Powering Up Community Groups Workshop Series

Next date: Thursday, 21 August 2025 | 12:30 PM to 04:30 PM

2025 Free Workshop Series

Thursday 21 August 12.30pm-4.30pm

Friday 22 August 9am-1pm

Powering Up Community Groups is a practical workshop series designed to strengthen local organisations through better governance, smarter systems, and stronger people connections.

This is a joint project proudly funded through the Regional Drought Resilience Program, delivered in partnership with Temora Shire and Bland Shire Councils.

Facilitated by Mary Hoodless and Alpine Valley Leadership Program. Mary is a highly experienced regional leader with 40+ years in community, governance, and strategic development across sectors.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

WORKSHOP DAY 1

Part 1: Reignite Your Why — People, Purpose & Possibility

What it’s about:

Every group starts with a reason. But over time, purpose can blur and people can burn out. This session reconnects groups with why they exist, explores how to work better together, and helps set a direction that feels real and energising.

You’ll cover:

• Group dynamics and communication styles
• Navigating conflict
• Shared purpose and vision-setting
• Prioritisation and internal alignment

Part 2: Make It Work — Smarter Structures & Better Meetings

What it’s about:

This session is about making structure work for the group — not the other way around. Plain-English governance, real- world compliance, and how to run meetings people actually want to attend.

You’ll cover:

• Roles, rules and legal basics
• Meeting structure, minutes and decisions
• Committee responsibilities
• Policies and recordkeeping
• How to chair or contribute

WORKSHOP DAY 2

Part 3: Get It Done — Grants, Tools & Clever Systems

What it’s about:

Great ideas need fuel. This session covers how to write grants that get noticed and how to use simple digital tools (hello AI) to stay on top of things.

Less admin, more impact.

You’ll cover:

• Grant writing (purpose, need, impact)
• Using AI to brainstorm or refine
• Matching grants to priorities
• Digital tools: Google Drive, Canva, website plugins
• Smarter comms, systems, and file management

Part 4: Bring the Spark — Finding and Keeping Great Volunteers

What it’s about:

People are everything. This session looks at how to find the right volunteers, keep them engaged, and build a group culture that

people actually want to be part of.

You’ll cover:

• Volunteer attraction and onboarding
• Clear roles and expectations
• Retention and recognition
• Succession planning
• Creating a welcoming culture

 

REGISTER HERE

 

 

When

Location

Bland Shire Council, 2-6 Shire Street, West Wyalong, 2671, View Map