Authentic Conversations

14/08/2026

Along with our event survey (see our last post for results), we also asked the wider community what helps them feel connected, what gets in the way of seeking support and what they’d like to see from Authentic Conversations in the future.

Swipe through to see what people told us.

People are looking for connection, conversation and a sense of belonging. They also told us that barriers to support exist and that local stories and community-led initiatives have an important role to play.

What do you think?

If you have anything you'd like to add, please feel free to message us, comment or complete the survey: https://form.jotform.com/260708006333045

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share their thoughts.

09/08/2026

Hello everyone,

Our first event “It Takes a Village” showed the power of local stories, genuine connection and creating a space where people came together to listen to, chat and feel part of their community.

We'd like to share what attendees told us after the event held at the end of March 2026. Do these findings resonate with you?

We also surveyed the wider community to better understand what people would like to see from Authentic Conversations moving forward.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts and help shape the future of this community-led initiative!

We look forward to sharing these findings with you soon, along with our next steps.

09/07/2026

This sounds like a lovely way to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday

05/07/2026

We're proud to share our third and final story from our sold-out 'It Takes A Village' screening at St Arnaud Cinema on 26th March.

Today, we share Annette Driscoll's story.

Please note: The recordings are personal stories only - not advice or a mental health service.

28/06/2026

Last Sunday we shared Troy Hendy's story from our sold-out 'It Takes A Village' screening at St Arnaud Cinema on 26th March.

This week, we're honoured to share Lenny Reid's story.

Please note: The recordings are personal stories only - not advice or a mental health service.

21/06/2026

We’re very proud to share the stories from our sold-out 'It Takes A Village' screening at St Arnaud Cinema on 26th March.

We’ve split the screening into parts and will share them over the coming weeks so you can watch and reflect in your own time.

First up is Troy Hendy.

Hendy Transport

Please note: The recordings are personal stories only - not advice or a mental health service.

26/03/2026

We are blown away by how many people came along to It Takes A Village last night.

Thank you.

It reminded us what a special community we live in, full of genuinely good people who show up for each other.

A huge thank you to everyone who made the night possible. It truly took a village to make it happen.

🧡 To our incredible speakers, Troy Hendy, Lenny Reid and Annette Driscoll. Thank you for being open, honest and brave, and for trusting us with your stories.

🧡 To everyone involved in the amazing supper by Pebble Church Heritage Association. It was absolutely unreal. The effort that went into it was next level and we’re so grateful for the time and care you put in.

🧡 Theresa, Bernie and the team at St Arnaud Cinema. Thank you for your time, your help and for just being all-round legends to work with.

🧡 Maddie and Stacey at East Wimmera Health Service. Nothing is ever too much trouble. Thank you for everything you do for us and our community.

🧡 Rochelle from Grampians Community Health for coming along, we appreciate you being there.

🧡 St Arnaud Botanicals for the stunning native flowers.

🧡 Edge Content and Technology who helped get the film cinema-ready.

🧡 All volunteers who helped with promoting the night, we couldn’t have done it without you.

🧡 Thank you National Centre for Farmer Health for the grant to cover the cost of supper and cinema hire.

So, what comes next?
Your feedback will help us shape the future of Authentic Conversations.

🧡 SURVEYS:
If you live in St Arnaud and district, we’d love to hear what you’d like to see for wellbeing and mental health in our community. Please complete this short survey: https://form.jotform.com/260708006333045

If you attended It Takes A Village, we’d also love your feedback on the event: https://form.jotform.com/260708251137049

Thank you, from the Authentic Conversations Team:
Melissa, Taggs, Susan, Jo, Rogan, Kyle, Lynette, Emma and Jackie 🧡

25/03/2026

Are few seats have become available last minute! Jump on and grab them if you wanted to come ☺️

An evening of community, connection and conversation. Presented by Authentic Conversations, It Takes a Village brings our community together for...

25/03/2026

We are all set for ‘It Takes a Village’ tomorrow night!

Please note the event is sold out due to capacity limits at St Arnaud Cinema and unfortunately we don’t have space for additional guests. Thanks so much for your understanding 🙏

For those who have registered, there’s no need to bring your ticket, we will have your name on a list at the door ☺️

We can’t wait to see you and share inspiring stories from local legends Troy Hendy, Lenny Reid and Annette Driscoll on the big screen! 🧡

PROGRAM:
5.45pm - Doors Open
6.30pm - Screening begins
7.15pm - Supper
9pm - Event concludes