Governance help for grassroots groups

COMMUNITY groups with an aim to improve and strengthen their governance and make their operations sustainable have a new resource at Ballarat East Neighbourhood House.

Kay Miller is the community governance officer with BENH at Barkly Square, also working with the other local neighbourhood houses, with an aim to build the capacity of Ballarat’s grassroots organisations.

“My role is to work with smaller community groups on issues relating to their governance. It’s all about the mechanics of how they do what they want to do,” she said.

“Every group is different, but my role is to work through big and small issues, whatever they are, whether an organisation is just setting themselves up with an idea and common interest, wants to know how to run their meetings, or needs help understanding their legal structure.

“We will be building capacity for ongoing mentoring, and a bank of resources in development will be available once the project is completed.”

Groups can access governance ‘health checks,’ navigate incorporation, grant applications, training, and networking with assistance from Ms Miller, and ask meeting, volunteer, or compliance questions.

She has already worked with groups including the Wendouree West Exodus Community to assist in deciding whether incorporation is a sustainable option for them.

“Kay made the process so much clearer for us,” WWEC’s Sandra Dillon said.

The community governance officer role is part of a four-year project funded by the City of Ballarat but managed by BENH.

Governance support is free, and only available to small organisations within the municipality with no more than one paid staff member, or an annual income of about $150,000.

Ms Miller can deliver ongoing one-on-one support, or training sessions for groups but does not provide legal advice.

“We encourage any groups to get in touch. If you’ve got a question, come and ask it, call or email. No question is too small,” she said.

Visit ballarateastnh.org.au and click the community governance tab for more information, or contact Ms Miller via [email protected] or 0460 699 669.