Around 300 local children, parents and carers participated in Golden Plains Shire Council’s Children’s Week celebrations in Rokewood, Bannockburn and Smythesdale. Held over 22-26 October 2018, our Children’s Week events allowed local families to enjoy colourful mini-festivals of family fun, where children were free to play, socialise, be creative and be themselves.
Council’s Early Years team took the lead to create memorable experiences for local kids, planning and delivering the events across the Shire.
A fantastic collaboration between Council, community groups, local organisations and businesses helped bring the three celebrations to life.
Mini Muso Academy performances, art and craft activities, music, storytelling and even a petting zoo featured across the events. The Men’s Shed committees of Scarsdale, Rokewood and Bannockburn made sure there was a delicious BBQ for families at each celebration, and the local CFA, SES and Police helped balance the family fun with useful, important education for all.
Council’s Maternal and Child Health services offered specially designed quiet play spaces for parents and babies; privacy for feeding; free samples of nappies, wipes and baby snacks, and information for families. Our Health and Wellbeing team provided fun activities for kids at each event, and even organised MindBody yoga at the Smythesdale celebration.
For the Bannockburn event, the Bannockburn Library ran story time sessions; Bunnings (North Geelong) donated time and resources to run children’s activities and Wilde About Parties donated face painting services.
The contributions of Hesse Rural Health and staff from Bannockburn Kindergarten, Bannockburn Children’s Services and Rokewood Primary School were also integral to the success of Children’s Week.
Councillors got involved too, with Mayor Kirby officially opening the Rokewood event, Cr Hansford opening the Bannockburn celebration and Cr Gilbert opening the Smythesdale event.
Our Children’s Week celebrations were funded by Council, with the support of a small Children’s Week grant from the Department of Education and Training.
Every effort, contribution, and donation played a part and the end result was lots of delighted kids and families who loved the opportunity to celebrate in a safe and fun environment.
