STEPS Program - Practical Human Resources Support
STEPS Program - Funded Projects
STEPS offers a flexible, independent source of funds to support not-for-profit community groups affected by or impacted by the Victorian 2009 Bushfires.
The STEPS program is designed to enhance leadership in rural communities, improve the ability of not-for-profit groups to develop and implement community projects and ensure community groups avoid experiencing the effects of volunteer fatigue.
It generally funds five types of projects and this page details the projects relating to providing practical support.
Providing Practical Human Resources Support
Community Strengthening Project: Construction of the Narbethong Community Hall was completed in November 2011. Managing the reconstruction of the hall was a long and taxing project for the voluntary Committee of Management. The Committee are fatigued and struggling to complete tasks involved with establishing use of the new hall. The Committee will employ a Project Worker to develop resources including policies and procedures and a business plan, to assist with management of the new hall. Narbethong Public Hall Committee $14,812.50
Mentoring Program in Murrindindi: The need for a mentoring program that would offer additional support for community groups in the Murrindindi Shire is being explored by the Kinglake Ranges Foundation. The Foundation was approved funds to support the initial stages of development of an online resource that would link skilled mentors with community groups that are struggling with issues such as governance or project management. Funding will support the employment of Foundation staff to scope the level of need through consulting local community groups, develop a model and gauge the viability of the program. Kinglake Ranges Foundation $2,400.00
Community Volunteer Facilitator: The Beechworth Neighbourhood Centre has been successful in creating a community space that includes a community garden, kitchen and wood fired oven in Beechworth. The Centre aims to ensure that the new infrastructure is well managed and accessed by local groups and the wider community. A Community Volunteer Facilitator will be employed to support local volunteers to engage the community, develop policies and procedures, promote the space and facilitate relevant training. Beechworth Neighbourhood Centre Inc $12,540.00
Shed Support Person: The Flowerdale Men’s Shed opened in March 2013 to support local men struggling in their recovery from the 2009 disaster event. The Shed Committee is experiencing fatigue and is unable to invest the time needed to create a program of activities and lift the profile of the Shed. The Committee were approved funds for the employment of a Support Person for 12 months to manage tasks that are essential to creating a strong and sustainable program. Flowerdale Men's Shed Inc. $10,600.00
Mentoring Program in Murrindindi: The need for a mentoring program that would offer additional support for community groups in the Murrindindi Shire is being explored by the Kinglake Ranges Foundation. The Foundation was approved funds to support the initial stages of development of an online resource that would link skilled mentors with community groups that are struggling with issues such as governance or project management. Funding will support the employment of Foundation staff to scope the level of need through consulting local community groups, develop a model and gauge the viability of the program. Kinglake Ranges Foundation $2,400.00
Re-opening of Gulf Station: The historic Gulf Station is a remarkable survivor of the 2009 fires. The property was caught between the Kinglake and Marysville blazes, which came within 200m of the buildings. Local volunteers fought ember attack and grass fires to save Gulf Station and they were awarded the Outstanding Contribution by Volunteers Award at the Victorian Tourism Awards for their brave role. After the fires, Gulf Station received Federal funding for major refurbishment and Heritage reinterpretation. The site was closed for the two year program that included major building repairs, conservation works and a new visitor centre created from a relocated heritage building.
