Over the past 12 months we’ve hosted over 40 events, an incredible feat given our almost entirely volunteer base. Events ranging from workshops on bushfire preparedness and insurance to Earth Day celebrations and walks against family violence. Social events such as our clothes swaps and craft nights also had sustainability in mind, while our Check Me Out, mum’s groups and the R.U.T.H. run placed our physical and mental health and well-being front and centre. Practical courses on chainsaw use, car maintenance and first aid training aimed to build capacity.

2023 has seen enormous growth both in the number of online members in our online group as well as maturity in our governing body. The events have grown in number, size and objectives too. Likewise, our advocacy has expanded, dictated by the changing needs of the community. We are breaking new ground in online/place-based communication, working out ways for communities to use online platforms to benefit the place-based community. It’s a huge but rewarding challenge with the new MotHs Hub we’re excited for the future.

Advocacy played a major role in MotHs work in the community as we edged carefully out of COVID lockdowns and recovered from the storms. Along with our Federal election political debate, MotHs also highlighted issues around telecommunications, housing, emergency preparedness, domestic violence and mental health. Advocacy work was made possible by the wealth of knowledge held in by our MotHs Committee.