Flood recovery-funded community outreach events a success

Published on 31 July 2023

Gannawarra Shire residents have benefited from a series of events held throughout July supported by flood recovery funding.

Six events were held throughout the Gannawarra between 3-29 July, made possible by Gannawarra Shire Council teaming up with local neighbourhood houses and support providers. Two additional events also occurred thanks to a partnership between Northern District Community Health and Women’s Health Loddon Mallee.

“It was fantastic to see the community embrace these events, many of which resulted from residents’ suggestions collated earlier in the year,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“Whether it was gathering to learn floral arranging, creating a linocut print or hearing from a popular author, these sessions brought our communities together to re-connect as we work to recover from the October-December 2022 floods.”

ABOVE: Council partnered with Northern District Community Health to host the Women in the Warra luncheon on 26 July.

The highlight of the month-long program was the Women in the Warra – Women, Workboots and Wellness luncheon, held on 26 July at Tree Tops Scout Camp, located between Koondrook and Cohuna. This free event, made possible thanks to funding from Women's Health Loddon Mallee saw Council partner with Northern District Community Health to host a long-lunch within Gunbower Forest.

“Over 100 women from across the Gannawarra Shire attended this special event, with participants enjoying a lunch provided by Koondrook’s Long Paddock Food Store and inspiring presentations from local farmer and wellbeing coach, Katrina Myers and Northern District Community Health Chief Executive Officer, Mandy Hutchinson,” Mr Rollinson said.

“Katrina and Mandy are examples of the many local women inspiring their communities, with both women providing an insight into how to go from survive to thrive and live the life they truly desire.”

ABOVE: Gannawarra Library Service hosted an Author Talks session with children’s author, Robert Lorenzon as part of the flood recovery-funded creative outreach program.

Other events held as part of the flood recovery-funded creative outreach program included various art workshops held throughout the Gannawarra, a Gannawarra Library Service Author Talks session with children’s author, Robert Lorenzon, and a Women Rising – Empowering Flood Recovery gathering, held at Cohuna.

“The creative arts programs throughout July were made possible with support from Kerang Neighbourhood House, Quambatook Community Resource Centre, Murrabit Playgroup and Gannawarra Library Service, who partnered with Council to coordinate the majority of these workshops,” Mr Rollinson said. 

ABOVE: More than 100 people attended the Women in the Warra event on 26 July.