STEPS Program - Strengthening Community Networks
STEPS Projects
The STEPS program is a flexible, independent source of funds to support not-for-profit community groups affected by or impacted by the Victorian 2009 Bushfires. It generally supports projects in five areas. This page lists the grants awarded for projects that help Strengthen Community Networks.
Strengthening Community Networks
Online Communications Project: Creating a website will help to strengthen the business and tourism community of the Murrindindi Shire by more effectively communicating and sharing accurate, targeted information in a coordinated manner. The website, for the business community, will contain information that promotes strategic thinking, improved communication and cooperation, effective use of limited resources and idea sharing. Murrindindi Inc. $4,500.00
Communication and Motivation: The Kilmore East Progress Association was approved funds to roll out a four stage project that will assist to strengthen community networks and communication in Kilmore East. The project involves the distribution of a community newsletter and welcome kits (for new residents to the area), the erection of a community notice board and the provision of a community workshop facilitated by a motivational speaker. The project will ensure the community is informed of local events and activities. The project aims to create a sense of community and increase participation. Kilmore East Progress Association $1,925.00
Back on Track Youth Music Concert: In 2010, Local youth in the Whittlesea area developed the concept of holding an event that gave local youth the opportunity to perform, network and support each other. The Back on Track Music Concert was first held in December 2010 with over 600 people attending to watch over 30 acts. Due to the success of the first concert, Back on Track was held again in October 2011. The concert received financial support from a range of donors initially. In 2012, with the support of CatholicCare, the Back on Track working group (comprised of 20 local youth) applied to STEPS for funds to support stage, sound and lighting equipment hire to ensure the concert was held for a third year. CatholicCare $5,000.00
Road-show to Raise Awareness of New Leadership Program: An application from Community Leadership Loddon Murray Inc. requested support for the effective launch of a new Community Leadership Program (CLP) in the bushfire affected region north of Melbourne. At this stage in the program’s establishment, production of promotional materials and activities that raise awareness and generate partnerships are essential. The Road-show event will visit the five LGA’s encompassed by the new Rivers and Ranges CLP. The Road-show will target local government, state and federal government agencies, community groups, business, industry and other community leaders. The Road-show will involve publication and dissemination of the RRCLP Business Plan to potential sponsors, supporters and champions. Community Leadership Loddon Murray $10,595.00
Gippsland Women’s Forum. The Gippsland Women’s Forum was developed three years ago as part of the Women Leading Change, Government initiative (DPCD) with the aim to support rural women, who in turn support their families and communities in challenging times. The decision to run the forum was a result of severe drought and hardship in the Gippsland community. The second year of the forum saw many parts of Gippsland affected by bushfires; the impact on the local communities was significant. It was decided to conduct the forum to encourage women to come together and support each other, link with support services and begin the recovery process. The Yarram & District Health service applied to FRRR for funding to hold a third Gippsland Women’s Forum in 2011.
Women from across Gippsland were invited to attend the FRRR Gippsland Women’s Forum, which was help on Saturday 26th January 2011 at the Yarram Secondary College. The forum opened with an inspiring presentation by Ms Janine Shepherd, international athlete. Ms Shepherd succeeded through insurmountable adversity following a tragic accident, to become an enigma to others struggling to overcome issues in their own lives. Most of the women who attended the forum evaluated Ms Shepard’s presentation as the highlight of the day and for some the leading factor as to why they came.
Participants then selected from over 16 workshops, which were conducted in the morning and afternoon. Examples of the workshops included:
- Exploring your talents: A journey of self-discovery using drawing materials and collage to reconnect with yourself.
- Raising Teenagers: Exploring current issues and parenting styles
- Mechanical Wizards: Teaching how to change a tyre, check your oil and water and general maintenance on your car.
- Developing your DIY skills: Useful tips for home repairs such as tiling, painting and wall papering.
- Glamour and everyday jewellery made the easy way: Basic skills you need to design and craft earrings, necklaces and bracelets.
