On Sunday 22 February, Rural Alive & Well (RAW) welcomed families, friends and community members to a joyful afternoon at the All Together in the Vineyard event.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Eastford Creek Vineyard, the event was a celebration of connection, community and country spirit. From the moment guests arrived, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Live music filled the air, children delighted in face painting, balloons and bubbles, and animal lovers had the chance to pat adorable baby goats and get up close to fascinating snakes and lizards. And despite the rain it was relaxed, welcoming and full of laughter, exactly what community gatherings should be.
Events like All Together in the Vineyard are about more than just a great day out. They create space for meaningful moments of connection. In rural and regional communities, those opportunities to come together matter deeply. They strengthen relationships, reduce isolation and remind us that support is never far away.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was the silent auction of artworks generously donated by artist Jeanette Barclay. Thanks to the enthusiasm and generosity of attendees, more than $800 was raised for RAW. These funds directly support our ongoing work keeping “boots on the ground,” ensuring we can continue supporting rural and regional Tasmanians to build positive mental health and wellbeing.
Speaking of boots on the ground, the event also marked the launch of our Boots on the Ground campaign. This exciting initiative will capture and share real stories from people across rural Tasmania, highlighting the diverse experiences that shape our communities. Over time, we’ll be sharing these stories online and marking each contributor’s location on a giant map of Tassie, a powerful visual reminder that every story matters, and every community counts.
A massive thank you goes out to all the incredible stall holders who brought colour, energy and fun to the day. Your contribution helped create such a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
We also extend our sincere gratitude to TasNetworks for funding the event and making it possible. Support like this enables us to continue creating spaces where connection thrives and conversations about mental health feel safe and accessible.
All Together in the Vineyard was a true celebration of community spirit. We’re so grateful to everyone who came along, supported the cause, shared a smile and helped make the day so special. We can’t wait to see you at the next one.
