Nate Hamon: Community Philosophy

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Nate Hamon: Community Philosophy

Community is the key to improving society as a whole.
(11)

22/06/2024

Friends in and around Beenleigh and the greater area. Please read this post and look out for the stolen jerseys.

13/06/2024

Community Engagement can Lead to a Longer, Healthier Life!

According to 'The Harvard Study of Adult Development' which is a longitudinal study that has been going for over 80 years, besides eating right and exercising being essential components of self-care, looking after our relationships is also a vital component to optimal health. Lack of social capital is bad for the individual's health and bad for a community's health.

Research shows that higher levels of perceived social connectivity are associated with lower blood pressure rates, better immune responses, and lower levels of stress hormones, which all contribute to the prevention of chronic disease and early death.

Living within a large population, being surrounded by people, engaging for hours a day on social media - these things do not automatically create greater social connectivity. One way that we can nurture social connectivity is through real world interaction whether that's with dialogue, activity or simply by quietly sharing space in an enjoyable way.

I believe that we can and should be creating and redesigning our towns to better enable public usage and subsequently, community engagement.

24/05/2024

Thank you for the Forde electorate Volunteer of the Year nomination.

I won't win because there is no way in hell I deserve it, but it's nice to be recognised and, more importantly, that volunteerism is recognised.

Thank you to all you volunteers who help improve our society.

You inspire me and make the world my family lives in a better place to be.

08/05/2024

We need to talk openly and honestly about the homeless situation in Beenleigh, Eagleby and surrounds. Especially as my community is in reaction mode concerning the council’s recent decision to lock the showers in a popular homeless camp. I can definitely see both sides.

But first, we need to understand that there are many reasons for homelessness and living rough and looking and pointing at only the ones that tend to create issues is not helpful.

Some are homeless because of drug and/or alcohol issues, and some mental health but the big reason for a recent explosion in the rate of homelessness is a change in personal situation. It could be a relationship separation that has had heavy consequences, it could be losing a job, or it could be the unaffordability of homes right now. It’s tough out there.

Many years ago, it was a change in circumstance that led me to homelessness. For a time, I lived out of my Ford Laser, (and that tiny car was awful to sleep in). Then I got a van and put a couch in the back that doubled as my bed. That was better - until it got stolen! Haha, Somebody literally stole my home! And everything I owned that was contained within it!

I can’t speak to all of the different homeless encampments, but you only have to go yourself and wander and talk to the residents of the Eagleby Wetlands camp to know that this is a community that is pulling together and caring for each other and the place they are staying. I was lucky in my situation to have family and friends who took me in. These people have found family with each other.

The reasons given for locking the showers seem fair at face value—that they were being vandalised. More specifically, the shower head was being broken, and faeces were smeared on the walls.

The more full-time camp residents acknowledged that this had happened. Two of the residents I spoke to said the shower head had broken off about five times in the two years they had been there.

Here’s the thing: it was never by a resident—it was always random. In fact, instead of whinging, the residents with skills in that department would fix the showerhead.

The “crappy mess” - always someone who was again a random and usually extremely “drug-affected”.

Again, the residents would clean it up.

In fact they make a habit of regularly cleaning the showers and toilets.

If the semi-permanent community weren’t there, that would not stop vandals. In fact, before the community arrived, the Little Athletics clubhouse behind the camp was notorious for being broken into and damaged.

There is greater vandalism occurring in the middle of our town than what is happening at the Wetlands.

These people chose a place that is relatively out of the way. They aren’t within easy walking distance of supermarkets, fast food, the train etc. They aren’t overwhelming and burdening our town.

Many that I have spoken to say that they would be happy to pay a maintenance fee to keep the showers open. Perhaps there could be a keypad installed and a camera over the entrance.

Now, if the truth is that the council is subtly trying to push them out, then let’s get transparency.

I heard council say “No, we aren’t trying to push them out” in one breath but then say “they are drug taking and drinking and causing all sorts of problems and we can’t turn a blind eye to that” as a reason for shutting the showers. But that conflicts. Are they saying that there is a mass drug taking, piss-up that only occurs in the showers?

I implore anyone trying to decide where they stand on this issue to do the bare minimum and go and have a chat to the residents.

To our mayor Jon Raven - mate, I know you are a good guy and want to do the right thing. Come with me and we’ll go have a catch up with some of the homeless. Or join up some time soon with one of the local charities. Or simply walk through the camp and talk to people. They are open and welcoming.

