Deal the cards – Meet Norbert
How Norbert and friends built a community
What do a deck of cards and a veggie garden have in common? They can help build a strong community.
Norbert and his neighbours have shaped a community that works for them: connecting people while respecting their privacy. Here are his top 3 tips to build from within:
1. Deal the cards
Every Sunday, two of Norbert’s friends set up a card table outside and enjoy a game of cards together. The weekly game is a magnet drawing even more residents down for a chat. Small issues can be raised before they become big problems.
“Nothing’s perfect but we are happy,” says Norbert. “It’s about finding those people who are talkative and open. Get them involved first and then the domino effect happens.”
2. Grow a Community Garden
Norbert first started the garden because he wanted his neighbours to experience fresh, delicious food as an alternative to pizza and burgers and to show the world that social housing tenants care about their homes.
“The garden gets a lot of shade, so I experimented a lot in the early days, getting help from Phil at Botanic Gardens. Slowly, more people joined in because they like growing things and reducing their daily costs. Quite a few tenants have adopted the front garden, regularly caring for and experimenting in their patch. Now, everyone is houseproud and protective of the garden” says Norbert.
An experienced cook, he also shares his table for Sunday dinner – a relaxed invitation that grows inclusion.
“Community means friendships, shared experiences and hope.” Norbert
3. Keep showing up
For more than five years, the Sunday dinner and card game has gone ahead regardless of season. (In winter the card table is moved to follow the sun). These regular catch-ups give neighbours a chance to connect. Norbert also encourages residents to get involved in their Tenant Advisory Group. “I’ve learned so much from the guest speakers that come to the TAG about retirement, aged care, fire safety, recycling, even how repairs work. You also get to raise issues directly with Bridge.”
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Sometimes, all it takes to get started is a deck of cards.