A new initiative aimed at strengthening local connections has begun at St Paul’s Catholic School, with the first Community Afternoon held on 11 March as part of the Community Ground project.

Community Ground is a simple but powerful idea — creating a welcoming place where families, children and community members can gather, connect and spend time together in a relaxed environment. Hosted on the school grounds in Bridgewater, the weekly gathering invites people to drop in after school, enjoy free activities and build stronger community connections.

The first Community Afternoon saw families and local organisations come together to share the space, connect and enjoy a range of activities. BGH Breakers ran basketball skills sessions and have introduced a free weekly community soccer game. An all-ages community choir brought voices together, while the Material Institute sewing library offered a chance for people to learn, share skills and get creative with textiles. Young people were well catered for with the youth Night Café offering free pizzas, Milo and a chat. A neurodivergent teen social group, and a teen strength boot camp provided fun and supportive spaces to connect and stay active. Music added to the atmosphere with a saxophone performance and DJ set, and members of the Rotary Club of Brighton were also on hand meeting community members and sharing information about their work in the local area.

Located on Paice Street, St Paul’s Catholic School has long been part of the local community, educating students from Kindergarten to Grade 6 and serving families across Bridgewater, Gagebrook and the wider Brighton area.

Community Ground aims to build on that sense of connection by opening the space beyond the school day and inviting everyone to be part of something positive.

Community Afternoons are planned to continue each Wednesday from 3:15pm, offering a regular opportunity for families and residents to come together, relax and strengthen community ties.

If the energy from the first gathering is anything to go by, Community Ground is already becoming a place where connection, belonging and community spirit can grow.