PAST EVENTS
'Beyond The Front Fence'
– By Karen Larkins
This is a program supported by the City of Greater Bendigo to encourage members of the community to participate in a range of social activities and events hosted by Bendigo Newcomers. Apart from supporting our local businesses the program provides huge emotional support to those who can pluck up the courage to get involved. Beyond the Front Fence is a program of events to simply give people ways to get out of the house to meet and enjoy the company of others. Events are arranged to suit a variety of people from different backgrounds and stage in life. These include: morning and afternoon teas, comedy nights, drinks at a nightspot, winery tours, concerts, dinners, film nights and family events.
Beyond the Front Fence is conducted at a variety of locations to showcase what is to be enjoyed in Bendigo and in the region. Individuals get a chance to sample and see for themselves what each venue is like and consider enjoying further with their family and friends in the future. It's a great way to shake off any feelings of loneliness knowing that people want to meet others and at the same time get to know what's around in town. I really enjoy being a part of this program as it gives many people new and local to Bendigo a chance to meet and mix with others and often is a great start to the beginnings of new friendships forming. Friday night drinks at the Wine Bank was a great example of this recently. We had a great mix of people who didn't know each other before hand or had only met briefly at a previous event. The conversation was terrific, the atmosphere warm and friendly and most decided to kick on through the night. Staff and management were very hospitable which helped to create a great time for everyone who came along.
Karen Larkins Co-founder & Vice President
LinKit Launch
 The LinKit Launch, held at the Balgownie Winery saw a huge success with many people attending.
Amongst those attending were Sam Fotu, Bendigo Hume and Iser Braves basketball team player, pictured right with Newcomers member Deanne Pain.
 Sue Clarke, CEO of the Bendigo Community Health Services pictured left, recieving a gift from Michelle Scott as thanks for being a guest speaker at the launch.
LinKit aims to give individuals access to a level of customer service usually available to those who know where to go to for what goods and services.
 It supports Newcomers to make a connection with their new community 7 days a week by doing business, using the trades and services and enjoying the many forms of attractions, arts, sport, culture and entertainment to be enjoyed in Bendigo. Pictured right are Patti Cotton and Helen Sleswick enjoying a conversation amongst others creating connections and networks.
A copy of the LinKit booklet containing up to $400 worth of saving is free to members of Bendigo Newcomers and can be obtained by contacting Michelle Scott, ph: 0419 666 663 prior to 7pm each weekday or ring our office on Wednesday’s ph: 5448 1675.
Mystery Tour
 The first spring outing for the Bendigo Newcomers Club found a full compliment of 21 newcomers to the area enjoying the delights of a mystery tour.
Secret destinations and home baked biscuits arranged by Peter (Bendigo Discovery Tours) kept everyone guessing and resulted in squeals of delight as we made our way to the Tahbilk Estate to sample some of their 94 gold, 268 silver and 962 Bronze medal wines.
 Boarding the Major Mitchell upon the Goulburn river and partaking of a delicious BBQ lunch, we headed upstream for the grandeur of Mitchelton winery and its tower lookout.
Back on the Major Mitchell for a selection of sweets and coffee and a leisurely drift downriver before sampling the assorted roastings at the Nagambie Nuthouse.
By now the newcomers were firm friends and insisted that Michelle and Karen who had arranged the outing, take a couple of bows and accept the sincere thanks of a grateful group for a wonderful day of food, wine and making friends.
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