July 2020 WEB

4 MEREDITH and DISTRICT NEWS
Young people across Golden Plains Shire have
written messages of hope to be sent to isolated and
vulnerable members of the community.
A new initiative developed in partnership between
Council’s Youth Development and Active Ageing
and Disability Services teams, the Messages of
Hope project will see 150 residents who use
Council’s aged and disability services receive a
postcard with a message from a young person in
the Shire.
The Messages of Hope project was designed to
combat isolation through providing some much
needed connection and positivity through the
written form. Students from Bannockburn P-12
College, and the Meredith and Shelford Primary
Schools have all participated, with the postcard
recipients invited to reply with what they are most
looking forward to doing once restrictions are fully
lifted.
Examples of some of the messages include:
Remember there is always a rainbow after a
storm. Breathe, laugh, relax and smile. Everything
is going to be ok
You are not alone. Things are getting better
each day; even if you can’t see it right now. Have
faith that this too, will pass.
All you need is hope and strength. Hope that it
will get better. Strength to hold on until it does. I
hope you are keeping well and safe. Keep smiling
This afternoon, Golden Plains Shire Mayor Cr
Owen Sharkey met with Meredith Primary School
students to collect the messages the students had
written.
PHOTO OMITTED FROM
ONLINE EDITION
Mayor Cr Owen Sharkey with Meredith Primary School
students and Principal Steven Trotter.