Colour runs, food, games, career advice, help connecting with services, clubs and volunteer organisations - there was something for everyone at the Benalla showgrounds on Friday, February 21.
Organised by Benalla Rural City Council (BRCC), the Creating Community Connections Expo promised an afternoon filled with fun, connection and inspiration, including interactive stalls and live performances.
BRCC Councillor Nathan Tolliday said the event was about showcasing Benalla businesses, services, clubs and organisations.
“The community can come to one place, learn what services Benalla has to offer,” Cr Toliday said.
“There's going to be a lot of opportunity for people to interact with others from town.”
The Ensign caught up with some of the organisation taking part to hear what the day was about for them.
Benalla Street Art Festival
With the second instalment of the Rose City’s reimagined and rebranded street art festival coming up from April 11–13, Street Art Committee Chair Raelene Stratton was keen to chat to locals.
“Eddie Zammit will be returning as Curator,” she said.
“And he’s got some wonderful artists, but we can’t tell you who they all are just yet.
“We hope it’ going to be an amazing weekend, and we’re encouraging locals to let their (out of town) friends know and get them down to Benalla that weekend.”
Benalla Homelessness Response Group
BHRG President Kate Holmes was joined by fellow volunteers to explain all the work currently being done to address homelessness in the Rose City.
“What we're looking at now is creating more community partnerships and stronger connections, as we’d really like to get a winter welcome place happening this year,“ she said.
“That would be a night shelter for Benalla.”
BHRG is always on the lookout for more volunteers and donations. If you can help, message them via Facebook @Benalla Homelessness Response Group.
Winton Wetlands
Winton Wetlands’ Carla Boemeke was on hand to explain the work being done at Winton Wetlands.
“Another big focus of today is getting some more volunteers, either helping out in the cafe, or helping with the reintroduction of the Growling Grass Frog, for example,” she said.
“Maybe people can help with some tree planting.”
Find out more, including how to volunteer, via wintonwetlands.org.au
Benalla Food Co-op
Benalla Food Co-op volunteer Rhona Rose said she hoped having a presence at the expo would encourage more people to take advantage of the organisation.
“We have some wonderful products that are locally sourced,” she said.
“We have honey, olive oil, lots of dried fruits, for example.
“And wherever possible, we buy and source locally to reduce food miles.”
The Benalla Food Co-op is located in the old kindergarden hall at the Benalla Uniting Church.
Find out more via www.bsfg.org.au/bsfg--food-coop-calendar.html
Parkrun
The Benalla Parkrun has gone from strength to strength since beginning several years ago, but there is always room for more participants.
Lee Horan was representing the organisation at the expo.
“We start at 8am every Saturday,” he said.
“We meet at the barbecues near the rocket park.”
If you’d like to join, you can register via www.parkrun.com.au/benallabotanicalgardens/
Mental Health and Wellbeing Local, Benalla
Eve Williams said the service is for people aged 26 and over, and is based at 94 Nunn St, Benalla.
“We're letting people know about the support that we can provide in the community,“ she said.
“We are a mental health service providing support, and it's a free service. People don't need a referral, don't even need a Medicare card.”
You can walk in or call 1800 500 3842 for assistance.
Benalla Woodworkers Association
Mike Kyval is the president of the group known locally as the Benalla Woodies.
“We always like new members,” he said.
“We're a group of older people, men and women.
“We go there for companionship and to share knowledge.
“We also put on workshops for local kids.”
If you’d like to find out more, visit fb.com/benallawoodies/