A beautiful sunny morning in Rosewood set the perfect scene for families and neighbours to gather for the Rosewood Family Fun Day, a free school‑holiday event designed to bring joy, connection and support to local families.
Held from 9am to 12pm on the welcoming grounds of the Rosewood Anglican Parish, the event offered a vibrant mix of activities, entertainment and community engagement — all provided at no cost thanks to the generous sponsorship of Bendigo Bank and the dedication of RADSc staff and volunteers.
A School Holiday Event Supporting Local Families
The Family Fun Day is part of RADSc’s commitment to offering free, family‑focused activities every school holidays. “We create these mornings because families deserve somewhere joyful, affordable and welcoming to go during the school break,” said Tia Lancaster, Community Project Worker and event organiser from RADSc. “These events give children a morning of fun and give parents a place where they can relax, connect and not worry about the cost. With the financial pressures families are facing right now, the need for events like this has never been greater.”
The Rosewood Community Centre, do what they always do for this community ensuring that no one went hungry by providing a free sausages for the Free Sausage sizzle run by the Anglican church. Ensuring every child and parent could enjoy a meal without added financial strain. Tracey Noll, from the Rosewood Community Centre was at the event connecting with locals and ensuring that they know that the Rosewood Community Centre is available to anyone in Rosewood and surrounding areas who may be experiencing cost‑of‑living pressures and need support.
A morning filled With Play, Creativity and Community Spirit
Children cooled off under sprinklers and the fire hose. A major highlight for many children was the chance to experience the Rosewood Fire & Rescue fire truck up close. Kids were invited to take a turn using the fire hose, while keen young fire‑truck enthusiasts climbed aboard to sit in the driver’s seat and explore the truck’s equipment. The excitement and awe on their faces captured the spirit of the day.
Organisers expressed deep appreciation for the willingness of local emergency services to attend community events. “We are incredibly grateful to the Fire Department and Community Policing volunteers for giving their time so generously,” Lancaster said. “Their presence brings so much joy and reassurance to families.”
The Community Policing Volunteers were a hit with children, especially with the appearance of Cluedo the dog, who made plenty of new friends throughout the morning. Cluedo Wasn’t the Only Character Onsite a friendly dinosaur also made an appearance, joining families for photos and helping run playful activities alongside RADSc staff. The dinosaur offered a light‑hearted teaser for the next school‑holiday event — Rosewood Family Fun Day: Dino Encounters, coming to Rosewood on 9 July.
Tia Lancaster, Community Project Worker (RADSc) and event Organiser emphasised the importance of the partnerships that make these events possible. “We are incredibly grateful to Bendigo Bank for the sponsorship that allows us to offer such wonderful activities completely free for families,” she said. “These grounds are a beautiful place to bring the community together, and we’re deeply thankful to the Anglican Parish for welcoming us here each school holidays.” “And of course, none of this happens without our RADSc and Anglican Parish volunteers. They bring the heart, the warmth and the spirit of community to every event.”
The Rosewood Family Fun Day once again demonstrated the strength, resilience and generosity of the local community. In a time when many families are navigating financial pressures, events like this offer more than entertainment — they offer connection, dignity and a reminder that no one in Rosewood has to face challenges alone.
