Bayswater Street Party 2011

Bayswater Street Party 2011

28th November 2011

On Saturday November 19th over 100O people visited Macauley Place in Bayswater for the annual Bayswater Street Party which celebrates Social Inclusion Week.

Despite the constant rain, stallholders stoically manned their ‘posts’, selling their beautifully homemade food and crafts.  Sporting teams, including The Eastern Raptors Rugby League team and non profit organisations, including Berry Street & Interchange Outer East cheerfully talked about their respective recruiting drives for players and volunteers.  Emergency services were well represented with community Police and Bayswater’s very own SES & CFA.

Interchange Outer East’s Community Connections Coordinator, Lydia Webb said, 'Even though the weather wasn't great the spirits were high. Lots of people still came and enjoyed the Street Party including people experiencing social isolation. Social inclusion was certainly the main theme throughout the planning process and was evident during the event with many different and free activities.'

An enormous marquee kept people dry as families participated in the children’s activities - having their faces painted, colouring in, being given free plants and Christmas cards, listening to storytelling, visiting the petting zoo, then braving the weather and jumping up and down on the big inflatable castle.

Free refreshments, including a sausage sizzle, fresh Devonshire teas, muffins and lamingtons plus hot tea & coffee were on offer and appreciated by Street Party participants.

Volunteers at Interchange Outer East made and served the Devonshire teas, assisted with kids’ activities, provided an information stall and closed the day with an amazing performance by The Supernaturals rock band who drew a good crowd.

Social Inclusion Week was started in Australia 3 years ago by Dr Jonathon Welch, who originated the ‘Choir of Hard Knocks’, now known as ‘The Choir of Hope and Inspiration’.  

Social Inclusion Week seeks to ensure that people of all abilities are able to attend community events without accessibility and financial restrictions to activities and that where possible activities and refreshments are free.  

Thanks to the constant generosity of local organisations, the community and traders, the event was able to run this year and will run again in 2012.

by Toni Nelson and Rebecca Gallaher