McConnell Reserve Neighbour Day

As part of Neighbour Day 2021 residents come together to embrace McConnell Reserve

Following a successful campaign to save both parts of McConnell Reserve, over 80 residents came together on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at McConnell Reserve to enjoy this special sense of place. Our community enjoyed games and activities including free face painting by the very talented Sun Park from Rainbow Box, who did not stop until the light faded. The crowd was entertained right up until the sun was setting by Forte, a talented local folk/rock musician who played and sang originals and cover songs.  Full marks to one enterprising young local selling his toys from an impromptu stall.

Photographs for the day were taken by local photographer Samantha Lodge. As you can see it was a fun day and well worth the trip up the hill for many!! 

The event was attended by Local State MP David Speirs and Holdfast Bay Coastal Ward Councillor Annette Bradshaw. We were very grateful to Marion Council for permit support via their event team, and a small grant to help with the expenses and for providing the event road signage. 

The day was about saying thank you to our neighbours and volunteers, including: 

• The Friends of McConnell and supporters for all their hard work in the campaign and the event
• Our loyal 20 plus volunteers, who deliver our newsletters 4 times a year, managed successfully by Ali Cormack.
• Our 20 + volunteers who are 5049 Task group members.

It was also the official launch of the 5049 Kind Neighbour Boral Eagle On line Raffle with one of the eagles landing for the day to show off for the crowd. Thank You to Boral Linwood Quarry for the donation for a great cause. Raffle closes 31 May 2021….so be quick!

Neighbour Day has been happening on the last Sunday in March since 2003 . Its purpose aligns well with our own, to facilitate connections, to support and activate our communities on the big and small matters.

McConnell Reserve has been the focus of much activity by our community association over the years. In January this year, after a successful campaign with massive community inputs, Marion Council committed “to upgrade the eastern side, and delay consideration of the proposed sale of the western side.  We will continue to advocate for the western side for the long term benefit of the wider community, and will be liaising with Council regularly on this matter in 2021.  ​