A REPRESENTATIVE slice of Wangaratta's generous, supportive community will be on show in the King George Gardens on Thursday, as the city marks headspace Day and World Mental Health Day.
This year's Grit and Resilience Festival Celebrating headspace Day will run from 4pm to 6.30pm tomorrow, in the gardens bordered by Rowan, Ovens and Templeton streets, and will bring together local mental health service providers and activity groups.
The event will recognise both headspace Day, which is a national day of support for the mental health and wellbeing of young Australians, and World Mental Health Day, an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma.
The festival, which is set to feature a mammoth 60 stalls in the gardens, aims to foster connection and build a strong, supportive community comprising people who can uplift each other through life's challenges and celebrations.
Those attending the event - which is perfectly timed for after-school entertainment the whole family can enjoy together - will be able to browse the Young Creators Market, check out other interactive stands hosted by local services and groups, and have fun with some giant games and kids' activities.
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There will be opportunities to engage in dance, music and community drumming, and to enjoy entertainment including live performances by local initiative Project 365, which will launch ticket sales for its next show.
There will also be a range of food and drink available, supplied by vendors including the Where Is My Coffee social enterprise.
A community collaboration will see 274 people who walk through the gates on Thursday receive a free, locally handmade Boomerang Bag, packed by residents and staff from the Wangaratta Therapeutic Community, with some of them containing lucky meal and drink tickets.
The Young Creators Market aspect of the festival is also a collaboration, this one being between the headspace Wangaratta Youth Reference Group and the Rural City of Wangaratta Youth Council.
Local young creators will display and sell their handmade products at the market, providing a platform to develop their skills, build community connections, and support the local economy.
The festival will also serve as the official launch of the Grit and Resilience Safe Space Marquee, a portable low-sensory zone which will be used at forthcoming community events.
If you'd like to enjoy an afternoon of community engagement and fun, while also learning about the support services available in Wangaratta and district, the King George Gardens is the place to be tomorrow afternoon.
