Community Rep interview
by Gaby Spinks

This month’s Partnership Board Rep interview is with Natasha MacFarlane, pictured here with her children Aaliyah and Marshall and sister Cheyenne.

Why did you stand for election to be a Rep?
It was an opportunity to help make changes for the future. My family and I have lived in Burngreave all my life. Plus if you want something doing, do it yourself. I’m doing it because I enjoy the challenge; it’s interesting to see how things get done. I’m now beginning to understand how New Deal works and that’s a lot less frustrating. Now I can impart that information to people I meet.

How do you feel about representing Burngreave?
It’s a lot of responsibility – the hardest thing is changing people’s minds. The other Community Reps and myself are doing a good job at spreading the word and giving out information. It’s exciting but challenging.

How are you settling into the role of Partnership board Rep?
I’m not as experienced as other community reps, but I get a lot of support from them and other community leaders. Being a Community Rep takes a lot of time. I attend between one and three meetings a week, which I fit between looking after my children and studying my music. But a new Deal Rep has to be able to give the time, and if you haven’t got the time you shouldn’t do it.
There is a lot more interest from the community. Before, they had no real concept of what New Deal was, apart from £52 million pounds. I’ve had to learn the policies and stuff myself so I could tell others about it.

What would you like to see change/happen while you are on the Board?
The facelifts have already made a difference. By the end of this year and into 2004 people will really begin to see major changes happening. I’ve found out about so many different groups that already exist in Burngreave, there is so much talent in the people of Burngreave. My main interests lie with the youth and music – I’m currently learning to play keyboards and guitar. I think music is a very important part of people’s lives, but there are no real venues for music in Burngreave. The area needs better facilities for the youth, the green spaces need renovation, and we need community centres for 11–19 year olds.

Do you feel you now have the power to make a difference?
Yes, we all have the power to make a difference. I wouldn’t have become a community rep without knowing that I have the power. More people are now starting to recognise that they have a voice as well.

What would make being a Rep easier?
With more time and experience I could know and do more. That would be the benefit from standing for election for a second year.

Other Community Rep interviews:

Issue 32, June 2003: Aisha Special K
Issue 33, August 2003: Adam Jones
Issue 35, October 2003: Tony Hall
Issue 36, November 2003: Dorrett Buckley-Greaves
Issue 37, December 2003: Kelvin Pine