Bidwill is one of twelve surrounding suburbs of Mt Druitt and is home to over 4,000 people. Working collaboratively with Bidwill Uniting, The Hive formed the Together in Bidwill working group in 2019. In consultation with community from 2019 to 2022, and then two community forum held in 2023, the Together in 2770 collective has learned that community members are very proud to live in Bidwill and have some key goals for their community. Those goals are to be able to access services, to feel safe in their community, to feel proud of their community, and to feel connected and engaged in community.
Together in Bidwill includes members from a range of local service providers, government and non-government organisations and residents. By documenting Community Conversations, we are hearing that the people of Bidwill want to live in a safe, connected community, free of violence and drug and alcohol abuse.
In 2023, a subgroup focused on public spaces in Bidwill was established to engage the community in enhancing Bidwill Reserve. The reserve, often underutilised, currently features parkour equipment unsuitable for children’s use. Collaborating with Bidwill Uniting, we spoke with residents near Bidwill Public School and Chifley College Bidwill Campus, collecting numerous suggestions for improvements. Residents expressed the need for an age-appropriate park with safer equipment, enclosed play areas, exercise facilities, improved lighting around the basketball courts, and more. We presented this data to Blacktown City Council at a free barbecue event where Bidwill residents had a chance to speak directly to councillors. Since this event, Blacktown City Council has been committed to work alongside Bidwill residents and key organisations to improve the Reserve.
“I am 100% convinced that working collaboratively with community members and other agencies across Mt Druitt amplifies all our work, makes all of our work so much more effective. One of my favourite things about the collective work has been watching community members grow in confidence as they work with all of us and become part of the team, creating change in their own lives, families and communities.”
The Hive engaged Aboriginal artists to consult with 20 young people from Bidwill. The artists explained the history and meaning of Black Lives Matter and captured what youth felt about the BML movement, what it means for their community and discovered words and pictures of strength and resistance.
The Hive also consulted with a local Aboriginal elder who shared local knowledge, her ideas and feelings on what the youth had expressed. These images and words were incorporated into the mural draft.
The Hive sought permission to use a brick wall at Bidwill Uniting facing the local school and reserve. The artist ran a workshop showing local youth how to safely use spray cans. This has now created a stencil on the wall which will guide the mural painting.
The Hive works in this community has part of a Collective team of organisations, services and local community members. Our Together in Bidwill team includes:
