Residents encouraged to re-Connect

Published on 05 July 2021

Gannawarra residents are encouraged to re-connect with their community to support mental health and wellbeing and re-establish social connections as COVID-19 restrictions once again ease.

A range of small programs, events and activities are set to occur during the coming weeks to promote participation and inclusion across Gannawarra communities as part of the re-Connect with your Gannawarra program.

“Through the re-Connect with your Gannawarra program, Council has provided funding to support a range of community-led activities such as community meals, welcome barbecues, exercise and healthy living programs,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

The re-Connect with your Gannawarra program will support community-led social support programs such as Neighbourhood Houses, playgroups and Men’s Sheds. Many of the Gannawarra’s community-operated public halls will host events or activities as will Cohuna, Kerang and Quambatook neighbourhood houses. In other Gannawarra communities, community planning groups have been funded to deliver a small event, program or project that brings people together.

“In addition, community organisations that publish the six community newsletters that circulate monthly across the Gannawarra have received a contribution towards production and printing costs,” Mayor Gillingham said.

“This funding recognises that community newsletters are a key element to connecting communities and encouraging inclusion and participation in community activities.”

Local health agencies are also supporting the re-Connect with your Gannawarra program with Cohuna District Hospital set to commence a 10-week Men’s Cooking program and Kerang District Health offering an additional weekly exercise program to increase opportunities for older people to participate in physical activity.

Northern District Community Health will run a competition based around footpath decals that have recently been installed across Gannawarra towns. The decals are based around the Five Ways to Wellbeing – Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Take Notice and Give.

The re-Connect with your Gannawarra program is an initiative of the Gannawarra Community Resilience Committee, a partnership of 28 agencies working together to support the Gannawarra community.

“Reinvigorating connections supports ongoing community resilience and ensures that our communities remain vibrant and strong into the future,” Mayor Gillingham said.

“I encourage all residents to get involved in the re-Connect with your Gannawarra activities over the coming weeks and most importantly to reach out to those who may need additional support and encouragement to re-connect at this time.”

For more information about events occurring as part of the re-Connect with your Gannawarra initiative, visit www.gsc.vic.gov.au/events

The re-Connect with your Gannawarra program is supported by the Victorian Government’s Drought Mental Health Support Package and Community Activation Support Initiative.