Sense of community

Matraville needs to embrace its changing demographics and continue community engagement to maintain a sense of community. The provision of additional community facilities will play a large part in achieving this, with Council having recognised this issue.

Enhance the sense of community within the centre

The sense of community within Matraville will continue to be fostered over time. With the Chamber of Commerce, Precinct Committee, local organisations and the local community working together, solid connections and networks within Matraville will continue to grow and develop.

3.1.1 Continue to work with the Chamber of Commerce to provide business support and networking events

Council should continue to work with the Chamber of Commerce to encourage businesses to participate in the local business community. This would be achieved through the facilitation of further training or seminars. Other potential partnerships, (such as with the Business Enterprise Centre), should be explored.

Time frame: Short
Lead: Randwick Council
Partners: Chamber of Commerce, BEC, Industry and Investment NSW.
Resource Requirements: Moderate

3.1.2 Negotiate with St Agnes Primary School to build stronger links with the local community

Jointly, Council and the Chamber of Commerce should approach the school to seek more active involvement. With their permission, the site could be better integrated into the centre by using their buildings and grounds for local events or community functions. For example, with the school’s cooperation, football training clinics which are currently held at Lexington Place could take place on school grounds.

Time frame: Short to medium
Lead: Randwick Council
Partners: Chamber of Commerce
Resource Requirements: Modest

3.1.3 Create an award for local business to encourage involvement in Christmas Lights displays

Matraville is already known for carols and Christmas lights, can further build on this by actively encouraging businesses to participate in lights displays and operate for longer hours during the lead up to Christmas.

Time frame: Short
Lead: Chamber of Commerce
Partners: Randwick City Council
Resource Requirements: Minimal

3.1.4 Improve Council communications with the local business community by contacting businesses annually

Council’s Economic Development Officer can work to improve lines of communication between local businesses and Council by contacting businesses annually.

Time frame: Ongoing
Lead: Randwick City Council
Partners: -
Resource Requirements: Minimal

Create a civic hub in conjunction with the future community centre

A civic hub within the centre may activate the streetscape and attract more visitors to the centre. Grouping community facilities and services also helps to build the sense of a communal meeting place.

3.2.1 Provide a community venue in Matraville Town Centre

A community venue is planned to be constructed in the short to medium term on Council land. A civic hub could be created, focused around the entrance point to the arcade on Bunnerong Road and the new community centre. The venue would be complemented by streetscape improvements and the creation of a public artwork (as part of the development of the community centre). Should the facility be constructed on Council’s car park site, Council should ensure no net loss of parking. The development of a community venue should consider potential to accommodate activities for young people.

Time frame: Short term
Lead: Randwick Council
Partners: None
Resource Requirements: Significant

3.2.2 Improve links with Heffron Park and Chifley Sports Reserve for pedestrian and cyclists

Matraville has the opportunity to build on its existing links to Heffron Park and Chifley Sports Reserve and the associated sporting culture. Matraville Chamber of Commerce could collaborate with local sporting groups, particularly when events are being held at Heffron Park or Chiflley Sports Reserve to maximise the promotion of the area. Physical links could be improved through enhancement of pedestrian and cycle connections, for example a Matraville ‘Sporting Walk of Fame’. Additional bike parking within the centre may also support improved links with Heffron Park.

Time frame: Short to medium
Lead: Randwick Council
Partners: Chamber of Commerce, Heffron Park and Chifley Sports Reserve sporting organisations
Resource Requirements: Moderate