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Communities for Children

Creating strong, child-friendly communities

The Greater Shepparton Communities for Children program identifies and funds local projects for children and families in the community, to improve their health and wellbeing.

 

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Positive outcomes for children and families

Greater Shepparton Communities for Children is an Australian Government program that supports children and families across the Greater Shepparton area. Its goal is to help children get the best possible start in life and to strengthen families and communities.

CatholicCare Victoria (CCV) is the Facilitating Partner for the program in Greater Shepparton. This means we work closely with a local Steering Committee made up of community representatives and service providers. Together, we identify what children and families need most and fund programs and projects that respond to those needs.

The program focuses on prevention and early support — helping families before challenges become more serious. It also supports improvements to local services and, where needed, helps drive broader system change so families can access the right support more easily.

The Communities for Children program focuses on:

  • early prevention and intervention for children and families
  • providing evidence-based support programs
  • support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families
  • support for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse families
  • meeting locally identified needs in the community
  • complementing and adding value to existing collaborative services
  • providing professional development opportunities to build capacity in the local services community

 

The Communities for Children program is based on partnerships and collaboration, through joint planning and sharing information, advice and expertise.

Acknowledgment of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land which now comprises Greater Shepparton, the Yorta Yorta and Bangerang Peoples. We pay our respect to their Elders, we celebrate their continuing culture and we acknowledge the memory of their Ancestors.

Initiatives currently funded by Greater Shepparton Communities for Children

Greater Shepparton Communities for Children supports a range of local initiatives designed to strengthen families and improve outcomes for children.

A local Steering Committee made up of community members, service providers and key stakeholders guides the program. The committee reviews the community’s strategic plan each year, identifies local priorities and invests in programs that respond to emerging needs.

Funding focuses on prevention and early intervention activities that support children’s wellbeing, strengthen parenting capacity and build community connection.

Programs currently funded include:

  • Mobile play groups (run by Save the Children)
  • Young parents and home visiting programs (run by The Bridge youth service)
  • Parenting in a New Culture and refugee face-to-face programs (run by Uniting Kildonan)
  • Transition support for children going into secondary schools (run by Mission Australia)
  • Family support programs (run by Lulla’s Children and Family Centre)
  • Parent-Child Day Stay (run by Family Care)
  • Early learning programs (run by Relationships Australia Victoria)
  • Seasons for Growth program (run by Primary Care Connect)

 

Local primary schools also partner in delivering Communities for Children initiatives, including vegetable garden and healthy eating programs, sand play therapy, and literacy programs for children and parents.

Reports and Documents

The State of Greater Shepparton Children’s Report 2025 – Click here to view the report

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