Everything is closed, but people are open to connect. 

After a long time of isolation, there is nothing better than to connect ( in a lawfull way) with other people. But how, if my family and my friends do not live nearby and where to connect when everything is still close.  Everything is still closed, but people are open for interaction and a chat. Family and  Friends are not the only people who we can engage and build a relationship with. Perhaps we struggle after almost six month of isolation and social distancing to connect even with old friends. But Strangers? With a mask? And at physical 1.5m distance? Yes, they can make us feel connected, especially if we are going through a time of loneliness.  Talking to a stranger has many benefits. It’s much more memorable than your last binged watched TV series. 

During the time of restrictions, I am visiting most of the public open spaces in my 5km radius. Going for a walk or taking my kids to our favourite playgrounds.  I am observing people coming together much more often, starting small conversations, connecting with others more often than usual.  Going over and over to the same place makes it easier to interact with strangers, especially if you are not an outgoing personality. 

I got to the point were I am looking forward to going to the park or playground with my children and to meet some familiar faces I have seen a couple of times and perhaps start a conversation.  Another person was brave enough to start a small talk with me. After they left, I felt happier. Next time I probably will say “hello” and perhaps start a chat.  Vivek Murphy said: “ Most of the impromptu interactions that we’re avoiding are chock-full of richness.”

These interactions can be micro-interactions, just a small gesture of Kindness, smile, a word of encouragement or holding a door can make a difference in someone’s life, through a small kindness gesture you can give someone the feeling of being valued. You can save someone without never knowing. 

Springvale Library

and Community Hub

I am happy about Springvale’s latest project to improve this vital space to connect. The new  Library in Springvale and Community Hub is almost finished and ready to be opened. At the moment it’s possible to walk in the park and use the playground, but the  library is still closed and one part of the sports area is still under construction. The outdoor space is open now for the community to visit. Moreover, it is an inviting place where the neighbourhood and visitors can come together, have a walk in the park or a BBQ when allowed again. Children can play and have fun exploring the sensory playground, the water well and giant swings. There will be a sports area and a cafe as well as open-air community activities. 

According to the council of the City of Greater Dandenong, the new hub will foster: 

Collaboration – Linking communities, individuals, groups, agencies and Council

Self Determination – Enabling people and communities to make own decisions.

Empowerment – helping others to develop and grow in confidence, career, life and choices

Collective Action – gathering people and organisations together to have a stronger voice

Shared Experience – working and learning together to help increase understanding and empathy

Strategic Plan 2020-25 (https://greaterdandenong.com/document/24197/springvale-community-hub)

The details about the site according to the council’s site, is exciting:

“This world-class community facility will provide a variety of learning, leisure and cultural opportunities. It will include a modern, state-of-the-art library featuring new technologies and equipment, flexible community meeting spaces, customer service area and plentiful parking. The outdoor green spaces will be extensively landscaped and allow for a variety of passive and active recreation uses, community events and social gatherings.” 

And sustainability was also an essential criterion: 

“The new Springvale Library and Community Hub has been designed with holistic sustainability principles in mind and is targeting Net Zero Emissions for the building operations in addition to a 5-Star Green Star Rating. Operational emissions will be reduced through design features such as a high-performance façade, efficient heating and cooling systems and low energy LED lighting. Further to this, the building intends to offset the remainder of its emissions though installation of a 220kW rooftop solar PV array. The array will consist of approximately 730 panels and generate 280MWh per year; that’s enough to power around 50 family homes each year. The sustainability of the City Hall has also been improved.”

Let’s discover for now the outside of the  Community Hub and Library in Springvale. We are looking forward to the opening of the facility to the public.