Faces of Fairwater

It’s hard to narrow Fairwater’s charm down to just one thing. Is it the people who live there? The pride of the team who have developed it? Or maybe it’s the community’s connection to each other as well as to nature and the abundance of open green spaces?

While person to person this answer may differ, there’s one thing that is in general consensus: Fairwater is truly something remarkable.

Formerly the site of a private golf course, Fairwater has been transformed into a neighbourhood where nature abounds, thanks in part to the previous vegetation of the site.  “We’ve been able to preserve a lot of the features that really defined the golf course,” reflects Raymond Baksmati, the project’s Development Director. “It had substantial trees but degraded waterways. We’ve been able to protect these key landscaped elements, rejuvenating them and making them a focus for our new community.”

With its tranquil surrounds and 9.5 hectares of dedicated open spaces – including ponds, wetlands, and waterways – Fairwater had the makings to be something great right from the start. But it turns out, the secret ingredient was the diverse and welcoming community who would make Fairwater home.

A place is nothing without its people, and the faces of Fairwater have become the heart and soul of the project. And who better to tell the story of this community’s transformation than those who witnessed it firsthand?

Brahmleen Kaur – Resident

From the moment Brahmleen first set foot in Fairwater, she knew she had found her future home. “We were enticed by the peaceful, calm ambience of the community. The beautiful lake right in the middle of the property seemed like an oasis.

“The biggest transformation for me personally since we first moved in, was the development of the Central Park. It’s wonderful to see kids enjoying the play area and open spaces, especially in these testing times because of COVID-19. For adults, it’s a great place to exercise, go for a run or a leisurely walk too.

“This being our first home, Fairwater will always be special to us. The community really nurtures its residents, helping everyone to connect through various initiatives. This has helped to create a sense of pride and belonging in the community.”

Jason Meaden - Resident

While a Facebook ad was what initially caught Jason and his partner’s attention, it was Fairwater’s location in thriving Blacktown that won them over.

“What excited me was the ability to get a new house in an established suburb, as opposed to a brand-new area. Because Fairwater was built on an old golf course, a significant number of the trees have been kept, and they had the ability to really landscape the parks, gardens, and wetlands. It’s also in an area where there’s already public transport and shops established. So, while the community is still very much new, it just felt like it’s been here for a while.

“Before Fairwater, I spent about 20 years living in apartments. I don’t think I ever knew any of my neighbour’s names, even those in the apartment next to me. Whereas here, it just feels like a community. People acknowledge each other while walking the dog. I probably know 20 people by sight, just from wandering around the community and from various community events.”

Kimberley Beverley - Resident

When Kimberley first moved into Fairwater in 2018, she was living at her uncle’s place. Fast forward two years later, and she and her sister have moved into their own home in the community.

“Initially, we were actually trying to find places outside of Fairwater. Since our uncle was already here, we didn’t want to be annoying by living so close to him. But then, everything was just leading us back to Fairwater. We love the environment and people here. We thought, since we already know this place and enjoy the area, we might as well buy our home here.

“Our place is right across from Central Park. When we first moved in, there was nothing but grass and trees. Since then, the space has really come to life. There’s a playground and we even got to go and plant a tree there as well. During lockdown especially, it’s been great to see people getting outside and enjoying the area.”

Om Dhungel - Community Engagement Consultant and Resident

Om is both a resident of Fairwater, as well as Fairwater’s Community Engagement Consultant. Wearing both hats gives him the opportunity to engage and help shape the neighbourhood, while each help provide a different perspective.

“For me, the most rewarding part of working and living in Fairwater is to get to do what I am most passionate about, which is bringing people together to create a community. What started as converting strangers into neighbours by saying hello, has grown into this wonderfully connected place. It’s great, having this opportunity to work with such a diverse group of people with so many different points of view. Blacktown is so multicultural, we have residents from over 188 nationalities here.

“What makes Fairwater truly special, is that rather than focusing on our differences, we come together as a group to celebrate everything. While we have different cultures, different foods, and different languages, that right there is our common denominator – our differences add to the richness of the community. And from that, many different initiatives and committees have been born — such as the Fairwater Events Committee and the Green Fairwater Committee. There are so many people here wanting to do something for the wider community.”

Raymond Baksmati – Development Director

When it comes to the transformation of Fairwater, there’s no one more in the know than Raymond. Sitting at the helm of the project as Fairwater’s Development Director since 2014, he’s had a hand in all the milestones and successes along the way. Now, he gets to sit back and watch the fruits of his labour come to life.

“We build infrastructure, like parks, waterways, cycleways, roads and homes, but without people living in those homes — using the parks and cycleways — it doesn’t mean anything. When people interact in these spaces, live, and share their experiences with each other, they create a vibrant sense of place.”

“I still remember that first time we witnessed a resident young family pushing a pram with a newborn in the evening as the sun was setting. It was upon completion of the first stage of homes, the entry parks had just been completed, and the Fairwater team were packing up after a community information session. As this couple walked past the lake and sales centre window the team all turned to watch them, a little smile from them and acknowledgement from us, as they made their way across the pedestrian bridge over the lake to sit and watch the sun setting. That little moment to me was something very special. It truly highlighted the importance of designing for people and community in our projects. And if you get it right, they’re the ones creating that sense of place and belonging.”

“Seeing the residents move in, their passion and pride for Fairwater neighbourhood, has been fantastic. They’re very keen to be a part of the wider community, their strength is in their diversity. I think we’ve tackled community development from a very authentic position, and I haven’t seen that level of energy and enthusiasm from a community on other projects that I’ve worked on. And that’s just testament to the amount of pride the residents have in this community. This place that we’ve created.”

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