Generations unite at family fun day

FROM watermelon smashing to a classic egg-and-spoon race, people of all ages joined in the fun at the Connecting Generations Bangalow autumn gathering on Sunday.

Around 60 attendees came together at Bangalow Heritage House & Museum for the event, which aims to connect young families and older community members through art, craft and music.

Kids were dressed in playful hats, scarves, and masks by Our Timeless Threads founder Maia Willow, while Sally Ann Munn from the Facepainting Princess — donning a Superwoman cape — brought joy to little ones with custom face-painting designs.

Children also had the chance to paint portraits of their mums for Mother’s Day, with guidance from 85-year-old artist Rina Genis.

The day wrapped up with laughter and energy as parents took part in a dress-up relay race alongside their children. The final activity — a tug-of-war renamed the “tussle of love” — left everyone smiling.

Connecting Generations Bangalow founder Ruth Winton-Brown said the event provided a meaningful opportunity to build new relationships with like-minded people, including Sandro and Nicole Voegeli from Lennox Head-based GenConnect, an organisation also focused on bridging generational divides.

“I think there’s growing awareness that intergenerational connections are healthy and doing things together as a community is really valuable,” she said.

“I know the oldies who come along really find some purpose in it.”

Regular attendee Peter Bradridge, 79, said he felt privileged to have the opportunity to share in the lives of others.

“I don’t have any grandchildren of my own, so I love coming along,” he said.

To stay updated on future events, follow Connecting Generations Bangalow on Facebook or Instagram.