As the Class Action against Defence kicked off in Sydney this week, residents were trying to de-stress with a free movie night.

Organised by the Community Wellbeing Program, funded by the Defence Force and facilitated by the University of Newcastle’s Family Action Centre, the night was open to all residents affected by the ‘Red Zone’.

Seventy-two people attended Scotty’s Cinema Centre with the Community Wellbeing Program, ranging from children, families and grandparents.

The movie, Fantastic Beasts, got rave reviews from a large group of children, with comments including: “Fantastic, awesome and magical.”

Residents also received a free goodie bag consisting of a journal, coloured markers, information pamphlets and more.

One of the event’s key supporters, Julie Bailey, told News Of The Area, “It was so wonderful to look around the cinema and see the community connecting, talking and supporting one another.”

“Through events like this, we are seeing the community connect and form resilience.”

The Wellbeing Program organisers have already planned another movie day for December 10, with the movie Trolls available to all ages, followed by a play at Finnan Park afterwards.

Local resident and mother Danielle May told News Of The Area after the film, “We were in bed with the flu all day but got out of bed just to come because we were so excited.”

For information on further events or the programs, visit Community Wellbeing Program – ‘Step Outside the Zone’ on Facebook.

By Simone JOHNSON