Community
10 April, 2024
Fun day to light up the park
'Gazza's Gossip' "As the ‘Goss’ has proved in the past, there is always something going on in the Douglas shire."
The latest event, scheduled for Thursday, April 11, is ‘Light Up The Park’, running from 3pm to 6pm at George Davis Park in Mossman.
The afternoon aims to strengthen community bonds, boost morale and foster positive interactions between residents and local services. Apart from being a fun afternoon, there are some important objectives, particularly after Cyclone Jasper and the recent news of the mill closing.
First up there will be community engagement and resilience, which will be an event themed around sports and games. Engaging in shared activities is a powerful way to break down barriers, encourage dialogue and build connections with support networks.
Secondly there will be morale boosting. Communal activities play a crucial role in lifting spirits and providing a sense of normality and joy. This event aims to offer a fun and lively environment where community members can relax, enjoy themselves and temporarily set aside everyday stresses.
Finally, there will be fostering connections with services. A unique aspect of this event will be to focus on bridging the gap between the community and local services and organisations. Rather than individuals seeking out services on their own, the event will bring these services directly to you in a friendly and accessible setting. This approach, not only raises awareness about the available support and resources, but also facilitates easier access to these services. It hopefully reduces some of that shame and stigma around seeking support that still exists for many.
There will be a number of local services engaging interactively with the community by running activities throughout the event. This will include U3A with pickleball and pétanque, Queensland Police Service will provide a fun and educational activity called ‘Breathalyzer’, Radio YETI will be running ‘Spit the Dummy’, QLD Health ATODS (Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Service) will be using their ‘Grog Goggles’ as part of AOD awareness and education. Mossman Youth Service will be running a mini-soccer game and volleyball, while Mossman Support Services will be providing some entertainment with their Giggles Group playing some songs. There will be a few other small activities and games as well.
Support for the event has come from Mossman Support Services and Douglas Shire Council, plus a number of other local organisations. Hopefully the weather will be a little drier and we can look forward to ‘Light Up The Park’ on a nice sunny day.
With all this activity there are bound to be a few hungry appetites, so for those needing an energy boost there will also be a free sausage sizzle cooked by Elders Justice, with the food kindly provided by Douglas Grass Roots Network.
I’m off to see the light for myself, so for now it’s Gazza signing out.
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
