Pitch Night success with $86,000 delivered

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network’s (MPHN) Pitch Night was held on Monday, 26 September in Finley was attended by nearly 100 people who pledged $86,000 in total funding, shared among three projects from The Root Cause, headspace Wagga Wagga and Telecare.

The Root Cause received $37,500 to deliver an innovative and interactive 12-month Children’s Health Program in the Federation and Cootamundra-Gundagai areas. Headspace Wagga Wagga received $28,500 to develop ‘Vibing for Vitality’ a podcast focusing on topics relating to mental health literacy and civic engagement. Telecare received $20,000 to commence a 12-week interactive virtual program will educate and empower adults living with obesity to make healthy and holistic nutritional choices.

MPHN CEO Melissa Neal said it was wonderful to bring Pitch Night back and to see the enthusiasm and positivity amongst the gathered audience.

“The atmosphere on the evening was so supportive, with great excitement for what the presented programs will bring to the Murrumbidgee region,” Ms Neal said.

“Pitch Night is fundamentally about connecting innovative ideas with the community so new partnerships and sustainable solutions can grow.”

Belinda Smith of The Root Cause said she was overwhelmed by the support from the audience and the overall amount the program secured.

“When people see the impact of our program, I think it will continue to grow, the funding from Pitch Night will give us the platform to make a real difference for children, parents and schools in the Murrumbidgee.” Ms Smith said.

headspace Wagga Wagga was represented by Cameron McPhedran and Sophia Cox-wright, with Mr McPhedran stirred by the experience and support shown.

“We are so excited we can now move this project forward and empower some young people to learn new skills and bring their voices to a larger audience,’ said Mr McPhedran.

“Funding of this kind facilitates a start but more importantly will allow training and development to take place where young people from Murrumbidgee communities outside of Wagga itself can benefit.”

Telecare’s Dr Zahra Abbas shared her personal story of mindful nutrition to improve her health and wellbeing during the presentation and commended the audience for their contribution to the event.

“It was an exhilarating experience and it was an honour for us to both share our idea and hear what the community has to say,” Dr Abbas said.

“It is also empowering to know the community is interested and most importantly has faith in what we are doing.