SGCH
tenant and volunteer Aisea Vakalalabure was the 2023 NSW ahi: Brighter Future Awards Tenant Led Initiative Winner, and no wonder – he's a force to be reckoned with.
HousingWORKS finds out how Aisea is creating a stronger community, one sausage sizzle at a time.
“There is no question that Aisea Vakalalabure is a pillar of the SGCH and Riverwood communities,” says Amanda Turner, former Corporate Affairs and Communications Coordinator at SGCH. “He shows up to ROAR’s barbecues almost every week to lend a hand, and to chat with those who attend.”
And, while that’s admirable in itself, the fact that Aisea celebrated his 90th birthday in 2023 makes his unfailing passion and dedication to the continued success of ROAR all the more remarkable. It certainly positions him as a worthy recipient of the ahi: NSW Branch’s Tenant Led Initiative at the 2023 ahi: Brighter Future Awards.
SGCH’s Residents Organisation At Riverwood – or ROAR, as it’s better known to its participants — is an incorporated association that started in 2016. It’s made up of local residents who champion a range of multicultural events as part of a bigger picture goal to build a strong, cohesive and supportive community. The group’s motto is:
"Keep united, keep strong, keep building our community"
Amanda explains, through the work of volunteers like Aisea, ROAR's regular events — all of which are open to private, public and social housing residents in the area and include car boot sales, an annual Christmas Party and participation in the nationwide Biggest Morning Tea initiative — have delivered enormous value by promoting diversity and fostering social cohesion. In turn, this has played an important role in improving the mental health and wellbeing of Riverwood’s residents.
But, without a doubt, of all the events delivered by the group, the weekly Friday evening ROAR BBQ — in which Aisea plays an integral role — is easily their most popular (and arguably) most effective soiree.
From the BBQ’s humble beginnings of just 20 attendees, Aisea and the other volunteers helping him out at the grill of a Friday afternoon now find themselves regularly catering to more than 200 people each week! That's no easy task at the best of times but, with a menu that includes traditional flame-grilled fare, ROAR also cooks up plenty of culturally appropriate and vegan options for participants to sink their teeth into.
“SGCH residents have told us it feels like they are part of a huge, extended family," Amanda continues. "They feel wanted, appreciated and respected. They love this relaxed forum to get to know each other, and it empowers residents who wouldn’t get involved or raise issues or concerns with us, to come out, find their voice and open up. By doing this, we can better support them through whatever they are experiencing.”
"Often, the residents will ask after each other if they have not seen someone for a while."
“Often,” adds Amanda, “the residents will ask after each other if they have not seen someone for a while. It really helps make others feel safe.”
When it comes to Aisea, Amanda says his long and cherished association with both SGCH and ROAR has been inspiring to her and many others: “Aisea’s been living in a St George Community Housing property in Riverwood, in Sydney’s Southwest, for about 10 years, and what makes him special is his willingness to always help out where he is needed in the community."
As for the man of the hour, he says that volunteering gives him a great sense of satisfaction and has helped him better understand the diverse cultural experiences of his neighbours. Furthermore, it's given him precious insight into how important this knowledge is for creating strong community bonds and friendships.
"I've learnt that nobody is an island on their own."
"It is a privilege to reach this ripe old age and to be still able to volunteer and be an active member of the community."
“It is a privilege to reach this ripe old age and to be still able to volunteer and be an active member of the community,” he reflects. “I want to pass on to younger generations the life experiences I've gone through. I count myself fortunate to be able to let the younger generations know that getting old is a good thing – it’s not a bad thing! I still have a lot to contribute. I can help others when they need it, and I know I am appreciated.”
