Grit & Resilience Program - 2024 Achievements
Published on 03 December 2024
Grit & Resilience Program - 2024 Achievements
Over the past 15 months, the Grit and Resilience Program has brought the Wangaratta community together through innovative projects, strengthened social connections, and fostered a culture of inclusion. The Program, with support from the Rural City of Wangaratta and its community, is making a lasting impact on the lives of residents.
John Davis was welcomed as co-chair in October this year, following Tegan Allen’s 12 months of dedicated leadership. John’s vision and experience bring fresh perspectives as the program gears up for expanded initiatives in 2025.
The Program also laid vital groundwork for the future through a community needs analysis, ensuring future initiatives align with local priorities. Training opportunities, such as Psychological First Aid for emergency relief center staff, strengthened community preparedness while building bonds between volunteers outside of emergencies.
“Our community is at the heart of everything we do. The Program is about supporting people to connect and thrive. Together, we’ve achieved incredible milestones, and we’re just getting started.” said John Davis Co-Chair the Grit and Resilience Consortium
2024 Highlights
Old School Night Out
Over 400 attendees gathered in community halls in Springhurst, King Valley, Eldorado, and Bobinawarrah to see the band Sweet Buzz and experience the joy of shared experiences.
The Grit and Resilience Safe Space Marquee
Debuting at October’s Grit & Resilience Festival, the custom designed marquee offers a calm, inclusive space for attendees who find crowds overwhelming. Its success demonstrates how small, thoughtful measures can create big impacts.
This Is Wangaratta Podcast
This Is Wangaratta podcast spotlights the voices and stories that make our community unique. Promotion by the program, saw a 56.2% increase in Facebook reach and a staggering 469.6% boost on Instagram.
LINES’ Pride Fair Day
Drawing nearly 1,000 attendees, this event celebrated diversity and inclusion, underscoring the program’s commitment to fostering a supportive, welcoming community for all.
Project 365- Ripple Effect
The Program supported the third show from Project 365 by running a giveaway of 10 double passes and promoting this award-winning event to our community.
Psychological First Aid Training
The Program provided training for our emergency relief center personnel and volunteers, so they are equipped to support those who use the relief center when it is activated. It also provided an opportunity for volunteers to connect at a time outside of emergencies.
The Grit and Resilience Festival, celebrating headspace day 2024.
This year marked the third anniversary of the festival, organised in partnership with headspace Wangaratta to celebrate headspace Day and World Mental Health Day. The
event focused on fostering community connection, inclusivity, and raising awareness about mental health and wellbeing. With over 750 people in attendance, this festival has become a fixture in the Program's calendar of events and is supported by the whole community.
Community Needs Analysis
This research will support the Consortium to deliver evidence informed initiatives that will guide future programs and activities by the program into the future.
No Lights No Lycra
This global movement took root locally, offering fun, judgment-free dance sessions that lifted spirits and brought people together. Now a permanent fixture at the Wangaratta Sports and Aquatic Centre, these events exemplify inclusivity in action.
For further information, contact:
Bek Nash-Webster
0429303688
b-nashwebster@wangaratta.vic.gov.au