Residents filtered through Heckenberg Community Centre throughout the day with some agreeing they had been enticed by the smell of the free barbecue being cooked by the Lions Club and the sounds of the Hub band .

Desks were set up around the outside of the centre with visitors invited to chat with volunteers about families and children, education and employment, council matters, crime and safety, as well as migrant and refugee issues.

Maryanne Lakeman, priority schools programs partnership officer, wrote down suggestions from people about youth.

She said some locals thought young people should take ownership of their community, be it through community projects or having a say with the council.

One resident was concerned that potholes in her street had not been filled properly and was frightened of ``hooligans'' speeding in cars.

One man told of his desire to have a rugby league competition re-established in the area and said he thought criminal activity had increased since the local competition folded about 10 years ago.

Speak Out organisers will distribute information obtained from the day to relevant agencies.

John Leech, a member of the Community 2168 management committee which organised the event, was MC for the day. The next Speak Out day will be Saturday, August 29 for residents living in Sadlier and Ashcroft. A venue will be announced.