A collaborative project which promotes learning and social connection has been recognised for its exceptional work in the local community.
The Intergenerational Initiative Program was awarded first place in the Murrumbidgee Primary Health network Awards’ innovation category.
The program is a collaboration between Deniliquin High School, Deniliquin Children’s Centre and Orana Southern Cross Care.
Deni High Year 10 child studies students develop the program, and then aid in connecting preschoolers and aged care residents through the activities they devise.
Child studies teacher and program organiser Nicole Jenkins, who was in attendance at the awards on Friday, said the program was praised for the work it does in connecting generations “to form bonds and create memories that they will all cherish”.
“It’s fantastic to have our program win this award,” she said.
“My Year 10 students are so proud to have been a part of this, and to have their hard work be noticed in this way is just amazing.”
The program was one of three Deniliquin projects shortlisted for the awards, held in Wagga.
Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group also walked away with a certificate, having received a ‘highly commended’ in the Community Grant of the Year award category.
It was recognised for running the Blokes’ Night In program, featuring Mike Rolls and Ben Pettingill from Legless and Blind.
Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committee was a finalist in the same category, for its March Women’s Wellbeing Event which had a focus on breast and cervical screening.
“Attending the event was a fabulous celebration of the amazing work and initiatives undertaken in the Primary Health Care space across the MPHN footprint,” MHAG member and Deni LHAC chair Lourene Liebenberg said.
“The MPHN Community Gants really empower both Deni LHAC and Deni MHAG to continue to bring events to our community.
“These events aim to connect, educate and inform the community about awareness of health issues, highlighting the importance of prevention and early intervention and signposting pathways to help.
“Great things happen when we work together as a community, which is the case in all the nominations from Deniliquin for the awards night.”