As we wrap up the 2023/24 community grant funding cycle, we’re filled with pride and gratitude for everything we’ve achieved together. These funds have enabled us to create meaningful, inclusive, and empowering events that brought our community closer while making a positive impact. Let’s take a moment to reflect on these incredible initiatives and the difference they’ve made.

The Inaugural Running Up That Hill (R.U.T.H.) Event

What happens when you combine the spirit of Kate Bush, the resilience of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG), the nostalgia of Stranger Things, and the natural beauty of Birdsland Reserve? You get Running Up That Hill, a retro-themed event that celebrated mental health, community, and fun.

This event wasn’t just about fitness—it was about coming together for a cause that matters. Proceeds supported the Black Dog Institute, a leader in mental health research and services. Every participant received a commemorative R.U.T.H. Run finisher’s medal, a token of their contribution to this vital cause.

Highlights

A day filled with retro costumes, camaraderie, and collective joy.
Support from amazing local businesses like Glen Cooks Food and Cognoscenti.
Stunning photography by Pauline from Sliding Door Photography.
Essential backing from the Yarra Ranges Council.

We can’t thank our participants, volunteers, and sponsors enough for making this day unforgettable. Together, we raised awareness and funds for mental health while creating memories to last a lifetime. Here’s to the 2025 run.

A Successful Stress Relief Workshop for Mums

We hosted the much-anticipated Stress Relief Workshop for Mums, presented by The Physiology Lab, and it was a resounding success. The session focused on empowering mums to understand their bodies and learn practical, science-backed techniques to manage stress and feel more in control of their lives.

In a supportive and engaging environment, participants explored how their bodies respond to stress and discovered simple, effective ways to manage it. The workshop broke down complex physiological concepts into relatable, actionable insights that fit seamlessly into busy schedules.

Participants learned how the body reacts to stress and how to recognise its signals before feeling overwhelmed. They were introduced to quick, effective techniques to manage stress in the moment, whether during a hectic morning routine or while tackling a challenging day. Many shared that they walked away with strategies to not just survive the day but to feel more energised and centred.

Mums often carry the emotional and physical load of caregiving, managing households, and balancing careers. This workshop provided a rare opportunity for them to focus on themselves and learn how to nurture their own well-being without adding more to their already full plates.

One attendee expressed how valuable it was to feel seen, understood, and supported, sharing, “It was eye-opening to understand my body's stress signals and learn how small adjustments can make such a big difference in my day-to-day life."

We’re incredibly grateful to The Physiology Lab for designing such an impactful and accessible workshop. Their expertise and approachability made the session engaging and inspiring for everyone involved.

The overwhelming response to this workshop has highlighted the importance of offering more sessions like this in the future. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we’re so proud of what we accomplished together. Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to prioritize self-care and well-being.

Supporting Single Mums: Surviving to Thriving

Thanks to the Yarra Ranges Council community grant, we were able to host a transformative event for single mums in our community. Surviving to Thriving - Navigating the Season of Separation was a fully funded, 5-hour immersive experience organised by single mums, for single mums. It was designed to support single mums as they navigate life post-separation.

Event Highlights

The day was thoughtfully structured into three stages:

Surviving – Tools and strategies for immediate needs during and after separation.
Healing – Guidance on emotional and mental well-being.
Thriving – Building a secure, fulfilling future.

Attendees benefited from expert advice provided by family lawyers and financial planners, practical tips on co-parenting and boundary-setting, and the chance to connect with others who truly understand their journey.

The event provided

Professional speakers and Q&A sessions.
On-site childcare to ensure accessibility.
Thoughtfully curated gift bags.
Delicious platters of food and beverages throughout the day.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and we’re excited to explore more initiatives to support single mums in the future.

Mindfulness and Yoga: A Holistic Approach to Well-Being

Our grant funding also allowed us to host a collaborative mindfulness event led by psychologist Katerina Volny and yoga instructor Robyn Jacobs. This event brought participants a holistic approach to managing physical and mental well-being through mindfulness and yoga.

Mindfulness for Mental and Emotional Resilience

Mindfulness is more than a buzzword—it’s a life skill. By cultivating awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and surroundings, mindfulness helps us respond effectively to life’s challenges. Regular practice improves performance, reduces stress, and fosters emotional balance.

Yoga: A Physical Anchor for Mindfulness

Yoga enhances mindfulness by synchronizing breath and movement, promoting a deep connection between the mind and body. Participants learned techniques to:

Calm their nervous systems.
Cultivate non-judgmental awareness.
Improve focus and build resilience.

This event left attendees feeling centered, energized, and equipped with tools to extend mindfulness into their everyday lives.

A Huge Thank You to Our Community

None of this would have been possible without the incredible support from our community, volunteers, and of course our grant provider, Yarra Ranges Council. Whether you ran in the R.U.T.H. event, attended the Surviving to Thriving workshop, or participated in our mindfulness sessions, your involvement made these initiatives a success.

A special thanks to our local partners for their unwavering support. Together, we’ve created events that not only enrich lives but also strengthen the bonds within our community.

As we close this chapter, we’re already planning for the year ahead. With your continued support, we’re confident that 2025 will be even more impactful. Read about our upcoming events, initiatives, and ways to get involved here.

Let’s keep building a community that uplifts, inspires, and connects us all.

Celebrating Community, Connection, and Growth