Cann River Community Centre this year awarded two prizes worth $250 each as part of its 2017 Arts, Crafts and Photography Expo thanks to VicForests’ Community Support Program contributions. Source: Timberbiz
The Expo, running from 3 to 7 November, had 189 entries from 61 artists, which showcased the artistic skills of the local community with a wide range of art forms represented, including quilting, painting, photography, drawing, soft textiles, woodwork and mixed media.
Coordinator of the Cann River Community Centre, Ms Susie Bady, said that VicForests contribution to the 2017 Arts, Crafts and Photography Expo helped make it a great occasion for the centre.
“The prize money from VicForests helped reward the People’s and Judge’s Choices award-winners for their efforts, creating a great incentive for people to get involved and enter the competition,” she said.
This year, the Judges’ awarded a large patchwork, entitled “Home in a tree”, from Tonghi Creek local Julie Mustard, and the People’s choice went to a large knitted multi-coloured scarf made by Lyn Stekelenburg from Cabbage Tree Creek.
“It is an important community event for our small town as it helps showcase the artistic abilities of many people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to exhibit their art in the Cann River area,” Susie added
The festival’s entrants, ranging from kindergarten-aged children to seniors, allowed for great cross generational interaction. Events like the Arts and Crafts competition help get more people to socialise and get involved and in the centre, which provides essential services to its community including running the visitor centre, op shop, music program, IT support and internet access, sewing classes, and playgroup.
The Arts, Crafts and Photography Expo gives the Cann River community an opportunity to celebrate the Centre’s vital contributions to the town. With many community resources more than an hour’s drive away, the Cann River Community Centre gives the town easier access to important amenities, such as Centrelink and other government services.
Liz Langford, Regional Engagement Manager VicForests, said that assisting local organisations, such as the Cann River Community Centre, is an important part of supporting the communities that VicForests operate in and around.
“Our staff, contractors and customers are members of many regional communities throughout Victoria.
“VicForests is proud to be able to help support the Cann River community, which has such a strong connection to the native timber industry,” Ms Langford said.
“This is just one example of how we invest in regional communities across Victoria each year, with a total of $350,000 in Community Support Program grants going to a diverse group of community organisations across the state in the past seven years.
“In addition to financial assistance, we also provide timber and bark donations, as well as ongoing partnerships with local groups and services, we strive to enhance the communities where we live and work,” she said.
VicForests is in its second year of contributions to the Cann River Community Centre. For more information about VicForests Community Support Program please visit www.vicforests.com.au/communitysupportprogram
