Why did you want to be a People Connector with the ACDC Project?
John: I’m passionate about my community, and the people who live in it. The last few years have smashed our local community and if we are providing them an opportunity to have a chat about it all, and possibly reach out for help, then I’m all for it. I think if the community embraces the project like I have, then it can make a real difference for our future.
Kayla: I have lived and worked in this community for many years. I hope the ACDC Project can create greater connection in the community by having conversations with householders around emotional and social wellbeing, listening to people about their experiences, and finding out what is working in the community and what are the gaps. I wanted to get involved with the ACDC Project because it’s a practical project that will assist in strengthening our community and provide better opportunities to close gaps identified by our community
How have you found door-knocking in Wollondilly so far?
John: Door knocking has been a great experience so far. Although we have had knockbacks and no answers, we have also had the opportunity to have some fantastic conversations with some of our locals and provide some valuable resources. I’m looking forward to the weeks to come.
Kayla: So far it has been great to have conversations with householders and talk about what they feel the needs in the community are, it’s been interesting as we have only just started yet we are already seeing a pattern with gaps
What is one of the best things about your job as a People Connector?
John: Giving people the opportunity to vent. We had a conversation with a householder the other day who only wanted a quick chat, but that became a 1.5-hour conversation and we learned a lot about her challenges. When do you ever get a chance to provide someone the opportunity to do that?!
Kayla: Connecting with householders and listening to them and their own opinions/thoughts rather than community needs being assumed.
How do you think the ACDC Project will help people in Wollondilly?
John: I think this project is going to shed light on some massive service gaps in our local area. We are a growing community with more and more diverse and younger families moving out this way, but the availability and access to assistance or services are limited and if this project can highlight this, it may help bring more help to the Wollondilly area.
Kayla: Hopefully together with the community by the end of the project we can help implement something to assist with closing the gaps. I think it will help the community be aware of what services are available in the community, as it’s common for householders to just not be aware of what they have access to and how.
