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Approaches to community strengthening

Three principles underpin the Victorian Government’s approach to strengthening communities. They are:

• the importance of investing in community strengthening activities
• the need to develop integrated local approaches to planning and delivery of services
• the requirement to change the way government works, both within government and with the community sectors

Place based

The place based approach to community strengthening has complementary top-down and bottom-up elements. The top-down element involves government and other partners providing a strategic and coordinated investment response to community needs and priorities that have been identified by local residents.

The bottom-up element involves activities that enable individuals to participate in the life of the community and take part in priority setting and decision making to influence and shape their local community.

The Community Building Initiative and Community Renewal are two examples of the Department of Planning and Community Development’s place based approach to community strengthening.

Community Building Initiative

The Community Building Initiative brings local residents together with government and community agencies to plan for and address local needs, build local leadership and foster community networks.

Funding is available over four years through the Community Building Initiative to energise and strengthen communities through active participation in community events and activities that build community capacity and leadership. Find out more about the Community Building Initiative.

Community Renewal

Community Renewal brings different parts of government, community organisations and local residents together to set priorities and take action to revitalise the places where they live, work, learn and play. Find out more about Community Renewal.

Neighbourhood Houses

Neighbourhood Houses provide a broad range of community events and social, educational and recreational programs at low cost. They aim to enhance the social and economic development of communities and run on principles of inclusive participation, community empowerment, life-long learning and active citizenship. Find out more about Neighbourhood Houses.

Men's Sheds

A men’s shed is a place where men can meet new friends and mates, gain and use their practical skills and knowledge to make or fix things as well as sometimes just have fun. Many men’s sheds are emerging as part of a local neighbourhood house, community health centre or attached to an adult community education organisation or church.
Find out more about Men's Sheds (PDF 1030 kb).

The Victorian Government’s Action Plan: Strengthening Community Organisations

The Victorian Government’s Action Plan: Strengthening Community Organisations will ensure the long-term sustainability of the not-for-profit sector. Find out more about the action plan.

Victorian Community Support Grants

One of our many funding programs is the Victorian Community Support Grants which fund innovative ideas and projects that create stronger local communities. This could be by:

• strengthening the capacity of communities
• increasing local leadership
• involving a wide range of groups
• supporting the involvement of volunteers
• improving social, learning, cultural, employment and economic opportunities
• improving community environments, resources and infrastructure

Visit Grants@DPCD to learn more about these grants.

Supporting Victoria’s volunteers

Volunteering is a great way to get involved with your community and offers huge benefits to the volunteer. It can bring great personal satisfaction as well as important outcomes for the community. People from all walks of life, age groups, cultural backgrounds, from towns and rural areas are volunteering to make their communities more active, confident and resilient. Find out how to get involved in volunteering.

Connecting communities

The Department of Planning and Community Development encourages community enterprise that links the business and community sectors because it can play an important part in building stronger and more connected communities. The Department also creates links with local communities through its local teams and its regular In the Community events. Find out more about connecting communities.

Changing the way government works

A Fairer Victoria’s success requires new partnerships among communities, the non-government sector, business and other levels of government to enhance collaboration in the planning of services and improved delivery. Find out how government is changing the way it works to build stronger communities.

2006 Commonwealth Games

The 2006 Commonwealth Games is an opportunity to help Victoria build a lasting legacy made up of better infrastructure, stronger communities and a healthier environment. Visit the Office of Commonwealth Games Coordination to find out more.

Promoting healthy and active communities

The Victorian Government wants to create healthy and resilient communities through promoting the benefits of healthier and more active living. The Department of Planning and Community Development is supporting this initiative through a range of investments and programs, including sport and recreation initiatives and the Victorian Volunteer Small Grants.

Visit Go for Your Life to learn more.

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