Community
19 September, 2025
Community groups encourage connection
COMMUNITY groups across the Corangamite Shire came together recently to hold a number of events to mark R U OK? Day.
Thursday, September 11 was the official R U OK? Day, but a number of events were held last Sunday and on Monday.
Last Sunday saw the Corangamite Hockey Club hold their end-of-season celebration in conjunction with R U OK? Day celebrations.
Corangamite Hockey Club’s Megan Lucas said the day was an opportunity to celebrate the under 12, under 15, under 18 and senior women’s teams playing in the Hockey South West Warrnambool division while also encouraging connection in a positive environment.
“The event was hosted at the Camperdown Girl Guide Hall and was attended by around 80 of the club’s players, their families, committee members and sponsors,” she said.
“The club celebrated with a barbeque lunch, coffees from Bean Crazy and R U OK? Day themed cupcakes and merchandise.
“The hockey club recognise that a crucial part of sport is the connections made with team members and coaches and the importance of meaningful conversations and support in a sporting team is essential.
“We want to continue striving towards creating an R U OK? culture in our club, empower everyone in our sporting teams and association with the knowledge and confidence to check in with those around them who might need support.
“Thank you to Corangamite Shire and the Ready Now Grants program for supporting our club and this important cause of R U OK? Day.”
A special event was also held in Lismore on Monday to mark R U OK? Day, with the garden club and Mahjong groups combining to spend some time with a Mahjong group member who had been away due to illness.
Corangamite Shire Council parks and gardens worker Stephanie Pemberton was the guest speaker for the meeting, talking about her work in looking after the shire’s various green spaces.
Mahjong group member Trish Wynd said the day was funded by a $200 Ready Now Grant.
“It was a good chance for us all to catch up,” she said.
“It was lovely to mingle with the two groups and we had people staying behind to learn Mahjong, which was great.
“We had a lovely lunch at Fairway Café and the lunch was covered by the funding for R U OK? and the garden club.
“It was a lovely day to take part in.
“Peter did a great job at the Fairway – he just let us stay and play our Mahjong until well past closing time, which was really kind of him.”
Corangamite Shire Council mayor councillor Kate Makin said council allocated ten $200 Ready Now Grants for community groups to hold R U OK? Day events.
“It’s great that these groups have seized the opportunity and applied for Ready Now grants,” she said.
“The money is there for the community to access and this is a great cause.
“While the annual event is a good reminder, every day can be R U OK? Day so I encourage groups to organise a morning tea, evening barbecue, or other social connection event and the Ready Now grants are there to help.
“Social connection and support are vital for resilient communities. We are encouraging community to check in with each other, whether it’s a friend, colleague, family member, or people in our community groups.
“It’s important that everyone feels supported and safe talking about mental health.”
An R U OK? Day event was also held at Skipton’s Food Bank last Thursday.