STEPS funds will support the employment of a Volunteer Coordinator to manage the reopening of Gulf Station as a community hub. The Coordinator will support the community and local volunteers to re-establish a range of activities and programs at the Station and ensure the property is open as a tourist attraction. It is envisioned that through the support of a coordinator, that the property will be able to be run sustainably by a roster of volunteers in the future. National Trust of Australia (Victoria) $8,000.00
Practical Support for Firefoxes Community Work: Firefoxes Australia aims to provide high quality support, care and assistance to individuals & communities who suffered directly or indirectly as a result of the Victorian Bushfires. The group was formed in March 2009. The founders realised that men and women were handling the emotional trauma of Black Saturday and the aftermath very differently. The group formed to find out what women wanted and needed and to allow women to share their experiences, network and learn from each other. The group facilitates women and family retreats, monthly gatherings, special events and family activities. As the fourth anniversary of the fires draws closer, many of the Firefox volunteers are exhausted. With the assistance of STEPS funding, the group will employ a person to reduce the work load of existing volunteers and employ a consultant to develop a business plan. Firefoxes Australia $15,500.00
Kinglake Ranges Radio Operations Manager: The Kinglake Ranges Radio supports the activities of local organisations, clubs and schools. The station promotes upcoming community events and broadcasts regular interviews with representatives from various community groups including a monthly feature with the Neighbourhood house. The station received STEPS funding to increase the hours of their Operations Manager in order to further develop the station, manage administration tasks, enhance the quality of programs presented and increase the listener audience. The station aims to increase sponsorship and guarantee long term financial viability. Kinglake Ranges Radio $9,000.00
Arts Group Administration/Secretarial Support: The Kinglake Ranges Visual and Performing Arts Alliance (KRVPAA) is committed to the support and promotion of the arts across the Kinglake Ranges and to the establishment and maintenance of cooperative partnerships and friendships with regional, state and national arts and culture organisations. The KRVPAA received funds to employ an administration officer to alleviate volunteer exhaustion and to implement aspects of a recently developed Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan focuses the association’s efforts over the next three years, setting out modest and achievable goals. The Administration Officer will assist in achieving the initial tasks set out in this plan and support the long term sustainability of this prolific arts association. Kinglake Ranges Visual and Performing Arts Alliance $7,500.00
The Tree Project: The Australian Blacksmiths Association (Victoria) Incorporated, using an online forum invited blacksmiths worldwide to help create a forged gumtree as part of a memorial structure for the 2009 Victorian Bushfire disaster. The tree is to be a symbol of remembrance for the lives lost in the Black Saturday bushfires. Since the project began in March 2009, blacksmiths from over 20 countries have contributed over 3,000 leaves, gumnuts and twigs. When complete, the Tree will be erected at the Strathewen Reserve. The Project Manager has dedicated time to the project since 2009 and continues to work fulltime in a volunteer capacity on this project. Funds will provide a wage to the fatigued Project Manager for six months to bring the project to completion. Australian Blacksmiths Association $26,400.00
Traralgon South Administration Support Officer: The Traralgon South and District Association (TDSA) is a local community association which supports the bushfire affected communities of Callignee, Koornalla, Le Roy and Traralgon South. In 2011 the TSDA took over all the bushfire support activities of the Community Recovery Committee (CRC) in order to continue to support projects which had been started by the CRC and are still ongoing. This placed considerable strain on the voluntary committee and other community members of the TSDA, many who are themselves bushfire affected. The STEPS program provided a grant of $5,000 in May 2012 which supported the employment of an Administration Officer for six months through to October 2012. The TSDA requested additional funding to continue to employ an Administration Officer for a further 15 months to assist community groups in the region to complete existing disaster recovery related activities. Traralgon South & District Association $15,000.00
Kinglake Emergency Firewood Program: The Kinglake Emergency Firewood Program provides fire wood to eligible members of the community who are experiencing financial and other hardship. The program relies on volunteer labour to: manage access to the wood yard; maintain a continuous split wood supply; and coordinate the deliveries of emergency firewood to eligible families across the Kinglake Ranges. Clients in need of firewood are referred to the program through Berry Street. Over winter in 2012 the KRVRC had over 80 requests for emergency firewood. The wood yard is in need of a clean-up and upgrade to ensure the program continues and volunteers are working in a safe and accessible environment. STEPS funding will support the group to employ a machinery operator to clean up and improve conditions at the wood yard site. CatholicCare $14,170.00
Christmas Hills Renewal Project: The formation of a Christmas Hills Community Groups Network has done much to strengthen inter-association relations and communication within Christmas Hills since the 2009 fires. The group has partnered with Melbourne water and Nillumbik Shire Council to consult the community and identify priorities in regard to recovery and rebuilding. To date the community has made great progress toward recovery, largely from within its own resources. Rebuilding the Community Hall and other community projects has been completed; fatigue is limiting the capacity of the community to move into the next stage of township renewal and activation. STEPS funding will support the employment of a Project Coordinator to steer the “Christmas Hills Renewal Project‟. The Project Coordinator will relieve the pressure on CHCGN and individual community members who are presently operating at capacity. Christmas Hills Mechanic's Institute Hall Committee of Management Inc. $26,500.00
