STEPS Program - Training and Skills Development projects
STEPS Program - Funded Projects
The STEPS program offers a flexible, independent source of funds to support not-for-profit community groups affected by or impacted by the Victorian 2009 Bushfires. It 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.
There are typically five types of programs funded and this page deails the projects funded which support training and skills development.
Training and Skills Development
Targeted Planning Support: Transition Wallan Inc. is a volunteer group whose aim is to move the whole community to a low carbon emission lifestyle. It was founded in 2010 and now has 80 members. The group believes that by providing a positive outlook and the means of changing the future, locals will feel supported as they recover from recent disasters and will gain confidence in the future. Members have completed governance training and requested funds to engage an external facilitator to assist the group to clarify its priorities and develop a long term plan with clear actions and outcomes. Transition Wallan Inc. $2,400.00
Governance Training: ‘Grass Roots Governance’ training courses were funded for 12 Mitchell Shire community groups in the communities of Kilmore, Wallan, Seymour, Broadford, Clonbinane, and Darraweit. The training was developed with the aim of upskilling the board members of grass root community groups to enable them to better understand their governance responsibilities and accountabilities. Kilmore & District Community Group Inc. $14,840.00
Strategic Planning Session: The King Parrot Creek Environmental Group (KPCEG) was formed in November 2012. The Committee were approved funds to develop a Strategic Plan that will give the group direction for the future. KPCEG is working hard to create a more cohesive group at leadership and member level and develop a five year plan that has input from, and owned by, all members of the group. King Parrot Creek Environment Group Inc. $2,700.00
Safe Food Handling: Many community groups in Kilmore East provide catering at events and activities. STEPS funding will support 10 members of local community groups in Kilmore East to complete Safe Food Handling Certificates. Members of a minimum of six community groups will complete the online training course. Completion of the course will ensure that any catering provided at meetings, working bees, community gatherings, fundraising activities and workshops is prepared safely and legally. Training in safe food handling is essential for anyone who undertakes or supervises food handling operations. The training will enhance the skill base of community groups in Kilmore East. Kilmore East Progress Association $900.00.
Grass Roots Governance: The boards of many grass-root community groups in the Shires of Murrindindi and Mitchell require up-skilling to enable them to better understand their governance responsibilities and accountabilities. Funding will support 10 community groups from Murrindindi Shire and five from Mitchell Shire to complete the “Grass Roots Governance” training course. As a result of the training, community groups in the Shires will be strengthened and confidently able to meet their aims, objectives, responsibilities and accountabilities. In addition, a larger pool of community members will have the skills required to develop and participate in community activities and projects. Continuing Education and Arts Centre of Alexandra (CEACA) Inc. $8,000.00; Mitchell Community Resources and Advocacy Group Inc. (MCRAG) $4,800.00
Training for Community Leaders: A Community Foundation has been established for the benefit of the population of Marysville and Triangle. In order to ensure community members have the skills to manage the Foundation, funds were requested to support training in organisational governance and community development. Funding was granted to support foundation members and community leaders to attend training regarding running meetings and organisational planning. Marysville and Triangle Community Association $6,000.00
Men’s Shed Training Project: Construction of a Men’s Shed at Traralgon South has recently been completed. The Shed is being established to support the recovery of bushfire-affected communities Callignee, Koornalla, Le Roy and Traralgon South. Funding will support the delivery of three training sessions to increase the First Aid skills of local volunteers. The sessions will include Apply First Aid (Level 2 First Aid), Anaphylaxis and Asthma and Occupational Health and Safety training. Each training session will be offered to 10 members of the district. In addition, funding will support three members of the shed to complete Certificate IV in Training and Assessment to ensure a wider range of professional programs is run from the shed. The training will ensure the new Men’s Shed is up and running for the benefit of the community as soon as possible. Traralgon South & District Association $10,993.35
Into Our Hands - Fire Affected Communities Learning Together. Mudgegonga is a small community in the Alpine Region of North Eastern Victoria. It was one of the areas affected by the devastating events of the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009.
In 2011, the Mudgegonga and District Landcare Group coordinated an application to the STEPS program, a joint initiative between FRRR and the Department of Planning and Community Development, to undertake a series of workshops to equip local residents with the skills necessary to encourage greater involvement in community activities and to conduct a feasibility study to assist with development of a Community Foundation.
Fourteen representatives from six local community groups attended seven training sessions. Each workshop was designed to help connect the community by improving communication, problem solving, strategic planning and grant writing abilities, as well as identifying future opportunities.
The program, which concluded in February, was an overwhelming success, with one participant saying, “The program has expanded my view of what is possible and given me more confidence to take on more within my community.”
Three-quarters of the way through the course, 70% of the participants said they had increased their knowledge of Community Foundations and their purpose. 70% also felt encouraged and supported to take on a community role.
As one attendee said, “I have really gained a lot of confidence from participating in the course. I am excited and enthusiastic about the philanthropic fund and its huge potential long term benefits for our local community.”
Based on the success of the pilot program, the STEPS Program funded another series of workshops, which means a further 20 participants will benefit from the training. Mudgegonga & District Landcare Group Inc. - $29,417.75
First Aid Training. Members of the Myrtleford Men’s Shed recognise the need for their community to be prepared for future disasters. The group were successful in receiving funding to conduct a First Aid Training Course for members of the Men’s Shed and the wider community. An invitation to participate in the training has been offered to other local groups. The First Aid Course will benefit members of volunteer clubs in a number of ways. Firstly, volunteers who are trained in first-aid are also more likely to be more knowledgeable and conscious of safe behaviour in their working environment, thus preventing injuries. Secondly, providing first aid training to volunteers in the Myrtleford area may be the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. Myrtleford Men's Shed - $1,506
Through Women’s Eyes: Increasing Disaster and Community Resilience. Women’s Health Goulburn North East (WHGNE) applied to STEPS for funding to run a training course for 30 women in the alpine region that would provide skills and training in relation to disaster management, prevention and recovery. WHGNE recognise that women have a unique perspective on community danger and safety. The training will be facilitated by the WHGNE and informed by the internationally recognised “Working with women at risk: Practical guidelines for assessing local disaster risk” research. Women’s Health will apply a highly interactive “Learning Circle” approach to the training. This approach will encourage training groups to share, express and build on knowledge through a process of open dialogue and deep reflection around issues and problems. Women who participate in the training will gain increased knowledge regarding local risks, hazards and strengths and increase their ability to become agents of change in their own communities. Women's Health Goulburn North East - $19,100
Learn more about the projects we've funded in other categories:
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