Community Skills & Leadership Development Program
The Port Albert Progress Association (PAPA) is excited to announce the launch of the Skills & Leadership Development Program, part of the Strengthening Rural Communities initiative funded by the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR).
About the Program
Regional communities across Gippsland face the same growing challenge: The local community groups, associations and are mostly run by volunteers.
Many of the volunteers are older or retired and with limited skills to perform tasks such as:​
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Managing committees & administrative roles
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Fundraising and applying for grants
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Organising community events & activities
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Communicating with the public
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Marketing and promotions
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Engaging with government and industry
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Maintaining operational resilience.
Who can Participate?
This program is open to ANY volunteer run organisations, community groups, associations, and charities that are located in Woodside, Carrajung, Devon North, Yarram, Tarraville, Alberton, and Welshpool.
Is the Training Free?
It is envisaged most of the education and skills-based training will be free to attend. If we need to bring in a specialist organisation, then they may charge for a specific session.
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Who is Excluded?
Commercial organisations/businesses with paid employees. The program funding and its content specifically focused towards volunteer groups.
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Project Objectives:
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Upskill local volunteers in key areas required to effectivley run their volunteer group or association.
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Building resilience through increased community participation by attracting new volunteers, particularly retired and semi-retired residents.
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Build local leadership capacity.
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Improve the sustainability of community-led initiatives by developing practical knowledge in fundraising and grant writing.
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Enhance the delivery and impact of local events, tourism initiatives, and community programs
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Build confidence in volunteers and encourage the 'have a go!' attitude.
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Get more people out of their homes and active in the community.
Project Delivery
The Port Albert Community Skills & Leadership Development Program will provide
hands-on workshop training at the Port Albert Hall.
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Program Delivery Framework:
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Our structured approach ensures the program is tailored, relevant, and delivers meaningful outcomes for local volunteer groups and the broader community.
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Step 1: Community Engagement & Awareness
We connect with volunteer-run groups across the region to introduce the program, outlining how it works, along with the key benefits and expected outcomes.
Step 2: Consultation & Needs Analysis
We gather direct input from participating groups to shape the program, including:
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Priority skill areas and training topics
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Preferred session formats and duration
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Ideal days and times for deliver
Step 3: Program Design & Scheduling
Using this feedback, we finalise workshop topics and develop a structured schedule, publishing confirmed session dates and times.
Step 4: Participant Registration
Invitations are distributed to all groups, enabling volunteers to register and secure their place in relevant sessions.
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Step 5: Workshop Delivery
All sessions are delivered at Port Albert Hall, providing practical, hands-on learning. Attendees receive supporting materials, including session notes and take-home resources via email.
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Step 6: Review & Next Steps
Each session concludes with a structured review, identifying key takeaways, recommended actions, and opportunities for further development.
SHORT-TERM OUTCOMES​
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Volunteers gain confidence and practical skills in managing community activities.
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PAPA develops a clear governance structure and processes.
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Increased participation from new volunteers.
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Empowerment - new skills which creates confidence within volunteers.
LONG-TERM BENEFITS​
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A stronger, more capable community organisation.
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Increased community engagement and event participation.
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Greater success in attracting funding, sponsorship, and tourism.
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Sustained local pride and wellbeing among residents.
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Less reliance on government grants.
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Reduction of the workflow burden on volunteers.
Register Your Interest
If you're a volunteer run organisation, community group, association, or charity located in areas around Woodside, Carrajung, Devon North, Yarram, Tarraville, Alberton, and Welshpool.
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You can register your group to recieve program information, training topics and schedule as its being finalised.
