December: Month in Review

GO Admin
1 day ago
4 min read

We say it every year, but somehow, it's always true: we can't believe it's December already! Maybe, as they say, time flies when you're having fun. That definitely rings true for GO. Every day here is action packed. Programs, activities, adventures and achievements. It's no wonder we blink and find twelve months have flown by.

Before we begin this final wrap up of 2025, we wanted to thank you for once again coming along with us on this wild ride. It's thanks to our community -- our participants, families, carers, employees, volunteers and supporters -- that we're able to keep on as we always have: with joy and positivity, and our Biggest Life Possible mission at the heart of everything we do. 2025 was another year of partnership and development, in which we've once again been able to expand and deepen our impact as an organisation. That's thanks to YOU!

So, thank you...and get ready! 2026 is set, once again, to be our best year yet!!

International Day of People with Disability

An annual celebration, December kicked off with International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) on the 3rd. The goal of IDPwD is to promote community awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability -- something GO is great at!

Art, Art, Art!

This year, we celebrated with a Pop Up Art Show, displaying a broad range of creations from our GO Art Artists. At the same time, Participant Susan Meadows debuted her first ever solo art show: Cosmic Dreamscapes. Having a solo art show was one of Susan's key goals this year, and marked a huge achievement in her creative practice.

Susan with friends of GO, Matt and Kevin

Part of the exhibition featuring work from Leonie Nunn

Thank you to everyone who attended both Cosmic Dreamscapes and our Pop Up Art Show to show your support, and an extra thanks to anyone who purchased an artwork, woodwork piece or calendar. Profits directly support our artists, and the GO Art program.

What does 'disability' mean to you?

The GO Literacy Group also celebrated IDPwD by putting together a video all about what the word 'disability' means to them. Each member of the team used the letters of the word to name the values they associate with the word. We think they absolutely smashed it!

A Visit from St. Mary's

Early in December, our sites at both High Street, and Station Street received exciting visits from students of St. Mary's College, Seymour. The students had put together handmade cards and plates of baked treats for our participants and staff, thanking us for our work in the community. We couldn't be more thankful! Thank you St. Mary's for always being so generous with your time and effort!

Katie, Carol, Rosie, Team Leader Kacie, St. Mary's Students and Lisa

Trees in Station Street

Last year, GO participants and staff came together to decorate the wooden Christmas Tree display in Station Street, Seymour. You can check out the behind the scenes of that process on our YouTube:

This year, the trees went up once again! We took some time to revisit our creations, and everyone agrees: they're just as bright and cheery as last year!

Rosie, Carol and Katie checking out their artwork!

Christmas Celebrations!

As the month marched on, and we got closer and closer to Christmas, the celebrations kicked into overdrive. Individual groups and programs began celebration the festive season. Our Volunteers went out for their annual Xmas Dinner, and the GO Radio Program had a festive on-air celebration (including an interview with Santa!)

Then, as always, on the penultimate day of Group Programs for the year, GO hosted our annual Participant Christmas Party. With festive performances by our Drama and Key Word Sign Groups, a visit from Santa, and Mr Whippy at the gate, the event was full of fun from beginning to end. Thank you to everyone who put the day together to make it another huge success, including North Central Hire who donated tables and chairs free of cost for the day.

Key Word Sign in the middle of a rockin' performance

Goodbye, Megan

Whilst the festivities were in full swing, Goulburn Options also said goodbye to Megan Montgomery, our General Manager. Megan has been with GO for over 20 years and has been instrumental in making GO what it is today. She has touched many lives over her time with GO and was thanked for her longstanding service at our Christmas Party. It was a bittersweet moment for all, but everyone wishes Megan all the best for her next chapter.

Getting Ready for 2026

As we close out 2025, we're looking straight ahead at the new year. Services are set to return on Monday 5th January, with over 20 new programs set to roll out and a huge calendar of events and activities on the way!

(Our Important Dates Calendar for Next Year)