The Victorian Government has awarded a $22,500 Stronger Regional Communities Plan grant to the Corangamite Shire Council to help build capacity for the many community groups in the shire.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney announced the funding from the Stronger Regional Communities Plan, which supports community-led initiatives that build community capabilities or improve the liveability of regional and rural towns.
This project will provide a year-long training and self-directed learning program for 120 volunteer representatives of community organisations, funded for two years.
Its key purpose is to strengthen and revitalise local community groups through building volunteers’ skills in goal-setting, governance, risk management and succession planning.
The long-term goal is to improve local community organisations effectiveness and efficiency in achieving and influencing priority outcomes for their community.
Volunteers represent a vital force in rural communities – more than one-third[1] of the adult population of Corangamite Shire contributes voluntary work.
Investment in volunteer leadership skill building is vital to maintain and improve the effectiveness of volunteer organisations which support local communities.
The Stronger Regional Communities Plan aims to support rural and regional towns to attract families and young people to live and work by investing in community-led projects that make regional Victoria a better place to live and work.
Community groups, not-for-profit organisations, individual businesses, and industry alliances are all eligible to apply for funding for projects that will create stronger communities.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“The $22,500 grant from the Victorian Government is an investment in building skills for the dedicated community volunteers and ensuring the ongoing activities of these community organisations in Corangamite.”
“Volunteers represent a vital force in rural communities and this is also evident in Corangamite.”
“The Victorian Government is building stronger regional communities and we are doing it hand in hand with locals.”