Council's Community Capacity Building Program has reached its halfway point, with over 500 participants attending 33 workshops and events focused on developing practical skills, knowledge and networks to strengthen local businesses, organisations and community groups.
Council is now calling on local organisations, community groups and businesses to share identified skills needs that the capacity building project may help address, such as governance, fundraising, event delivery or volunteer management, so we can tailor the remainder of the Program to deliver the greatest benefit before it concludes in June 2026.
The Program supports businesses, volunteers and community members through practical training, mentoring and peer-to-peer learning opportunities. Its aim is to strengthen the capability of people and groups to thrive long term, contributing to resilient and connected communities.
Since its launch, the Program has delivered a wide range of workshops and networking events, including:
- The inaugural Volunteer Expo
- Murrindindi Event Forum
- Youth Communication and Engagement Workshop
- Tender Writing Workshops
- Secrets of Grant Writing Success Workshops
- Strategic Planning Workshops
Participants say the value comes from walking away with skills they can immediately apply, and a few more contact names they can reach out to when they have a need.
Adrian Hurley, Director of Goulburn Valley Plumbing Pty Ltd, attended the Tender Writing Workshop run by Ben Madgwick, Managing Director of Public Sector Contracts. Adrian said he found the workshop valuable and informative.
"I really enjoyed the workshop and did learn a lot. Ben was full of great information. I am looking forward to putting a tender forward. I am based in Yea so this opportunity would be fantastic for my business," he said.
Anthea Forbes, a volunteer at the Alexandra Visitor Information Centre (AVIC), attended the Volunteer Expo. She said the event was a success and had helped grow their volunteer team.
"On behalf of the volunteer team at AVIC, we greatly appreciate the opportunities you gave us to meet and enrol three new volunteers at the Volunteer Expo. The event was a great success. Having new volunteers injects new skills and ideas into the centre with more opening hours to promote our Shire. We look forward to attending future volunteer connecting days," she said.
Councillor Jodi Adams, Portfolio Councillor for Community Wellbeing, said Council was proud to see strong engagement across the Shire.
"Reaching this halfway milestone is a fantastic achievement for the Community Capacity Building Program," said Cr Adams. "It is wonderful to see so many local businesses, volunteers and community members engaging in workshops and events that build skills, strengthen local networks and make our communities more resilient. We now want to hear directly from groups about the specific areas of knowledge or expertise they need most so we can shape the remainder of the Program for maximum benefit."
