The GROW program provided community and volunteer supported groups with advice and support to build resilient, strong, and adaptive organisations capable of sustaining their operations and contributing to community recovery efforts. The program was delivered in 2023-2024, and drew in 45 groups from Rural City of Wangaratta, Mansfield Shire Council, Alpine Shire Council and Indigo Shire.
The program design consisted of two correlated, though distinct arms:
- Skills webinars to provide structured support on the key areas of need identified, including Vision and Purpose, Digital 101 for Community Groups, Attracting and Retaining Volunteers, Governance and Compliance and Grant Writing.
- A Volunteer Resource Officer, Susan Benedyka, was appointed to work with community groups, delivering one on one sessions through which tailored support could be provided, in line with the specific needs of the group.
Program outcomes:
- 82.61% of participants reported that the GROW program moderately to significantly improved their group’s capacity.
- 73.91% of participants experienced a moderate to significant increase in knowledge and skills.
- 78.26% rated the one-on-one sessions as very or extremely beneficial.
The average satisfaction rating with the program was 8 out of 10
60.87% of respondents are very likely to sustain the practices and knowledge gained.
