The start of 2026 was celebrated in the best way possible — with a community BBQ and plenty of good company. The Gathering Place hosted its community BBQ event on Wednesday 21 January, bringing local mob together for a relaxed and welcoming afternoon to share ideas about what community would like to see happening in 2026.
The Gathering Place is an important space for First Nations people in the region, offering a place to connect, find support, and feel at home. Events like this BBQ are about more than just food — they’re about building relationships, checking in on each other, and strengthening the community bonds that matter most.
Community BBQs are a longstanding tradition in Aboriginal communities across Australia, offering an informal and accessible way for people of all ages to come together. Whether it’s young people connecting with Elders, families catching up, or community workers meeting the people they serve, these events break down barriers and build trust.
The Gathering Place BBQ was a reminder that community wellbeing isn’t just about programs and services — it’s also about the simple act of showing up, sharing a meal, and being present with one another. Events like this create the strong social fabric that supports everything else a community does.
21 January 2026 | Gippsland Region