School Holidays Activities
Published on 14 July 2021
Hindmarsh Shire Council has just wrapped up an incredible two weeks of school holidays activities for young people from all parts of the Shire. Thanks to both FReeZA and CASI funding, Hindmarsh was able to offer an amazing range of free activities. Buses transported young people from all towns to the Level-Up Gaming event in Dimboola, Jeparit movie night and Nhill Harry Potter double header movie afternoon. It was fantastic to see young people from across the Shire getting together and having fun.
In the first week of the school holidays, Scientist Cam ventured to Dimboola, Nhill, Jeparit and Rainbow to conduct marvelous science experiments with local children. A lot of fun was had with those attending having the opportunity to experiment with a cloud simulation using shaving foam to make it rain in rainbow colours, some weirdly-wobbly eggs, producing quicksand to examine nonNewtonian liquids, and making bags go boom! The activities were well received with 55 children attending in total from the four towns combined.
Danelle held four Crafty Art sessions throughout the School Holidays in all four towns. These sessions consisted of creating combination pictures with both painting and pencil drawings. Attendees also had the opportunity to add to a community picture in between drawing. Pop into the Nhill library to see the wonderful creations currently on display.
On Wednesday 30 July 2021, Uniting Wimmera, together with Hindmarsh Shire, brought the LevelUp Gaming team to Dimboola to put on an awesome afternoon of video gaming and drumming. Young people got to try Virtual reality (VR) equipment, engage in competitive Mario Cart and play old school video games. Those attending also had the opportunity to learn drumming rhythms and beats with one of the Level-Up hosts. Attendees were excited to learn that the event will be held in Nhill in the next few months after it being postponed due to the COVID Lockdown.
Friday 2 July 2021 saw staff setting up the blow up cinema at Jeparit Hall to put on a ‘prehistoric’ movie night and enjoy some tasty local pizzas. After some fantastic feedback from the Jeparit Community, we look forward to establishing Jeparit movie nights as a school holiday tradition.
On Monday 5 July 2021 a group of 10 adventurous young people climbed aboard the Community Bus for a ‘Hindmarsh Shire Photography Tour.’ They visited the Albacutya Silo Art, Herman’s Hill, stopped for toasted sandwiches at the newly opened Dimboola Civic Hub then went to Horseshoe Bend Picnic Area and the Nhill Lake. Despite the long hours on the bus and impressive mileage covered, the attendees said that they had a fantastic time! People from Nhill, Dimboola, Jeparit and Rainbow attended, with plenty of new friendships formed. Given how much the young people enjoyed this trip, we’re already planning the stops for our next School Holidays photography tour.
Two Pilate’s sessions were held, one in Rainbow and one in Dimboola, by Janelle Inkster on Wednesday 7 July. The two groups varied in age, but all enjoyed the benefits of the gentle stretching that this form of exercise brings.
On Thursday 8 July 2021 two free First Aid courses were held in Nhill, one for 9-13 year olds and an accredited CPR Training Course for 14-18 years. Young people learnt how to provide CPR, respond to asthma attacks, anaphylaxis and other medical emergencies whilst waiting for emergency services. We know that some young people wanted to attend but couldn’t get to Nhill, so we’ll aim to continue to offer this training in Rainbow, Jeparit and Dimboola in the future. Thank you to Casey Kosch and her team for providing this training.
Harry Potter fanatics dressed up on Friday 8 July 2021 to watch a Harry Potter Double Feature and Costume Party at the Nhill Memorial Community Centre. Once again, a bus ran from Rainbow, Jeparit and Dimboola through to Nhill. The young people were given free popcorn and snacks, and had a fun time tasting some magical jelly beans. It was fabulous to see some creative costumes out there.
Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ron Ismay said “It was fantastic to see the variety of free school holiday activities being held through the Shire this school holidays and to see children of all ages attending and joining in on the fun.”
He continued, “Thank you to Council staff for organising these events. It will be good to keep up this momentum for future school holidays and I look forward to what is in order for next school holidays.”
For more information, please contact Petra Croot, youth and Community Development Officer on 03 5391 4444, or email youth@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.
Greg Wood
Chief Executive Officer