A sense of camaraderie can help foster a positive health and wellbeing, a feeling of belonging and help shape identities in a region made up of several rural and regional towns.  

Often people are unaware of the social networks available to them through sporting groups, community organisations, churches and the seven councils. 

Horsham’s St Brigid’s College students Sophie Fechner and Morgan Lord agreed their social connection to the community helped them thrive during their adolescence. 

The year 11 students are involved in the community in many ways. Morgan has been a part of the horse-riding community while Sophie played netball for the Horsham Saints Football Netball Club. 

Playing netball in the Wimmera League has helped Sophie create connections beyond Horsham. 

“The league goes as far as Ararat and Nhill and connects our team to all the other towns,” she said. “It’s a big social thing – it’s important to make those connections and not be limited to just family and our schools.”

However, Sophie does not believe the opportunities in the region are diverse when compared to other regional centres and cities.

“There are just not enough numbers for certain activities and it makes it difficult for people who don’t do mainstream sports,” she said. “Along the lines of diversity – the country is all about football and netball. Horse-riding and calisthenics are big in Horsham too, but smaller groups like soccer aren’t often seen.

“Young generations do get more opportunities (to connect) because we are determined to get what we want … but we can’t do it ourselves.”  

Morgan said her community connection has helped shape her identity. She said her school played a role in linking students to different outlets.

Similar to Sophie, Morgan believed many sports and community groups are underrepresented when compared to football and netball.  

Social connection plays an important role in shaping a healthy mindset and positive wellbeing. 

Horsham Rural City Council and West Wimmera and Northern Grampians shires created health and wellbeing plans where they plan to foster vibrant, inclusive communities over the next three years.  

Northern Grampians Shire mayor Tony Driscoll said the council’s plan instilled a sense of ownership in the community. 

The council’s health and wellbeing grants allowed the community to achieve its desired outcomes.

“The community is the building blocks for a vibrant regional town,” he said. “Small communities must collectively bond together to get an outcome. ​Our grants go towards programs that improve the quality of life in the shire.”

However, the challenge was engaging community members to support these initiatives.

“We are trying to enhance opportunities to engage with their community, but the challenge is that it has to be a community-wide initiative,” Cr Driscoll said. 

“There’s more to be done, but from the council’s perspective we are play a nurturing and encouraging role.” 

Horsham Rural City Council mayor Pam Clarke said the culture of community connections has shifted over the years.

“The fact is with our society today – we have families going to work and school, come home, cook dinner and watch the television,” she said. “Our culture has shifted from connecting with one another and we tend to be far more isolated.” 

Cr Clarke said isolation was problematic especially for the region’s farmers and older generations. 

“It’s vital our older community are connected and have polices and programs to support them,” she said. 

“People who are aging live a longer, happier and healthier lives when they are connected with other people. 

“On the other side, we have our rural farming community. This is at vital area especially when going through drought and difficult times – they need opportunities to connect.” 

Cr Clarke said the council’s community directory was one network for people to connect with other social groups. 

“We need provide more opportunities to make people feel connected,” she said.

“The council’s community directory is a source for people looking to join clubs.”

Cr Clarke said people should not be afraid to reach out because clubs were always welcoming to newcomers. 

Horsham’s Harvest Church pastor Ruth Emmerson said community connectedness gave people a sense of belonging. Often a lack of connection, however, can take a toll on a person’s mental, physical, spiritual and emotional needs.

“Everyone is different and a point of connection for one person might not work for another,” she said.

“There are different people from different socio-economic backgrounds, different parts of the area. I think the more options, the better and hopefully it can reach more people.” 

Pastor Emmerson said people need a proactive approach when looking to connect because there are a range of groups to interact with. 

“I know there are some people who don’t believe there are options to connect and they want help in a more specific way,” she said.

“There is help out there if people are willing to let it help them in the way it’s being offered. Put yourself out there and ask questions about topics that spark your interests rather than wait for people to come to you.” 

Related: Community connects at Live Well, Be Well event | Photos, videos

Pastor Emmerson said the church took a holistic approach – helping people spiritually, but also mentally, emotionally and physically. 

“As a church we are trying to foster an awareness that we are a family,” she said. “It’s about people coming together socially and not just spiritually.”

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