All posts by riversranges

Economic development the key to regional recovery – Marysville

April 22, 2017 riversranges Leave a comment

Successful economic development and recovery poses significant challenges to the recovery of regions after disasters or economic stagnation, according to experts who addressed the 2017 Rivers and Ranges Community Leadership Program group on Friday 21 April, 2017.

The group was addressed by a range of experts including Bob Elkington, Economic Development Manager at Shire of Murrindindi, Mike Dalmau from Murrindindi Inc, and Allison Fitzgerald, Executive Officer, Warburton Business Centres and Yarra Ranges Enterprise Centres.

In an era of increasingly tightened funding opportunities, all speakers agreed that long-term recovery depended on sustainable business models, which in turn required community ‘buy-in’ and commitment for success.

However, when communities are suffering the trauma of disaster or the ongoing effects of economic slowdown, it takes time and consistent effort to help communities feel empowered to lead their own changes.

In addition, unforeseen changes can derail positive changes, such as that facing Warburton’s Yarra Ranges Enterprise Centre (YREC), a social enterprise supporting the growth and development of micro and small businesses in the area.

YREC was established to combat unemployment in the Warburton area by enabling micro and small business owners to secure a professional workspace and take advantage of coaching and networking opportunities.

Unfortunately, the future of the YREC is now uncertain, as the venue they are currently using is being sold, and the centre does not have sufficient funding to purchase it from the State Government.

With regional development on the Federal Government’s agenda, the timing seems ironic but the consequences will be serious for the current tenants in the YREC, who may lose their business space and support, and consequently have significant impacts to their local businesses. The knock-on effects for the local economy are not clear at this stage.

“It’s a shame that all the work we have done to support these local businesses and reduce unemployment in this region will be so negatively impacted if we lose our venue,” says Allison Fitzgerald. “We’re working very hard with local and state government stakeholders to find a solution, but we keep having doors closed in our face.”

To assist with saving the YREC, please sign your name on the petition below and encourage others to save this vital local initiative:

https://www.communityrun.org/petitions/save-yrec-business-incubator

For more information about YREC, visit their website: http://www.yrec.com.au/

BUILD OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER – Alexandra

March 31, 2017 riversranges Leave a comment

The 2017 Cohort of RRCLP descended on the beautiful town of Alexandra on the 31^st March. The Council Chamber doors were opened to speakers and leaders that provided valuable insight on community capacity building and resilience to the 2017 team.

The speakers included Naomi McNamara – Manager Community Services, Murrindindi Shire Council, Michelle Dunscombe – MAD Consulting and the Jeder Institute, Charlie Bisset – CEO CEACA (Continuing Education and Arts Centre of Alexandra), David Hall – experienced Community Leader through Berry Street and Mandy and Rod McCracken – discussing family resilience.

The focus of the day was community planning, asset recognition and development, the importance of communication/relationship building, responding to community challenges and key components of resilience.

Each speaker provided expertise in their specific topic with detailed examples within their communities.

The key messages of the day were that: a community’s resilience is measured against how well we collaboratively plan, communicate and support each other in times of need and, we should strive to build our communities that celebrate our successes, mobilise our skills and connect to bring about positive change.

Let’s look to our community leaders that embrace community capacity building, for guidance, as they help communities define a shared common vision for our future.

Furthermore, we should all be thinking of what “gifts we can give to our community” so that we can bring a positive collective impact.

In conclusion, building communities requires collaborative participation by all of its members.

Community leaders need to take a community capacity based model approach to build resilience and hence sustainability.

Let’s make our community better! Get involved!

2017 Program Launch and Networking Night

February 20, 2017 riversranges Leave a comment

Help us welcome this years participants of the Rivers and Ranges Community Leadership Program.

Network amongst industry leaders and learn more about the activities in your community.

‘Make your leadership dreams a reality’.

