"Greater integration between existing community groups business and organisations: something to unite them" was workshopped at the Helping Hands Community Forum in late March.

Some of the items discussed included how our community groups could better plan and co-ordinate community events; better utilise volunteers and achieve a better overall integration of their activities.

The Helping Hands project is currently working on that positive challenge.

There are also some other great ideas for Korumburra under the The importance of feeling connected theme.

A member of our community is currently looking at how a Community Garden might be set up in Korumburra. If you would like to give him a hand to do that, please contact us. and we will link you up with him.

The Devil Comet (called 12P/Pons-Brooks) is passing by Earth (only once every 71 years).

It is called this as it has two bright tails trailing it as it shoots into space (look like devil’s horns).

If you are at all interested, the comet will be closest to the sun, or at its perihelion, on SUNDAY and should be visible to the naked eye, but people should see it in the sky over the next week.

Anzac Day is supposed to be a great night to see it.

After the setting sun in the evening, look west and the comet will be low in the sky but hopefully glowing. But if you have a pair of binoculars, even small ones, it will make it great.

Hopefully with a clear night, and a dark spot from which to view, you should be able to spot it.

It will be visible in the early hours of April 22.

Venus is the bright star in the morning sky — if you can see where Venus is, look below, and the comet will be somewhere in that line between the sun and Venus.

“Star Walk” or “Night Sky” Apps will “show you exactly where it is”.

Thanks to the science department at Korumburra Secondary College for this awesome info and for the Korumburra Landcare Group for their great facebook post this morning which we have published here.

Another of the themes for the ideas for Korumburra is Pride in our Community - past, present and future.

A group of community members reviewed those ideas at the recent Helping Hands - Community Forum.

They focussed on some of the next steps required to take some of these ideas through to reality.

We encourage you to have a look at their work. If you are keen to lend a Helping Hand to get one or some of these ideas up an running, please contact us for more information

Another of the themes for the ideas for Korumburra is Inclusion & Diversity.

A group of community members reviewed those ideas at the recent Helping Hands - Community Forum.

They focussed on some of the next steps required to take some of these ideas through to reality.

We encourage you to have a look at their work. If you are keen to lend a Helping Hand to get one or some of these ideas up an running, please contact us for more information

Another of the themes for the ideas for Korumburra is Creativity, beauty and wellbeing.

A group of community members reviewed those ideas at the recent Helping Hands - Community Forum.

They focussed on some of the next steps required to take some of these ideas through to reality.

We encourage you to have a look at their work. If you are keen to lend a Helping Hand to get one or some of these ideas up an running, please contact us for more information

The Helping Hands Community Forum that was held on Sunday 24 March at the Korumburra Community Hub went well and was attended by about 60 actively participating community members.

Each person contributed at one of the 5 themed tables by working out some of the next steps required to take some of the ideas for Korumburra to reality.

And the Helping Hands project has, on behalf of the community, more “meat on the bones” for some of the ideas.

We plan to publish a number of news stories that will delve into the ideas by theme. The first cab off the rank is “Sustainability of the Community”.

Thanks to everyone that made the forum a success. There’s still a lot of work for the community to do to get some of the ideas for Korumburra up and running.

If you would like to be kept up to date with the Helping Hands project, please subscribe to our fortnightly newsletter.

One of the themes for the ideas for Korumburra is Sustainability for the Community.

A group of community members reviewed those ideas at the recent Helping Hands - Community Forum.

They focussed on some of the next steps required to take some of these ideas through to reality.

We encourage you to have a look at their work. If you are keen to lend a Helping Hand to get one or some of these ideas up an running, please contact us for more information

The Helping Hands Community Forum on this Sunday, 24th March @ the Korumburra Community Hub from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm will partly focus on engaging members of the Korumburra community on what the next steps might be in order to turn some of the ideas for Korumburra into a reality.

We would love you to have a look at the list of Ideas for Korumburra on this website and then provide us with a heads up on one or some of the ideas for Korumburra that you are keen to work on…… Contact us

We were amazed by the strong positive response that we had to a recent post that the Helping Hands project posted on this website, facebook and instagram - about welcoming new people to Korumburra & surrounds.

So much so that we have ensured that there will be ample time at our upcoming Community Forum on this Sunday 24 March at the Korumburra Community Hub, to welcome new people to the community at the free BBQ lunch.

Have you invited your new neighbour to the Community Forum?

The Helping Hands project is very excited that Laura Muranty will be sharing some of her experiences in how she took the next steps to implement ideas at our upcoming Community Forum on Sunday 24 March 2024.

