Entertainers made a special trip to Guyra from Brisbane on Friday to teach local children how to make balloon models and play the ukulele - part of council's effort to boost morale during the drought.
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"This is a no-cost, low-cost, feel-good event for drought relief," Valerie Edwards from Memphis Moovers said. "People have been doing it tough around the district with the drought and fires."
Guyra Library hosted the event. "We receive grant funding from the state government because we're a drought affected Community with fewer than 10,000 people," council's library and information officer Aimee Hutton said.
Ms Edwards taught Guyra kids and their families the basics of balloon modelling: making hats, dogs, and swords.
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"It was good for them to have a little go, experience the balloons, and realise they're not scary," she said. "Mums and dads had a good go as well. Hopefully they might take those skills back home for kids' parties."
The library hosted a free sausage sizzle. After lunch, Brian Avery introduced the kids to the ukulele; in 20 minutes, Ms Edwards said, they would be able to play two chords and a couple of songs.
"The ukulele's a great little instrument because it's portable and kid-friendly," Ms Edwards said. "It's little, so they can pop it in their backpacks. And you can't help laughing, the ukulele's cute."
This isn't the first time Memphis Moovers have come to New England. They've visited Guyra and Armidale several times, Ms Edwards said. "We're always touring because we have an entertainment business."
Also as part of the state government grant, the Guyra pool entry fees are subsidised by a dollar for the whole of January.
The Guyra Library also offers its school holiday activity program, including Lego, movies, and virtual reality. Still to come this week:
- Tuesday, January 21: Mixed Craft activity day - Create an egg carton creature, make a card, paint a rock
- Wednesday, January 22: Try your hand at coding and Sphero Play or 3D printing. 11am - 1pm. (Booking required.)
- Friday, January 24: Bring a friend and play a board game.
For more information, call (02) 6770 7123.