Grinners are winners as Smiles Day returns

THE annual Heathcote Community Smiles Day is back on 25 November at Barrack Reserve from 11am to 2pm.

Event organisers aim to encourage the community to celebrate, smile and have fun, while getting to know local community and health services in the area.

“The Heathcote Community Smiles Day was created by Dr Adel Asaid OAM, of Heathcote Primary Health, to bring smiles to the faces of young people, and has become one of the most anticipated events in the region,” said Michelle Chapman from Heathcote Health.

As part of the event there’ll be prizes awarded like toys from Bendigo Toyworld, 18 bikes donated by Heathcote Primary Health and Heathcote Health and two tricycles from Heathcote Community House.

“The event is a joint project by many groups in the area with lots of free entertainment and, of course, smiles,” said Community House executive officer Vicki Forde.

“Sponsors and stall holders include Bendigo Bank, Goldfields Library, Bendigo Community Health Services, Heathcote Health, Heathcote Community House, St Anthony Family Medical Practice, and Mandalay Resources.

“It is wonderful to have so many groups and individuals working together for the good of the community.

“I hope everyone can join us and make the day even bigger and better than last year.”

Fun activities for children will include a free Santa photo booth, animal farm, face painting, a reading corner, live entertainment and an RFDS aeromedical simulator.

“We are sure these amazing prizes will be welcomed by people whose Christmas budgets may be stretched this year,” said Bendigo Community Health Services Health promotion officer Sebastian Goscha, who will attend to promote and promote the 5 Ways to Wellbeing program.

“We know that socialising with friends, family and others is important for good health and wellbeing, and so is broadening your social networks and range of relationships with others in the wider community.”