Benalla gorillas great day out
IMAGE DESCRIPTION: 30 young people gathered on an indoor basketball court (some wearing brightly coloured head-to-toe gorilla costumes) holding up Live4Life signs and waving and smiling.
Live4Life Benalla launched 2024 on Wednesday 1 May with a terrific program of information and activities at the Indoor Recreation Centre!
Year 8 students from FCJ College and Benalla P-12 College came together for a fantastic event organised by the incredible Benalla Crew, who announced a beautiful theme for 2024: 'We're perfect even with our thorns’.
Benalla is famous for its roses in the Botanical Gardens — one of the most gorgeous rose gardens in the country. The Year 8s were introduced to the Live4Life program, heard from guest speaker (and past Macedon Ranges Crew member) Sally, who spoke of her journey meeting mental health challenges, and were immersed in a fascinating Q&A with school wellbeing staff, Adam, Lou and Kaitlyn.
There were plenty of interactive games too, some fun with the Crew 'gorillas', and a massive array of activities afterwards, including a bouncy castle, tug-of-war, karaoke, face painting, donut eating and much more.
There were even members of Victoria Police who generously donated their time to run some games with students. A HUGE shout out to the 44 students who make up the Live4Life Benalla Crew this year. Throughout the year, they will perform an important role as Mental Health Ambassadors, organising mental health awareness activities, which educate and support their peers and community to:
help smash the stigma around mental health
learn how to recognise the signs of mental health issues
know where young people can go for help
Massive thanks to Youth Development Coordinator Steph from Benalla Rural City Council for her incredible work with the young people of Benalla. A special mention to Youth Engagement Officer (and Crew4Life member) Will for his assistance on the day. And cheers to Benalla Rotary Club for a delicious sausage sizzle!