Gunnedah Nurtured Village initiative to bring smiles to locals' faces
Two local women are hoping to bring Gunnedah residents together through acts of kindness.
Emma Gray and Kaitlyn Bywater have brought The Nurtured Village to Gunnedah and surrounding towns, which sees hampers of goodies donated to nominated locals. These locals may be new mums, pregnant women, or anyone in need of a smile.
The hampers are delivered bi-monthly, filled with items donated by generous residents.
Mrs Bywater said the idea first came about when Ms Gray was gifted a hamper at random when she had just given birth.
"It's a reminder that when you're parenting and in the thick of it you're not alone," she said.
"It can be really hard if you're not from here and I know so many people are born and bred here, but it's such a transient town as well with the mines, and you see families come and go, so it can be really hard to find your place as well."
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The first one will be given to Kristle Wilson, who was nominated for "always putting her family's need first and never her own".
Mrs Wilson said she was "lost for words" when she found out.
"I really don't know what to say and I feel so undeserving, and honestly just knowing there are other understanding mummas around me is all I need," she said.
"I always say amazing people pop up in your life when you are least expecting it."
Everyone is welcome to donate an item or two to Mrs Wilson's hamper or any hampers in the future, with 'drop-off points' to be determined soon.
I always say amazing people pop up in your life when you are least expecting it.
Kristle Wilson
Mrs Bywater said she was hoping some business owners may put their hand up to be one of these drop-off points.
"If anyone was keen to volunteer as a collection centre they don't have to do anything, just mind it," she said.
For more information about The Nurtured Village, a full list of items that can be donated, or to become a drop-off point, visit the Facebook group The Nurtured Village Hampers Gunnedah + Coonabarabran.