Car Free Day was a local event organised as part of a global movement encouraging people to ditch the car and explore how they might use the space usually occupied by vehicles.

The Vic Park Collective in close collaboration with the Town of Vic Park were able to negotiate the temporary closure of busy Albany Hwy to deliver an event that brought a much needed lift to the local community. Residents and local businesses took to the streets for yoga, art projects, buskers and cricket games. Some businesses saw a 400% increase in patronage during the event, based on an analysis undertaken by Curtin University.

Built local capability and community participation by partnering with the Town of Victoria Park, local businesses, volunteers and community groups to temporarily transform streets into safe, people-focused public spaces, delivered largely through donated time, skills and in-kind support with a zero-budget approach
Changed attitudes and behaviours by encouraging residents to experience streets differently — walking, cycling, scootering, playing and socialising instead of driving — helping spark community conversations around active transport, safer streets and reclaiming public space for people
Enhanced the street environment through temporary road closures, creative placemaking activities, street games, fitness sessions, art, music and community gatherings that demonstrated how local streets can become welcoming, vibrant and family-friendly destinations
Trialled a collaborative community-led model by bringing together residents, local organisations, council and volunteers to co-design and deliver the event, demonstrating how low-cost grassroots initiatives can strengthen neighbourhood connections, support healthier lifestyles and inspire future community-led street activation projects