Celebrating 7 years: Mentor farewell lunch 

Earlier in the year, the Mentors had asked for a more formalised farewell, as in previous years the goodbyes were usually quick and rushed during drop-off.

With Sean and Louise having worked alongside the Bendigo Mentors since day one – seven years ago! – this gathering felt like the perfect opportunity to slow down, reconnect and reflect on just how far everyone had come.

We met at the Brewhouse Cafe, the ideal cosy spot for the whole group to come together. Over lunch, the table buzzed with stories, laughter and memories of the past seven years. Our favourite camps quickly resurfaced in conversation. Moulamein and the snow camp were clear crowd-pleasers, while Mount Arapiles held a special place in one of the participant’s hearts.

One of the most meaningful moments of the afternoon was acknowledging each Mentor individually. We handed out certificates to recognise not only their dedication, but the incredible personal growth they’ve shown throughout this Cottage program.