What makes Port Kembla a great place to raise kids?
Port Kembla NSW view from Hill 60
How does Our Community Project make life better for the children in Port Kembla.
Community Development Officer Adrianne Talbot Thomson has been dedicated to this cause for many years. With an extensive background in community work, having worked for local government and numerous community agencies. She collaborates with other organizations to make fun projects and events happen for the kids of Port Kembla.
The Social Circus
After two years of lockdowns, behavioural science studies have shown that lack of socialization has led to various cognitive and mental health issues.
Our Community Project Community Development, in collaboration with the organization Women Illawarra decided to create the Social Circus for Kids and Parents to meet once a week to play, create, learn fun games and, most importantly, socialize.
They have employed Kind Art Ed to lead the events and workshops. Kind Art Ed is a profit-for-purpose, community-minded organization that draws on the Arts as a tool to engage with individuals, families and communities to support wellbeing and increase capacity.
The Port Kembla Lantern Parade 2022
The Port Kembla Lantern Parade 2022!
The lantern parade takes place each year in Port Kembla. Our Community Project works with the Port Kembla Primary School and the P & C and Kind Art Ed to make this parade a magic event for the kids.
Each year the starting spot and destination change locations. This year we started at The Servo in Port Kembla, a charming vintage gas station that has been transformed into a fun and creative music and food venue.
After the night's opening with the Welcome to Country from Uncle G, an Elder from the community. Lilian from Women Illawarra, a lively and charismatic storyteller, starts the night with a folklore story for the little ones.
This year the parade was escorted by all the flashing lights of the fire, police and ambulance vehicles who volunteered their services to lead the parade safely to the Port Kembla School. Arriving at the school, the Parade was greeted by musical acts, entertainment and free hot chocolates for everyone.
The Annual Christmas Feast
A Christmas Tradition at Our Community Project is the Annual Christmas Feast. All the OCP employees volunteer to serve a free meal to the community.
This year’s feast was held outdoors at the King George Oval. It was a great location as it allowed the community centre to engage with a different neighbourhood in Port Kembla.
Music Events by
Jam n Bread
Featuring musicians and dancers from different cultural backgrounds, Jam n Bread follows a participatory model. Breaking down the barrier between musician and audience, by inviting participants to engage in both music-making and bread baking of the culture-featured. Instruments are provided and all ages & all abilities are welcome.
These are just a few of the projects that have taken place this year, through Our Community Project. Port Kembla has lots of other great projects, programs and sports for childern. There are many young families moving to the area, this will only add to opportunities for kids to join in and have fun.
The core funding for community development at Our Community Project (OCP) comes from the Department of Communities (DCJ) and Justice, previously known as FACS (Family and Community Services. DCJ has transitioned the funding from community capacity building to Targeted Earlier Intervention (TEI).
DCJ funding pays for community development, Jam N Bread, Culture Bank and contributes to the administration of OCP.
