creates a safe and respectful environment where we support each other and ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.”

“Our team meetings are far from formal gatherings. We value everyone’s time and acknowledge that commitments extend beyond our team. There’s a mutual understanding that people have different capacities, and this fosters a supportive environment where we can lean on each other when needed.”

Balancing family, work, and personal commitments can be demanding. Yet, “being part of the Flower District actually grants me a space for myself,” member Clare shares, adding that it is almost like carving out time to prioritise her own needs while contributing to the community. This balance results in a fulfilling experience where personal and communal growth go hand in hand.

Creating avenues for connection and inclusion helps combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. By fostering a sense of belonging, the Flower District Town Team indirectly addresses these challenges. The collaborative atmosphere serves as a protective shield against the negative impacts of modern societal issues, allowing individuals to find solace and strength through collective engagement.

“The lack of personal agenda makes me proud,” explains Chris.

“I don’t approach it with expectations but rather an open heart. This approach allows us to achieve significant outcomes organically, and it’s a testament to our collective power in making a positive impact. It’s a privilege to be part of this diverse and impactful community initiative.”

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