Community
13 February, 2026
Sparks set to fly at Archie Graham Centre
SPARKS are set to fly across the halls of the Archie Graham Centre later this month when community members get together to share stories and spark new ideas.
The centre is about to launch one of its newest programs, ‘Community Sparks,’ which is aimed at bringing people together on a regular basis to explore ideas, build connections and celebrate local initiatives.
Sessions will be held every few months, with each gathering designed to spark conversation and incubate new ideas.
“Community Sparks has come off the back of a moving reunion in October last year of more than 30 former Fletcher Jones employees who were among a crowd of about 100 people at the seniors festival,” coordinator of community programs, Clare Vaughan said.
“The reunion took place during the event Fletcher Jones- ‘Plus 8’ and Other stories – where former employees were invited to raise their hands.
“Organisers were surprised and thrilled to see so many people reconnect, share memories and reflect on the legacy of Fletcher Jones in Warrnambool.”
Ms Vaughan said the energy in the room that day was incredible.
“It was clear there was a strong appetite for more opportunities like that – to reconnect, share stories and spark ideas.
“We heard from several people who missed the event and they said they would have loved to have been there; hence the Community Sparks program was born.”
It is anticipated these events will be held on Monday afternoons every few months and organisers are now following up on ‘sparks’ of ideas that have broad community interest for events in April, May and June.
The first Community Sparks event will take place on Monday, February 23.
It will be held at the Archie Graham Community Centre and will run from 1pm-2.30pm.
All community members are welcome, including past Fletcher Jones employees.
The gathering will feature the Silver Ball Social Innovations Podcast, which celebrates local stories of positive change across the region.
Lisa McLeod, executive officer of the Fletcher Jones Family Foundations, will provide an overview of the foundations and their current work.
Kirsten Diprose, a podcaster from Rural Podcasting Co, will take audiences behind the scenes of the podcast series and highlight six featured initiatives:
One Day Studios, Find Your Voice Collective, Warrnambool Community Garden, Stoked Surf Therapy, Warrnambool College Indigenous Garden, and The F Project.
Following the presentations, attendees are invited to stay for a cuppa and conversation, reconnecting with old friends and meeting new people.
Whether you’re a podcast fan or simply curious about what’s happening locally, Community Sparks offers a welcoming space to be inspired.
