August 02, 2018

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Have you met Tennille Bradley-Ow, Merrifield’s dedicated Community Manager?

To help foster a truly engaging community life, Merrifield is fortunate to have the services of a dedicated Community Development Manager. Tennille Bradley-Ow shares with us some of the secrets of true community building.

Tell us a little about your background.

I’ve been working in community development for almost 20 years, starting in Local Government working with sporting clubs to increase their capacity to be more inclusive of children with a disability. I’ve also worked in Social Planning and Economic Development with Local Government on key infrastructure and advocacy projects.

What drew you to your role here at Merrifield?

Having the opportunity to influence and shape new communities for generations is a privilege. Merrifield is such a standout development, a truly masterplanned community that will provide opportunities for work, learning and play – it’s what’s always attracted me most to this particular project and it’s become so apparent how dedicated our team are in regards to creating vibrant and sustainable communities for the future.

Describe your role as Community Development Manager.

In summary, I help develop partnerships, broker relationships, and build the capacity of residents in the development of programs and initiatives to activate the public realm, and create long-lasting community connections.

What are the essential conditions for community to prosper?

People being proud of where they live. If people have this, then they naturally want to connect with others, care and maintain their immediate and surrounding environment and contribute to their local community. You can have the best infrastructure and services in the world, but if people are not excited and passionate about the community in which they live, it just remains brick and mortar. That true sense of community spirit unfortunately will not exist.

How do you feel Merrifield differs from other new community centres?

The one thing that I have noticed so far is how engaged and passionate the Merrifield community is. People genuinely believe in the dream and vision of Merrifield.

Click here to learn about some of our Community initiatives.


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