A Little BIG Community: More than a home!

A Little BIG Community is distinct from other residential developments in many ways but particularly because of its Little BIG House. The Little BIG House was established within the Flour Mill development as an innovative approach to creating community and connections amongst locals.

There is an epidemic of loneliness sweeping Australia. When people are lonely, they are not only less likely to exercise, they are also less productive at work and more likely to overuse social media. They are also more likely to be depressed, anxious and to develop chronic disease.

Almost 1 in 3 Australians feel lonely and 1 in 6 Australians are experiencing severe loneliness, across all states, regional and metro areas and amongst both men and women.

State of the National Report: Social Connection in Australia (2023), p. 12

However, where we live and work, the places where we meet and connect with others, and the way we travel from one place to another, can all shape our mental, emotional and physical health. Smart decisions on where to live can have a huge impact on our quality of life. Little BIG helps to promote the little things in community, that really do make a BIG difference.

Community

Locals have access to the Little BIG House, a beautifully designed, dedicated community space which volunteers are supported in their efforts to create connections between locals.  The space offers locals a chance to host or attend an eclectic range of events from beer tasting to sound meditation; improvisation classes; life drawing; parents groups to cross-fit.

Both access to public spaces and amenities and knowing more people in one’s neighbourhood are positively linked to decreased loneliness.

The Impact of the Built Environment on Loneliness (2023), p. 10-11

A positive neighbourhood environment

A physical space designed for connection, the Flour Mill complex is a contemporary, architecturally designed development built around a heritage building. There is a sunny central square and a park – all of which are well-lit at night, providing a high quality and safe physical environment. The park a grove of mature trees and a playground and is often filled with people enjoying sitting outside.

Safe, accessible areas for physical activity and exposure to natural spaces are strongly associated with lower loneliness.

The Impact of the Built Environment on Loneliness (2023), p.11

A public square

The layout of the apartments around a central square creates so many possibilities for bumping into neighbours and incidental chats all of which strengthen our sense of belonging to a community. The square is also home to a regular food and arts market, as well as night and Christmas markets.  

Studies have emphasised the importance of ‘third places’ which are not home and not work but nevertheless provide a chance to gather.

Human Health and a Sustainable built Environment (2022), p. 7

Public Transport Options

Only a few steps away from the Light Rail station and a 10 minute walk from the Summer Hill heavy rail station. Being able to easily walk to public transport increases the opportunities for a friendly chat and physical activity. In 2024, the upgrade to the Greenway is scheduled to be completed and this will provide Flour Mill residents with increased opportunities to walk the dog, stroll on a Sunday afternoon and cycle from the Cooks River to Canada Bay. Walking to and from public transport can achieve almost a third of the daily recommended physical activity for an adult [4](Human Health, p. 9).

When people are lonely they are not only less likely to exercise, they are also less productive at work and more likely to have social media addiction.  They are also more likely to be depressed, have social anxiety and to develop chronic disease.

State of the Nation Report: Social Connection in Australia 2023, p 14