That’s a Wrap for 2024
A great group of MotH members who also do great things for the community.
As we prepare to welcome 2025, it’s time to look back on all we’ve achieved together in 2024. This year has been one of immense growth, collaboration, and community building. From empowering events to meaningful initiatives, our shared efforts have created ripples of positivity across the Hills.
Let’s celebrate the highlights of 2024 and look ahead to an even brighter 2025!
Firstly - What happened in December
In December, we proudly supported the Surviving to Thriving event, a transformative day for single mums in our community. Organised by the Single Mums of the Hills group, the day provided essential tools and insights to help navigate life post-separation.
With expert guidance from family lawyers, financial planners, and mental health professionals, participants left equipped with strategies for resilience, healing, and building a thriving future. This initiative embodies the power of coming together to support one another, and we’re honoured to have been part of it.
Our community also came together for a festive Christmas Wreath Workshop. Participants crafted stunning wreaths while enjoying the camaraderie of the season—a beautiful reminder of the joy in simple, shared moments.
We hosted a mindfulness and yoga event led by psychologist Katerina Volny and yoga instructor Robyn Jacobs. This workshop blended mindfulness techniques with yoga practices, providing attendees with tools to reduce stress, build resilience, and find balance. In addition, thanks to the Physiology Lab, we facilitated a stress relief workshop for mums in the lead-up to the silly season.
We collaborated with local community angels and Food is Free Tecoma to ensure that local families in need had a brighter Christmas. By finding homes for gifts and essential items, we helped spread holiday cheer and support those who needed it most.
In & Around the Community
The hills are always buzzing with news and events but these are the ones that have captured our attention. Click on the images below for further information.
A local mum is helping her Nan replace lost items and restart her life. https://www.gofundme.com/f/elderly-nana-robbed-by-removalists
Celebrate the love of donkeys with the Yarra Ranges Donkey Festival on January 12. https://www.facebook.com/events/1269598294243417
Join us on Sunday 16th February for a feel-good morning as we walk one step closer to a cure for high mortality rate cancers at The Aftershock’s annual event - Teresa’s Trotters: https://theaftershock.org/category/events/teresas-trotters/.
Reflecting on 2024
2024 saw a focus on empowering women with practical skills that challenge outdated gender stereotypes. With workshops in chainsaw use, car maintenance, and first aid, we equipped mums in the Yarra Ranges with tools to navigate life safely and independently.
These workshops weren’t just about skills—they were about confidence. Thanks to partnerships with the Yarra Ranges Council, National Australia Bank, and local businesses like KJA-Automotive, we made these opportunities accessible to all.
Our efforts to tackle family violence remained a priority. Through collaboration with organisations like the Eastern Community Legal Centre (ECLC) and Mountain Men, we worked to address the systemic issues that perpetuate violence and isolation.
Community walks, awareness campaigns, and educational sessions reinforced our commitment to creating a safer, more connected environment for all families, particularly those from vulnerable backgrounds, including neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ households.
We expanded our Check Me Out women’s health project, hosting events in Lilydale, Warburton, and Healesville. These gatherings provided over 200 attendees with access to health resources, discussions on neurodiversity, and expert insights on physical and mental well-being.
From our retro-themed Running Up That Hill (R.U.T.H.) run to our festive Christmas Wreath Workshop, 2024 was filled with moments of connection and celebration. Some highlights include:
The R.U.T.H. Run raised $268 for the Black Dog Institute and brought the community together for mental health awareness.
Our monthly craft nights and book clubs continued to flourish, creating relaxed spaces for socializing and creativity.
A giant community lantern created with Bendigo Bank’s support lit up the Belgrave Lantern Parade, showcasing the power of collaboration and imagination.
Living in one of Australia’s most disaster-prone areas, we faced significant challenges, including the storm events of February 2024. These events highlighted the urgency of preparing for and adapting to the impacts of climate change. In light of these challenges, our involvement in advisory groups, including Melbourne University’s Children & Disasters Advisory Group and ECLC’s Climate Resilience Advisory Group, allowed us to advocate for better disaster preparedness, telecommunications, and community support systems.
Finally, this year marked a significant milestone as we introduced community subscriptions and welcomed two paid staff members to support our dedicated team of volunteers. With over 6,180 volunteer hours donated and more than 1,000 people attending our events, the heart of MotHs remains our incredible community.
To every member, volunteer, partner, and supporter, thank you for making 2024 a year of growth and achievement. Your contributions make the Hills a place of connection, empowerment, and joy.
As we step into 2025, we wish you a year filled with happiness, health, and fulfillment. Together, we’ll continue to climb every hill—one step at a time.
