How we got here
The Commons is a shop front space within the Spencer Park Shopping Centre, kindly made available via Paul Lionetti, sometime ago. It was initiated by Pat and Fiona , as a safe place to share and build community. From October 2022, Matrice and Marena offered to assist with developing the space. Matrice was unable to continue her support late last year, and Fiona has stepped away altogether. Pat still has a connection but is less involved in the general operations.
During 2023 we have built a roster of dedicated Volunteers to open the Commons to the public as much as possible and currently are available at least 3 hours every day Monday to Saturday. The search for volunteers is ongoing. There is not really a template for what and how The Commons is developing as time goes by.
In essence we aim to build community with assorted activities. At the moment we offer free food, clothes, books, DVD's, a free cuppa tea/coffee, and other assorted items, along with being a safe place to meet and chat, and mix with other groups and like minded people. More recently this year we have provided toasties in house or a slice of fruit loaf – both of which have been most popular. There is no discrimination and the Commons is open to all. We try to support people in need.
It is entirely self funded and the main costs are the rent, power, and some general expenses with respect to cleaning, and administration. Funding and support has come from a mix of sources including members of the public, hire fee for the space, cash for cans, the Commons table for selling some items, plant sales, raffles, and fundraising events, like the Xmas markets. Most all of the general goods, furniture, and equipment have been donated. Donations of money, food, clothes, books, DVD’s, and the many assorted general items, is ongoing and people have been consistently kind in the giving and sharing of such, and their time.
Currently the regular activities are SOUND MEDITATION run by Esther on Wednesday evening. The Commons also has a connection with the ALBANY LEGAL SERVICE to handle enquiries with respect to Foodbank referrals, and domestic & family violence, or other general matters via the ACLS. Also available is a TENANCY INFORMATION File with handouts which give a general overview of Rental Information. There are also OTHER BROCHURES and assorted information for goods, services & community events. The Albany Aware Group meet each fortnight on a Monday afternoon from 4:15pm onwards. There have been several Coffee Catch up social gatherings combining with the local Community in Unity group. The Commons as a space can be used for many things, so we hope to expand the variety of events and community use of the area. Ideas are welcome.
With that idea of sharing and caring and building community, there are many thoughts emerging as to the best path for developing the Commons. Bit by bit it will forge its own way of being and doing. I trust it will be a collaborative effort along the way and all can partake in the journey. Without the ongoing help and support from the volunteers, and community in general, The Commons, and what it seeks to achieve, couldn’t happen. I am personally grateful for everyone’s contribution, and I feel sure the many members of the public that have benefited to date would feel the same. THANK YOU