Date: Thursday 2nd of March 2017

Time: 7.00 to 9.00 pm

Venue: Alexandra Golf Club, 5 Gordon St, Alexandra

Bookings: Free but please book your ticket by 1st of March 2017 here: http://bit.ly/2ksP012

There will be Canapés served on arrival and drinks at bar prices

Guest Speaker: Nikki Simos (www.mindahead.com.au )

Nikki is a NLP coach, author, speaker, teacher and tutor. Additionally she is a mother of three and volunteers her time with several community organisations.

“I make it a mission of mine to meet your goals, your aspirations and coach you in living your dreams. I anticipate in achieving an attainable, successful and realistic time framed resolution, meeting your goals and needs”.

Enquiries: info@rrclp.org or contact Lisa Linton for further information on 0409 287 577

Grass Roots Governance Workshop

Quote November 13, 2016 riversranges Leave a comment

‘Grass Roots Governance’ the complete governance solution for community organisations

Most community-based boards and committees of management struggle to fully understand and fulfil their governance responsibilities and accountabilities. Unfortunately, they are usually also unaware of the significant risks this can expose them to as well!!!

Sound familiar? Have you ever joined a board or committee, only to discover that it is made up largely of well-meaning volunteers who sadly are fairly unaware of the requirements of their role as governor?

‘Grass Roots Governance’ is the simple but effective governance program designed to solve this common problem.

‘Grass Roots Governance’ is undertaken in three stages, providing groups with:

Stage 1 – Essential Information Provision,
Stage 2 – Targeted Planning Support, and
Stage 3 – Follow Up and External Accountability

So if you, or someone you know, are part of a board or committee of management that needs this program, contact us to find out more!

‘Grass Roots Governance’ – strengthening communities one group at a time

Stage 1: Essential Information Provision Workshop

Date: Tuesday 29thNovember, 6:30pm – 9:30pm

Venue: Kimberley Place Inc, Community Room 2, 33 Kimberley Drive, Chirnside Park
Cost: Corporate/Government $200 + GST, RRCLP Participants/Alumni & Community Groups/NFPs $150 + GST

Includes: Tea, coffee, light supper and resources

Bookings: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/grass-roots-governance-workshop-tickets-29323198476

Asset Based Community Driven (ABCD) Community Engagement and Development Workshop

November 11, 2016 riversranges Leave a comment

Monday 5th – Tuesday 6th December, Bundoora

Discover community strengths to address problems and realise collective dreams!

ABCD is a powerful approach to community engagement and development that focuses on abilities and potential, rather than problems and deficits, by discovering and mobilising the resources that are already present in a community.

Gain practical tools to assist communities to help themselves and others.

By building relationships and creating the space for opportunities to emerge, community members become powerful and are more in control of their own decision-making! The key principles will demonstrate how ABCD ensures an inclusive community process to discover and mobilise community strengths!

Build an effective strategy to create strong and inclusive communities.

Increasingly, ABCD has been widely adopted as an effective strategy for helping to create strong and inclusive communities. ABCD is a strengths-based approach to working with communities, which emphasises community leadership, and helps build relationships.

Leave the workshops with practical tools, skills and ideas

Drawing on the experience of both the participants and the facilitator, participants will:

Focus on assets rather than deficiencies

Identify and mobilise community assets
Identify natural leaders
Discover skills of individuals
Build effective partnerships

Date: Monday 5^th and Tuesday 6^th December, 9.30am – 4.30pm

Venue: Parkside Inn Motel and Conference Centre, 1045 – 1049 Plenty Rd, Bundoora

Cost: Corporate $300 + GST, Community Groups/NFP’s $180 + GST, RRCLP Participants /Alumni $150 +GST

Includes: Morning and afternoon teas, lunch, tea and coffee and resources

Bookings: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/abcd-2-day-workshop-tickets-28315111260

Leadership Lessons from Canberra for Local Communities

October 20, 2016 riversranges Leave a comment

Participants in the Rivers and Ranges Community Leadership Program (RRCLP) have just returned from a 3 day Study Tour to Canberra to better understand politics, their impact on our community and how locals can influence the agenda.

Common themes discussed with Members of Parliament included creating a culture of leadership in your community with strong values and connection by empowering people and being in touch with those you represent. Another clear message was that effective leaders are responsible for suggesting solutions to cultivate progress; it requires vision, collaboration and a willingness to embrace some risk.

