Welcome to the Happy Streets Project- connecting communities street by street
The idea for the Happy Streets Project was sparked while facilitating the Future Bayside Deliberative Panel in May 2025. The panel had been asked to consider a big question:
“How should Council best support social connection in our community?”
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As we listened to the rich, heartfelt discussions, we followed up with another prompt:
“How can we, as individuals, as a community, and as a council, start addressing these barriers?”
People weren’t just offering ideas; they were making commitments to do more in their own streets and neighbourhoods. They were imagining what could happen if neighbours talked more, if we reclaimed our streets as spaces of connection, and if small acts became everyday habits.
At that moment, I knew we could do more too and that’s when The Happy Streets Project was born.​
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What it's all about
The Happy Streets Project is the not-for-profit arm of ChatterBox Projects. It has been created to help neighbours spark connection through small, inclusive gatherings because building a connected, caring community starts right outside everyone’s front door.
We will help neighbours come together to share afternoon tea, have a BBQ, play some street cricket or just a good old-fashioned chat about how everyone can create a more connected street. One of our well-known pop-up engagement trailers has now been re-branded ready to hit the streets. This will be packed with tools and equipment to be able to host these neighbour gatherings and spark that connection!
Our goal? To connect 100 communities street by street.
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Why it matters
In a world where social isolation and polarisation is rising, it’s never been more important to find ways to connect.
The Happy Streets Project aims to improve community wellbeing by fostering real, local connections, especially in areas where loneliness and disconnection might be common.
Our goals
Is to work with residents, community organisations and local councils to:
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Spark connection through relaxed, informal gatherings in neighbourhood streets and parks.
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Target neighbourhoods where social isolation or disconnection might be high.
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Reduce loneliness by encouraging ongoing, neighbourly interaction and connection.
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Empower residents to lead and host activities to connect in their own streets and communities.
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Strengthen neighbourhood pride by celebrating diverse stories and shared experiences.
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Foster lasting behaviour change by encouraging everyday acts of kindness and connection.
We’re just getting started
The Happy Streets Project is gearing up to launch in streets across Victoria in 2026 with three pilot Happy Street Projects happening in 2025 and we’d love you to be part of it.
If you have received a ‘You’re Invited’ invitation, that means your street is taking part!
Keep an eye out for more info and come and say hello at the Happy Streets Project pop-up trailer, it’s casual, welcoming and designed for everyone.
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If you'd like to have a Happy Streets Project gathering in your street, neighbourhood, town or municipality, click the EOI form below and tell us a little bit about your street.
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You can also email us at happystreets@chatterboxprojects.com.au
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And while you’re here, ask yourself:
👉 What could you do a little differently to spark connection in your street or neighbourhood?
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