Belmont Community Centre's manger Sheena Harvey and community garden co-orindinator Chris Brown. Photo by Mark Connors
BELMONT Neighbourhood Centre wants to break down the social barriers that isolate people in its local community.
The centre will host its inaugural garden party next month in an attempt to connect Belmont citizens - using the timeless social elements of food and music to attract the patrons.
Results from a Belmont Neighbourhood Centre community visionary survey last year revealed that local residents wanted to be better connected to their neighbours.
Belmont Neighbourhood Centre manager Sheena Harvey said the centre would respond to the resident's concerns by holding several free, family-friendly events.
"People want to know who their neighbours are," Ms Harvey said.
"We wanted to host something that was relaxed and free-flowing and brings them together."
Jazz music and wood-fired pizza will be on the menu, with the centre's community garden acting as the centrepiece for the party.
Produce from the garden will also be on sale, with money raised to go back into the centre and its garden.
Ms Harvey said she was pleased with progress the centre had recently made.
"I think it has more purpose now - there's also a different group of people that come here," she said.
"People tended to come in, take some lettuce, make a donation, and leave. But now they tend to stick around a bit, bring their children in and relax for a while."
■ The Belmont Neighbourhood Centre Garden Party will be held at 359 Pacific Highway, Belmont North, on Wednesday, March 13, from 5 to 8pm.