Festival to boost community's Grit and Resilience

A COMMUNITY collaboration will see 274 people who walk through the gates to this year's Grit and Resilience Festival Celebrating headspace Day receive a free, locally handmade Boomerang Bag. The festival, to be held in the King George Gardens on Thursday, October 10 from 4pm to 6.30pm, will bring together local mental health service providers and activity groups. It will mark headspace Day, which is a national day of support for the mental health and wellbeing of young Australians; October 10 is also World Mental Health Day, an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. Highlighting the sense of connection and inclusion which will be on show during the Grit and Resilience Festival Celebrating headspace Day, Wangaratta Therapeutic Community (Wangaratta TC) residents and staff volunteered to pack the giveaway Boomerang Bags which will be handed out to festival-goers. Wangaratta TC is known for its commitment to reducing social isolation and supporting individuals on their journey to recovery from alcohol and drug dependence, and has embraced the opportunity to be part of the festival. The bags they have packed are unique tokens of sustainability and connection crafted by Boomerang Bags Wangaratta, and included in some of them will be lucky prizes of free drink and meal tickets. This cross-organisation partnership between the Rural City of Wangaratta's Grit and Resilience Program and Wangaratta TC, operated by Gateway Health, aims to create opportunities which bring people together and foster a deeper sense of belonging and inclusion. Gateway Health is also the lead agency for headspace Wangaratta. "We are incredibly excited about this partnership," Grit and Resilience Program coordinator Bek Nash-Webster said. "The therapeutic community's support is invaluable, and it beautifully reflects our shared mission of creating a more connected and resilient Wangaratta. "This festival is truly by Wangaratta, for Wangaratta, and we can't wait to see the community come together on World Mental Health Day." The October 10 festival aims to foster connection and build a strong, supportive community with members who can uplift each other through life's challenges and celebrations. Designed to encourage connection and conversations, the festival caters for families and individuals of all ages and interests. There will be opportunities to engage in dance, music, community drumming, food and games, and enjoy entertainment including live performances by local initiative Project 365. Those attending can browse the Young Creators Market, check out other interactive stands hosted by local services and groups, have fun with some giant games, and enjoy kids' activities. There will also be a range of food and drink stalls available, and the festival will be an alcohol, drug, smoke and vape-free environment.

Festival to boost community's Grit and Resilience

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