By Ethan Benedicto
Being part of a community is much more than just being there, with Year 6 students from St Margaret’s highlighting the importance – and of course, fun – of engaging with local amenities.
From walks in the parks, contributing to local charities, supporting local businesses and getting involved with community groups, students Angelica, Lindsay and Tracy have taken action to share their findings on how everyone in the Berwick community can feel like they “belong”.
“In a world that often feels disconnected, the neighbourhoods of Berwick stand out as having a community spirit.
“From the many family-friendly parks and local events, Beriwck has an environment where friendships can flourish and everyone can go out,” Angelica said.
The group compiled their research online, and having lived in the suburb for around two years, they too were common visitors of these neighbourhood amenities.
Angelica added that whether someone is passionate about “gardening, sport, art or community service, joining a local club can help you meet like-minded individuals and forge lasting connections”.
Fellow group and classmate Lindsay emphasised the natural beauty that Berwick had to offer, saying that the suburb is “home to several beautiful parks including the iconic Wilson Botanical Park and Akoonah Park”.
“They’re perfect for picnics or simply relaxing, where regular visits to these community spaces can help people connect with others and enjoy the natural beauty of the area,” she said.
Tracy, while absent for the Star News interview, had been an integral part of the group’s research, where they found that “belonging is about connection and in Berwick the warmth of the community shined through every interaction”.
Lindsay, as an international migrant from China, sees the importance of becoming part of the community they reside in, saying that “if we don’t feel like we belong, we might feel marginalised or isolated”.
“It’s important we can have positive interactions with the people and the wider community.”
Angelica is on the same page, adding that feeling like one with the area can contribute to practical skills not just in theirs, but others’ futures, where for example, constant conversations with people at local events, workshops and more could improve your communication skills.
As residents of the suburb, both Angelica and Lindsay noted that positive interactions with the community through these spaces have helped them both feel welcomed/
Recounting a common interaction with a resident and his pet dogs at the Berwick Springs Lake, Angelica said “he’s kind and I like having that conversation through the walk”.
Lindsay had the same experience at school, where she highlighted that having only been in the institution for over a year, “I feel like I belong because my classmates and teachers are really kind and they’re willing to help me”.
“Many migrants, they don’t know how to speak the language in the country, I don’t have really good English but when I got to school all my classmates and teachers were willing to help and support me,” she said.
Ultimately, the group, utilising their own experiences with the suburb of Berwick and thorough research, see being involved and putting oneself out there, even through everyday acts of park walks and small conversations can help uplift that spirit of togetherness.
