Patchwork of festival funds

WEDDERBURN Patchwork Group last Wednesday made good its promise to make a community donation.

COVID and later lockdowns had prevented group members from handing over a $1000 cheque to Inglewood and Districts Health Service after the annual Wedderburn and Community Christmas and Arts Festival in 2019.

The cheque was presented to IDHS director of clinical and community services April McKenzie by president Irene Finch, secretary Hilary Mackay, treasurer Suellen Campbell and vice-president Gayle Sutherland.

IDHS will use the donation to support art and craft programs enjoyed by the residents.

Planning is underway for the 2023 Wedderburn Community Christmas and Arts Festival in November.

Irene said: “This year the festival proceeds will be donated to the Wedderburn Band Cricket Club because of their support of school-age children.

“After not being able to field a junior team last year, the club members are working to resurrect the team.

“Members are positive role models to young players. The coach and players are working with girls and boys, to ensure the junior team members enjoy the benefits of playing a team sport over the summer.” that the hospital offers a rewarding career that challenges them, that they get to do relevant and interesting and important things in their day-to-day work, but also then how that transpires into their work-life balance,” Donna said.

Irene said the group had a proud history of supporting community groups.

“Over the years, they have supported Wedderburn College, the Wedderburn Community House, historical society, CERT ambulance, the Bendigo Wig Library, Swags for the Homeless, the Rex Theatre in Charlton to name a few,” she said.

YTO Project Director Ryan Hale, said what made Take Over special was that young people entered the workforce as a group, which could bring down the barriers some young people feel about starting their careers or entering a new work environment on their own.

“While one focus of this Take Over was for students to achieve curriculum outcomes in VCL, they have also improved their ability to work in a team, communicate effectively across an age gap, and work to a client brief, which are all transferable work skills,” he said.

“So while they are achieving their curriculum outcomes, they are also developing community and industry networks, honing their teamwork, communications and project management skills and getting out of the classroom and into a hands-on learning environment, giving them a real insight into the world of work.”

Take Over projects are now being rolled out across the region.