There's a discussion to be had and there are merits to both sides. Is there a better place to camp? Could the government create purpose-built low-rent camps? It's a complex issue but it involves discussions with those most affected as a bare minimum.

05/05/2024

I had the privilege of hosting the BBATA “Star Wars Trivia” fundraiser last night and had an awesome time.

Congrats to the winners “Salacious B”

All the funds go back into the community to promote local businesses and create community events.

Thank you to everyone who supported what turned out to be a fantastic night at Station 4207 in the Beenleigh Historical Village.

Watch out for our next trivia night fundraiser in July - something to do with a boy wizard.

Also watch out for a really cool announcement soon where we (BBATA) will be seeking expressions of interest from local artists to collaborate with a local fashion label in the name of charity.

More on that soon.

24/04/2024

Respect to all who have and who do serve our country.

It was a privilege to help fundraise yesterday for the RSL while wearing my Poppa's jade ring. Poppa was a veteran of the Korean war.

It was a privilege to lay a wreath at the Beenleigh memorial this morning on behalf of the Beenleigh State High School P&C.

I live a privileged existence because of people like my Poppa, uncles and many others who risked their lives and sometimes paid the ultimate sacrifice for those who would follow.

Lest we forget.

10/04/2024

During the campaign, while polling, someone in opposition was overheard telling people, regarding me, “Community guy? Just because he talks about community, he thinks he can make a good councillor, but he’ll fail on the first day! It’s not about that.”

At first, I was irritated by this. Then I decided to lean into my stoic philosophy and shake it off. The dude obviously hasn’t studied and seen what I’ve studied and seen.

I’ve lived around the world and seen how a strong community can lead to a thriving greater environment- a better town.

This person has obviously not done the deep dives into the massive number of studies that show how strong community engagement can help mitigate environmental issues and improve social inclusion, civic responsibility, and crisis response. Or, if none of that matters and the economy is their bottom line, they should also know that strong communities can also enhance economic growth.

A successful town can only be achieved by respecting the role that the community plays.

09/04/2024

Meet Tammy Robinson.

Tammy runs a community program in Logan called Formally Ever After Qld Inc.

The program began with the aim to assist year 12 students to attend their formals. Tammy initially began this program to help students who couldn't afford the cost of formal wear but it has evolved into so much more.

Please share her page to increase their reach.

02/04/2024

Thank you to all of you freaking amazing people.

The results were not what we were after - or were they? 😜

30/03/2024

Happy Easter from my family to yours.

30/03/2024

Surreal beauty. A couple thousand people singing along to Tommy Emmanuel’s ethereal rendition of Imagine at Bluesfest.

In an advisory group a fellow member once contended with my push for more arts to activate the town by saying “we should focus on business first”.

My rebuttal was this:

Art promotes business.

If you walk into a lawyer’s office, chances are you’ll see art on the walls.

If you go into a supermarket, you’ll hear music through the speakers.

Not only that but the arts bring people together.

Sometimes all it takes to find unity is to sing a song together.

For the arts to truly assist our towns in becoming more vibrant, more control has to be given to the artists themselves. it needs to come from the grassroots up.

We have seen it fail time and time again when placemaking, streetscaping, event creation etc come from the top down.

27/03/2024

Many of you know this legend. For those who don’t, his name is Charlie. His beautiful wife Jenny suffers from Multiple Sclerosis.

That doesn’t stop Jenny from staying positive and that motivates Charlie to raise money for MS research theough massive bike riding efforts.

Go here to learn more about their love story that spans half a century.

Oh, and while you’re there feel free to drop a few dollars their way.

Link below -

https://www.brissietothebay.com.au/fundraisers/charliebennett

27/03/2024

Brotherhood of the Blues opening Bluefest and showing that “disability” doesn’t mean unable to dominate the stage.

These guys met at a disability support group and are now showcasing their talent to the world.

We have our own local disability support groups that are full of amazingly talented humans.

We need to make space, create opportunity and improve accessibility for all.

25/03/2024

We had a great town hall meeting tonight at the Beenleigh Neighbourhood Centre

Thank you Anthony and team for facilitating it.

Common issues included:

- A town that was overly saturated with government services to the point where that has become a precinct and pushed out retail, cafe society, entertainment, restaurants etc.

- The degradation and what seems like “land banking” on the corner of George and City rd.

