It was the isolation of lockdowns that inspired Woodend RSL bar manager Amy Meldrum to bring together two things people love to foster community connection – dogs and beer.
Every Thursday from 5pm, locals head down to the RSL for some frothy, furry fun, and it’s been so successful that it’s expanded even further.
Woodend RSL has collaborated with non-profit One Voice to create Pups, Pints and Parmas, feeding attendees while training youth hospitality workers.
“It’s mainly an initiative to help with social interaction in the community,” Ms Meldrum said.
Both organisations exist to support people and Ms Meldrum said for her, it was about championing mental health.
“It’s also to support veterans, as well, a lot of veterans that have served overseas, have mental health problems and struggle with social anxiety,” Ms Meldrum said.
“It’s really about trying to get the younger veterans in the door as well, as well as the older ones, and to try to make it a safe and welcoming place.”
She said her two little french bulldogs loved the event too.
“It’s good fun and it’s good to meet new people, it rolls into helping with our membership and increasing the funding that’s coming through the door for us,” she said.
Pups, Pints and Parmas is happening from 5pm tonight at the Woodend RSL.
