Casey’s youth promote connection and inclusivity 

A generous potluck spread takes centre stage. Children’s activities, scavenger hunts and songs keep the young ones occupied. Various sports activities are played out on the front lawn. 

This was the image of the recent Narre Warren children’s festival, aimed at fostering community connections and promoting unity among neighbours. 

Attracting more than 20 people, the humble yet profound festival was designed to bring people together under the banner of oneness.

“The festival served as an initial step towards building relationships within the community and highlighted the goal of starting a children’s class in the neighbourhood, encouraging collaboration and engagement among residents,” the organising team reflected. 

It was a similar setting in Cranbourne East, where a neighbourhood gathering including ice breakers, a potluck, and games made for a joy-filled day of community and camaraderie. 

According to Cranbourne East’s organising team, the material used during the event was prepared to prompt discussions about how to build vibrant communities and create unity in the neighbourhood.  

“[The aim] was to create a harmonious and supportive community where everyone is valued and included by uniting the neighbourhood and fostering a sense of togetherness.” 

These festivals are just two examples of the youth-led capacity-building efforts unfolding in the community of Casey in Melbourne’s south-east. 

Building from strength to strength over several years, the endeavours are being spearheaded by young people dedicating their time to serving as junior youth animators and children’s class teachers, facilitators across various service projects, and organisers in youth festivals and camps. 

Casey’s Nava Mostaghim says most of the efforts are centred around the neighbourhoods of Narre Warren and Cranbourne, with many conversations held in the lead up to major events such as the festivals and camps. 

“With the support of our Auxiliary Board members and Area Teaching Committee, teams spent the weekends studying some sections of Book 2 and practicing in conversations,” she says. 

Nava says studying Book 2 of the Ruhi institute allows participants to visit homes and engage in conversations about the reality of their community and to introduce the spiritual significance of the educational process. 

“This approach helped foster relationships and lays the groundwork for community engagement and participation in future events.” 

Elevated conversations in the neighbourhood take place regularly in Casey, with the team visiting neighbours every week and continuing to build relationships and strengthen community ties. 

Many neighbours have suggested organising more events in the area, with plans in place to invite families with children for sports and activity sessions in the future. Having an expansive view and inviting everyone to take ownership of the process has proven one of the most valuable learnings for the team in Casey.

Cranbourne East’s Mimansa Swami says the most uplifting moment was seeing everyone work together to build their desired community.

“The most uplifting moment … was parents encouraging the concept of community building and stating that they want to be more engaged in activities like the neighbourhood gathering. 

“Parents expressed openness to visiting other neighbours to get them more involved in building a stronger community and offered to host at their homes for the youth to run activities.”