Tamworth True: from supplies to support, online group marks another year of community connection

When Jody Ekert first launched the Facebook group in March 2020, she never imagined the impact it would have.

"I realised I had created this group that I always thought should have existed," she said.

"It's just a lovely, beautiful community that is all supportive of each other, and I think that's quite rare."

Throughout the last 18 months the Facebook group has aimed to find the positives in the pandemic, with a variety of inclusive events and activities.

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Some of the highlights include pet portrait painting, re-opening rocks, and Ms Ekert's personal favourite, the Great Tamworth True Cake Bake.

"There were some hilarious fails and some amazing bakers too," she said.

Despite starting as a way to keep residents informed about the local COVID-19 situation, the group, which now boasts almost 4000 members, has a large focus on mental health, connection and spreading joy.

"All of that is something that the town needs even when there is no pandemic," she said.

Ms Ekert said the group being named as a finalist for 'Community Inclusion' in Tamworth's Local Legends Awards in November was something she never thought would come of her idea.

To mark another year of Tamworth True the group administrators created a special calendar to look back on the memories of 2021.

"It's a souvenir and something to look back at, and I think we should all be proud of where we've come," Ms Ekert said.

The calendar features photos of members, media coverage, memes, and specific dates important to Tamworth, like the Country Music Festival

After connecting and becoming friends virtually, last week the group was able to hold its first in-person meet up with a family movie day where the calendar was distributed as a special gift to some lucky members.

"It was so funny, people I've been talking to for two years online who live in my same town but we haven't actually managed to see each other," Ms Ekert said.

While there are currently only a limited number of calendars Ms Ekert said due to the overwhelming response of love and praise for the project, there was potential to create and distribute more.

"I hope it gives a little bit of inspiration to think where can we go next," Ms Ekert said.

"I want people to think about this beautiful space we've created and what we can do with it, for the town and for ourselves."

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