Since 2021, Weave has hosted four South East Block Party events alongside our longtime and trusted partners Randwick City Council and Kobie Dee. South East Block Party is a free, community event that has brought together thousands of people, mostly community members from South East Sydney, with the aim of helping people from these communities feel seen, valued and appreciated. These events have been wonderful celebrations enjoyed by young people, children and families from the communities we work with.
South East Block Party started as a childhood dream by a young Kobie Dee, brought to life through the vision of a group of young Aboriginal men from South East Sydney that wanted to celebrate community, culture, music and creativity of the local community at Coral Sea Park. Powered by a strong collaboration between Weave, Randwick Council and Kobie Dee, this dream has become the annual event we know now, celebrating the strength of community, culture, young people and local talented artists and performers.
The continued growth and success of South East Block Party is something the whole community can be proud of. This event brought young people, children and families together in a way that honoured the unique identity of the South East Sydney community, and gave a platform for the very essence of who they are to be celebrated. It has showcased how the qualities of this community can be harnessed to overcome the challenges felt both collectively and as individuals living in the South East Sydney area. Together we have shared stories, food and laughs, culture and music. We have platformed creativity and fun: something the group of young Aboriginal men desperately wanted for the young people, children and families in South East Sydney.
The initial community impact of the South East Block Party was so significant that in 2022, Kobie Dee emulated the event in Moree alongside other key partners. The Moree Block Party was just as much a success for the community as the South East Block Party; this highlights what we’ve always known: togetherness, community care, strong community spirit and Aboriginal cultures are at the centre of the communities we are privileged to walk alongside.
It is clear that the South East Block Party has grown into something much bigger than we could have ever imagined. It’s a wonderful success story, with humble and community-led beginnings that we are proud to have delivered over the last four years.
However, 2025 marks the end of Weave’s five-year funding and collaboration with Randwick City Council to deliver South East Block Party with Kobie Dee. It is likely that this event will take a little break after 2025, but we are confident that it will be back, stronger than ever in the future. Weave is excited to pass the baton to Kobie Dee and his team to continue to lead, grow and celebrate this beautiful community event. During the break Kobie will focus on making new music, supporting and nurturing up and coming artists, and building on the exciting work he has been doing at his new music studio in Lexington Place.
Over the last 5 years, our partnership team (Weave Youth & Community Services, Randwick Council and Kobie Dee) have collaborated with phenomenal sponsors and supporters, including Na Joomelah, Sony Music Publishing, Sandy Beard and others who have stuck with us on this journey. We are incredibly grateful for this collaboration that allowed us to champion the South East Sydney community.
We are so excited to once again, for Weave’s final year of involvement in the South East Sydney Block Party, showcase and celebrate the unique culture and community of South East Sydney. As always, South East Block Party 2025 will shine a spotlight on the strength, talents and togetherness of young people in our local communities, and focus on the importance of reaching out to one another and local services for support in the face of challenges.
Weave Youth & Community Services would like to thank everyone who has come with us on this incredible 5 year journey: our partners Randwick Council and Kobie Dee, the generous sponsors and businesses who have dedicated their time, staff, and resources to growing this event every year, and the brilliant young performers who came to share their talents. But most importantly, we are thankful and grateful to the South East Sydney community who invited and welcomed us into South Maroubra to deliver this event. Through the voices and participation of this community, we have been able to witness what has always existed here: fun and playfulness, strength, togetherness and care for one another in the face of adversity. Weave is privileged to celebrate South East Sydney alongside our partners, and we look forward to our fifth and biggest South East Block Party on 27th March, 2025.
