Understanding Community to Build with Purpose: The Patch, Wollert

The Challenge

YourLand wanted to better understand what residents in Wollert truly value - and how The Patch could become a standout community destination in a highly competitive growth corridor.

To achieve this, Property Republic and ThinkSolve Development Solutions were engaged to design and deliver a research-led engagement program that would uncover community expectations, identify local priorities, and provide actionable insights to guide future positioning, marketing and placemaking decisions.

Our Approach

To reach a broad cross-section of residents, Property Republic developed a two-part engagement process:

• Online Survey: Reached more than 185,000 people through social media and community networks, generating nearly 1,000 clicks and 56 survey responses.

• Community Workshop: Hosted at Creeds Farm Living and Learning Centre, the session brought together first home buyers, upsizers, downsizers, investors and existing residents for a deep dive into local issues and aspirations.

This hybrid approach allowed YourLand to capture both measurable data and lived experiences - combining statistical rigour with authentic human insight.

“We wanted to move beyond assumptions and listen to what people in Wollert are really thinking and feeling about where they live – and what they need next.” 
- Property Republic

What We Heard

Several consistent themes emerged across both the survey and workshop:

• Safety first: Residents want communities that feel safe, peaceful and family-friendly.

• Infrastructure matters: Public transport, schools and health facilities remain key areas of frustration.

• Lifestyle expectations: Parks, walking and cycling paths, cafés, shaded BBQ areas and inclusive playgrounds are the most sought-after amenities.

• Trust through transparency: Locals value honest, consistent communication and early delivery of promised infrastructure.

• Celebrating diversity: Wollert’s multicultural fabric is a defining strength, and residents want to see it reflected through events and inclusive programming.

Turning Insight into Action

The findings informed seven clear recommendations for YourLand, including:

• Building brand awareness through storytelling and activation.

• Making safety central to design and messaging.

• Delivering lifestyle amenities early.

• Communicating transparently and often.

• Advocating for transport and infrastructure improvements.

• Planning for long-term resident retention.

• Celebrating cultural diversity through community-led events.

“By acting on these recommendations, YourLand has the opportunity to lead with purpose, create an authentic identity, and deliver on what residents are asking for – a community that’s liveable, honest, and connected from day one.” 

What We Delivered

• End-to-end project design, recruitment and delivery.

• Engagement across multiple buyer segments.

• Survey and workshop facilitation.

• Data analysis and recommendations report.

• Strategic positioning advice to strengthen The Patch brand and community alignment.

What We Learned

Community consultation isn’t a tick-box exercise - it’s an opportunity to build long-term trust.
By listening with empathy and acting with transparency, developers can align their brand promise with real community needs, creating places that people genuinely want to call home.