Willagee Alive is an asset-based community development project that commenced in 2003, and is an initiative of Willagee residents and service providers. Willagee Alive aims to identify and build upon strengths and assets within Willagee, to build community pride and participation and to make Willagee a great place to live.

Willagee is a community that has undergone rapid transition in recent years, with a sharp decline in Ministry of Housing properties and a consequent increase in privately owned housing.  There has been a change in the socio-economic mix in the suburb, and an influx of new families with young children.  A new school, Caralee Community School, opened in 2005, which merged two former primary schools.  At times there is a lack of connection between “old” and “new” residents, with some newer residents accessing services and activities outside of the community due to a lack of awareness or connectivity with the old heart of the suburb.

In spite of these rapid changes, the community of Willagee has maintained a clear sense of identity.  Willagee is a small suburb bounded by four major roads, which separate it from surrounding suburbs.  Residents repeatedly comment on the “village atmosphere” of Willagee.

There are a number of streams within Willagee Alive, which include a bi-monthly newsletter, supporting local businesses and revitalising the local shopping area, gathering local history, activities for young people, community events, and ongoing mapping and linking within the suburb.  Willagee Alive was a finalist in the 2004 Community Service Industry Awards. 

Other successful Willagee Alive initiatives include three Open Air Movie nights, a community cricket game, the launching of a local history book - The Willagee Way, a Welcome Pack for new residents, Look up a Local (supporting local home-based businesses), Volunteer Thank You Functions and our Market Fiestas.

Willagee Alive targets all residents, organisations, businesses, institutions and service providers in Willagee. Anyone who has a passion for Willagee can become involved. There is considerable diversity within the community, which includes Ministry of Housing tenants, private homeowners, young people, indigenous families, families with young children, single parent families, and seniors. One of the primary aims of an ABCD approach is to build connections and links between different community members and groups. Anyone in the community interested in developing new skills or sharing their existing talents – including anything from writing an article for the newsletter, cooking sausages at a community event, putting flyers in letter boxes and putting up posters! - has a potential role to play.

The Willagee Alive process is fundamentally about connecting and working with the community.  All projects evolve through ongoing consultation and conversations with the community, and are developed as far as possible as joint initiatives of Willagee residents, workers and businesses.

Willagee Alive activities will continue to evolve with an expanding network of active members.  We are keen to learn about your ideas and passions for Willagee!!!