MotHs Incredible Year
The Runooshkas Running Group was a huge part of the R.U.T.H. Run event.
As President of Mums of the Hills, I am delighted to present the Mums of the Hills Inc Annual Report for 2024.
In short, this year has been huge for MotHs! It's been truly inspiring to witness how our online and place-based community continue to grow. Along with our dedicated volunteers and subscribers, together we have developed strong foundations to continue our role of supporting, connecting and advocating for our community to overcoming isolation.
Over the past year, we’ve organised more than 40 events, an incredible achievement for a group powered almost entirely by volunteers. These events have covered a wide range of topics, from workshops on bushfire preparedness and insurance to Earth Day celebrations and walks against family violence. Our social gatherings, like clothes swaps and craft nights, focused on sustainability, while our Check Me Out program, mums' groups, and the R.U.T.H. Run highlighted the importance of physical and mental well-being. We also offered practical courses on chainsaw use, car maintenance, and first aid, aimed at building skills, alongside sessions on cyber safety for teens, business marketing, social media, and AI to help community members improve employment opportunities or grow their businesses.
One major milestone this year was the introduction of community subscriptions, which allowed us to welcome two new paid staff members to support our incredible volunteer team. While our volunteers remain the backbone of Mums of the Hills, it's evident that we can no longer depend solely on volunteer efforts alone. These new paid team members will help us support our volunteers and grow our efforts to ensure we can continue serving and advocating for our community. I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who became a community subscriber, participated in our events, or generously gave their time and support this year. Your involvement allows us to keep making a meaningful impact. I am excited to see MotHs continue into the new year, doing everything we can to make life in the hills more fulfilling, joyful, and connected.
The 2024 Community Survey offered invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing our area. We heard clearly that there’s a desire for us to keep advocating on critical issues while providing more chances for connection and skill development. Climate change, road and infrastructure concerns, health services, and long daycare were highlighted as top priorities.
Many in our community are still dealing with the aftermath of previous storms, particularly those in June 2021 and February 2024. These events remind us of the challenges that come with living in the hills and the crucial role a strong, skilled, and connected community plays in overcoming them.
At Mums of the Hills Inc, we believe that no one should feel disconnected or isolated from the community around them. Isolation is often a reality accepted by women navigating the years of motherhood, but the impacts can be devastating and wide reaching. Together, we’re addressing the factors that create isolation in our community while connecting mothers to services and the community With you, local businesses, our partners and the community, we are reducing the causes of isolation in our community, to improve the health and wellbeing of mums every day.
The future is bright.