New initiative breaks down barriers to connection across Wangaratta

Published on 21 May 2025

New initiative breaks down barriers The Rural City of Wangaratta’s Grit and Resilience Program is strengthening community ties by inviting local social groups to register their activities in Council’s online Community Directory. This new initiative is designed to improve how residents discover and engage with the rich variety of community groups and activities in the region.

In the coming weeks, Wangaratta residents will begin to see a growing list of social groups - from walking clubs to hobby groups - added to the Community Directory hosted on the Rural City of Wangaratta website.

The initiative is a collaboration between the Grit and Resilience Program, the Community and Recreation Team of Rural City of Wangaratta, and Open Door Neighbourhood House. It aims to centralise information about local social opportunities, making it easier for people to connect, participate, and belong.

Yurrunga-based Open Door Neighbourhood House, which has been active in this space for nearly four decades, is leading the work of identifying and supporting social groups across Wangaratta for inclusion in the directory. Their local knowledge and strong community connections make them well placed to support this project.

Open Door will assist groups to register, provide digital support if needed, and offer a simple guide so groups can keep their listings up to date. This practical approach helps ensure that groups of all sizes can share their activities with the wider community.

"Our work in social prescribing - which means connecting people with community activities that support their health and wellbeing - has shown us how vital connection is for overall wellbeing," said Tanya Grant from Open Door Neighbourhood House. "We’re excited to bring our community expertise into this project - helping to create a vibrant, easily accessible network of social groups across Wangaratta."

Research by rural health expert Dr. Jane Farmer highlights the powerful impact that shared-interest activities and regular group participation have in building social capital, improving mental wellbeing, and fostering resilient communities. Yet one of the biggest barriers has been simply knowing what’s out there and how to join in.

"This idea has been talked about for many years," says Bek Nash-Webster, Grit and Resilience Program Coordinator. "Our consortium of community members and organisations understand just how important social connection and inclusion is and are making it happen for Wangaratta."

Local groups are encouraged to register their activities now by visiting www.wangaratta.vic.gov.au/MyCity/Log-in/Register and follow the prompts.

If your group needs support to register, please reach out to: communitydirectory@wangaratta.vic.gov.au