General News
23 March, 2026
It Takes a Village to have meaningful conversations
“This event is about creating space to hear local stories and strengthen those connections.”
LOCAL volunteers in St Arnaud are creating a space for the community to slow down, listen and connect when Authentic Conversations Inc presents its inaugural event, It Takes a Village, this month.
Presented by Authentic Conversations, It Takes a Village brings the community together for a special night at the St Arnaud Cinema, featuring the screening of meaningful interviews with local people, followed by supper and time for conversation.
The event has been developed by Emma Donaldson and Jackie Peacock, co-founders of the volunteer community initiative Authentic Conversations.
This was established to encourage open, down to earth conversations about wellbeing and everyday life in rural communities.
The organisation is supported by a committee of local, regional and interstate members.
“This is an invitation to slow down, listen and connect,” Ms Donaldson said.
Rather than a traditional speaker event, the evening has been designed to feel more like a community gathering, conversational, welcoming and grounded in the belief that everyone has something to offer when it comes to caring for the wellbeing of the town.
Co-founder Jackie Peacock said she hoped the event would celebrate the quiet ways communities support one another.
“In towns like St Arnaud, support often comes from neighbours, friends, families and community groups,” Ms Peacock said.
“This event is about creating space to hear local stories and strengthen those connections.”
By bringing people together in a familiar local venue, Authentic Conversations hopes the evening will encourage meaningful discussion and reinforce the sense of connection that helps communities thrive.
The evening will run from 6pm to around 9pm next Thursday, with supper provided.
The event is free to attend, however registrations are encouraged to assist the volunteer team with seating and catering.
Community members can register via TryBooking or follow Authentic Conversations Inc on social media for further details and updates.
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