The neighbourhood spearheading change in the southeast of Melbourne

HAMPTON PARK, VIC – A neighbourhood in the southeast of Melbourne is observing how an entire community can spearhead social, spiritual and material transformation in a locality.

Over several years, the neighbourhood of Hampton Park has been learning how an educational process that builds capacity in the individual to contribute meaningfully to society leads to a vibrant, unified and inclusive community that has the power to transform hearts.

Just this week, the neighbourhood officially launched the Hampton Park Centre for Community Education and Development. The Centre was opened by the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the City of Casey, Councillors Stefan Koomen and Michelle Crowther, and was also attended by the City of Casey Coordinator for Cultural and Social Equity Sadia Ali and member of the Continental Board of Counsellors for Australasia, Taraz Nadarajah.

With more than 200 people attending from all cultures, ages, and religious backgrounds, the ceremony featured keynote addresses, cultural performances, and a chance to tour the new building, dance and enjoy a diversity of dishes contributed by the community.

From the opening prayers through to the youth-led dances hailing from the Cook Islands, India, the Philippines and New Zealand, the program was diligently and fervently curated by the community, for the community. The proceedings were carefully thought out in a manner which ensured a sense of joy and inclusivity was instilled throughout the space, setting a solid legacy for what is to come.

Information was made available about the Hampton Park educational process and local programs offered through the Centre including the Ruhi Training Institute, Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program, children’s classes, educational camps, tutoring programs and parenting groups.

The local educational process is underpinned by the Ruhi Training Institute – a global curriculum which aims to effect a transformation within the individual and, in turn, build the capacity for everyone to contribute to the advancement of society.

Trinity Masters has been involved in the educational process for three years. She said she has observed a change within her and more broadly. 

“This educational process has helped me help my family,” she says. 

“My family is everything to me so when I started joining the program weekly, I learnt many different things from meetings or studies and would apply to my family’s reality.  

“It’s as simple as consulting with a group of people and you wonder to yourself, ‘maybe I can do this with my family’.”  

“Breaking cycles was my goal, and I couldn’t do it at once but a bit at a time. Eventually there’s consultation within family, there’s forgiveness, love, joy in things we don’t typically like to do.” 

Trinity says there’s a joy that comes alongside serving one’s community. She says people in Hampton Park value education and want to play their part in its promotion. This leads to individuals of all ages, she says, assisting with the moral and intellectual development programs. 

“We’re like a school, but different. Overall, it’s consistency that makes this program sustainable.”

City of Casey Mayor, Cr Stefan Koomen, said it was always uplifting to visit the neighbourhood activities and see “what’s actually happening on the ground as people from all walks of life, religions, cultures, just come together through education and community.” 

“It’s that self-supporting network which is the heart of what is successful community-building,” Cr Koomen said. “And this is one of the best examples of it.” 

“Whenever I come here, I’m inspired and I want to support in whatever way we can. To see this group move from our Council facility where we’ve been supporting them, to outgrow it and find their own space – is astonishing.” 

Cr Koomen said while there had been some “negative voices” accompanying Hampton Park’s evolution over the years, grassroots initiatives showcased that “diversity is our strength”. 

He said what made this movement special was that it was founded on education and focused on young people taking the lead. 

“This shows that when community comes together and when you get to know your neighbour, it’s actually astonishing. 

“When something is created by the grassroots, it has a different feel to it. It’s organic and it’s quite unique but it’s what we need more of.”

City of Casey Deputy Mayor, Michelle Crowther, said what made the initiative unique was the diversity in ages, cultures and backgrounds coming together to “help each other”. 

“You can see the youth mentoring, the children, the parents’ mentoring – that community spirit of helping one another. 

“I was speaking to a mum who is really struggling with her kids at home and now, with this group after school, it’s allowed her to access more work hours now and know that her children are safe and learning. That’s life-changing.” 

One mother said she was so grateful to be part of the community. 

“All my kids are doing amazing,” she said. “You need to have a big heart and the time and they are giving time to your kids. If something is happening in your life they are the first ones to come and help.” 

“It’s good to have this Centre in the community.” 

She said she had witnessed her children develop love, respect and knowledge being part of the educational process. 

“I know how they are developing their knowledge and respecting other cultures and how to give back to their community. That’s what they are doing through this institute and it’s very important for us to learn. Going beyond our family.” 

According to another parent, the Hampton Park educational process has had a profound impact on her daughter’s behaviour as well as her attitudes towards learning. 

Having been part of the community’s activities for several years, she said she has witnessed how her daughter has excelled in her studies. “I think everything she learned from here”. 

Another parent shared that when she first met her friends from the community, she was at her “lowest” having gone through many hardships. Now, she is leading one of the parenting groups and refers to her friends as her “angels”. 

“I was losing every hope,” she said. “But I learned from here, what they are doing for the community. No one is paying anyone. There is happiness everywhere.”

According to the Hampton Park team, they have come to understand that for progress to occur, it must continuously strive to develop its capacity to promote education in its “full and true form”. 

“This requires us to raise our consciousness on the importance of education in all of its forms,” the Hampton Park team reflects. “This will improve all aspects of life and increase connection and support between families in our neighbourhood, so they can assist each other in different aspects of life beyond education.”