Gogeldrie Community Gym wins the 2021 Murrumbidgee Grant of the Year
A community gym providing a place of connection and healing for rural community members has won the 2021 Murrumbidgee Grant of the Year award.
Operating out of the local fire shed, the Gogeldrie Community Gym provides nearby residents with a place to connect, gain confidence and improve their physical and mental wellbeing. The gym has become a place where community matters of concern are discussed, information is shared, and support is given.
Acting MPHN Board Chair Rene Pennock congratulated those involved with the gym on winning the award.
“The Gogeldrie Community Gym is a worthy recipient and is now providing hope after a long period of drought which had a marked effect on the community’s mental health,” Mr Pennock said.
“We are so pleased to see how these community grants are assisting groups like the Gogeldrie Gym to make lasting change in their communities and break free of what are very challenging circumstances.”
Community member Rob Houghton was thrilled to accept the award on behalf of the gym community.
“We thank MPHN for the support they have provided in the form of this grant. Our gym now has the equipment it needs and the community is benefiting by having a place where people feel supported and valued,’ Mr Houghton said.
“The community has been through a lot but with this assistance the space is providing life changing benefits to our growing group of members who have become a close unit who value the safety and welfare of each other and the wider community.”
MPHN would also like to congratulate finalist Connecting Communities ‘Gather’ Events, an initiative from Snowy Valleys Council. These community events were delivered to the Adelong, Batlow, Jingellic, Tumbarumba and Tumut communities to provide a space to ‘gather’ in a social environment and reconnect after a prolonged period of limited social interaction. The events helped de-stigmatise mental health, encouraged connection and embedded supporting agencies in a less formal way.