EV Strengthening Communities

26/10/2026

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-10-26/ombudsman-finds-automation-in-aged-care-lacks-safeguards/107308730

A damning report has laid bare serious concerns about the use of Australia's automated aged care funding system.

26/10/2026

Does your organisation have the governance knowledge and skills needed to navigate the year ahead?
AGM season often bringing changes to board and committee memberships, now is an ideal time to reflect on whether your organisation's governance knowledge is where it needs to be. Supporting your board with practical governance training can help strengthen decision-making, improve oversight, reduce organisational risk and set your board up for success in the year ahead.

Our Board Member Introduction suite is a paid online learning resource covering four key areas:

What is My Governance Role? – Learn more about your responsibilities as a board member and what good governance looks like.

Governing Risk: A Practical Guide – Understand how to identify and manage risks within your organisation.

Being an Effective Chair – Explore the responsibilities of a chairperson and what contributes to effective board and committee leadership.

Understanding Financial Reports for Non-Accountants – Build your confidence reading financial reports and understanding your organisation's finances.

The modules can be completed online at your own pace, making it easier to fit learning around your other commitments. You'll also receive a certificate of completion once you've completed the suite.
Interested in building your governance knowledge?

Enrol through Learning Central and find out more about the Board Member Introduction suite:
https://lnkd.in/gxZWJ-Fh

23/10/2026

Every volunteer starts somewhere.
As we celebrate 50 years of EV Strengthening Communities, we're reflecting on the important role young people have played in communities throughout our history.

For many young people, volunteering is more than giving back. It's a chance to build confidence, develop new skills, make connections and gain experience that can open doors to future study and employment opportunities. This has been a recurring theme in EV's work with young volunteers and was more recently reflected through the MYEPP Expo’s and related youth volunteering initiatives, which promoted volunteering as a pathway to skills development, community connection, further study and employment.
Over the past 50 years, EV has had the privilege of supporting young people as they take their first steps into volunteering. Along the way, they have contributed their time, energy and ideas to strengthen communities while gaining valuable experience of their own.
While the opportunities may have changed over the decades, the impact remains the same. Young people who volunteer today are helping build stronger communities for tomorrow.

As part of our 50-year celebrations, we'd love to hear from you.
What was your first volunteer role?

23/10/2026

https://lilydale.mailcommunity.com.au/news/2026/02/16/outer-east-orgs-struggle-as-volunteer-infrastructure-stripped-away-by-government/

EV would love to see state government investment in providing the infrastructure needed to maintain and grow volunteering workforces in our communities. We look forward to talking with a newly formed government following the state elections on Volunteering Central.

Investment in virtual infrastructure such as Volunteering Central could help ensure organisations are not left without the support needed to sustain volunteering. Its cost-effective, place-based and scalable model, strengthens volunteer-involving organisations and infrastructure wherever they are located across the nation.

Outer east volunteer organisations have struggled amid inadequate funding and changing volunteer behaviours, though some organisations are adapting to the change. Over the past 30 years, the State Government eroded support infrastructure for volunteer organisations through blow-by-blow hits to fundi...

19/10/2026

Wow! What an amazing evening at REALM Ringwood last week!

We had a fantastic turnout at the Maroondah Community Wellbeing Network event, delivered in partnership with Maroondah City Council
The evening brought people together to share ideas, make new connections and learn more about community wellbeing.

A huge thank you to our guest speaker, Tracey O'Neill Consulting who shared valuable insights into the importance of community wellbeing and the role it plays in strengthening our communities. As Tracey reminded us, "It's human nature for us to want to help each other" and working on community wellbeing is one of the many ways we can come together to make our community a better place for everyone.

One message in particular stood out: "Showing up matters". Whether it's sharing your skills, supporting others or simply giving your time, every contribution can make a difference.

Throughout the evening, attendees also had the opportunity to learn more about Networking Central, Learning Central and the Volunteer Navigation Hub as part of the official launch of Volunteering Central.

