When Lauren Kelly first arrived in Clermont in 2016, she was stepping into more than just a new postcode. She was joining a place where neighbours become friends, people look out for one another and community spirit runs deep.
“I moved to Clermont to live closer to my now husband, Josh, who has grown up here.
“The community here is really special. We have wonderful friendships and family around us, with a deep connection to Life Church which Josh’s family have pastored for over 20 years.”
Today, Lauren is a stay at home mum to four children aged between one and seven. Her weeks are shaped around Josh’s mining roster, a rhythm she has learned to embrace.
“We plan most of our events around Josh’s off week so we can work as a team, and I appreciate the ability to do so with his roster.”
Her commitment to Clermont is perhaps most visible through Kids Club Extreme, a bush adventure camp run through Life Church that has become a highlight of the school holiday calendar.
“It began with Mick and Mim Rodda, who saw the need to connect kids and families in the community through school holiday fun. I worked closely with Mim and took on the role once they moved towns.
“We have gone from a camp with 20 kids to over 100, with children travelling from Capella, Emerald and other places to be a part of it.
“We provide food, bus transport and activities from a flying fox, petting zoo, horse experiences, bush survival skills, campfire cooking, leatherwork, yumba building and more. Children develop a sense of connection to our community through our local volunteers and are encouraged to be all they can be.
“All primary aged children are welcome and we work hard to be inclusive of all additional needs, giving families a sense of support and care.”
Her passion for community connection extends beyond the camp. She also helps run a fortnightly Friday afternoon Kids Club at Life Church and coordinates Mainly Music as well, a Thursday morning program for parents and children under school age.
“Primary aged kids are welcome to attend the free Kids Club, usually with a different theme each week. It’s a fun, safe space for kids to make friends and feel seen, valued and empowered.
“Our 30 minute interactive Mainly Music sessions have props and instruments followed with a provided morning tea. It is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your little one, enjoy the developmental benefits of song, rhyme and movement and connect with other families.”
Life for Lauren is busy and her faith is the anchor that keeps her going but it hasn’t been without challenges.
“I love the community I live in and want to give back where I can. I am very grounded in my Christian faith and love belonging in a faith community that has a practical bend to serve others. The people I volunteer with are really the greatest, it is a lot to juggle, but the relationships make it very fulfilling.
“The toughest challenge for me was developing the confidence to lead these events and juggle it all as a mum. I am grateful for the support from our church, the local council, local business and schools and many community members.”
For Lauren, Clermont’s magic is found in its people and its way of life.
As she says, “We are much stronger together than alone” and it is a truth she continues to live out every day.
