We have been so fortunate to establish many meaningful partnerships throughout the year that align with our vision of creating an inclusive, interconnected community where everyone has an equal opportunity to participate.
Our partnerships with purpose really are at the core of elevating community-driven change — and I would like to reflect on two new partnerships that I believe set a tone for what can be achieved when we work together.
While many in the community have moved on from the October 2022 floods, for some, the compounding effect of being displaced, dealing with insurance claims and the mental health impacts of so much disruption has been ongoing.
Recognising that recovery from a disaster can be a marathon, a partnership between the Rotary Club of Shepparton South, Rotary International, the Goulburn Flood Recovery Service (a flood recovery function of FamilyCare) and the Greater Shepparton Foundation was forged to support households struggling in the aftermath.
The Flood Recovery Support Program has made 144 individual payments to flood-impacted households, using the knowledge and case-management assistance of the Goulburn Flood Recovery Service to identify those in greatest need and an application and verification tool for speedy processing, established by the Greater Shepparton Foundation.
The beauty of this partnership is that when a disaster strikes again, the partners have an established model to roll out support directly to households that need it most.
In July, a partnership with the Goulburn Murray Community Leadership Program, Culture Kitchen and African House, with a grant secured from StreetSmart and food sourced from FoodShare, saw more than 600 culturally appropriate meals served through African House to families impacted by the cost-of-living crisis and floods.
The winter meals program and partnerships created set a precedent for what true community leadership looks like. We were so proud to be part of this incredible initiative of the Goulburn Murray Community Leadership Program and want to thank Donna, Jesse, Ane, Chloe, Qader, Deng and Bonnie for your great support for those in need in our community.
In the spirit of giving thanks, I encourage you all to have a look through our annual report, which details the many businesses, organisations, philanthropic groups and individual donors that have given through the Greater Shepparton Foundation in 2023.
We are so very thankful to everyone who has supported us through our Workplace Giving Program, our Flood Recovery Campaign, our end of financial year campaign, the Lift Off Education Scholarship Program or popped a coin in one of our donation tins.
Together, we are creating a brighter future for our region.
The Greater Shepparton Foundation team will be taking a break over the festive season; therefore, the office will close on Friday, December 22 and reopen on Monday, January 15, 2024.
Please have a safe and restful Christmas break, and we look forward to finding more meaningful partnerships in 2024.
Until new year.
Amanda McCulloch
Greater Shepparton Foundation executive officer
