The bricks and bitumen that go into creating a new community are without doubt critical to its success. Years of meticulous planning and design, however, will be wasted if there isn’t also a substantial investment in something intangible and almost unquantifiable: community spirit. At Mirvac we know community spirit is imperative to building a legacy for future generations.

Initiatives such as our annual Summer Festival, held across the four states in which we operate, New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia, have been designed to make a lasting contribution to communities wherever we develop.

This December marks the 5th anniversary of the Festival. Over the past 5 years we have run over 100 events for our residents in locations as diverse Yarra’s Edge in Melbourne; CREST at Gledswood Hills in Sydney’s south west; Gainsborough Greens, south of Brisbane and One71 Baldivis, near Perth as a celebration of the things that matter most in life – home, friendship, family and community. Each event also raises money for a local charity. Last year we raised close to $20,000 for charities such as The Kids’ Cancer Project, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, The Fred Hollow’s Foundation, Baldivis Lions Club, Surf Life Saving Club and The Smith Family.

From twilight cinema to growers markets the events we organise are tailored to their specific community. They are hosted within the parks and unique urban environments we create, because we design and build amenity that brings families and friends together. So while community spirit can’t be touched, it can be felt. It is at events such as our Summer Festival where we see our communities come together that highlight the value of investing in more than bricks and mortar.