Encounter Bay Football Club Hosts Community BBQ and Forum with Premier and Cabinet Ministers

On Friday, 25th October 2024, Encounter Bay Football Club welcomed South Australia’s Premier, the Honourable Peter Malinauskas MP, and a group of Cabinet Ministers for the Country Cabinet Victor Harbor and Goolwa Community BBQ and Forum. The event provided locals with an invaluable opportunity to meet directly with state government representatives, discuss community issues, and strengthen ties with the region’s leaders.

Bringing the Community Together

Following the BBQ and Forum, The Department of Human Services (DHS), held a meeting which aimed to facilitate connections between community service providers and state government representatives. The event allowed local organisations to highlight their programs, voice the needs of the community, and explore ways to address gaps in service delivery within Victor Harbor, Goolwa, and surrounding areas.

Chrissie, Skylight’s Regional Coordinating Partner for the Community Connections Program in the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island region, and Meike Wise, Skylight’s Service Delivery Manager, represented the DHS Community Connection Program and shared updates on current projects and services with Minister Nat Cook MP. Their discussions centred around challenges in service delivery, recent trends, and innovative activities designed to support the wellbeing of locals, reduce social isolation, and foster community cohesion.

Local Initiatives Making a Difference

Throughout the meeting, Chrissie and Meike presented various new projects and funding initiatives to Minister Cook, DHS representatives and the Mayor of Victor Harbor.

These initiatives include:

• Chatty Café at Encounter Centre
  The Encounter Centre (who are seeking funding from CCP) to host a Chatty Café, a welcoming space designed for vulnerable individuals to connect, have conversations, and combat social isolation. The initiative aims to foster a sense of belonging among locals and encourage engagement within the community.
• Pizza and Potter Night by Headspace
  Headspace will be launching an evening event known as the Pizza and Potter Night, a casual and supportive environment for parents of LGBTQIA+ young people. The event will provide a space for parents to network, share experiences, and access essential support, making it easier for families to connect with others who understand their journeys.
• Family Feasts at Goolwa Children’s Centre
  To promoting family bonding and wellbeing, Goolwa Children’s Centre will hosted Family Feasts. The event offered families a chance to come together, cook, and share meals, building cooking skills and strengthening family relationships in a safe, welcoming environment.
• Community Gardens in Strathalbyn and Cape Jervis
  In both Strathalbyn and Cape Jervis, new community gardens are underway, providing residents with opportunities to engage in outdoor activities, learn sustainable practices, and build friendships. These spaces offer a beautiful setting for locals to gather, garden, and grow together, enhancing community resilience and environmental awareness.
• Fleurieu Culture Club in Normanville
  Recognising the importance of celebrating cultural diversity, a Fleurieu Culture Club has been created in Normanville for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) community members. The club is supporting a small group of individuals to share their cultures their cultures, traditions, and experiences, contributing to a more inclusive community.

A Community Mural: Hands of Support and Belonging

The event took place at Victor Harbor’s Encounter Centre, a vibrant community hub, with the support of Mayor Moira Jenkins, who also serves as Chair of the Encounter Centre. Attendees were invited to participate in a special art project—a mural symbolising the many hands that contribute to the region’s wellbeing.

The mural, shaped like a tree, was an open canvas for participants to leave their handprints on its branches, symbolising the support and unity within the community. Local Nunga children, volunteers, NDIS participants, and community members all contributed to the artwork, creating a visual representation of the interconnectedness and strength of the Victor Harbor community. The mural is a proud testament to the region’s collaborative spirit and the numerous hands that make a difference every day.

Moving Forward Together

The Encounter Bay Football Club’s Community BBQ and Forum was a meaningful gathering that highlighted both the South Australian government’s commitment to regional areas and the dedication of local service providers to support community wellbeing. By fostering open conversations and collaborative initiatives, the forum strengthened bonds among residents, service providers, and state leaders.

With these new initiatives in place, the Victor Harbor and Goolwa communities are set to benefit from expanded support systems, inclusive social spaces, and engaging events designed to uplift and connect all members. Together, they are paving the way for a brighter, more connected future in the Fleurieu region.

You can find out more about the Community Connections Program here. 

Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins (left), Minister Nat Cook MP (centre), and Skylight’s Regional Coordinating Partner for the Community Connections Program, Chrissie (right), participated in the mural.

Skylight’s Regional Coordinating Partner for the Community Connections Program, Chrissie (left), Victor Harbor Mayor Moira Jenkins (centre), and Minister Nat Cook MP (right), participate in the mural.