- Mindfulness and Happiness: How to identify what you are feeling, the role of frustration and anger, managing feelings and moving forward.
- Minding our busy-ness: Ways in which to address how the busy-ness of our lives can be managed so that there is time and space for some self-nurturing.
At completion of the workshops participants took the opportunity to network and foster friendships developed during the day’s activities.
The forum was followed by a Gala Dinner at the historic Regent Theater in Yarram. During the dinner participants were entertained by Mr. Brad Blaze. Mr. Blaze rapidly created three portraits of prominent women - in a style which he describes as a mix between Mr. Squiggle and Rolf Harris. Mr. Blaze generously stayed on after his performance and drew characters of most of the women in attendance. An auction was held at the end of the evening which raised $1,000 to go towards women’s events in Gippsland. The auction was superbly run by local auctioneer David Phelan. Items that were auctioned included the three paintings by Mr. Brad Blaze and a massage chair.
150 women attended the forum and 98% reported that they would be interested in attending future forums. Many of the participants travelled significant distance to attend. The event has shown that there is definitely and interest in the community for women specific activities. Yarram & District Health Service- $15,750
Fiddlehead Festival of Community Regeneration through Music Making. STEPS funding will assist Community Music Victoria (CMV) to run The Fiddlehead Festival: A celebration of state-wide community regeneration through music-making. The Fiddlehead Festival project will involve collaboration, story-sharing and music-making between community groups in fire affected areas of Central Gippsland and across Victoria. Together they will produce and participate in a single day festival in Yinnar (Central Gippsland). The intention of the event is to celebrate and contribute to the growth of the power of community music making in the recovery of Victoria’s fire-affected communities. The process will be facilitated by CMV, six key groups will co-organise the event, 15 – 20 groups will participate and it is anticipated that upwards of 500 people will attend.
Music often communicates where words fail, and music therapy has been proven to connect with those who were thought to be unreachable, making it an ideal medium for working with those who have suffered psychological trauma. Music can be used to promote wellness, manage stress, alleviate pain, express feelings, enhance memory, improve communication and promote rehabilitation. Playing music or singing together creates a social and creative environment in which friendships and connections can flourish and communities are strengthened as a consequence. Community music groups have contributed significantly to the capacity of some communities to deal with disaster and the Fiddlehead Festival will be an opportunity for people to testify to that and celebrate what has been created together. Community Music Victoria - $10,000
Community Information Exchange and Calender of Events. The Kinglake Ranges Foundation have received funding through the STEPS program to support and strengthen community groups in the region through providing opportunities to build their capacity and skill base. The grant will allow the foundation to make a number of resources available to community groups in the region including community resource kits and training programs, a newsletter, web site and calendar of events. The resources kit and training will assist community groups to improve their governance skills such as the development of committee roles & responsibilities, legal duties, risk management strategies, strategic and business planning, and policy. The newsletter, website and calendar of events are intended to increase participation, communication and networking between community groups in the area.
Community groups in bushfire affected areas have experienced a number of issues due to lack of communication and networking between groups. A number of new community groups have formed since the fires and a number of others have taken on roles that are not within their normal capacity. Communication between community groups provides the opportunity for groups with similar priorities to work together and avoid replicating projects. Additionally, community members who are aware of opportunities to assist with rebuilding and recovery initiatives are more likely to become involved. By strengthening community communication and networks, communities will be better prepared to cope with future disaster events. Kinglake Ranges Foundation - $17,371
Community Foundation Feasibility Studies. Three regions were supported to undertake feasibility studies to evaluate the long term viability of a local community foundation. The feasibility study explores the geographic area to be served, the options of developing a stand-alone foundation or affiliating with an established one and considers the size of the population and the ability of the community to fund the costs of operating the foundation. Each region is now considering the recommendations or completing their feasibility studies. Mitchell Community Resources and Advocacy Group (MCRAG) - $7,000, Marysville & Triangle Transition Committee - $7,000. The already established Kinglake Ranges Foundation received $5,000 to assist them develop a strategic plan.
Learn about programs we've funded in other categories:
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