Griffith Connections: Hello 2026 Event
This month Griffith Connection proudly hosted Hello 2026, its annual family-focused Meet and Mingle event designed to welcome new residents who have recently arrived in Griffith for essential worker roles, business opportunities, or new ventures. Held at the stunning Piccolo Family Farm, this year’s gathering brought together partners from Limone, Piccolo Family Farm and Griffith Connection - a collaboration between The Welcome Experience, Griffith Business Chamber and Griffith City Council. The event drew a lively mix of participants, with 38 attendees, including new health professionals, business owners and new employees, educators, community members and families.
Piccolo Family Farm provided the perfect backdrop to introduce newcomers to the region’s culture and character. Owner Peter Piccolo shared his family’s story before leading a guided tour of the orchard and vineyard, giving participants a first‑hand look at Griffith’s agricultural heritage and “spirit of enterprise”—where “they not only grow it, they make it.”
Beyond the warm hospitality, the event played a meaningful role in fostering early community connections. Members of the local Malayalees community attended and shared how relationships formed at last year’s Country Change Expo have led to monthly gatherings and growing cultural engagement.
Valuable professional connections were also made throughout the evening. These networking events can have some unexpected outcomes eg a doula business assisting a manager overcome challenges of maternity leavers returning to work. Casual conversations and introductions have proven positive engagement for the finance sector and for those short term health and education workforce the event was another showcase of what makes this vibrant regional town unique and a great place to live.
These Social Connection events once again demonstrated that when new residents feel welcomed, connected and supported, they are more likely to thrive—and more likely to stay. Griffith Connection looks forward to continuing this work as our region grows, welcoming new workers and their families into a community that is ready to embrace them.
