ABOUT US
Our Story
Embracing the future, acknowledging the past
In 2015, Wimmera Volunteers (Volunteering Western Victoria) and the Wimmera HUB made the decision to come together and become one entity known as ‘the Centre for Participation’. Through this partnership, we’ve been able to strengthen our offering and better support the communities we serve.
The Centre for Participation changes lives and communities through local opportunities in community support, volunteering, learning and partnerships.
The Pillars of our Work
We help people build the type of community they want to live in.
We do this by strengthening individuals, organisations and communities. Through localised opportunities to participate, we connect people and organisations with support and services that help them and their communities flourish.
Our focus is on helping people get involved, responding to local needs, and creating a strong and active community.
Volunteering is at the heart of any vibrant, thriving community.
That’s why we offer a range of services designed to promote and strengthen volunteering within localised regions. We help recruit, train and support quality volunteers, and develop volunteer management systems for organisations that make the process simple.
As the go-to place for people looking to get involved in volunteering, we’re also creating opportunities to learn new skills, boost social connections, build pathways to employment, and make a difference.
Learning is the key to opening different life doors and helping people create the future they want.
We connect people with the learning opportunities that suit them and help them reach their goals. Through our localised accredited courses, lifelong learning and skill-based education, we support people to grow, strengthen their knowledge and confidence, and have more choices in life.
We believe that anything is possible for anybody, and offer an individualised, encouraging learning environment that gives people the tools they need to succeed.
Working in partnership means we can achieve more for the communities we serve.
By bringing together networks with different skills and expertise, we strengthen organisations that support the community and help them be their best.
We also partner with organisations directly to help them build their capacity, including through localised learning to upskill staff, assistance with volunteer recruitment and training, and opportunities to support people and the wider community.
OUR MISSION
Our Vision
To change lives and strengthen communities through local opportunities in community support, volunteering, learning and partnerships.
Our Values
The board, staff and volunteers share a common set of values that guide the Centre for Participation in fulfilling its vision. These values influence our actions, guide our decisions, mould our policies and underpin our strategic priorities.
Inclusion and respect
We believe that everyone has the right to be culturally and socially accepted, welcomed and equitably treated.
Integrity
We are committed to being open and honest in our work and actions, believing that transparency is important.
Life-long learning
We seek to provide accessible and affordable learning opportunities for people of all ages, recognising the importance of developing knowledge and skills needed now and into the future.
Responsiveness and innovation
We seek to remain flexible and have the courage to take informed risks and ‘try something new’, without compromising our commitment to quality.
Partnership
Collaboration with voluntary and community groups, and public and private sector businesses, improves our ability to support positive outcomes for individuals and our communities.
Our strategic plan 2021-2024
This strategic plan sets out our plan for the future direction of the Centre for Participation. It brings together the insights uncovered during strategic planning workshops held in late 2020, exploring where we are now, where we’re going and how we’ll get there.
Core themes of our strategic plan:
- Anything is possible for anybody
Create a vibrant, resilient and inclusive community.
- We’re all in this together
Strengthen our reach and impact through strategic partnerships and alliances.
- Authentic leadership
Lead the way – inside and out.
- Getting on with business
Diversify revenue streams for sustainable impact into the future.
Our people
With wide-ranging skills, experience and expertise, each person brings unique insights and perspectives that help shape and guide the Centre for Participation.
OUR BOARD
Bernadette O’Shannessy | Chair
Bernie is an experienced advocate and educator with a diverse career spanning over two decades. She has worked as a Disability Advocate, Equality Advocate, and Sessional Teacher, contributing significantly to the Wimmera Region. Bernie is passionate about adult education, disability awareness, and promoting equality through her extensive volunteer and professional work.
Emily Dalkin | Deputy Chair
Emily Dalkin is a dedicated educator and leader from the Wimmera, with extensive experience as a school principal and a passion for fostering thriving regional communities. Based in Rupanyup, her expertise spans inclusive education, curriculum design, stakeholder engagement, and governance. Emily’s career highlights include leading Marnoo Primary School, founding DRAMA UP! workshops for children, and contributing to social enterprise initiatives such as Good2Go in Melbourne. Emily is eager to bring her strategic leadership skills, community connections, and advocacy for accessibility and improvement to the Centre for Participation's Board.
John Martin
John is an agricultural engineer by training and has been the Infrastructure Director at Horsham Rural City Council since 2012, after many years previously at GWMWater. John enjoys working with the community, and was a long-serving member of the Horsham Apex Club, and board member of schools his children attended.
