Engagement was at the core of the Millgrove Residents’ Action Group’s recent Community Open Day, both in creating a sense of community and pushing the key message of building local resilience.
The Millgrove Open Day brought an opportunity of connection and time to savour another’s company through the facilitation by MRAG of the event.
In its third year, the Millgrove Open Day has not only grown but developed into its true iteration, aiming to nurture community, and with the addition of expo stalls, to share services that assist and support locals with resilience information.
Due to unique geography, the Upper Yarra Valley has specific vulnerabilities, the area is classified with high fire and storm risks. In these circumstances it is powerful and reassuring to know community watch out for each other.
The 2024 Open Day was pleased to highlight groups that have the heart of the community at their interest. Organisations such as Eastern Community Legal Centre, Bushfire resilience, and Resilient Housing, Millwarra Primary School and after-school programs, River Valley op Shop, Wednesday lunches and monthly free community dinners, Land Care and Healesville Environmental Watch, Koha
community Café handing out free meal vouchers, Benwerren women’s respite information, energy information from CoRE, RedCross Resilience Victoria outreach disasters services, as well as the Wesburn/Millgrove CFA and Upper Yarra SES, in addition to the Upper Yarra Rotary sausage sizzling with their funds supporting local youth.
This wonderful mix of organisations either introduced or reminded attendees how valued and supported each person is – simply being who they are. It is this value of inclusion that is key to community self-reliance.
This level of services and facilities builds strength when facing challenging circumstances and preparedness to address obstacles when they arise, as well as a sense of pride in your town.
The whole event was made possible by the people who bank with Warburton and Yarra Junction Bendigo Bank. These patrons allow the bank to award community grants to local organisations, which in turn supports community to flourish.
There was so much fun to have, with stage entertainment, giant games, giant bubbles, face painting, an animal petting stall, craft activities, free fruit and treats, families found lots to keep everyone amused. MRAG is always already setting a date for next year.
