BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES: PATRYCJA ROSINSKA ON CREATING GREAT PLACES ACROSS AUSTRALIA

Patrycja Rosinska, a community and place specialist, leads the Town Teams Movement, an initiative that has grown to 186 teams across Australia. Her mission is to connect people and improve local communities, focusing on what she calls "active citizenship." “Active citizenship is about taking ownership of where we live and making a real difference,” Patrycja explains. It’s about more than just following rules; it’s about creating vibrant, welcoming spaces where people feel a sense of belonging.

Through the Town Teams Movement, groups of local residents, businesses, and organizations collaborate to transform their neighborhoods. These teams work on everything from small community events to large-scale public space renovations. Patricia highlights successful examples, such as the Portside Twilight Christmas Festival in Port Hedland, which brought the community together while supporting local businesses. Another success story comes from Donnybrook, where a local team transformed a public toilet block into a stunning mural, drawing positive attention from tourists.

Patrycja encourages anyone looking to improve their own community to get involved. “Start by working with your neighbors and local organizations. Think about how you can make your space better,” she suggests. The Town Teams Movement website offers resources, tips, and funding opportunities for anyone interested in getting involved or starting their own town team.

Patrycja believes that every small action contributes to building stronger, more connected communities. "Together, we can create great places for everyone,” she says.