The event aims to create a sense of belonging and engagement in the community through sport; promote positive mental health and fitness in a fun and enjoyable way; and raise money to support the ‘Uniform for Girls’ initiative.
Ararat Rural City Council’s Yeah Crew are also assisting with the event, while police officers and Ambulance Victoria staff will be in attendance to engage with youth.
A Rotary Club barbecue, Maria’s coffee van and Ozzy’s food van will keep everyone well nourished.
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One Red Tree co-chief executive Carly McKinnis said organisers were hoping Saturday’s event would be the first of what would be an annual day.
“We are hoping it will become a regular event on the calendar.
“We’ve got a big picture idea about what we want this day to be in the future, and how we would like it to develop into a mental health and wellbeing festival.
“ Our hope is that this will build in the future because not all kids are into sport – we can build it into an arts and culture event so that it’s inclusive of everybody with their interests.”
Ms McKinnis said the idea of attracting a major basketball tournament to Ararat would also be beneficial for youth.
She said engaging with young people was key to the success of the town’s youth.
“ I’m really passionate about engaging young people because we often talk about problems way down the line as adults, and I think we’ve got to do the intervention when the kids are young.
“Engage kids, and give them a sense of belonging and connection to community. But you have to actively outreach and do that, and I think that can change the trajectory of some kids’ lives.”
People can register through the Facebook event at www.facebook.com/events/782742217835124 or simply turn up on the day to participate.
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