Media releases: 26 August 2024
Written by Monique Carson, IRCF Facilitator for Ulladulla
How do you capture the energy, pride and enthusiasm of a community? At the Community Expo, we discovered that it starts with creating a space where people can reconnect, share their stories, and reignite the spark that makes our local area so special.
In just three years, the South Shoalhaven ‘Community Expo’ has become a cornerstone of our local community’s journey towards resilience and connection. What began as an effort to support community recovery after the devastating 2019-20 bushfires quickly evolved into something much more powerful.
We initially set out to rebuild the links between community groups that had suffered during the fires and the COVID pandemic. Activities had dwindled and groups were struggling to adapt to a world of online connections, reduced events and limited in-person interaction. But it became clear that people deeply desired to come together and reconnect.
With the support of a $250,000 Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grant, we achieved our three-year target in just the first year, underscoring the community’s readiness to rebuild. The first Expo in 2022 brought 400 attendees and 60 stalls, far surpassing our expectations. Our focus on resilience and connection resonated deeply and, as we continued, we learned about ‘Social Recovery’- witnessing first-hand the many ways community groups had directly and indirectly supported people on their recovery journeys.
Over time, we transitioned from simply running an event to creating a space where the community could bring their own ideas and energy. We moved from structured stalls to more dynamic ‘Open Spaces’ and this year, we’re excited to introduce HUBS – interactive spaces where attendees can engage on important local topics, share perspectives, identify community needs and offer services or resources.
Youth involvement has also grown significantly. From a modest beginning with two school groups, we now anticipate 400 high school students and eight youth-run stalls at our upcoming Expo on Thursday, 5 September, 2024. These students bring a vibrant energy and a wealth of ideas that enrich the event.
Throughout this journey, we’ve remained vigilant in ensuring no one is left out, continually inviting those who might be missing. The Expo has become a vital opportunity for community groups to promote their services, recruit volunteers, and grow local pride. We’ve shifted from preparing and doing everything ourselves to hosting a space where the community’s unique contributions shine. It’s truly inspiring to see how the Community Expo has grown into a celebration of resilience, connection, and community pride.
Community Expo: Thursday 5 September, Dunn Lewis Centre, Ulladulla 10:30am-1:30pm, plus 4-7pm.
