January: Month in Review

New Year, New Opportunities!

Happy New Year everyone! And welcome to our first blog post of 2026! Isn't it just wild that we're already a full month in? It seems like just yesterday we were celebrating Christmas, and now we're staring down the barrel at February. Time certainly flies when you're having fun.

As we get back into the swing of things, we'd like to offer a warm welcome back to all of our participants, staff, volunteers and community members. We've got big plans for the next 12 months, and know that with your amazing support, we'll be able to go above and beyond our expectations.

A Rocky Start

View of the Longwood Fire from Station Street, Seymour

As everyone in our community is aware, 2026 kicked off with a massive heat wave and dangerous fires burning in our region. The Longwood Bushfire caused much devastation in our area, and for a period of time posed a potential risk to GO services and participants. Thankfully, our organisation was well prepared to handle temporary closures and evacuations and worked with our community to make sure everyone stayed safe. Our hearts go out to those who continue to be affected. At the same time, we would like to thank everyone for their patience, understanding and support as we managed our services through this period. We'd also like to REALLY thank the amazing team of staff who worked around the clock to make sure all our participants were well cared for and supported during uncertain times. We've come out of the other side now stronger and well-prepared to handle anything that comes our way. What a team!

Work with GO

In 2026, GO is looking for an experience professional to lead our Programs and Community Team. This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your career, and make a real difference in our local community. Apply via: Team Leader (Programs and Community) Job in Seymour, Bendigo, Goldfields & Macedon Ranges VIC - SEEK

We're also looking for Disability Support Workers to join our Group Programs Team, working with our participants on weekdays to meet their goals and live their Biggest Lives Possible! Join our well-supported, fun, dedicated team today! Apply via: Disability Support Worker (Day Programs) Job in Seymour, Bendigo, Goldfields & Macedon Ranges VIC - SEEK

Robbie at the Railway

GO Participant Robbie Wales is a well-known GO Artist, specialising in highly detailed paintings of local landmarks. Robbie's process begins when he photographs local buildings and landscapes, which he then takes back to the studio. Robbie then uses paint and Posca markers to capture even the tiniest details of his inspiration, from windowsills to rocks in concrete. This month, Robbie took his latest work for a photo shoot in the very place that inspired it: The Railway Club Hotel in Station Street, Seymour! Amazing work, Robbie!

Robbie in the Railway

Out the Front -- a masterpiece!

Veggies in SIL

Andrew harvesting the first zucchini

Over the last few months, participants of our Supported Independent Living program have been working on developing a veggie garden in their shared backyard. They've been working hard, getting soil ready, planning their veggies, planting, watering and tending to the new growth. This month saw all their hard work come to fruition with the harvesting of the very first zucchini! And just look at all that greenery -- absolutely flourishing!!

Is there anything better than a homecooked meal made with veggies you grew yourself???

Christmas Celebrations

Goulburn Options provides supports 24hrs a day, 365 days a year, and that includes Christmas! This year, participants in SIL and their support workers came together to celebrate the day with a big, festive roast lunch! Much festive fun was had by all.

Christmas lunch -- yum!

Merry Christmas everyone!

January Heat

On top of everything, we've been sweating through heat waves this month, and getting creative with new ways to stay cool. At the very height of the heat, the front veranda of High Street turned into a Splash Zone, and participants truly made the most of it. What better way to spend a summer day?

Gemma cooling off

Caitlin braving the water pad

Andrew taking aim!

Keep up with GO

One month down. 11 to go. If you want to stay up to date with GO between blog posts, make sure you're following us on Facebook and Instagram. We post multiple times a week with updates and awesome snaps of our guys living their Biggest Lives.

Thanks for reading -- see you next time!