Locals headed to the Recreation Ground this morning (Wednesday, January 9) for the Guyra Family Fun Day, which ran from 11am to 2pm.
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The sporty kicked soccer balls at giant dartboards; slid down water slides; or donned giant yellow suits to find out what sumo wrestling’s like – without having to weigh 200 kg.
For others, it was a perfect day for being handcuffed.
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The event was a joint initiative of the Armidale Regional Council Youth and Family, and Aboriginal Community Development Services.
“It’s just a family fun day for the school holidays,” Council’s Aimee Hutton said, “and we’ve invited along a lot of local service providers, hoping that the communities will experience a bit of accidental learning: what service providers are in their local communities, and what services they can help them with.”
Hunter New England Local Health’s Youth Mental Health Project showed how to make stress balls from balloons and strength rocks, helping to build resilience in difficult times.
Kids got up to their elbows in slime at HNEH’s Violence Prevention and Crime Team stall.
“It’s a great day – so many services,” HNEH’s Sarah Coomb said.
The Armidale Women’s Homelessness Support Service taught arts and crafts enthusiasts how to make bead bracelets.
Animal lovers could meet the canines at WAGS the Dog, therapists who help kids struggling at school.
For some, getting handcuffed by the police was the highlight of the day. (Don’t make a habit of it, folks!)
“They were a really big hit,” Aimee said. “It breaks down that negative feeling that youth might have towards the police.”
Also present were the Hub at Guyra; Careers Network; several foster care organizations; the Scouts; and Pathfinders. The Guyra Lions Club sold food and drinks.
Indigenous studio Mad, Proppa & Deadly provided live music.
The Fun Day was held in Armidale on Tuesday, and will be held in Tingha tomorrow.
“I just want to really thank the community and the service providers for supporting Armidale Regional Council with these events,” Council’s Alice Cleaver said. “It's a great benefit for everybody."