Venetia Maria Kardogeros
Multi-lingual Early Child Educator and Room Assistant at Emerge Early Years Services, Dimboola, with strong governance experience. Certified Community Director and volunteer for various community organisations. Known for exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving skills, energetic teamwork, and dedication to creating positive learning environments. Currently undertaking a Bachelor of Social Science at Federation University.
Raghavendra Vasudeva Upadhyaya
Raghavendra is a qualified Engineer with over 12 years of project management experience, holding a Ph.D. in Engineering and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors GAICD. As the Director of Infrastructure Services at Upper Hunter Shire Council, they manage a $60M+ budget and oversee 100+ staff. Their expertise includes strategic planning, financial oversight, risk management, and securing substantial state and federal grants.
Grant Holloway
Dr. Grant Hollaway brings over three decades of experience in leadership, research, and community engagement. Based in Horsham, Victoria, he has held senior roles at Agriculture Victoria and Astute Ag, demonstrating expertise in project management, budget oversight, and strategic planning for large-scale initiatives. Dr. Hollaway's governance credentials include completing the Australian Institute of Company Directors' course and chairing or serving on committees in agriculture and local community sectors. His accolades, such as the GRDC Recognising Excellence Award, reflect his impact in supporting regional industries. Passionate about community development, he seeks to leverage his skills to benefit the Centre for Participation.
Arun Thomas
Arun Thomas is a dynamic healthcare leader with a passion for innovation, governance, and aged care. A Registered Nurse, he became one of Victoria's youngest public hospital board directors at 27, providing strategic direction and clinical governance at Stawell Regional Health. Arun's dedication has earned accolades, including the 2018 Victorian Aged Care Leadership Award and 2019 Channel 7 Victorian Young Achiever of the Year. He holds prestigious roles across healthcare organisations, serves as a mentor, and advocates for vulnerable communities. Arun’s visionary leadership and deep expertise continue to drive excellence in healthcare and aged care, inspiring future leaders in the sector.
Meredith Knoop
Meredith has a Masters of Business Administration, a Bachelor of Nursing and a Diploma of Community Services.
Sally Marcroft
Sally has a Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Arts, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment and a Diploma in Business Governance. Founder of Training on Track.
OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM
Robbie Millar MICDA, FICDA, Dip.Bus. (Gov) | Chief Executive Officer
Robbie is a highly experienced and effective leader in the community and social services sector, with over 20 years of expertise in the for-purpose industry. With a range of diplomas including Business Governance, Vocational Education and Training, Training Design and Development, and Business Management, he has honed his skills in leadership, social enterprise, coaching, conflict resolution, public speaking, and facilitation. Driven by a strong passion for improving the lives and outcomes of disadvantaged people residing in the Wimmera Southern Mallee, Robbie is continually seeking opportunities to make a positive impact. He is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in our region and strives to create a better environment for individuals and families to live, work, study, and grow.
Helen Hawken | Finance Manager
Helen began her career as an Officer in the Australian Army then gained experience in several industries including Mining and Property after which she joined the Australian National Audit Office in Canberra as an Auditor for Business Processes. Moving to Horsham she worked for Uniting (Vic-Tas) as Financial Analyst for the Wimmera and Tasmanian Uniting Branches.
With a Bachelor of Economics and a Masters of Accounting Helen brings over 20 years exposure to financial procedures and processes.
Having had the opportunity with the Australian Army to visit Southeast Asia, Helen thoroughly enjoys working for the various multicultural groups at the Centre for Participation. Helen sees her role as a way of ‘giving back’ in appreciation for the wonderful experiences she has received from those cultures.
Jessica Koenig | Social Enterprise Manager
Jessica’s enthusiasm lies in the realm of business and social entrepreneurship. Her primary goal is to be a catalyst for organisations to achieve positive social, cultural, economic, or environmental outcomes that benefit our community.
She places great importance on ensuring that individuals from marginalised groups, including those who are isolated, elderly, or have additional needs, have equal opportunities to collaborate, take action, and learn together.
Pablo Alfredo Gimenez | Social Enterprise Advisor
Pablo has a strong commitment to social justice focusing his efforts with small community groups delivering big impacts.
He has over 30 years experience working across the community legal, self help, advocacy, refugee, homelessness, health, disability and social enterprise sectors.
In 2001 Pablo was awarded a Commonwealth Centenary Medal in recognition of his work with some of the most disadvantaged members of our community.