On the afternoon of Sunday June 19, the Iluka Community Hall came alive with a vibrant sense of community as Iluka Community Organisation Planning for Emergencies ICOPE hosted its first free Field of Friends Iluka Village Community Party.

The aim of the event was to foster community connectedness, enhance community capacity building and raise awareness about disaster preparedness and indeed the event achieved its aim.

Thanks to the support of various organisations and generous grants from the Yulgilbar Foundation and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, the party was an outstanding success.

Residents from Iluka and Woombah came together to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.

Attendees had the opportunity to indulge in a variety of foods from the food trucks, while face painting brought joy to both children and adults.

ICOPE works closely with various organisations such as the Red Cross, SES, Iluka RFS, Iluka Woombah Rotary, the Iluka Mermaid Festival and the Iluka Emporium.

Representatives from these organisations were present at the party, providing valuable resources on disaster preparedness and community support.

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the captivating performance by Grace and Hugh and their band.

Their music resonated with the crowd, fostering an atmosphere of liveliness and celebration and brought people together to forge a sense of community unity.

ICOPE extends its immense gratitude to Iluka Bait and Tackle, Iluka Sunset + Wine, Iluka IGA, and Tony Belton for their incredibly generous donations.

These contributions were raffled at the party to raise funds that will enable ICOPE to continue strengthening community connections in Iluka.

The first Field of Friends Iluka Village Community Party was a memorable afternoon for over 150 attendees.

It served as a reminder of the strength and resilience of Iluka, emphasising the importance of preparedness in the face of potential disasters.

Save the date for the upcoming Field of Friends Iluka Village Community Party in November.

ICOPE eagerly looks forward to another opportunity to foster strong community bonds and create lasting connections among residents.

The ICOPE team