Community event guide launched following Old School Night Out success
Published on 15 June 2026
A new guide has been released to help community halls and volunteer groups plan and deliver successful local events, drawing on the experiences of more than 1,000 participants across rural Victoria.
Developed by the Rural City of Wangaratta’s Grit & Resilience team, Making It Happen: A Community Guide for Halls & Volunteers is based on learnings from the Old School Night Out program, delivered between 2023 and 2026 in partnership with local hall committees and community groups.
The guide was shaped through direct community consultation, with volunteers, organisers and hall committees sharing practical advice, challenges, and lessons from running events in their own towns.
Bek Nash-Webster. Coordinator of the Grit and Resilience Program said the guide reflects the knowledge and experience of local communities:
“This guide has been developed with people who are actively running events in our small towns,”
“They shared what works in their halls, what they’ve learned over time and what support would make a difference. That input is central to the guide.”
Old School Night Out events brought people together for evenings of music, dancing, and social connection, demonstrating the role community halls can play in strengthening local networks.
“The program showed that well‑planned local events can bring people together and support community connection,” Ms Nash-Webster said.
“This guide brings those practical insights together in one place to support other groups to do the same.”
The guide provides clear, step‑by‑step information to support a wide range of events, from small gatherings to larger community activities. It is designed to be accessible and relevant for volunteer committees with varying levels of experience.
Council acknowledged the contribution of the many community members who participated in the project and shared their knowledge.
The guide is available as a free download on Council’s website. www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/Community/Grit-Resilience/Resources
Community groups interested in running events can also contact Council’s Grit and Resilience Program for support, including letters to assist with grant applications.