Here’s some information about Laura…

Laura Muranty is a secondary school teacher at Mary Mackillop Catholic Regional College in Leongatha. She moved to Korumburra with her young family 12 years ago, and has been an active member on childcare, kinder and school committees throughout that time.

Additionally, Laura has participated as an actor and director in multiple productions with FAMDA, Wonthaggi Theatrical Group and Leongatha Lyric Theatre, where she currently sits on the committee, as well as chairing the Lyric Youth Committee.

Laura loves being engaged in her community and understands the importance of volunteering and contributing her skills where they can be utilised effectively.

Laura is also committed to acknowledging and celebrating First Nations history and culture in our region and diversifying the landscape through multi-culturalism and community development.

For more information about Korumburra Staying Strong’s - Helping Hands Community Forum please see click on this link: Community Forum 24 March 2024

The Helping Hands project is very excited that George Manis will be sharing his experience of how he took the next steps to implement an idea at our upcoming Community Forum on Sunday 24 March 2024

Here’s some information about George…

The essence of me is my love of People. I love working with people and the community and watching them grow and flourish. Having a successful background in Marketing and Finance coupled with my current work in the Health sector in the Disability field I have come across a variety of people from all walks of life .

I firmly believe we all want to feel that we belong in a community and be part to f it . We all have something to offer no matter what our background or experiences. Being genuine and transparent is the key.

Give people fish and you feed them for a day . Show them how to fish and you feed them for a lifetime. (Proverb)

I moved to Regional Victoria twenty years ago and have never left. I was one of the early ones who were part of the Government’s Move to Provincial Victoria Campaign. I have been living in South Gippsland for seven years.

During my time in Regional Victoria, I have involved myself in various community groups and worked within the not for profit and private sectors. My main focus now is the Arts in South Gippsland.

Art Connect South Gippsland of which I am the founder, was established three years ago during Covid to connect Artists together who reside Full Time/ Part - time in the South Gippsland Shire region. We promote this via Events and networking with Individuals.

Our most recent Event is the Art Connect South Gippsland Open Studio/Art Trail.

For more information about Korumburra Staying Strong’s - Helping Hands Community Forum please see click on this link: Community Forum 24 March 2024

Oscar has proudly looked after & grown his hair for 4 Years & now is ready to let it go for a good cause, that may have effected us all in someway.

Please support Oscar and His Team "OOO" for this Big Event and Great Cause in anyway Small or Big.

Please share and spread the news.

Mullet goes on the 27th March 2024.

Event will be supported & held at St Joseph's Korumburra Hair will also be donated.

Link to Leukaemia foundation donation page

The Helping Hands project is very excited that Janet Powell will be sharing some of her experiences in how she took the next steps to implement an idea at our upcoming Community Forum on Sunday 24 March 2024.

Here’s some information about Janet…

There are many people and interests in my life that I find fill up my days, although not at the same hectic pace as when I was young.

I am a mother of three, grandmother of eight, a wife and a sister. My husband Roger and I moved to Korumburra from Camberwell 6 years ago because we wanted a change of scene.

As part of the wish to meet locals and get involved in the community, we joined the Lions Club of Korumburra. It was struggling with membership, but is now in a healthy position. I have been involved in many community events, and as Secretary of the Lions Club, I’ve been in communication with people from across our area on many different issues.

Community welfare is important to me. It is wonderful to see the progress being made with various projects locally. While not everyone has the same opinion on all these changes, everyone can have a voice.

Sharing ideas with fellow residents or business owners is an important part of our society, and can bring the community together. Accurate information and knowledge about a proposed project is always a better starting point for forming an opinion and plan, rather than relying on social media.

In terms of my working life, I’ve had a diverse career. Starting out as an industrial chemist, I managed to fit in presenting with a travelling science show, party plan selling, house-cleaning, customer service at ANZ Bank, early childhood education in a kindergarten and finally running my own business as The Parenting Coach. All this while running our home and family.

For more information about Korumburra Staying Strong’s - Helping Hands Community Forum please see click on this link: Community Forum 24 March 2024

The wonderful Community groups of Korumburra & surrounds have organised a perfect weekend of local events:

1) Friday night - Poowong Consolidated School Outdoor movie night

2) Sat & Sun Annual Vintage Rally

3) Sunday - 7.30 am - 1.30 pm Leongatha Show n Shine meet

4) Sunday 10 am - 3 pm. Arawata Pet Show

5) Sunday 3.30 pm - 7.30 pm Korumburra Showgrounds Twilight Markets

Check out the Events section of the Korumburra Community website to keep up to date with all local events.

Events

The Helping Hands project is very excited that Meredith Freeman will be sharing some of her experiences in how she took the next steps to implement an idea at our upcoming Community Forum on Sunday 24 March 2024.

