AN upcoming evening of complimentary food, comedy, and entertainment at the Yeoval Bowling Club aims to offer local residents a relaxed night out alongside meaningful discussions on mental health.
Organised by Creative Community Concepts, the inaugural community wellbeing gathering will feature former NRL stars Wayne Wigham and Ashton Sims, alongside comedian and magician Pooka the Clown, and includes a free dinner for attendees.
The event forms part of a broader regional effort that additionally features gatherings in Tottenham, Trundle, and Tullamore.
Kyle Myers, Head of Programs, highlighted that the organisation leverages athletic activities and wellness programs to connect with families, with a focus on supporting smaller regional areas.
“We try to do as much as we can for the smaller communities,” Mr Myers said.
Prior initiatives by the organisation in Molong include a two-year youth activation program, delivering youth leadership, sports accreditation, after-school sessions, and holiday activities for Molong Central School students, as well as a community wellbeing gathering hosted last year.
Building on these efforts, the upcoming event in Yeoval is designed to bring community members together, especially in smaller regional areas where local activities are often limited. Mr Myers noted that such gatherings offer residents a valuable opportunity to connect and engage with one another.
“If we put on an evening like that, people will get around it,” he said.
“People talk and look after their own mental health, but start the conversation with maybe their friend and neighbour or their family member.”
Former NRL players Wayne Wigham and Ashton Sims will share their personal journeys at the event. Drawing from his professional rugby league career, Wigham aims to encourage individuals to seek support when necessary, while Sims brings insights gained from both his time in the NRL and his ongoing work in mental health.
According to Mr Myers, the core purpose of the night is to inspire attendees to prioritise their own wellbeing, empowering them to better assist others in their lives.
“We really encourage people to come along just to start the conversation with themselves most and first of all,” he said.
“If you’re not looking after yourself and you’re not in the right headspace, it’s hard to then look after others as well.”
Attendance is open beyond Yeoval, with residents from neighboring areas such as Cumnock and Molong actively encouraged to join.
Although mature themes and a late finish mean the program is targeted mainly at individuals 16 and older, families will not be turned away if finding childcare poses a challenge.
Despite the serious underlying message, Mr Myers emphasised that the occasion is designed to be upbeat and lighthearted.
He noted that attendees could simply join in, enjoy the experience, and gain something meaningful from the event, featuring guest speakers, a complimentary meal, comedy, magic, and numerous chances to connect with fellow community members.
“You can’t beat that,” he said. “You’re getting a free comedy show that night and a free meal.”
Creative Community Concepts aims to build stronger connections among community members through events like this. The goal is to establish supportive networks before communities encounter future hardships.
The event will be held on Thursday 10 September at the Yeoval Bowling Club from 6.30pm.
The Yeoval community dinner and entertainment evening is free of charge, with no registration required.