Community
23 April, 2025
Kidding Around creates smiles
MORE than 200 children flooded Cobden Civic Hall last week to attend Kidding Around Cobden, an annual event organised by volunteers over the April school holidays which aims to bring fun and connection to the community.
The event boasted many activities including face painting, arts and crafts, cupcake decorating, and balloon twisting.
The local Country Fire Authority (CFA) were outside with the truck for the kids, giving them a chance to experience wrangling a real fire hose, while Geelong CFA were inside the hall educating about fire safety.
Kidding Around organising committee member and volunteer Kathryn Stubbings said the turnout was “mental”.
“A total of 365 people came through the door, including adults, and I was a little surprised,” she said.
“They came from far and wide – one family from the Netherlands was driving through and wanted to know what all the fuss was about and popped in.
“We’ve noted down families from Ballarat, Heywood, Warrnambool, Mooroolbark, Birregurra, Colac – everywhere, all around Victoria.
“There were only 50 kids from Cobden and the rest were from everywhere else.
“We find it’s bringing new people into the community and seeing what Cobden has to offer and for us that’s such a joy.”
Mrs Stubbings said they already knew the event would be popular, but thanks to the turnout, they’re already planning a fourth year.
“This is the third year and we’re already planning next year,” she said.
“It’s interesting because we often hear from people that they haven’t been to Cobden and didn’t know what Cobden had to offer, so it’s a good way to share what the Cobden community can do.
“We couldn’t have done this without the over 20 volunteers who jumped in and helped out on the day.”
If anyone is looking to be involved next year, whether they are a part of a community group or wanting to volunteer on the day to ensure the growing event runs smoothly, please contact Mrs Stubbings on 0412 332 723.
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