Wombat Arts’ big birthday

JOIN Wombat Regional Arts Network in celebrating twenty five years with a free event at Ballan Neighbourhood House.

To be held on Saturday 18 October from 6.30pm with a 7.30pm start, the event will include nibbles, refreshments and live music.

Founding member Lou Callow said the event is all about highlighting local people and their efforts, and that everyone is welcome.

“The celebration is not just about Wombat, it is about our community and other surrounding communities,” she said.

“You can’t do this yourself, and a lot of other community groups have been involved.

“We are so proud that we’ve got to 25 years.”

Wombat Regional Arts Network aims to enhance community participation in arts-related activities and to connect local creatives.

The group began in October 2000, founded from the Magic Teapot Co-op, which was a group of mothers who felt they didn’t have an appropriate meeting space in town.

“We were asking questions about the art people… so out of that came the first meeting of Wombat,” Ms Callow said.

“There was a huge amount of energy for continuing and Wombat then formed and became affiliated with Regional Arts Victoria.”

As the group looks to the future, Ms Callow said she hopes it can continue to foster creativity, especially among young people.

“We hope to attract more young people and to support more young people in their journey in art,” she said.

“It’s about mentoring and continuing to have a lot of fun and support other community events.”

To RSVP to the event visit wombatarts.org.