General News
7 August, 2023
Two projects shortlisted for Tidy awards
Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria has shortlisted two projects from Horsham in the 2023 Tidy Towns and Cities Sustainability Awards. The volunteer-run "Baking from the Heart" has been chosen in the Wellbeing category, while the Goolum Goolum...
Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria has shortlisted two projects from Horsham in the 2023 Tidy Towns and Cities Sustainability Awards.
The volunteer-run "Baking from the Heart" has been chosen in the Wellbeing category, while the Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Cooperative's "Hand Up" has been shortlisted in the Indigenous Culture category.
Hand Up is a mental health awareness campaign and annual community event for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living on Wotjobaluk Country as well as those who live off Country but have links to the region.
In 2022, the campaign and event brought Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people together in the community to strengthen cultural resilience.
Goolum Goolum general manager Johnny Gorton said the campaign enabled the community to take necessary action.
"We need to be proactive in starting this conversation with our community to ensure they feel comfortable coming to us for support," Mr Gorton said.
"Fronting up to a health service seeking mental health support can be confronting for our mob.
"But social gatherings are traditionally where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people could come together and share in ceremony, dancing or yarning, which improves cultural connections.
"It is not easy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be vulnerable and talk about their mental health.
"But this campaign has shown us that when we as the health and wellbeing service take the lead, we can empower our community to take the steps needed to seek support."
The 132 entries received have resulted in the shortlisting of 70 outstanding projects across 10 categories, reflecting the extraordinary efforts of communities, organisations, people and councils in building a more sustainable, resilient and beautiful Victoria.
Baking from the Heart is run by a group of volunteers who create food and sweet treats for local palliative care patients.
The group collects baked goodies from neighbourhood residents and bundles them, delivering 25 boxes to the Wimmera Cancer Center every six or seven weeks.
Project convenor Gillian said publicity was more important than winning an award.
"It's not about the award; it's about encouraging other towns to do it," she said.
"It's more about spreading the word.
"The project is about wellbeing – brightening up the day of someone going through tough times.
"It's a great example of people giving for their heart, and that's why it's been named Baking from the Heart."
The project receives support from the Rotary Club of Horsham, Wimmera Cancer Center, Wimmera Design and Print, and Create Craft.
Its next baking collection day is on August 27.
The group is always looking for extra volunteers, who can contact convener Gillian on 0427 646 728.