Reel Connections partnership
The City of Stirling’s Reel Connections initiative developed out of concern for the high level of social
disadvantage, particularly with young people in the north metropolitan suburb of Mirrabooka and surrounding suburbs.
The City of Stirling engaged CAN WA to address the evident cultural friction, disadvantage and increasing levels of anti-social behaviour and crime in Mirrabooka and surrounding suburbs.
Photos from Fired Up 2009 from Community Arts Network WA on Vimeo.
Both CAN WA and the CoS had a desire to ensure that the vibrant cultural diversity of the region was harnessed and drawn as a source of strength for the area. To ensure the project was an example of best-practice community partnerships, CoS and CAN WA partnered with Filmbites Youth Film School, a school that offers film-related courses and workshops to young people. Filmbites teaches film-making in conjunction with vital life skills and elements such as teamwork, discipline, creativity and self-esteem. Other key partners in the initiative included Balga Detached Youth Support Services, the City of Wanneroo and the WA Police, further exploring creative approaches to youth and community development in Mirrabooka and surrounding areas.