paul mallett advocates for building a city where belonging is something we do, not just something we feel. Active Belonging is the idea that connection grows strongest through small, regular encounters. It is built through movement, food, culture, creativity, and the ordinary ways we show up for each other. The goal is to make connection part of everyday life rather than something reserved for special moments.

Imagine a Launceston where local groups are supported to run gentle walking clubs, neighbourhood bike rides, tai chi in the park, open-air pilates, pram-friendly circuits, seniors balance classes, intercultural dance sessions, pick-up soccer, tape-ball cricket, multi-age basketball, paddle groups on the river, bushwalking meet-ups, dog-friendly walking groups, skate clinics, community gardening, weekend adventure clubs, Move and Make sessions, and simple warm-up circles before events and markets. These are low-cost activities that spark conversations, reduce isolation, and help people find their place.

Neighbourhood nodes in libraries, parks, and school halls could act as social launch pads. Micro-grants would help residents host movement groups, culture days, or small gatherings without paperwork getting in the way. Volunteers, elders, and community hosts would be recognised as part of the city’s social infrastructure.

The aim is simple: stronger relationships, safer neighbourhoods, better mental health, and a city that feels alive because people feel they belong. Connection reduces isolation. It lowers long-term service demand. It builds trust in difficult times.

We can build a city of Active Belonging. It starts with small steps made together, including

1. Every Child a Bike

Launch a universal “Every Child a Bike” program providing all Launceston children with a bicycle and helmet.
• Normalise active transport from early childhood.
• Build confidence, independence, and outdoor mobility.
• Reduce inequality by ensuring all children, regardless of household income, have equal access to movement.

2. Velodromes and Pump Tracks

Construct outdoor velodromes in Riverside and St Leonards and pump tracks in Waverley and Ravenswood.
• Provide accessible, low-cost entry points into cycling for all ages.
• Support school programs, clubs, and family participation.
• Strengthen Launceston’s cycling identity and expand safe, local riding options.

3. Expanded Mountain Bike Trails

Extend mountain bike networks in Trevallyn and Kate Reed reserves.
• Position Launceston as a regional riding destination.
• Grow health, recreation, and tourism outcomes simultaneously.
• Support trail stewardship, local events, and skills development.

4. Netball Centre Roof at Hobler’s Bridge

Cover and solar-power the netball complex at Hobler’s Bridge.
• Provide all-weather access and increase year-round participation.
• Reduce operational energy costs through on-site clean energy generation.
• Support competitions, carnivals, and inclusive community sport.

5. Silverdome Renewal

Refurbish and activate the Silverdome as a modern sporting and events venue.
• Secure national and regional events.
• Strengthen local pride and civic identity.
• Drive economic activity through visitation, training camps, and exhibitions.

6. Rowing and Regattas on Tamar Lake

Host national-level rowing events and regattas on Tamar Lake.
• Showcase Launceston as an aquatic sporting destination.
• Activate the lake as a civic and recreational asset.
• Support local clubs and volunteer networks.

7. Palaestra by the Lake

Construct a high-roof, open-air public gym with weather-responsive walls at Tamar Lake.
• Make movement visible, social, and inclusive in the heart of the city.
• Provide free or low-cost exercise options for all ages.
• Strengthen connection between public space and everyday wellbeing.

8. School Facility Access After Hours

Reform insurance, security, and booking systems to open school gyms, courts, and fields to the public outside school hours.
• Maximise use of existing public assets.
• Expand equitable access to sport and recreation for families, clubs, and social groups.
• Reduce pressure on council facilities while increasing participation.

9. PlayStreets and CBD Car-Free Sundays

Schedule regular PlayStreet closures and periodic car-free Sundays in the city centre.
• Reclaim streets for markets, sport, movement, and community connection.
• Build a habitual pattern of neighbourhood activity.
• Support local businesses through higher foot traffic and family-friendly events.

10. Sport Workforce Support

Invest in training, accreditation, and support for umpires, referees, and sport officials.
• Keep grassroots sport safe, fair, and sustainable.
• Address burnout and shortages in community sport leadership roles.
• Ensure inclusive, welcoming, high-quality competitions.

11. Statue of Equity Climbing Integration

Incorporate a public climbing facility into the Statue of Equity’s architectural design.
• Fuse symbolism with participation, making equity something residents and visitors can actively engage with.
• Provide a unique physical and cultural landmark for the city.
• Connect movement, art, and civic identity.

12. Olympic and Elite Training Hubs

Position Launceston as a national training hub for targeted sports.
• Attract elite athletes, investment, and coaching expertise.
• Inspire local young people through visible pathways to high performance.
• Support tourism, education partnerships, and sporting innovation.