Spring into Sanctuary Point event was a wonderful reminder of what makes our community so special. Under clear blue skies, with plenty of sunshine and a steady stream of locals stopping by to say hello, the Firefly team, members of our Bay and Basin Youth Crew, and students from the Youth Voice program at Vincentia High School spent the day connecting with community members, sharing ideas, and getting creative together.
The weather was just about perfect for most of the day, although the wind certainly made its presence known by the afternoon. Even so, spirits remained high and there was a fantastic atmosphere across the event grounds.
Our stall featured a hands-on community art activity called Building Our Community, a collaborative collage project inspired by conversations about belonging, diversity and connection. Community members of all ages were invited to create a unique paper house using a collection of pre-cut shapes, colours and materials before adding their creation to a larger community artwork. While everyone began with the same materials, each house was completely different, reflecting the individuality, experiences and creativity that make our community so vibrant.
What visitors may not have realised was that much of the preparation had already begun weeks earlier. At our Youth Crew meeting in early October, young people worked together to plan the activity, discuss the purpose behind the artwork and prepare the hundreds of coloured shapes that would eventually become part of the installation. Their hard work behind the scenes ensured that community members could simply sit down, get creative and become part of the project on the day.
The idea behind the artwork was simple but powerful. Just like a community, every house was unique, yet together they will form a much larger picture. As the day progressed, the display continued to grow, creating a colourful visual representation of the people who call the Bay and Basin home.
Members of the Youth Crew took the lead throughout the event, welcoming participants, explaining the activity, helping younger children and supporting people to contribute their own creative ideas. The project provided a practical opportunity for young people to strengthen their leadership, communication and community engagement skills. It was fantastic to watch them confidently step into these roles and see community members responding so positively.
Alongside the art activity, Firefly staff spent time speaking with local residents about the soon-to-be-released Community Voice research findings. These conversations explored whatit takes for young people to thrive in our community, the challenges they face and their hopes for the future.
The Community Voice project has focused on listening carefully to the experiences and perspectives of local people. The insights gathered through the research will help inform future programs, partnerships and community initiatives, ensuring that local voices remain at the centre of decision-making. We were encouraged by the number of people who stopped by to learn more about the project and share their own thoughts and experiences.
A special highlight of the day was the presentation of certificates and prizes for the Spring into Sanctuary Point Poster Competition. Throughout the lead-up to the event, local young people submitted creative designs promoting the festival, showcasing both their artistic talents and community spirit. During the event, we were delighted to present certificates and prizes to our winners, Zeme, Charlie and Daisy, and recognise the effort and creativity they brought to the competition. Congratulations to all of the young people who took part. It was wonderful to see young people’s work celebrated as part of a community event that is all about bringing people together.
The event also provided another valuable opportunity for students involved in the Youth Voice program to engage directly with the broader community. Throughout the year, these young people have been building skills in leadership, advocacy and community participation. Seeing them confidently interact with community members and support the stall demonstrated just how far they have come.
Most importantly, Spring into Sanctuary Point reminded us of the importance of creating spaces where people can connect with one another, share ideas and celebrate what makes our community unique. Through creative activities, meaningful conversations and youth-led engagement, the day showcased the many strengths that exist within our community.
A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by our stall, created a house for the installation, chatted with our team or took the time to learn more about the Community Voice project. We look forward to sharing the research findings with the community soon and continuing these important conversations.
