Newsflash! Phase two is now being considered following the resounding success of the Nillumbik Community Showcase Celebration on Thursday March 23rd. A wonderful diversity of local groups gathered to share their achievements and ongoing actions across the community, and shared in rich conversations.
Sixteen groups presented a quick snapshot to an audience that included many interested locals and representatives from another 20 groups across the Shire. Points of focus included sport, climate change, planning, environment, social justice, food, senior citizens and wellbeing. The aim of the event was to bring people together who might not usually connect, to listen and learn about what volunteers do around the Shire, and sow seeds for collaborations.
Responses on the night were terrific – people made new acquaintances and re-established old ones, and conversations went on well after the presentations. People started hatching plans, and some are now reaching out to groups they were previously not aware of.
The following acknowledgement was shared at the start of the evening and set the scene:
‘This vast island has been shaped by communities spanning hundreds of generations.
Those communities developed and passed on knowledge to care for their Country and each other.
Here, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people continue to learn, collaborate and celebrate.
We acknowledge their ongoing contributions to healthy Country and invite you all to activate new connections and imagine with optimism…’
The Nillumbik Community Showcase was hosted by Friends of Nillumbik and organised by a tiny group of volunteers. Nillumbik Shire Council supported the event. Once again, the next iteration will be open for anyone to attend. Keep a look out for it!
