Corangamite Shire is set to host its first ever Participate and Connect Community (PACC) Conference & Expo on 29 and 30 May.
The free weekend event held at Camperdown's Theatre Royal will celebrate volunteering, help community groups build their skill base and recruit new members.
Day one (Saturday 29 May) is a conference packed with inspiring guest speakers, networking opportunities and hands-on workshops for volunteers.
Guest speakers include Sports Community founder Steve Pallas, Volunteering Victoria's Sara Sterling, Director of Non-profit Training Jenny Holliday AM, Victoria University Professor Rochelle Eime and South West Sport's Michael Neoh.
Speakers will explore topics such as fundraising, grant writing, strategic planning, project management, and volunteer recruitment.
Day two (Sunday 30 May) is an expo day with performances, exhibitions and live demonstrations.
Community groups are invited to book free exhibition space to promote their group on the Sunday.
Mayor Ruth Gstrein said Council planned the event after contacting residents during COVID.
"We were checking in on community groups and wondering what we could do to help volunteers stay connected, or how we could help groups rebound from COVID," Cr Gstrein said.
"The weekend is aimed at everyone, from volunteers to new residents wanting to meet like-minded people or find out what's on offer in Corangamite."
"There has already been a really good response with groups keen to book exhibit space," she added.
The event is partly funded by the State Government to build community capacity, foster connections, and participation.
Due to COVID restrictions and seating arrangements, spaces are limited and online registration is required. People can register to attend the conference, view a program and guest speaker profiles at www.corangamite.vic.gov.au/PACC
