Believe in Bendigo community picnic.
Friday October 2
The We Believe in Bendigo community picnic held at the Civic Gardens on the new Grand Final Eve public holiday was an excellent representation of our community with it’s ethos of ‘everybody is welcome here’ firmly on show as people from all walks of life gathered to have a chat, a bite to eat, listen to some great music and don some yellow.
As far as the eye could see hundreds upon hundreds of people gathered to enjoy the festivities and every face I noted was smiling. Particularly the children’s.
A strong Sun Smart policy kept everyone protected from the heat with a seemingly endless supply of free sunscreen and at least ten gazebo marquees spread around the garden.
As far as community events go, this was a well organised day with a selection of well priced food options and free activities for the kids. The Rotary Club of Bendigo worked hard on the barbecue selling out of the 700 sausages they supplied for the event.
The specially made Believe in Bendigo t-shirts were also a big hit.
As a volunteer face painter I sat under a gazebo marquee on that unusually hot October day with a small paint brush in my hand and a long line of children ready to have their faces painted before me.
As the Bendigo Chinese Association’s dragons begun to dance and entertain the crowd I was inspired by more than the beauty and creativity of those dragons. I was inspired by our town’s long history of cultural diversity and sense of purpose. Their is no finer example of that than the Bendigo Chinese Association.
As guest speakers including Margot Spalding (Jimmy Possum co-owner and co-director) took turns to talk of their love and hopes for our regional city I felt a sense of renewed pride in my town. A pride I will always carry no matter where I roam.
Later as I looked across the huge crowd dancing along to the music of Sol Nation not only did I appreciate the fine musicianship of the band and stellar dance moves from attendees but also the loveliest display of friendship, peace and harmony that I myself had been a part of since the Bendigo Easter Fair. This was the Bendigo community at it’s best. Upbeat, friendly, having fun, standing for something more than just itself.
Something very special was happening now, a new energy and focus was being born. I felt blessed to share a part of it.
The Believe in Bendigo campaign was born in September this year when Margot Spalding called a meeting to gather community leaders in a response to the ‘Stop the Mosque’ protests. It has been a massive success. Yellow now shines even brighter in our community as residents and businesses display their support for the cause by draping their homes and premises in the colour. Where you see deliberate splashes of yellow you can be assured you see another supporter of inclusiveness.
But back to the face painting..
One by one the children flicked through the illustrated book of face painting designs and made their requests. It wasn’t just the heat making me sweat it was the nerves of my novice experience in comparison to the hope and expectations of the children. No matter. I pulled it off thanks to some determination and more importantly my fellow volunteers as well as the generous donation of face paints and brushes from Alan and Margot Spalding (Jimmy Possum).
My highlight of the event? All of it. It certainly was a day to remember with it’s strong focus on celebrating family, positivity and faith in our community.
It is indeed through adversity that true wisdom does prosper. Bendigo grew that sunny Grand Final eve. The organisers should be well praised for initiating and implementing such an event.
The We Believe in Bendigo community picnic was not only fun, well organised and inclusive but delivered fresh hope and appreciation for all my home town has to offer.
I believe in Bendigo!