Toolangi Castella Administration Support: Community House staff and volunteers have been a pivotal resource and coordination point for the communities of Toolangi and Castella since the 2009 bushfire disaster. The House received $27,817.33 funding through the STEPS Program in February 2012 to support staff who were volunteering their time to complete coordination and administration work. These funds allowed the House to employ current staff for an additional 20 hours per week to manage a number of bushfire related projects. The House received funds to continue to employ staff for additional hours for a further nine months to ensure bushfire related projects are brought to completion. Toolangi Castella Community House $12,600.00
Jindivick Community Coordinator/Facilitator: Since the 2009 bushfires the community of Jindivick has tried to operate with a sense of ‘normality’ but increasingly the community organisations within the district are struggling to remain viable. The burden of personal and community recovery has resulted in individuals feeling stressed at the thought of taking positions on committees. The Jindivick Progress Association (JPA) is the auspice/partnering body for many groups in the community. The Association assists in completing grant applications and managing finances for various sub committees. The Association received funds to support the employment of a Community Coordinator /Facilitator to assist struggling groups in the community of Jindivick for a period of two years. The Coordinator role will alleviate the need for separate secretarial and administrative personnel for each community group. The Coordinator will also consider and develop more sustainable models for community groups in the area. Jindivick Progress Association Inc. $20,000.00
Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House Practical Support: The Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House (KRNH) received STEPS funding in October 2011 to assist the organisation to employ addition staff to manage the workload created by the recovery from the 2009 bushfire disaster event. The KRNH is still holding 15 grants donated by the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund to community groups within the Kinglake Ranges. The KRNH received feedback that the groups involved are in need of support to successfully keep to timelines, keep records, provide records and acquit grants successfully. The funding requested by KRNH will be used to employ additional part-time administration support to liaise with the community groups that are managing projects, ensure they are on track and support them to achieve the targets and timelines set out in VBAF funding agreements. The position will include administering and acquitting grant funds and keeping financial records for volunteer community groups. Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House $24,700.00
Traralgon South Practical Support. The Traralgon South and District Association is a local community association which supports the bushfire affected communities of Callignee, Koornalla, Le Roy and Traralgon South. Approximately 18 months ago, the TSDA took over all the bushfire support activities of the Community Recovery Committee, including 13 ongoing projects. This placed considerable strain on the voluntary committee and other community members of the TSDA, many who are themselves bushfire affected. STEPS funding has allowed the group to continue to employ their Admin Officer until further funding is secured. Traralgon South and District Association Inc. - $5,100
Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House Practical Support. STEPS funding has permitted the Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood house (KRNH) to employ a part time Grant Administrator / Book Keeper / Community Development worker for 12 months. The practical support position will assist the Neighbourhood House to manage over 15 Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund (VBAF) grants. Additional demands have been placed on existing staff members and community group volunteers to manage recovery projects. The position will assist groups that are in need of support to successfully keep to timelines, keep adequate records and acquit grants. Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House - $27,142.50
Stanley Post Office and Community Hub - Management / Coordinator. Stanley has a population of 700, and is located near Beechworth in the Alpine region of Victoria. Following the devastating economic impact of three major fires in the Alpine Region over the last ten years, the Stanley Post Office and General Store closed in December 2010. Within days the community had called a meeting which attracted 60 people and resolved to return postal services back to the community. Under the banner of Stanley Rural Community Incorporated (SRCI), the community secured a license from Australia Post and a portable building which was placed on Council land and fitted-out with the assistance of the Council and in-kind donations.
The post office is manned by a roster of 30 volunteers. A local volunteer was in charge of running the store and coordinating the volunteer effort. FRRR have provided funding to pay the coordinator for one year to ensure that the project receives the on-going support and development needed to succeed in the mid – long term. The building has become a community hub, with the coordinator and volunteers providing a function as a central communication and information link. The coordinator has also become responsible for publishing monthly community newsletter “Nine Mile News”. Stanley Rural Community Incorporated- $16,380
Toolangi / Castella Practical Support. Community House staff and volunteers have been a pivotal resource and coordination point for the communities of Toolangi and Castella since the 2009 bushfire disaster. Due to the workload associated with coordinating and supporting over 11 bushfire recovery projects, staff at the Toolangi Castella District Community House were permanently working more hours than they were paid. FRRR provided funds to the Community House to allow them to employ existing staff for an additional 20 hours per week. It is hoped that the grant will assist to reduce the volunteer fatigue experienced by staff at the Community House. Toolangi District Community House - $27,817.33
Marysville and Triangle Practical Support. Volunteer fatigue is a major issue for the Marysville community. Volunteers have worked tirelessly to initiate and assist in the recovery and rebuilding of the Marysville Triangle. Many of the community groups in the Marysville Triangle are currently in need of a high level of support to complete recovery projects. STEPS funding will allow the Recovery Committee to employ a Community Liaison Officer (CLO) who will provide much needed relief and support for the community.
