The group was formed at a Community Connection Day held in Deniliquin on Sunday.
It brought together about 40 representatives from across the region’s diverse clubs, organisations, and community groups.
The feedback from the event highlighted a willingness to reconvene and discuss initiatives to build on connect and collaborate with the amazing clubs, groups and organisations that support the Edward River community.
The day was organised on the basis that communities that are well connected and collaborate are the most resilient when dealing with adversity like drought, floods or even economic challenges.
Ricegrowers Association of Australia Landcare partnered with support from the Southern Riverina Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program, with funding from the Federal Government's Future Drought Fund and the NSW Government.
Our partners included Yarkuwa Indigenous Knowledge Centre, Western Murray Land Improvement Group and the Edward River Council.
The initiative was identified during the recent Connecting Community to Connect to Country Project.
RGA Landcare project manager Neil Bull said the day was a success.
“We had a really good cross section of the local groups and organisations, representing sport, health, ag, and various other community sectors,” he said.
“We’ve received a lot of feedback post-event on how to improve connection and collaboration throughout the community, particularly around resilience and supporting each other in times of hardship, like drought.”
The event featured a panel of local ‘champions’, chaired by RGA Landcare coordinator Janet Manzin, and including Airlie Circuit, Lourene Liebenberg, Iain Goodway, John Arthur, David Crew, and Rob Wettenhall.
Each shared personal reflections on what makes Deniliquin special, from its welcoming spirit and strong volunteer base to the sense of living as part of something bigger.
But the panel also tackled tough topics.
Discussions ranged from volunteer fatigue, youth disengagement, and housing shortages, to broader issues like racism, antisocial behaviour, and the impact of water buybacks.
The need for more inclusive and accessible pathways for young people was a recurring theme.
Each of the topics discussed will be explored further through the Community Wellness Group and future connection days.
Participants noted that adopting a positive mindset, sharing knowledge and respecting other views creates a place where people feel they belong, and their contributions are valued.
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