General News
7 August, 2025
Do you want to know your neighbourhood?
A local group is inviting Hopetoun residents to connect and build friendships at a community gathering planned for Sunday, October 19, at the Mallee Bush Retreat on Lake Lascelles.
The event, titled “Getting to Know You Hopetoun”, will run from 2 to 5pm, and the organisers are encouraging locals to ‘bring a plate to share’ and meet people they may not have crossed paths with before.
Event organiser Kerry Conway said the idea came from old residents who felt disconnected from many newcomers in town.
“Getting to know you is an idea that came out of many people who’ve lived in Hopetoun a long time, who didn’t know most of the people and wondered who they were,” she said.
“Many had come to Hopetoun and fallen in love with the life here, but now many more have moved to town, and we thought it would be good to get to know them.”
She noted that in the past, people used to form connections through church and sports, but those traditions have since changed.
“In the past, you went to a football match, a dance or to church, but most of that has really changed.”
The event is open to everyone and builds on a local project that profiled new residents in the local newspaper.
Ms Conway encouraged community members to write their profile pieces and submit them to her for publication.
Posters made from those profiles will also be displayed at the gathering.
She had plans to organise more social events if they had a good turnout.
“If lots of people come and say, what a great idea, let’s do something else, then we’ll take that initiative,” she said.
Her message to the community is straightforward: “Just look at the posters, bring a plate and turn up on the 19th and meet somebody new.”
Tea, coffee, and cold drinks will be provided, and attendees are asked to bring their own chairs.
The event is supported by Yarriambiack Shire Council, Hopetoun and District Historical Society, St. Joseph’s School and several local churches.
People interested in participating can forward their profile pieces to whiteyaapeet@gmail.com.
This event was initially scheduled for earlier in February this year, but was postponed due to extreme heat.