- The lack of vibrancy in the middle of town

- The lack of true consultation by government and the heavy top down approach that has been taken when making changes

Common hopes and visions included:

- A town activated by the incredible depth of artistic and business talent

- A town that can promote the incredible wealth of sporting facilities and talent that we have

- A town that can bring together the various associations and organisations to truly make things happen

Much more was talked about and it was an invigorating evening.

23/03/2024

BBQ FUNDRAISER ON NOW

IGA LOGANHOLME

It is going OFF!

Heaps of money raised already!

Sausage Sizzle fundraiser for Alex and Brooke and their young family who lost everything in the housefire in Tana Merah this week.

Where - IGA Loganholme2/8 Ascot Dr, Loganholme QLD 4129
Time - 12 - 4pm TODAY! Saturday

This is a FREE sausage sizzle with an opportunity for everyone and anyone to donate what you can IF you can.

Organised by my mate Shayneo and IGA Loganholme.

20/03/2024

BBQ FUNDRAISER THIS SATURDAY

IGA LOGANHOLME

Sausage Sizzle fundraiser for the family that lost everything in the housefire in Tana Merah this week.

Where - IGA Loganholme2/8 Ascot Dr, Loganholme QLD 4129
Time - 12 - 4pm this coming Saturday

This will be an absolutely FREE sausage sizzle with an opportunity for everyone and anyone to donate what you can IF you can.

It could be a gold coin it could be a fiver or more, Big W/KMart/Supermarket etc. vouchers...

Organised by my mate Shayneo and IGA Loganholme.

I'll be there with my apron on, cooking up a storm. How burnt do you like your sangers?

All welcome. If nothing else it's an opportunity for community to come together.

18/03/2024

Here is a pic of the youth basketball team I coach after our last game of the season.

It isn’t our entire team as one of our bigs - Zac - was missing as were some of the supporters.

In my belief, supporters are an essential part of any team.

That’s how it has been with this election. I have had myself, a core campaign team and supporters. All of you who cheered me on from the sidelines.

Maybe you put up signs on your property.

Maybe you wore my shirt out and about.

Maybe you sent me messages of support and encouragement.

Maybe you simply told other people about me.

Whatever you did, it was valued and made you, in my mind, a part of the team.

I am extremely grateful to you.

Here’s the thing to remember - there is very little that one person can accomplish by themselves.

But as a community, we can achieve great things.

18/03/2024

So it looks like 👍 overall we won the in person voting but a lot of people postal voted and we didn’t do so well there! And she did. Which gave her the lead.

It’s still a slim margin and there is still counting to go but it will be a challenge to claw back the needed votes.

May be the end of the week before we get final results!

18/03/2024

A time for cool heads. Addressing a silly rumour. A call for peace. An acceptance of legitimate criticism.

17/03/2024

The campaign is over and I’m still feeling the love! haha

Yip - this was fine last night and when I came to pick it up this morning - well.

Even if I don’t win this election - I ain’t down, I ain’t broken and I’m not going to stop working to improve my community.

A Stanley knife (often used for cutting zip ties from fences) isn’t going to stop me.

Haters gonna … What’s that saying again?

17/03/2024

Vote Count Update - Kind of.

16/03/2024

And That’s - Almost - A Wrap!

14/03/2024

Happy birthday to the woman who gave me life.

Love you mum.

14/03/2024

I’ve been meaning to post this info for a couple of weeks and with the local elections coming to a close tomorrow I think it’s an opportune time.

I received a message from this young legend who wants to help make a difference and help educate the youth on civic responsibility or even just a greater understanding of politics and how it affects our lives.

Here is the message - if you or someone you know would like to get involved - please tag and share!

“YMCA Queensland Youth Parliament (QYP) is the largest youth program in the state, and an outstanding opportunity for young people to have their voices heard and create change in their community. We empower young people from all backgrounds through our three pillars of community engagement, parliamentary education and personal development.

Every year, 93 Youth Members are selected to represent the young people of Queensland, from every electorate in the state. During the year, Youth Members attend two residential camps, engage with their electorate, and develop a Youth Bill to debate in the Queensland Legislative Chamber.
QYP provides a fundamental link between young people and the Queensland Government. Youth Bills are passed to the Queensland Cabinet for consideration. Across our 29-year history, QYP is proud to have driven real legislative change.

We are seeking young people aged 15–25 inclusive to apply for this amazing opportunity. They don't have to have any public speaking experience or any knowledge of politics, just as long as they're passionate about their community.

Queensland Youth Parliament offers fantastic opportunities within parliamentary education, public speaking tips and personal growth.”

