Community
18 April, 2026
Screening sells out
Organisers said they were “overwhelmed” by the response, reinforcing the need for spaces where people can come together face-to-face.
ST Arnaud’s community spirit was on full display on March 26, with a strong turnout for the It Takes A Village screening hosted by local volunteer group Authentic Conversations Inc.
The free event reached capacity a week prior, resulting in a waitlist, and drew more than 100 attendees—double what organisers had initially anticipated. It brought together residents from across the district for an evening of storytelling, connection and conversation around wellbeing and mental health, highlighting the strength and care that underpins the region.
Organisers said they were “overwhelmed” by the response, reinforcing the need for spaces where people can come together face-to-face.
Authentic Conversations co-ordinator and co-creator of the event, Jackie Peacock, said the evening demonstrated the power of storytelling within the community.
“The personal stories were incredibly powerful and really resonated with people in the room,” Ms Peacock said.
The evening featured local speakers Troy Hendy, Lenny Reid and Annette Driscoll, who were acknowledged for their openness and courage in sharing personal experiences.
Co-director and co-creator Emma Donaldson said the event captured exactly what the group had hoped to create.
“We created this event to bring people together in a meaningful way, and to see the room full—people listening, connecting and staying to talk. It was exactly what we had hoped for,” Ms Donaldson said.
The event was supported by a number of local organisations and volunteers.
“It truly took a village to make this happen,” Ms Peacock said.
The event was made possible through a grant from the National Centre for Farmer Health.
Looking ahead, the team says this is just the beginning.
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