Organising Social Events and Activities in Shared Spaces: Ideas for Community-Building Events within Shared Living Environments
In strata and community title schemes across Australia, shared spaces such as courtyards, rooftops, function rooms, and gardens are valuable assets that can be used for more than just passing through or hosting meetings.
These areas offer the perfect opportunity to foster a stronger, more connected community through social events and activities. Organising events in these spaces not only helps build a sense of belonging but also encourages cooperation, enhances communication among residents, and improves overall satisfaction with strata living.
Here are practical ideas and tips for planning successful social activities in shared spaces, no matter the size or demographics of your community.
1. Start Small and Build Interest
Before launching into major events, start with something simple. Host a casual morning tea in the common area or organise a Friday evening ‘meet your neighbours’ gathering. These low-effort, low-cost events serve as ice-breakers and help gauge interest and attendance for future events.
Ideas:
Coffee and muffins on a Saturday morning
BYO drinks on the rooftop at sunset
Book swap afternoon in the lounge
These smaller events help residents connect in a relaxed environment and can spark ideas for more involved activities.
2. Host Seasonal and Calendar-Based Events
Tapping into the calendar makes event planning easy and relatable. Whether it’s Australia Day, Harmony Week, Diwali, Christmas, or even National Neighbour Day, these events provide great themes for bringing people together.
Examples:
Lunar New Year dumpling-making workshop
End-of-year BBQ or picnic in the garden
ANZAC Day morning tea with historical storytelling
Halloween dress-up and trick-or-treating for families
Celebrating cultural and seasonal events also allows residents from different backgrounds to share their traditions and feel recognised.
3. Use Shared Interests to Drive Activities
Think about your community’s interests and lifestyle. Is your building full of pet lovers, foodies, fitness fans, or young families? Cater your events to those themes to increase participation.
Popular themed events include:
Dog wash day or pet parade
Yoga or Pilates classes on the lawn or rooftop
Potluck dinner or international food night
Kids' art competition with chalk or recycled materials
Polling residents on their interests via email, a group message board, or a community survey can help you target the right activities.
4. Encourage Ongoing and Low-Maintenance Programs
Not all social initiatives need to be one-off events. Setting up ongoing community-led programs can encourage consistent interaction and shared responsibility.
Ideas include:
Community herb or vegetable garden
Monthly movie night in the function room
Craft or hobby club meetups
Book club hosted on a balcony or via Zoom
Regular events create a rhythm in the community and encourage people to return and bring friends or neighbours along.
5. Be Inclusive and Accessible
When planning events, consider residents of all ages, abilities, and schedules. Choose times that work for most people, weekends or early evenings usually work best, and ensure the space is physically accessible.
Also think about:
Providing kid-friendly activities and supervision if needed
Catering for dietary needs
Including quieter zones or shorter participation windows for people who prefer low-key involvement
A successful event is one where people feel welcome and comfortable participating at their own pace.
6. Promote Events Effectively
Even the best-planned event will fall flat if no one knows it’s happening. Use multiple channels to promote social activities:
Noticeboards in lobbies or lifts
Emails or strata newsletters
Community WhatsApp or Facebook groups
Door flyers or mailbox slips
The most effective being word of mouth
Include clear details: date, time, location, what to bring (if anything), and RSVP instructions if needed. Keep the tone friendly and enthusiastic.
7. Plan for Logistics and Strata Compliance
While fun is the focus, it's essential to keep things organised and within the rules. Check your strata by-laws to confirm what’s allowed in common property. You may need approval for events involving noise, alcohol, or equipment like BBQs or speakers.
Logistics to consider:
Waste disposal and clean-up
Furniture or equipment set-up and storage
Safety (e.g., power cords, trip hazards, fire exits)
Booking shared facilities if required
You might also ask for a small budget allocation from the strata or Association committee for supplies or refreshments, especially if events are ongoing, in its basic form it’s an investment in community that will have a huge return.
8. Get Residents Involved in Planning
Don’t take on everything yourself. Form a small social sub-committee or rotate planning responsibilities among interested residents. This builds a sense of ownership and keeps ideas fresh.
Even simple roles like a “greeter” at the door, someone to manage food, or a clean-up crew help share the load and build teamwork.
9. Celebrate and Share the Outcomes
After the event, share photos, thank attendees, and invite feedback. Positive reinforcement keeps momentum going and encourages more residents to join in next time. A photo collage or small write-up in your next strata newsletter can go a long way toward maintaining enthusiasm.
Final Thoughts
Organising social events and activities in shared spaces doesn’t have to be complicated. With some creativity, planning, and community spirit, these gatherings can transform a building of neighbours into a supportive and engaged community. Over time, these small efforts build trust, reduce conflicts, and make strata living a richer, more enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Whether you're hosting a morning tea or a full-scale cultural celebration, shared spaces are the perfect stage for bringing residents together.
Disclaimer:
This article is intended for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Readers should seek independent legal and professional guidance relevant to their specific circumstances and jurisdiction