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Done, Dusted, Declared

Thank you to all of you freaking amazing people. The results were not what we were after - or were they? 😜

Surreal beauty. A couple thousand people singing along to Tommy Emmanuel’s ethereal rendition of Imagine at Bluesfest. In an advisory group a fellow member once contended with my push for more arts to activate the town by saying “we should focus on business first”. My rebuttal was this: Art promotes business. If you walk into a lawyer’s office, chances are you’ll see art on the walls. If you go into a supermarket, you’ll hear music through the speakers. Not only that but the arts bring people together. Sometimes all it takes to find unity is to sing a song together. For the arts to truly assist our towns in becoming more vibrant, more control has to be given to the artists themselves. it needs to come from the grassroots up. We have seen it fail time and time again when placemaking, streetscaping, event creation etc come from the top down.

Brotherhood of the Blues opening Bluefest and showing that “disability” doesn’t mean unable to dominate the stage. These guys met at a disability support group and are now showcasing their talent to the world. We have our own local disability support groups that are full of amazingly talented humans. We need to make space, create opportunity and improve accessibility for all.

Fundraiser at IGA Loganholme is Going Off!

BBQ FUNDRAISER ON NOW IGA LOGANHOLME It is going OFF! Heaps of money raised already! Sausage Sizzle fundraiser for Alex and Brooke and their young family who lost everything in the housefire in Tana Merah this week. Where - IGA Loganholme2/8 Ascot Dr, Loganholme QLD 4129 Time - 12 - 4pm TODAY! Saturday This is a FREE sausage sizzle with an opportunity for everyone and anyone to donate what you can IF you can. Organised by my mate Shayneo and IGA Loganholme.

Peace Be the Journey

A time for cool heads. Addressing a silly rumour. A call for peace. An acceptance of legitimate criticism.

Vote Count Update - Kind of.

And That’s - Almost - A Wrap!

My Boys Have a Message for You

I’ve loved watching these kids grow from boys to young men over the years - from Under 15 basketball to Under 19s approaching their final season. Coaching them is one of my greatest joys.

No Time for Hate

End of Polling Day 2: It ain’t all anger and spite.

Today is When the Home Stretch Begins

Early voting begins today, let’s gooo!!!

What the Hell is Going On in Eagleby?

I had a great day talking with people - ideas, concerns, worries, visions… A few concerns were repeated and this is one of them. We need to get to the bottom of this and we need to push for this to be resolved quickly. The people of Eagleby are being treated poorly when it comes to the halt on the roadworks by a company that should have never received the contract. I feel for their workers and Eaglebynians.

You Ain’t Never Gonna Keep Me Down 😜💪🏾😎✊

You Ain’t Never Gonna Keep Me Down

I’m proud to introduce the “Vote Nate” dancers! AKA Ruby Dooby & ‘Elle AKA my gorgeous nieces. Vote for Progress - Vote for Change - Vote 1 Nate Hamon

Big things are about to happen and we have one chance to get it right.

Progress Requires a Change of Mindset and a Community Coming Together. Vote for a reinvigorated town. Vote for creative thinking. Vote for someone who is excited less about what we are, and more about what we could be! Tell your friends, family, frenemies and strangers on the street - Vote 1 Nate Hamon If you believe in this message, please share it on your page/s.

7 Reasons a Strong Community is Vital to a Town

There are many reasons that I bang on about the importance of community. Here are 7 of them.

Should Campaign Signs Be Banned?

My thoughts on campaign signs and ideas for the future. Brought to you by conversations with the community. Let me know your thoughts. Share this. Spread the word! Family, friends - everyone in your network - Vote 1 Nate Hamon It’s time for fresh thinking and a break with the “norm”.

Caffeinated Comments

A quick thank you to those who keep me going.

Why Are So Many Homeowners Devastated By Council’s Latest Flood Mapping?

This is just a “off the top of the dome” free-flow of thoughts and questions regarding something that has raised the ire of many homeowners in the area. Raised insurances, devalued property (some to the point of worthlessness), poor to no communication, lack of mitigation plans (at least not transparent or well communicated ones)… The council vote to release the maps based on predictions and not history was split in favour of releasing it. Personally, I would have sided with the 4 councillors who voted no. That might put me offside with some, but that's my truth. Have you been negatively affected? My parents have been as have their neighbours. Do you agree with the decision? If yes why? If no why? Keen for your thoughts.

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