Community Governance Training Program
Are you a volunteer or work for a not-for-profit community group or are interested in starting or joining a community group, such as a local club or committee? Then this program will be suitable for you.
Join the Brimbank Community Governance Training Program to get all the tips and tricks required to make your community group or organisation a success.
Brimbank City Council provides a series of community governance training sessions plus ongoing access to a range of resources to assist with continued learning for community groups and small organisations in Brimbank. These training sessions can support your group with planning, operations, and decision-making.
Get involved
- There is no cost to attend these workshops, however registration is required
- Participants can attend one or several sessions.
- Sessions will be run face to face or online via zoom based on public health guidelines.
- Training details will be emailed to registered participants before the sessions.
For more information email: CGPrograms@brimbank.vic.gov.au or phone: 03 9249 4000. Information on the 2024 program will be available early in the year.
For insight into the topics sometimes covered in the Community Governance Training program download a copy of the August-November 2023 training session calendar.
Upcoming Community Governance Training-February to June 2024
Starting and Governing a Community Group
Starting and Governing a Community Group
Establishing and or governing a community group is rewarding.
Currently, your group might be just a few people who work together to meet the needs of your community OR you may be considering options for starting a new group.
This session will help you determine how you could start or grow even larger and work better.
Date: Thursday, 15 February
Time: 10am to 1pm
Booking Link: Starting and Governing a Community Group
Gender Equality – Why is it important in Governing a Community Group or organization
Gender Equality – Why is it important in Governing a Community Group or organization
The Gender Equality Act 2020 has been in operation since 1 July 2021 but what does it mean for our community?
What are we expecting to happen as a result of the Act? Gender equality is everyone's business and communities have an important role to play in it's promotion.
This session will help build the capability of individuals, organisations and communities around advancing gender equality
Date: Wednesday, 28 February
Time: 5.30pm to 8.30pm
Booking Link: Gender Equality – Why is it important in Governing a Community Group
Emergency Management Awareness
Emergency Management Awareness
As a community group, what do you need to know or be aware of in emergencies such as fire, heatwaves, strong winds, tree fallings, etc.
This is an introductory emergency management awareness training that will provide participants with the knowledge and skills on how to respond in times of natural or man-made hazards.
Date: Tuesday, 12 March
Time: 10am to 1pm
Booking Link: Emergency Management Awareness
Supporting Your Community’s Wellbeing
Supporting Your Community’s Wellbeing
Mental health is crucial in any community as it directly impacts the overall well-being and productivity of community members.
By prioritizing mental health awareness, communities can foster resilience, empathy and understanding, creating a supportive environment where members can thrive, contribute and lead fulfilling lives.
Date and time:
Thursday, 18 April – 5.30pm to 8.30pm
Booking Link: Supporting Your Community’s Wellbeing
Thursday, 16 May – 10am to 1pm
Booking Link: Supporting Your Community’s Wellbeing
Legal Liabilities for community groups
Legal Liabilities for community groups
Tips and tricks community groups need to know regarding legal requirments and liabilities of their groups
Date: Wednesday, 22 May
Time: 5.30pm to 8.30pm
Booking Link: Legal Liabilities for community groups
Community Showcase Event
Community Showcase Event
Opportunity for community groups to showcase their activities, stories and achievements. This will help build trust, engage and motivate communities to connect.
Date: Thursday, 6 June
Time: 5.30pm to 8.30pm
Booking Link: Community Showcase Event
Grants Writing Workshops
Grants Writing Workshops
This session will provide community groups and organisations' grant writers with information, skills and knowledge to prepare and apply for grants from a variety of funding sources including the Brimbank Community Grants.
Dates and time:
Monday, 25 March - 5.30pm to 8.30pm
Wednesday, 8 May – 10am to 1pm
Booking Link: Grants Writing Workshops
Brimbank Community Grants Information Sessions and applying for grants online via Smarty Grants
Brimbank Community Grants Information Sessions and applying for grants online via Smarty Grants
Brimbank Community Grants Information Sessions and applying for grants online via Smarty Grants
The Brimbank Community Grants information session will run for two hours and provide a structured overview of the grant application process. This includes how to apply for the community grant through SmartyGrants. Grants information sessions will be offered during the Community Grants application period and can be tailored to specific target groups such as youth, seniors, non-English speaking communities, etc.
There is no cost to attend any of these sessions however, registration is required.
Email to register your interest to attend session and get details:
cgprograms@brimbank.vic.gov.au
Dates to be updated soon
Community Grant Application Assistance
Each year Council supports groups with community grants based on categories that reflect the council plans and vision.
Information sessions and grant writing workshops are held prior to each round of grants to help applicants understand requirements so their submissions are complete and ready for review. Information sessions cover all the aspects of the grant application process and there will be an opportunity to ask questions. Workshops are opportunities to get one-on-one support with grant applications.
There is no cost to attend any of these sessions however, registration is required.
Email to register your interest to attend session and get details:
Community Governance Handbook
The Community governance handbook (PDF 2.0MB) is a great resource designed to help our local community groups and organisations to function properly. It will assist to better understand the legal responsibilities and how to ensure your organisation succeeds.
Community groups user guide
We've developed our first Community groups user guide (PDF 599KB) for all regular groups using our facilities.
This guide:
- provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities of Council and community groups;
- enables a better understanding of the processes guiding the usage and hire arrangements of Community Facilities; and
- provides directions to community groups on how to hire and manage Community Facilities.
How to start a community project in 10 steps
More useful resources for community groups
- Consumer Affairs Victoria
State Government regulatory authority for Incorporated Associations in Victoria. Compliance processes, advice and information.
Ph: 1300 558 181
- Not-for-Profit Law
Comprehensive legal and other information, fact sheets, videos and training.
Ph: 03 8636 4400
- Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria
Free dispute resolution service available to committees, clubs and associations
Ph: 1300 372 888
- Grant Guru Community
Free searchable listing of grants and funding programs
- Leisure Networks/Club Help
Free support for clubs and associations
Ph: 03 5224 9927
- Non Profit Training
Information and training for non profit organisations
Ph: 03 9013 5432
- Volunteer West
Information about training, advice and support to volunteer coordinators and people working with volunteers.
Ph: 03 9398 1233