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 \u2018Uniform for Girls\u2019 initiative.<\/p>\n
Ararat Rural City Council\u2019s Yeah Crew are also assisting with the event, while police officers and Ambulance Victoria staff will be in attendance to engage with youth.<\/p>\n
A Rotary Club barbecue, Maria\u2019s coffee van and Ozzy\u2019s food van will keep everyone well nourished.<\/p>\n
PUZZLES: Play our online puzzles here, featuring a daily quiz, Wordy, Sudoku and crosswords.<\/a><\/p>\n One Red Tree co-chief executive Carly McKinnis said organisers were hoping Saturday\u2019s event would be the first of what would be an annual day.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are hoping it will become a regular event on the calendar.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n \u201c\u200aOur hope is that this will build in the future because not all kids are into sport \u2013 we can build it into an arts and culture event \u200aso that it\u2019s inclusive of everybody with their interests.\u201d<\/p>\n Ms McKinnis said the idea of attracting a major basketball tournament to Ararat would also be beneficial for youth.<\/p>\n She said engaging with young people was key to the success of the town\u2019s youth.<\/p>\n \u201c\u200aI\u2019m really passionate about engaging young people because we often talk about problems way down the line as adults, and I think we\u2019ve got to do the intervention when the kids are young.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cEngage 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\u2019 lives.\u201d<\/p>\n People can register through the Facebook event at www.facebook.com\/events\/782742217835124<\/a> or simply turn up on the day to participate.<\/p>\n