RRCLP introduces participants to leaders with a range of experience and backgrounds over the ten-month course from March to December each year. They explore opportunities for the region, gain lifelong connections and provides advancement both professionally and in community leadership roles.

Ros Affleck, RRCLP Board Member believes that the program will “develop leaders versed in our common issues that over time will create a foundation to build thriving and resilient communities. Local issues including interface council pressures, population growth, environmental issues and increasing cultural diversity will require innovative leaders to drive change to meet these challenges into the future.”

If you are committed to making your community vibrant, sustainable and resilient, then the RRCLP is for you. Applications for next years program open next month and provide one of the most transformational experiences of a lifetime – the Rivers and Ranges Community Leadership Program.

Thank you to the generous support from organisations across the region, this program continues to positively impact our local communities, organisations and business to build a connected leadership network across Mitchell, Murrindindi, Nillumbik, Whittlesea and Yarra Ranges.

If you are interested in applying or becoming a sponsor organisation visit www.rrclp.org.au, follow @RRCLP1 on Twitter, find us on Facebook or contact Executive Officer Lisa Linton M: 0409 287 577 or E: pm@rrclp.org.au.

Launch 2014-2015 Hugh Williamson Foundation Project – Tragedy of the Commons

Link June 17, 2015 riversranges Leave a comment

Littering and dumping of rubbish in public spaces (the “Commons”) impacts flora, fauna and waterways and spoils the beauty of these important areas.

Rivers and Ranges Community Leadership Program 2014 -2015 participants conducted research into environmental issues affecting the region incorporating the Local Government areas of Mitchell, Murrindindi, Nillumbik, Whittlesea and Yarra Ranges. They found that rubbish dumping and littering was a significant issue, impacting on the amenity of the area, on flora, fauna, waterways and biodiversity.

Using funding through the Hugh Williamson Foundation under their Bug Blitz program, the group set out to tackle the issue and highlight its importance to the community. Over the course of less than a month, program participants collected and photographed over 100 kilos of rubbish in the region.

With the assistance of artist Liz Walker, and steel fabricator Adam Hoss Ayres, a forest of fifteen sculptured trees was created from the rubbish collected. Participants spent many hours preparing the rubbish to enable the wider community to be involved in three community workshops to construct the trees.

Inspired by the project, Broadford Cubs, Epping North and Kinglake residents created beautiful trees made from a variety of materials including cans, plastic bottles, cigarette boxes, balls and thongs, and foam. Rubbish was threaded onto the steel frames and the participants named their completed trees. These groups are part the campaign’s original ambassadors. The trees have a most striking visual appearance when all fifteen are displayed together as a forest.

Using many hundreds of images taken by the participants, Liz Walker also created a patchwork quilt made of 5 separate panels depicting the five local government areas in which the rubbish was collected and where the issue is of major community concern. It is created using 375 individual squares made from printed matt photographic paper. The base of each square is made from recycled cardboard. The overall impact on the environment is depicted when the panels come together to show the effect of dumped rubbish from top to bottom transforming a beautiful, vibrant and colorful environment to one of grey and black when rubbish has accumulated. A river is depicted in blue but gradually turns to grey as rubbish accumulates. Fauna is affected as can be seen by the number of dead birds, fish and insects in the quilt.

The art pieces have been displayed at a number of public events but are also being used to brand a social media campaign against rubbish dumping and littering, inspiring change and creating community discussion and action.

The campaign will focus their Facebook page on: https://www.facebook.com/tragedyofthecommonsrrclp

Increasing awareness of illegal dumping and littering impacts and promote better ways to deal with end-of-life products and materials,
Providing key partner organisation contacts with tools so they feel more supported to address this issue in our community through the website
Engaging people in creative and positive ways, empowering like-minded people to connect and take action on this issue across the Rivers and Ranges municipalities.

To launch their campaign participants have organised a photo and caption competition, which you can find out about on their Facebook page. Please find below their Terms and Conditions.

Facebook Terms and Conditions RRCLP