Here’s some information about Meredith…

For thirty years, Meredith worked in education, developing curriculum and teaching in secondary schools and at La Trobe University in Melbourne. She has always had a vegetable garden and kept chooks and shares with her family and friends a deep concern for social justice, the environment, and the future of the planet.

Since 1996 she and Gil have lived, farmed, and gardened on nine acres in South Gippsland, the subject of the book she published in 2022. Their three sons and their families all now have a strong connection to South Gippsland; and with her son Rhys, Meredith has authored a book on growing Australian native food plants in South Gippsland based on their own experiences on the land.

About fifteen years ago Meredith and Gil founded Grow Lightly, now incorporated  as a community not-for-profit committed to supporting organic growers and the distribution of local food to local people.

Meredith has a PhD in education and a Diploma in Permaculture. In 2023 she was awarded an OAM for service to conservation and the environment.

For more information about Korumburra Staying Strong’s - Helping Hands Community Forum please see click on this link: Community Forum 24 March 2024

In the tranquil landscapes of Gippsland, where nature's serenity intertwines with the warmth of community spirit, a quiet but prevalent issue persists: loneliness among the elderly. Recent studies reveal that 1 in 5 older people admit to experiencing feelings of isolation, a figure that sadly escalates to 1 in 3 for those residing in Aged Care Homes. These statistics serve as a poignant reminder of the imperative need for initiatives that extend solace and companionship to our older community members.

Ageing with Grace, a not-for-profit organisation, stands at the forefront of addressing this pressing issue by facilitating connections between volunteers and older people seeking companionship. Supported by funding from the Australian Government, Ageing with Grace operates the Aged Care Volunteer Visitors Scheme (ACVVS), a program designed to connect volunteers to older people and make a meaningful difference in both the lives of the older people and the volunteers.

Recognising the profound impact of loneliness on both mental and physical well-being, ACVVS offers a lifeline through regular companionship and support. The program operates on the principle of matching volunteers with older people based on shared interests and geographical proximity, fostering genuine and enduring connections that enrich the lives of both parties involved.

Esis, CEO of Ageing with Grace and a longtime resident of Gippsland, passionately advocates for the ACVVS and reflects on the program's profound impact over the years. "We've witnessed firsthand the positive outcomes of enhanced well-being, sustained independence, and a deeper sense of community connection not only for the older people but also for volunteers. So often I hear from volunteers the joy this service brings to their lives" shares Esis. "Our experienced Program Coordinator, Joy Martin, based in Gippsland, is actively seeking referrals for older individuals in need of companionship and volunteers willing to lend a helping hand."

Volunteers participating in the ACVVS program commit to visiting their matched older friend on a weekly or fortnightly basis, engaging in simple yet meaningful activities such as chats, strolls, or short outings to local cafes. These gestures, though seemingly small, hold immense significance for our older people, offering them a sense of belonging and connection to the world around them.

Helen, a dedicated volunteer, exemplifies the spirit of ACVVS through her enduring friendship with Annette, an older companion. Their bond serves as a testament to the transformative power of companionship, with Helen emphasising the profound impact of their regular visits. "Our time together is cherished, and the simple act of listening brings immense joy to Annette," shares Helen.

For those interested in submitting a referral or exploring volunteering opportunities with ACVVS, Joy Martin can be contacted via email at joym@ageingwithgrace.org.au or by phone at 0475 035 222. Together, let's combat loneliness and foster meaningful connections among Gippsland's older population.

One of the things that attendees at the Helping Hands Forum on 24 March 2024 will be encouraged to do is to select an idea for Korumburra that they would like to work on with other community members.

That is, how do we as individuals, or as a group of individuals or through a community organisation, take these ideas along the next steps, towards realisation?

Over the past days, we have been approached by two individual community members who have said that they would like to see more done for the youth/young people in Korumburra. One suggestion was that we as a community, could support and encourage young people to be interested and undertake some community projects.

In the other instance, a community member believes that young people in Korumburra need their own physical “hang out space”. This was one of the ideas for Korumburra captured from the first forum in October 2022.

So if you are passionate about this idea for Korumburra and/or others, we really look forward to seeing you at the Korumburra Community Hub at 10.30 am on Sunday 24 March 2024.

To see how we as a community can take some of these ideas for Korumburra to the next step.

We are very excited to invite community members to the upcoming Korumburra Staying Strong Community Forum

You are all welcome to come along to:

> welcome new members to the community

> take some of the ideas for Korumburra to the next step

> have a chat with Korumburra’s Community Groups

& enjoy a FREE BBQ & DONUTS

When: Sunday 24 March 2024 10.30am to 1.30pm

Where: Korumburra Community Hub