More than 100 people gathered at Benalla P-12 College Avon Campus, on Thursday 29 October for Tomorrow Today’s Community Celebration. The annual event was an opportunity to recognise the organisation’s many supporters and celebrate the connections that make its work so impactful across Benalla.
The event welcomed Tomorrow Today volunteers, participants, donors and funders, who heard first-hand from program participants and community partners about the ways Tomorrow Today has influenced their lives and work. This year, one theme emerged most strongly: connection.
Education Benalla Program Manager Sally Matheson spoke with PEEP participant Liz Burke about her experience moving from Sydney to Benalla shortly after the birth of her son.
“I heard about PEEP from another mum when I visited the Benalla Library for story time when our son was about 12 weeks old,” Liz said.
Originally from the United States, Liz said she loved the support Australian communities provide to new parents.
“Mother’s groups in Australia are totally fabulous; the United States does not have an equivalent. Something I’ve come to deeply appreciate is the support given to new mums, but even in Sydney, the quality of PEEP is not available.”
“PEEP has become a very important social aspect of my life. Having just moved here, finding other mums through the Tomorrow Today Foundation has been amazing. And for Benjamin, it’s become his most important source of socialisation outside the family.”
Liz said PEEP had provided both practical information and meaningful relationships.
“My favourite thing about PEEP, besides the singing, is the fact that they cover subjects that you might not think about as a new parent.”
“The other parents also have incredible wisdom and are a fount of information. Sharing that knowledge with each other has been a great way to connect.”
Jane Archbold, who recently retired as Manager of Community at Benalla Rural City Council, joined Sally to discuss the long-standing relationship between Tomorrow Today and Council.
“Council has been an active partner of Tomorrow Today for many, many years. A good example was when we worked together to secure funding through ‘Advancing Country Towns’. Through that program, the idea of addressing disadvantage led to the beginning of the PEEP program.”
Jane highlighted several other examples of the organisations working together, including the recent Benalla Health and Wellbeing Action Group meeting that asked young people about their experiences of volunteering. Members of the Full Impact Squad created a video that was shown to about 30 active community organisations across Benalla.
“The benefit of having Tomorrow Today in Benalla is really our collective capacity to work together, to share resources, to work towards reducing disadvantage and improving things for our young people and families. It’s the whole idea of being stronger together.”
Deputy Board Chair Melinda Lawley also described connection as being at the heart of Tomorrow Today’s work.
“What makes Tomorrow Today special is its deep connection to this community. Local generosity continues to be transformed into meaningful outcomes for children, young people and families. Tonight’s event is a chance for us to celebrate what’s been achieved through working together and to acknowledge all of those who have contributed to those achievements.”
Tomorrow Today CEO Jen Jackson shared insights into the importance of meaningful learning and contribution for young people.
“Young people want learning that is relevant and meaningful. When young people feel that what they are learning matters to them and to the person they want to be, when their choices matter to someone else, and when they can make a difference in the world, they do things like stay in school, support one another and go on to have big dreams for the future.”
“Our Future Work suite of programs, including the incredible Full Impact Squad, is about activating that innate capacity in young people to really make a difference.”
Sixteen members of the Full Impact Squad brought Jen’s words to life by leading the evening’s formalities and serving refreshments. Wearing their trademark hi-vis vests, they represented Benalla’s young people with confidence and flair.
Jen closed the evening by acknowledging the many people from Benalla and beyond who give their time, knowledge and financial support to Tomorrow Today.
“When I think about the Benalla community, I see real people, I see names, faces, hopes, dreams and most importantly, contribution. Achieving our vision for a stronger community is bigger than any one person, but everyone in our community has an important role to play.”
“The ability of Tomorrow Today to do what we do is made up of thousands of contributions from members of this incredible community, and I thank you all for every contribution.”
IMAGES: Christine Knight Photography