By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
WORDS like hope and transformation are part of the Norlane conversation again but it has little to do with the millions of dollars being spent on renewed housing.
A group of Norlane residents are instead spearheading their own community development program with a third annual Hopefest public festival at Norlane Baptist Church this Saturday.
“We hope it helps break through the perceptions,” said single mum of five, Debbie Carroll.
“Life in a suburb like Norlane is what you make of it.”
Ms Carroll became involved in Hopefest after receiving assistance from the church following a serious car accident 12 months ago.
“The community here really helped me through and supported me. It opened my children’s eyes and made them appreciate being supported.
“Two of them are now leaders, helping other kids. It’s done them the world of good.
“It wouldn’t have happened without this environment.”
Fellow resident Liz Wyatt said she had started seeing change in Norlane after living in the suburb since she was 14.
“Norlane still needs a clean-up and we need to get rid of the hoons and their anti-social behaviour but the younger kids are enjoying the programs they run here and it works,” Ms Wyatt said.
“Having new houses is great but if the people who’re going to live in them are no different nothing will change.”
Hopefest organiser Jaki Tidmas said Norlane residents needed “something tangible to look forward to”.
“That’s why we’re running a photo competition, to get residents to find the beauty in Norlane and take a snapshot of it.
“It’s a community project driven by the residents of Norlane with a focus on neighbours coming together and bringing a message of hope to their community.
“Real transformation happens in places like this.”
Hopefest will be followed on Sunday by a council-funded SKAART Carnival with various free activities from 11am to 3pm at Corio’s The fOrT Youth Centre.
