Building Community

The community is working well. The events we hold help forge relationships and friendships. Not only do the intentional community members attend the various celebrations, working bees, meetings and musical afternoons but some families from the other non-intentional part of the community have also been involved in several of the events. They are always invited and very welcome as our aim is to build a solid, friendly, helpful community of residents and their friends and families who all know and support each other.

The best way to see how the community is growing is to check out the 6 years on story and the latest news articles, but here is more detail about some of the gatherings.

A community that works and eats together builds together

We have had many working bees for weeding, raking, sweeping, pruning, general tidying and handyperson work such as putting up trellises. Clean up Australia Day is another opportunity to take pride in our local communtiy. These are often followed by a bbq and socialising. 

Music at Benambra

Many music gigs have been held at Benambra by a variety of residents, and local artists and musicians. 

We would love to keep music happening and the place jumping. 

If you know of any musicians who would like to play Benambra, then send them our way

Traditional Celebrations

We have had many wonderful Christmas and Easter celebrations and some less traditional ones with Halloween being a great hit with the children. 

Good Neighbour Day is full of the joy of having good neighbours and there have been countless barbeques and afternoon teas.

Politicians and ACT Housing

We have had a very productive and supportive relationship with local politicians and the ACT Department of Housing. 

Recognition

The ACT Government Community Services Directorate (CSD) which funded and built the development was recognized by the ACT Real Estate Institute in 2013. The development was awarded the Judges’ Special Recognition for Community Service Award which was specially created for 2013. Sally and staff from the CSD were there to claim the prize.

The development was nominated for a Master Builders Award 2014.

The ACT Government Community Services Directorate (CSD) was nominated for an ACT Inclusion Award for the intentional community.

Workshops, Reference Groups and Conferences

Karen and Sally have been busy promoting the community and spreading the word. Below is a truncated list of some of the promotional work they have done.

Spoken or presented at:

• The National Housing Conference, Adelaide
• The ACT Downs Syndrome dinner, Canberra
• The Administrative Appeals Tribunal, Sydney
• The Department of Health and Aging Gala Ball and Dinner, Canberra
• Hartley Lifecare’s Challenge dinner and presentation, Jindabyne
• The ACT Housing Joint Champions Group
• Disability ACT’s meeting for parents on transition planning
• The Equity and Diversity Committee (members from Department of Premier & Cabinet, Treasury & Public Service Commission), Sydney
• Imagine More Conference, Canberra
• Manningham Inclusive Community Housing, Melbourne
• Belonging Matters full day workshop, Melbourne

Been interviewed:

• By Professor Jill Franz from the Queensland University of Technology
• On the Richard Fidler program on Radio National

Met with:

• Executives from the Illawarra Retirement Trust, one of Australia’s largest community based seniors lifestyle and care providers
• Families of the ACT interested in the intentional community model of supported accommodation
• Executives from Araluen Victoria which provides accommodation and day services to adults with an intellectual disability

On the panel of:

• The ACT Innovative Housing Units advisory group

Written articles for:

• ACTCOSS Newsletter on Co-Design of the Intentional Community.
• Housing ACT June newsletter.

Where To From Here?

More of the same. More music, more barbeques, more gatherings, more working bees, more fun, more laughter, more meetings and greetings, more help, more smiles, more celebrations, more sharing of herbs and resources and time.

Jackson, Dan and Ben

Jackson, Dan and Ben are happy in their new homes and thriving in their new community. The Community Residents provide the following list when asked why they chose to live at Benambra and what they like about Benambra:

• Could see the joy in the community
• The close connection between the members, safe, peaceful
• The inclusiveness of the community
• Support around the three men
• Have found a better life
• Love being involved
• Closer connection to people
• Create a better life and good friends
• Feel safe and a safe environment for children
• A way of ensuring people with a disability are part of a community
• Friendships and involvement in people's lives
• Love the community and the friends
• Dan, Jackson and Ben remind me of what is important
• Like how Dan, Jackson and Ben are supported
• Everyone is friendly
• Love the social aspect
• Fun to be involved and contribute
• Have a good life