Pitcher This! rolls out to Whitfield

Published on 15 November 2022

Whitfield is next in line to host a Pitcher This! event as part of the placemaking project rolling out in communities across the Rural City of Wangaratta.

Pitcher This seeks to empower rural communities to present ideas about their own public spaces, events, and gatherings, and how these should be developed for the greatest benefit in each community.

Pitcher This facilitates a participatory process for shaping public space that harnesses the ideas and assets of the people who use it. It aims to inspire people to collectively reimagine and reinvent public spaces as the heart of every community. It’s about placemaking.

Last week at the Plough Inn at Tarrawingee four groups pitched their ideas.

In October the project was launched in Whorouly at a family fun night the whole community got involved in.

“Pitcher This is being held in our rural communities to enhance community connection and hear inspiring ideas that will lead to more great events and projects around our rural communities,” said Rural City of Wangaratta Mayor Cr Dean Rees.

“The Whorouly beautification plan was the first pitch to win $1000, and at Tarrawingee Net’s Little Tarravan successfully pitched to hold a community open day promoting connection – with free coffee!”

“Everyone walks away a winner though and all four pitches received grants.”

“I can’t wait to hear what gets pitched at King River Brewing in Whitfield on Thursday evening!” said Cr Rees.

From bush dances to bbq’s, to street seating and community gardens, the ideas for Pitcher This are simple, local, and impactful, and the pitch events themselves present an opportunity for the community to get together and strengthen connection.

The next three events will be held in Whitfield, North Wangaratta, and Boorhaman.

At each event three or four community groups or start-ups will pitch their ideas to the crowd. The crowd favourite on the night will walk away with $1000 to bring their idea to life. But everyone walks away a winner with the other two groups getting $500 and $250 to contribute to their project.

Event details:

King River Brewing Whitfield | Thursday 17 November | 5.30 to 6.30pm

Vine Hotel North Wangaratta | Thursday 24 November | 5.30pm to 6.30pm

Boorhaman Hotel | Thursday 1 December | 5.30 to 6.30pm

Community members can find out more about how to make a pitch or host an event of their own at https://www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Residents/Community-Projects/Pitcher-This.