Changing lives and communities through local opportunities in learning, volunteering, community support and partnerships.
Looking for a fun activity that gets the kids of their screens?
Running out of ideas to keep your kids entertained?
Want to support local small businesses during this tough time?
Big thanks to Uniting Wimmera Disability participants for their special cards that will be sent with each pack.
We do this by connecting people and organisations with community, learning, volunteering and partnership opportunities that help them flourish and build an active, vibrant region.
As a volunteer-involving organisation, volunteers are vital in supporting us to deliver our mission. And just as importantly, the volunteering opportunities we create also help volunteers themselves to be involved and connected with the local community.
All of this work makes a difference to someone’s life and contributes to a stronger and more resilient region.
Along with our opportunities for internal volunteering, the Centre for Participation is a critical piece of infrastructure that supports other volunteer-involving organisations, clubs and groups. In our region – like all regions – frameworks that support volunteering, enable people to actively participate in community life, and build social cohesion are essential. This support needs to be grounded in local understanding, so it is place-based and community-led – and that is why localised support organisations like ours are so important.
The impacts of this work are numerous and wide-reaching. Benefits include reduced welfare through social enterprise development and job creation, greater employability by boosting confidence and work skills, improved emotional and mental health, and greater community cohesion through reduced isolation. All of these outcomes can reduce the need for health services and contacts with the justice system by providing outreach and opportunities to meaningfully participate and belong.
We are just one of many organisations that rely on volunteering – an act that is crucial to the long-term viability of rural communities. The incredible efforts of volunteers were celebrated in May during National Volunteer Week, where we recognised all the things volunteers do to make our community a better place to live, work, study and raise a family. We thank these amazing people and encourage everyone in our community to put up their hand next time you see an opportunity to participate.
For more information on some of the amazing work our team is doing, check out our latest Participate newsletter here.
Robbie Millar
Acting CEO, Centre for Participation
Our News4Me April edition has landed. Click the image below to read some of the amazing things we are doing at the Centre for Participation.
The Centre for Participation News4Me December edition is now out.
Please note that our office will be shut at 3pm on Wednesday the 23rd of December and re-open 9am on the 4th of January. All Laneway – Cafe without Borders customers and Wimmera Social Support clients will continue to be provided services, albeit slightly amended due to public holidays.
We hope you have a great Christmas and New Year and look forward to continuing our work in building stronger more resilient communities in 2021.
Join us at 4pm on 18 November for our AGM and hear from our guest speakers from Think Impact, where we will be presenting their research report on Volunteering, Participatory Action and Social Cohesion.
Due to COVID restrictions we have a limited number of places available in person. Please contact reception on 5382 5607 if you would like to request a space. For all others please register here.
Expressions of interest are invited for volunteer Board Directors
The Centre for Participation changes lives and communities through localised opportunities in learning, volunteering, community support and partnerships.
Our focus is on strengthening individuals, organisations and communities. One of the ways we do this is by connecting organisations with services that help them flourish and build active, vibrant communities.
We are seeking expressions of interest for three (3) Directors to join Centre for Participation on the board. Individuals with appropriate qualifications and experience of any of the following key areas are invited to submit expressions of interest:
For further information contact Robbie Millar, Board Secretary on 5382 5607 or click the link below.
CfP – Board Member Information and EOI 2020
To apply, you must submit an Expression of Interest and CV by 12 noon on Friday 16 October 2020 to secretary@centreforparticipation.org.au
We have just 3 questions for you, and you don’t have to answer them all.
Ask us anything! We are here to help.
Find out more about how you can participate in ways that suit you.