Making communities stronger

Thanks to an Individual Sponsorship grant from Wellington Shire Council, Rosedale Neighbourhood House volunteer, Heather Shaw, was fortunate to attend this year’s annual Communities in Control Conference in Melbourne. The conference is Australia’s biggest and best annual gathering of community sector workers, volunteers and supporters.

The conference had more than 1,000 attendees focussing on the theme ‘What makes a healthy community?’. Heather is keen to make a difference for the Rosedale community and the conference has helped to cement her passion to be part of the cog in the wheel of change for her community. She wants to help the community be strong, vital and participative, and be in charge of their own destiny so that the town can survive and thrive.

Heather said: “Attending the conference and listening to others speak about their journey and the changes they have made for their own communities was awe inspiring. We have so many facilities and organisations in our community that are in a prime position to empower people to make a difference to individuals and groups, so let’s use them.

“People have the power to make a difference. People who feel they belong are more motivated to make that difference. It’s time to be ‘neighbourly’ and nonjudgmental and work toward a common goal of a happier, healthier and safer community in our beautiful Shire.”

Heather found the chance to attend such a well organised conference was inspiring. She said: “The networks you develop and the strategies learned are fabulous and well worth developing. You make new friendships with like-minded people, who all have fantastic ideas for community development. What more could you want?”.

Wellington Shire Council General Manager Community & Culture Glenys Butler says, “It is great to hear a recipient from our grants program getting so much benefit from it. Not only has it helped the individual, but Heather will hopefully now go on to share her enthusiasm and passion with others to bring benefits to the community of Rosedale.”

The Wellington Shire Council Individual Sponsorship is open all year round as part of the Quick Response Grants scheme and provides assistance of up to $500. For more information about the scheme visit www.wellington.vic.gov.au/quickgrants or call the Grants Officer on 1300 366 244.

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