Hundreds of locals from the Bay and Basin packed the BCR Youth & Community Centre in Sanctuary Point for the local pop-up Thrive Together Fair. The Fair supports people who may be struggling with escalating costs of living.
BCR Communities partnered with Shoalhaven City Council to put on the event which was a mini version of the successful Thrive Together Fair held in Bomaderry earlier this year.
With over 20 different community services setting up stalls to provide information, advice and resources, the fair was an opportunity for locals to connect with each other while finding out more about the breadth of support services available to them.
Community Project Officer for BCR Communities, Rohanna Holland said while the fair has been running for three years in Nowra, this is the first time pop-ups had been held in other regions of the Shoalhaven.
“We decided to work together with Shoalhaven City Council to bring Thrive Together to Sanctuary Point because for some people who are already struggling, getting to Bomaderry is not easy,” Rohanna said.
“Having it at the Sanctuary Point Youth and Community Centre meant it was easily accessible for Bay and Basin locals, and parents could pop in after school and preschool pick-ups.”
Community members connected with local welfare, government and health agencies, found tenancy and housing support, picked up free care packs and clothing, received financial information and assistance with fines, debts and legal issues, and found out about NDIS and Aged Care services.
While the grown-ups were chatting to stall holders and catching up with each other, the Curious and Creative students from Vincentia High kept the kids entertained with games, and activities, and a fabulous sausage sizzle was provided by the Jervis Bay Lions Club.
