Meet Toni

Conversations with a super star

Toni is known by her neighbours as quiet, persistent and reliable, and her attitude of just getting it done is well appreciated.

We talked with Toni about transforming a bare patch into a neighbourhood park, and connecting with caring people.

Toni has been a member of the Greater Charlestown Sustainable Neighbourhood Group since it was formed in 2014.

Toni cooking up a storm on the BBQ at Pit Pony Park

“I became involved when people in my neighbourhood were trying to improve a park on my street. It was hard to really get anywhere by ourselves. We heard that the Sustainable Neighbourhood Group was starting up, and thought that was a good way to get things started.”

“The park at the time was just a big barren space and very unattractive.”

Pit Pony Park, as it is now known, has now been improved with a number of tree plantings and installation of a row of sandstone blocks. The blocks make it suitable for kids to play ball games, and double as seating.

“The project has been a great success, and I get to see every day what an improvement it has made. The trees have made it much more inviting for people to come, just because it looks so much better. People tend to use it more. There’s always kids down there playing now.”

Completing the Bicycle Network’s Bike Count survey

“We take our grandkids down there to fly the kite or kick the ball around, and it’s a lovely big area for the kids to play and be free.”

Toni’s role in the group has varied over the years, and has presented opportunities to learn, along with new friendships.

“There’s lots of talented people in our group. We encourage everyone to do a little bit, rather than the work falling on the same people all the time. I’ve done a bit of facilitating at our meetings. It’s good because you think you can’t do things, but after giving it a go, you find you can. It’s a good way to challenge yourself a bit.”

“My favourite thing about Sustainable Neighbourhoods is the people I’ve met – many I wouldn’t have come across if I hadn’t joined. There’s a wide range of ages in our group from people in their 40s through to people in their 70s. You don’t always get the opportunity to mix with a variety of age groups like that.”

Celebrating after a community clean up event

As well as Sustainable Neighbourhoods, Toni also volunteers for Meals on Wheels, OzHarvest, the Fred Hollows Foundation and Wrap with Love. What motivates her to volunteer?

“I just enjoy it. It’s a good way to meet people. Because I’m retired and have more time, I like to spend it doing something valuable.”

“I’m really proud of the clean up events we’ve done in our neighbourhood. They are a great way to connect with the community, and to come together with other people that really care about the environment.”

“We’ve found all sorts of things in the local bushland like furniture, tyres, timber and carpet. Hopefully by regularly removing the rubbish, people see that it’s clean and will think twice about dumping or littering.”

With the rest of the team at the Greater Charlestown Sustainable Neighbourhood Group’s launch party back in 2014

“I’d really like to see pollution cut down, and people becoming more responsible as far as rubbish. I also think it’s important that we keep working towards a fairer world; that those who have plenty help those who don’t.”

“At our plant swap events we’ve been able to give donations to Oz Harvest.”

“I find I get a lot out of it. You get back more than you give really, especially in the way of friendships, and by seeing what you can achieve together.”

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