We also enjoyed an engaging wellbeing workshop. It was fantastic to see everyone getting involved, working collaboratively and building meaningful relationships throughout the evening, with plenty of great conversations and new connections happening across the room.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their perspectives and helped make the evening such a success!

If you attended, we would love to hear your favourite part, or a key takeaway you got from the session.

16/10/2026

Strong communities begin with strong foundations.
As we celebrate 50 years of EV Strengthening Communities, we're reflecting on the important role children, young people and families play in shaping the future of our communities.
For five decades, EV has worked to help people participate, belong and thrive. Today, that commitment continues through EV Early Years Management (EYM), supporting local kindergarten services and helping ensure children have access to quality early learning experiences during some of the most important years of their development.
Behind every thriving kindergarten is a strong support network. Through EV EYM, we provide professional leadership, governance and management support that helps early learning services remain sustainable and focused on what matters most: children and families.
Over the years, EV has also supported young people through volunteering opportunities, helping them develop skills, confidence and community connections while contributing to causes that matter to them.
While our work has evolved over the past 50 years, our purpose remains the same: building stronger communities by supporting people at every stage of life.

13/10/2026

Tomorrow night!
There's still time to register for the Maroondah Community Wellbeing Network and join a growing number of local organisations, community groups and community leaders coming together to connect, collaborate and share ideas.

We're excited to welcome guest speaker Tracey O'Neill, who will be sharing her innovative Campfire Model for Community Engagement. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in community development and engagement, Tracey will explore how we can strengthen participation, foster belonging and build more connected, resilient communities.

Whether you're looking to expand your network, explore new opportunities for collaboration, gain fresh ideas for your organisation, or simply connect with others who are passionate about community wellbeing, this is an event not to be missed.

Tomorrow
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Realm, Ringwood
Free to attend

Don't miss this opportunity to connect with others who are making a difference across Maroondah.

Register now: https://networkingcentral.org.au/events/11499

08/10/2026

So pleased to join the children and families of our new Croydon Hills Kindergarten to celebrate our 50th year. Thanks to Lauren, Chantelle and Hannah for a great children’s party in the first week you are in your new facility. What a way to celebrate 50 years of EV by looking to our collective futures. CEO Viv

08/10/2026

One week to go!

Don't miss your chance to join local organisations, community groups and community leaders from across Maroondah for an evening of networking, learning and collaboration at the Maroondah Community Wellbeing Network next Thursday night.
We're excited to welcome guest speaker Tracey O'Neill Consulting, a respected leader in community development and engagement with more than 25 years' experience helping organisations strengthen participation, foster belonging and build stronger communities. Tracey will share insights from her innovative Campfire Model for Community Engagement, offering fresh perspectives on creating connected, resilient and thriving communities.

Whether you're looking to:
-Meet local organisations and community leaders
-Share your organisation's initiatives
-Discover new opportunities to collaborate across Maroondah
-Gain practical ideas and insights to take back to your organisation

This event is for you.

Who should attend?
Community groups, neighbourhood houses, sports clubs, service providers, cultural groups and anyone passionate about strengthening community wellbeing and connection across Maroondah.

RSVP Here: https://networkingcentral.org.au/networks/events/11499

06/10/2026

Listening to an expert panel on what really matters to Victorians- discussion on evidence that people are fed up with corporations, the cost of living and its relationship to climate change eg increased insurance and energy bills, they are worrying about the future on multiple levels, inequality growing has enabled this. Rural communities now under multi level stress and preparing g for fire season. Prof Stephane Shepard discussing media’s role in fanning people’s fears and the impact on you g people who are painted as criminals which further disengage them. He talks about the need to recognise the harm caused by youth crime but what are chain of events which has led to this. Media need to take responsibility to tell the real stories and focus on solutions. People’s stress is fanning the need to look for strong leaders to assist them to navigate the increasing complexity people are facing. Very interesting discussion had at VCoSS summit. Victorian Council of Social Service