Take a load off your mind and take some time to look after yourself and each other at the Community Checking In event to be held at Bellingen Showground’s Artisans Markets on Saturday 14 December from 8:00am to 1:00pm.

The spontaneous community event will provide the perfect opportunity for our community to come together and share stories about the challenges and impacts of recent bushfires in a relaxed gathering of locals, friends and neighbours.

Event co-organiser, Cr Jennie Fenton, said everybody in the Shire knows someone who has been impacted directly or indirectly by the recent fires.

“It could be a member of your family or even one of your friends, but I know there have been a lot of people in our Shire who have played a big part in trying to contain these fires or support the efforts of those who are.”

“That’s why I think it’s important that we all come together and share our journey as a community or simply be there to support each other and those who might need someone to talk to about how they feel.”

The Community Checking In event will also be the onsite point of contact for a suite of government and volunteer support agencies including:

Bellingen Shire Council, Office of Emergency Management, National Parks, NSW Rural Fire Service, Local Lands Services, Lifeline, Chaplains, Coffs Climate Action Group, Knitting Nannas of Bellingen, The Hub Youth Workers, Climate Strikes Local Organisers, Ozgreen and Gumbaingirr representatives.

Please note that in the event of inclement weather, the event will proceed in the Showground Pavilion.