Across Australia, small towns are feeling the slow unraveling of something once taken for granted, community spirit. Dawesville is no exception. What was once a place of shared effort and local pride is now showing signs of fatigue. The signs are subtle at first: fewer volunteers, quieter action groups, more complaints than contributions. But the impact is real, and growing.

Most local groups are held together by people over 50, dedicated, resilient, and still incredibly active. Yet age & injury inevitably slow things down. Membership numbers are low, and active participation even lower. These groups are the backbone of our community, but they're stretched thin. And the question looms: who will take the reins when they can't?

Younger families are caught in a different kind of struggle. Rising costs, dual-income households, and the constant juggle of modern life. Time is scarce, energy is spent, and community involvement often falls to the bottom of the list. Many aren't aware of what's happening locally, or what their children are doing in shared spaces. Toys are bought, but not always used respectfully. Damage goes unacknowledged, and once again, it's the older generation left to clean up.

There's also a troubling pattern: some expect others to fight for their cause, assuming "someone else" will always be there. But community doesn't work that way. It's not a service, it's a shared responsibility. If we want Dawesville to thrive, we need more than nostalgia. We need hands, voices & hearts willing to show up.

We're at a crossroads. The facilities we enjoy, the environment we cherish, and the sense of belonging we remember, they won't survive without effort. You can't say you love a place and then watch it fade without lifting a finger. Community is collapsing. The question is: how far are we willing to let it fall before we act?

Volunteer Working Groups Active
South of the Bridge