Gympie Regional Council launches new ‘Connect at Christmas’ campaign

Gympie Regional Council has launched ‘Connect at Christmas,’ a new initiative that aims to unite our community by providing residents with a comprehensive package of resources, events, and information to help foster meaningful connections and bring our region together throughout this festive season.

For many people, Christmas is one of the happiest and most social times of the year. But for one in three Australians, it is a period marked by loneliness. 

Research has shown that making a connection with someone helps reduce stress, improves mental and physical health and wellbeing, and improves cognitive functioning, especially for people who are at risk of dementia. 

Council has launched a dedicated 'Connect at Christmas' page on its website, providing residents with a resource to help facilitate new connections or rekindling existing ones during this festive season.

As part of this new initiative, there will be activities and resources designed to foster new connections within the community, which include. 

Christmas Day Street Parties:
Council has developed resources, including themed invitations and corflutes, to help residents host their own street party. Invitation templates can be downloaded from council’s website. Residents can acquire a corflute by contacting council and arranging for its delivery to their nearest library branch for convenient collection.

Daily Random Acts of Kindness:
Throughout December, a daily random act of kindness message will be displayed on the electronic billboard located near the Aldi supermarket. These messages are designed to inspire and encourage residents to perform their own acts of kindness, thereby creating a ripple effect of positivity within the community. Residents can share their random acts of kindness on Facebook using the hashtags #connectatchristmas, #merrychristmas, #gympieregion, and #kindness. 

Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal – Donate New Books and Toys:
The Salvation Army is making Christmas brighter for local families in need through their annual Christmas Appeal. Residents are encouraged to donate new toys and books at their local library branch. Donations are being accepted until Friday, 8 December 2023.

Gympie Regional Council Mayor Glen Hartwig says ‘Connect at Christmas’ embodies the spirit of unity and compassion, which the Gympie region is renowned for.

“Through ‘Connect at Christmas,’ council aims to strengthen bonds and ensure that all residents feel the warmth and support of the community.

I encourage all residents and local businesses to support this amazing initiative by connecting with someone, especially if you know they will be alone during the festive season, because your simple act of kindness could make a world of difference in their life,” he said.

Local businesses and community groups can add their public events to the Connect at Christmas event calendar by completing the online form on council’s website.

For more information about the campaign or to make a connection this Christmas, visit www.gympie.qld.gov.au/connectatchristmas