By Mikayla van Loon
Kilsyth’s teddy bear picnic is returning for another year encouraging family time and social connection in one of the suburb’s beautiful parks.
The initiative of Kilsyth Community Action Group, Japara Community Hub, with support of Yarra Ranges Council and Bendigo Bank, aims to bring families together for a free picnic on Saturday 5 April at Japara Bridge within Elizabeth Bridge Reserve.
Organiser Mieke Alexander said it’s about offering a no cost event where parents and children can meet new people, play games and have fun, with their favourite teddy in tow of course.
“It’s about offering a bit of respite from the pressures of life and just enjoying our wonderful local parks, The Bridge and the gardens are down there, giving people an opportunity to play and relax for an hour and a half, two hours,” she said before the inaugural event in 2024.
Having games setup for the children, as well as colouring and other activities, Mieke said they will again be “keeping it simple” with people encouraged to bring a picnic and share in conversation with those who have sat next to them.
A coffee van has been arranged for the day to keep the adults happy and thriving as well.
“It’s predominantly about family time, that’s my aim,” Mieke said.
But it is also about activating Kilsyth, the place commonly known as having no central meeting point.
“This is about really making people aware of the green space we have here. They can develop awareness of the community house, the park, the community group KCAG and also just say hello to someone there.”
Join local families and community members at Japara Bridge from 11.30am to 2pm to be a part of the fun.
Japara Bridge is located at 49 Durham Road, Kilsyth.
