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Meals on Wheels is an essential service that has been supporting the elderly, disabled, and vulnerable members of our community for decades. Not only does it provide nutritious meals to those in need, but it also promotes social cohesion by facilitating social interaction and preventing social isolation.

Our volunteers deliver meals directly to the homes of those who are unable to cook or shop for themselves, allowing them to maintain their independence and remain living in their own homes. For many in our rural community, Meals on Wheels is a lifeline that ensures they receive nutritious meals and social interaction on a regular basis.

The social aspect of Meals on Wheels cannot be understated. Volunteers who deliver the meals often take the time to check in on their clients, have a chat, and provide companionship. This social interaction is incredibly important, particularly for those who live alone and may not have regular visitors.

Meals on Wheels also provides an opportunity for volunteers to give back to their community and connect with others. Many volunteers cite the sense of purpose and fulfilment they feel by contributing to Meals on Wheels and helping those in need.

As for myself, a fortnightly Meals on Wheels round is a chance to escape from the office, clear my mind to think creatively, and connect with remarkable individuals while listening to their personal experiences.

In addition to providing meals and social interaction, Meals on Wheels also plays a vital role in identifying and addressing the needs of our clients. Volunteers are trained to identify any changes in a client’s wellbeing or living conditions and report them, ensuring that vulnerable members of our community receive the care and support they need.

This critical service promotes social cohesion and supports the most vulnerable members of our community. As we continue to navigate the challenges of an aging population and an increasing number of people living with disabilities, this service will play an even more critical role in supporting the wellbeing of our community.

For more information on how to get involved, call our team on 5382 5607.

Robbie Millar – Chief Executive Officer

An entrepreneurial curriculum is essential for fostering a mindset of innovation, creativity, and adaptability in students. School systems in western culture have barely changed since the industrial age when they focused on preparing students for life on a factory floor. It does not equip students with critical or creative thinking or soft skills required to lead teams in modern and human-centred organisations.

In the context of social enterprises, an entrepreneurial curriculum is especially important. Social entrepreneurs need to be able to identify social problems, design innovative solutions, and build sustainable businesses that create social and environmental impact. These skills are not typically taught in traditional academic programs and require a different approach to learning.

An entrepreneurial curriculum has an emphasis on the development of soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and empathy. These skills are crucial for social entrepreneurs to be successful in building partnerships, engaging stakeholders, and creating sustainable social impact.

By introducing entrepreneurial education at an early age, students can develop a mindset that allows them to see challenges as opportunities and take calculated risks. This mindset can benefit not only social entrepreneurs but also students who go on to work in other industries. In today’s fast-changing world, the ability to adapt, innovate, and create value is essential for success in any career.

Advocating for the development of such a curriculum will better prepare students to become social entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders who create positive change in the world. This is particularly important with the rise in AI and the skills required for the jobs of our future.

The volunteering support sector is a crucial part of society, but its traditional focus on
‘volunteering’ alone limits its potential to build social cohesion and promote community
development. To truly make a difference, we must expand our understanding of
participation beyond the narrow definition of volunteering and embrace a broader, more
inclusive perspective.

By recognising participation as a continuum of actions, we can shift our focus towards
building stronger, more connected communities that are empowered to take action in their
own right. This approach is in line with the principles of asset-based community
development (ABCD), which emphasises the strengths and capacities of individuals and
communities rather than their needs and deficits.

However, traditional forms of support for volunteering tend to be transactional and focused
on historical ideals, which may limit their ability to facilitate genuine participation and social
cohesion. To overcome these limitations, we must develop more flexible and inclusive
approaches that recognise the many different forms of mutual support and participation
that exist in our communities.

For example, we must be aware that many vulnerable groups may face barriers to
traditional forms of volunteering, such as financial constraints, limited mobility, or cultural
barriers. By expanding our understanding of participation, we can work to identify and
support alternative forms of community engagement that are more accessible and inclusive.
Furthermore, we must be mindful of the power dynamics that can arise when volunteers
from more privileged backgrounds engage with vulnerable groups. This can unintentionally
reinforce existing inequalities and limit the potential for genuine social cohesion. Instead,
we should strive to empower all members of our communities to participate and contribute
in their own unique ways, building relationships and connections that are grounded in
equality and respect.

The volunteering support sector has a vital role to play in building social
cohesion and promoting community development. To achieve this, we must expand our
understanding of participation beyond the narrow definition of volunteering, embrace a
more inclusive and flexible approach, and work to empower all members of our
communities to take action in their own right.

 

Food Enterprise Assistant (2 Positions available) – 12 Months Fixed Term

The Centre for Participation has been successful in gaining one of seven grants from VicHealth to develop a Food Hub to help boost the way we grow, buy and share food.

If you are aged between 18 and 25 years old, join us in this new exciting social enterprise adventure which will see the Wimmera’s first Food Hub supporting local growers & producers.

The principles that will underpin the development of the Food Hubs include:

• ‘By the community, for the community’, that is, established and operated based on specific, well understood needs and wants of local communities in the context of the local food system.
• A strong emphasis on accessibility and affordability, including ensuring fair prices for vendors while maintaining affordability for consumers.
• A priority on local producers and the local food system, ensuring that Food Hubs support and supplement (rather than, for example, compete with) the local food system.
• A focus on the Target Communities who actively participate in the Food Hub (e.g. as customers, producers, vendors, managers, etc.) and their needs drive the ‘look and feel’, produce, programming and operation of the Food Hub.

This is a meaningful position and we want the successful applicant to be part of the journey creating the Hub.

Applications close: 11:59 PM AEDT, 15th January 2023

Download Position Description.

To apply or for further information please contact Food Enterprise Coordinator, Jules Del Real on 5382 5607 or email vacancy@centreforparticipation.org.au

All applications will need a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria and resume to be considered.

Social enterprises deliver significant benefits for disadvantaged or marginalised segments of society that need assistance to transform their social or economic prospects. For individuals they provide meaningful work and skills development and provide a pathway into mainstream employment. In this way they also reduce unemployment in a region and contribute to increased connections and community vitality. From a broader perspective, social enterprises have the potential to grow established businesses and drive inclusive economic growth.

The individual and community benefits achieved from social enterprises were the drivers behind our Chief Executive Officer, Robbie Millar’s International Fellowship report. Robbie has grown up and worked in the Wimmera Southern Mallee for over 19 years and is passionate about improving the lives of disadvantaged people across the region. The region suffers from many challenges including poverty, marginalisation, disengagement with education, and difficulties gaining employment. However, through his work at the Centre for Participation (CfP), Robbie saw the opportunity of social enterprise to address these social problems, improve lives and strengthen the community.