Community Development

The Community Development Team form an integral part of Councils commitment to enhancing the quality of resident's lives by encouraging positive interrelation between the elements of safety, health, education, wellbeing, mobility and accessibility, and a sense of place.

The priority of the Community Development Team is to promote active living and participation in community life as highlighted in Latrobe 2021 - The Vision for Latrobe Valley. This is achieved through effective community engagement strategies that encourage community participation, and build a stronger local community that will build and promote a sense of belonging, control and empowerment.

As identified in the Latrobe City Community Plan - Community Health and Wellbeing 2004 -2008 it is the aim of the Community Development Team to "..reduce feelings of isolation and helplessness, increase levels of belonging, social support, optimism and purpose, and assist in the prevention of ill health within the community".

The process of community development taps in to the human wealth within the municipality, assisting groups to seek solutions to a range of issues in a manner that is driven by and acceptable to them. The Community Development Team provides a link to people in the form of information, resources, support, advice, advocacy and encourages community involvement and action through local networks.

Key areas of implementation for the Community Development Team are:

• Foster engagement between Council and the community.
• Facilitate the establishment and ongoing linkages and working relationships between community groups and organizations.
• Encourage other agencies and community groups to participate in joint ventures and become partners in projects.
• Seek additional resources from external sources to assist communities to meet their needs.
• Provide information, assistance and support and skill development for community groups and their members.
• Increase volunteer effort and opportunity.
• Promote a strong culture of volunteering within the community.

Areas covered in the Community Development Team include:-

• Community Capacity Building
• Safety and Wellbeing
• Youth Services
• Disability Services
• Koori Education
• Employment and Education

To view more click on the pages below:

• Churchill Intergenerational Community Hub
• Community Engagement Policy and Strategy
• Community News Groups
• Small Towns Project
• Volunteer Plan
• Community Planning & Wellbeing Committee
• Linking Latrobe Transport Connections Program
• Gippsland Women's Honour Roll
• A Guide for Committees