The CLO will work with a range of community and organisation stakeholders to support community recovery and ongoing health and wellbeing initiatives. The position will play a key role to support the Marysville and Triangle Economic Leadership Group, helping to progress recovery priorities and advocate for resources and solutions. The CLO will work closely with community groups and assist them to complete recovery projects. Moreover, the CLO will provide resources, training and opportunities for skill development in order to strengthen and develop the sustainable growth of Marysville Triangle community groups into the future. Lake Mountain Resort Committee of Management - $30,000
Kinglake Trust Reserve Landscaping Project. All facilities on the Kinglake Trust Reserve were destroyed in the 2009 fires. Volunteers on the Reserve Committee have dedicated their time to rebuilding the facility. To date the Reserve Committee has cleared the grounds, fenced the area, reestablished the car park and restored electricity. Funding was secured to rebuild the Riders Club building, the horse yards and related facilities, which are complete and in use. In addition, the ‘Ellimatta’ Youth Building has been constructed on the Trust Reserve. The final stage of the restoration is to landscape and beautify the area. Volunteers on the committee were suffering from fatigue after devoting time and effort to the project over the past two years. STEPS provided funds to engage a landscape gardener to support the project to completion. Kinglake Trust Reserve - $12,000
Kinglake Memorial Reserve Practical Support. The Kinglake Memorial Reserve is undergoing a major $2 million refurbishment due to significant damage from the 2009 bushfire. All user groups of the reserve have experienced reduced levels of volunteers since the fires and are experiencing significant stress in trying to run their organisations with the additional pressure of overseeing the redevelopment. STEPS provided funds to the Memorial Reserve Committee to employee an Executive Officer for a period of 10 months. The Executive Officer will assist to increase the capacity of the community groups, oversee the $2 million redevelopment of the reserve precinct and provide specialist support and advice to community groups that use the reserve. The project aims to ensure the groups are sustainable and will not require a high level of external support in the future. Kinglake Memorial Reserve Committee of Management - $26,250
Connecting Youth. The Flowerdale youth group was started after the 2009 fires to provide activities for disengaged youth in the area. Over 50 children regularly attend the junior youth group and between 10 and 20 youth attend the senior group activities. With the assistance of Government and Rotary funds, a building to house the youth group has been constructed in Flowerdale. The program is coordinated by volunteers, a number of which have dedicated significant time to ensuring the program is a success. Volunteers coordinating the program are experiencing fatigue and are finding it difficult to continue to commit to the planning and coordination of activities. STEPS funding will allow the Community House to employ a Youth Worker to develop and implement a sustainable program at the new youth space. Flowerdale Community House - $28,252.80
Healesville Men’s Shed Support. Many of the participants at the Healesville Men’s Shed are experiencing mental and physical health issues and are in need of high levels of guidance and support. The level of support required to continue the program is beyond the normal expectations of a volunteer coordinator and would most likely result in significant volunteer fatigue without practical human resource support. STEPS funding has allowed the Learning Centre to employ a support worker for 15 hours per week for a period of 12 months. Healesville Living and Learning Centre - $19,500
Events Coordinator Kinglake Ranges Festival. A festival was held in the Kinglake Ranges in 2007. Due to the inaugural festival success the community aimed to make it a biannual event. Due to the 2009 bushfire disaster the event was postponed. The Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House believes that it is important for the community to resume events that occurred before the fires and aim to support the community in planning a festival to be held in 2012. The Festival will be a great opportunity to strengthen and showcase the community groups, local Artists, Primary Schools, Bolly-gum Park and small businesses.
The capacity of the community and community groups after the fires has been fractional. Many groups are very supportive of the festival however have minimal time and energy to plan and implement the project. STEPS funding has allowed the Neighbourhood House to employ an event coordinator to ensure the festival will go ahead. The grant will provide a number of benefits to the Kinglake community. Firstly, the fatigued community of Kinglake will be supported in their endeavour to hold a biannual festival and an event coordination manual will be developed to assist in the organisation of future Kinglake festivals. Secondly, the community of Kinglake are provided with an event that will result in building and strengthening economic and social capital in the area. And finally, an individual in the Kinglake area will be provided with a short-term employment opportunity as the event coordinator. Kinglake Ranges Neighbourhood House - $9,200
Rebuild Historical Society Collection Project Coordinator. The Marysville & District Historical Society’s (MDHS) entire collection was destroyed in the 2009 fires. The society has been fortunate to have the support of Mr Andrew Mackenzie (professional Librarian and Archivist) in re-establishing the MDHS’s collection. Mr Mackenzie has assisted the Society to source, gather, process and rebuild the Marysville collection. He has donated over 1,500 rare items from his own collection and has conducted a worldwide search to identify relevant items to include in the display. STEPS funding will allow the society to employ Mr Mackenzie for a period of twelve months to assist Historical Society volunteers to bring the project to completion, train the volunteers so that the collection is managed in the future and to act as coordinator for the celebration of Marysville’s 150th birthday in 2013. Marysville and District Historical Society - $30,000
Learn about the projects we've funded in other categories:
linkedin