Community
13 June, 2025
Paint, nibbles and a worthy cause
A SPECIAL outing for budding artists in Derrinallum has helped the community support a cause close to their hearts through painting, nibbles and a raffle.
Last Sunday saw 19 residents gather at the Derrinallum Community Hall to paint under the watchful eye of artist Stacey Williams as part of a community connections day.
Attendees had the choice of two subjects – a cow wearing a floral headpiece, or a boot being used as a vase.
Ms Williams said she was grateful to everyone who attended the session.
“I’ve been an artist for a long time, but I’ve wanted to teach people in a social and less-threatening environment – having some food, drinks and making it social breaks down the barrier of it being serious and it being terrifying,” she said.
“I just took up the wheels and started to travel around to the communities that might not have a lot social engagement.
“It’s the best thing ever.”
Ms Williams said she was pleased with the turnout for the event, with everyone enjoying the opportunity to express themselves and learn to paint.
“I love coming out to regional Victoria and meeting all the community,” she said.
“Everyone is really nervous at first, but then they all get into it by the end of it when they realise it’s not that scary.
“I think they’re really proud of their works.
“The girls chose from the painting options, and regional Victorians love their cows, so it’s a really popular subject around here – whatever the client wants, they can paint.
“I’ve been doing these for about two and a half years, so probably about 300 sessions over three years. People just love them – the more art, the better in my opinion.”
Alongside the Paint and Sip session was a fundraising raffle, which raised just over $600 for Ronald McDonald Room 11.
The Derrinallum community have been backing Ronald McDonald Room 11 since 2019, raising $27,000 towards the upkeep of the room to allow families to stay together during treatments of serious illnesses.
Lorraine Uren, who began the fundraiser following her grandson’s illness, thanked Derrinallum Foodworks, The Wooltrack Store and many anonymous donors for donating prizes towards last Sunday’s raffle.
She also extended her gratitude to the Derrinallum Hall committee, who allowed use of the hall for the Paint and Sip free of charge to support the fundraiser.
Community Bank Cobden and Camperdown secretary Fiona Noone said the Paint and Sip session was sponsored by the community bank, which gave $800 to reduce costs for attendees.
“The group all were excited to start under Stacey’s guidance – paint was applied to our canvas, with many giggles and laughs heard throughout the hall,” she said.
“Many admitted to not being a budding artist but really enjoyed how the day allowed for a group to gather, connect, chat and socialise with others, all aimed at improving our mental health – which, in rurally isolated areas, can prove difficult for many.
“The group would like to thank the Camperdown and Cobden Bendigo Bank for the sponsorship allowing this day to be an affordable outing – these events are sometimes unreachable without the support of the Bendigo Bank.”
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