Neighbourhood Stories telling for Neighbourhood Renewal

During 2010 Neighbourhood Stories in St Marys saw local residents of this western Sydney suburb skilled up in research and multimedia production to collect and tell their own stories.

The project is part of Penrith City Council's Neighbourhood Stories program which has been exploring a framework for local residents collaborating with local government to renew their neighbourhoods.

The information collected during the St Marys project is now being used to inform the development of a Neighbourhood Action Plan for St Marys.

A 'resident project team' was made up of six local residents of diverse ages and cultural backgrounds including: Galbert Albino, Caroline Volkeine, Dante Barcoma, Monica Castillo, Chris Reid and George Ray.

Three staff members from Penrith City's Neighbourhood Renewal Program also participated and, according to Cultural Development Officer, Cali Vandyk-Dunlevy, "this really facilitated collaborative learning together".

The team participated in series of training workshops - held at St Marys Senior High School and Penrith City Library and led by Elias Nohra from new media company CuriousWorks - which covered filming, digital photography, interview skills, editing and online publishing. The focus was on using locally available, low-cost resources to support the sustainability of the process. 

These skills enabled members of the team to interview other residents. Over the last few months they have been active filming, taking photos and uploading content to the website to tell the many experiences and stories of St Marys.

Resident project team member Carolline Volkeine said, "Some people have a preconceived idea about 'out west' and hopefully this will enlighten them a bit."

Team member Dante Barcoma said, "Being able to learn the technology actually facilitated us capturing the voices that are hidden in the communities."

The team's research explored four core questions:

• What do you like most about your neighbourhood?
• What do you like least about your neighbourhood?
• What is unique about the neighbourhood which should be preserved?
• What would improve the neighbourhood?

In addition to these questions, people were asked if there were any stories or experiences they wanted to share about living in St Marys.

Ideas from local people included:

• A community approach to children's learning by media such as painting, dancing and listening to stories
• Youth drop-in centre for holidays
• Having more things for young students with no cost
• A motorbike track or open land/reserves for outdoor activities such as touch footy with lighting and adequate safety measures
• Services focusing on the needs of elders, without having them travel to Penrith or Mt Druitt
• Sending newsletters to keep the community informed of up and coming events/services.

As well as developing the creative skills and having the opportunity to tell their own stories, the resident project team made new friends and local connections.

The collection of stories are presented on a website built collaboratively by the Neighbourhood Stories project team, led by the expertise, training and guidance of CuriousWorks.

Image caption: Setting up the project's research laptop at Penrith City Library.

Neighbourhood Stories Website

More information from Cali Vandyk-Dunlevy, Cultural Development Officer, Penrith City Council: cvandyk-dunlevy@penrithcity.nsw.gov.au

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