Colour Beyond Blue is a huge success
It may have been slightly delayed due to the postponement of the Gloucester Show ahead of flood warnings, but Colour Beyond Blue In Gloucester has gone ahead and was a huge success.
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Originally the event was planned by Gloucester Showgirl, Taylah Eyre-Hughes to run during the show as a fun family activity to help raise funds and awareness about mental health.
Even though the show was only postponed until later in the year, Taylah didn't want to wait too much longer to run the event given how excited people were about taking part.
So, she pushed ahead and had the event run at the Gloucester Showground on Saturday April 10.
According to Taylah around 100 people showed up to either take part or volunteer.
"It was a really good day. We tried to raise $5000 for Beyond Blue and we got just over $4500," Taylah said. "I didn't think we'd make the $5000, so I was really happy with how much we did raise. I thought it was pretty good."
Taylah had initially decided to raise funds for mental health given how difficult times have been in the region with drought, bushfires and the global pandemic. With the recent flood event also impacting the community, she thought it would be a good idea to get the event going as soon as possible to help lift people's spirits.
"I thought it was a good way to have a bit of fun after the community had another devastating hit and to show support for those doing it tough," she said.
She was really pleased with the community turn out and the level support.
"It made me proud to be in a town and community like this and to be their showgirl."
Taylah was also shocked by how well the event was received. While she knew there would be a few adults at the event, she expected to mainly see children actually taking part due to the mess that goes along with it. As the participants walked or ran the two kilometres course, they were hit with different colour powders, covering them from head to toe.
"I knew the kids would have a ball with it. It was surprising to see the adults have a bit more fun than the kids," Taylah smiled. "Everyone had fun. Everyone was thankful that we put it on."
In fact the event was so successful at lifting people's spirits, there has already been talk about running another one. While nothing is set in stone at this stage, Taylah is thinking about holding another event later in the year - possibly in September.
Overall, Taylah is pretty chuffed with her first official showgirl event.
"I'm very impressed with it as it was my first event as showgirl," she said.
Anne Keen
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
Anne has been a journalist with the ACM (Australia Community Media) since 2016. She primarily works at the Gloucester Advocate but also contributes to the Manning River Times.
