The Conargo Hall Committee hosted its annual Christmas event for their community and surrounding villages on Saturday, December 7.
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This year Deniliquin Mental Health Awareness Group joined in the festivities, with the goal of bringing a specific wellbeing message to the community and launching its ‘Share the Load’ page of their website.
Deniliquin MHAG member Lourene Liebenberg said the page has resources specific to farmers, logistics workers, their mates and other people living and working in the country to help support their mental health and lighten the load.
About 90 adults and 40 children attended the event, with highlights being the amazing food catered by the hall committee, the visit from Santa with some generous lolly bags, a range of activities for the children to participate in (organised by Deni MHAG) and the annual raffle.
The day was spent sharing some laughs, enjoying one another's company and the Christmas spirit.
The kids had a great time participating in craft activities, face painting, some active tennis, giant games and having a go at juggling and hoola-hooping.
Through these interactions, Deni MHAG promoted the ‘5 ways to wellbeing’ messaging.
Each child received a pack consisting of a bouncy ball, stickers and wristbands with messaging that asking for help is okay, that you should be kind always and that being active (physically and mentally) is good for our wellbeing.
For the 90 or more adults, Deni MHAG provided some #sharetheload stubby holders, which include a QR code link to the website.
The ladies all received a special handmade candle, again with the same messaging.
“Deni MHAG was privileged to be part of this event and to witness the power of connection in the community of Conargo and those who attended,” said Mrs Liebenberg, who spoke at the celebrations.
She also highlighted the connection between mental health and physical health and encouraging people to seek help for their mental health, in the same way you do for your physical health.
“When things get a bit heavy or the stress becomes persistent, it is always okay to ask for help,” she said.
“This can lighten the load, by sharing it or talking to someone about it.”
Conargo Hall Committee secretary Deb Stockton said partnering with Deni MHAG was a “delight”.
“It was lovely to see so many families and community members from Conargo join in this annual event.
“To share food and connect as a community is always special.”
Christie Jervis, Liz McNamara, Deb Fullerton and Deb Stockton putting the finishing touches on the beautiful food.
Sheree Allitt and Amelia Seignor enjoying the event.
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