Come and try day has always been a popular event with Benalla’s children and families, usually running twice a year in autumn and spring.
This year, it will be held only on one day on Sunday, April 21.
The free event sees a range of local clubs and organisations come together to offer fun activities for young people aged 5-19, showcasing what they do and how people can participate regularly.
While the essence of the day remains the same, there will be a broader offering and an exciting collaboration in 2024.
Tomorrow Today’s youth engagement coordinator Alex Ross said over the years the foundation found that it’s attracting a younger audience than expected.
“While we do want to keep those young children attending, we also wanted to broaden the appeal to encourage older children, young people and their families to come along,” she said.
“This year we’ve invited more exhibitors to cover a wider range of recreational activities.
“I’m thrilled to say that we will be welcoming Benalla Auto Club, Winton Motor Raceway, the Gliding Club of Victoria and the CFA to join many other sport and recreation organisations.
“(Those include) archery, astronomy, Room at the Table, Scouts, tennis, and Auskick, who will be sharing what they do.
“We will have over 25 groups in total, all offering hands-on, interactive displays and information about what their activities and how people can be involved as members, participants or volunteers.”
Tomorrow Today will also collaborate with the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) which is hosting a Youth Careers Expo at the same time.
That will encourage teens and young adults to find out about career and further education opportunities in the Ovens Murray region.
Tomorrow Today’s executive officer Jodie Fleming said it was pleased to be partnering with VACCA.
“This region has so much to offer for young people, but sometimes it’s difficult to get the full picture,” she said.
“(A) come and try day, coupled with the Youth Careers Expo, is an incredible chance for Benalla and district youths to discover what’s on offer for them from sport, recreation and future study or career.
“We know it will be an inspiring day and would love to see lots of people come and find out what’s available to them right here on their doorstep.”
The free event will be held from 10am to 1pm on Sunday, April 21, at the Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre and All Blacks Reserve.
There will be a range of free food available from Prickly Lizard including vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus a free sausage sizzle provided by the Rotary Club of Benalla.
Hot drinks will be available to purchase.
A free shuttle bus provided by VACCA will be running, picking up in Wodonga at 9am from the Birallee Shopping Centre car park and Wangaratta at 10am from Apex Park.
For more information, contact Alex Ross at Tomorrow Today on 5762 1211 or visit tomorrowtoday.com.au/
11°C