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South West Community Foundation Latest News

  • July 12, 2017

    SWCF Board of Directors vacancy

    Do you have strong community networks and a passion for supporting the community of south west Victoria? Could you bring to the honorary Board of Directors useful experience, particularly in business management, marketing, the law or fundraising? Would you like...

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  • May 5, 2017

    Foundation grant helps Koroit Irish Festival

    Thousands of people flocked to the South-West Victorian hamlet of Koroit in April for the 2017 Koroit Irish Festival , and South West Community Foundation’s support helped ensure the event’s success. The festival celebrated its 21st birthday this year with...

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  • April 26, 2017

    Re-branding for the Foundation for its 10th year Anniversary!

    The South West Community Foundation which has been supporting community projects and social support activities across the region for 10 years this year, has decided to celebrate with a change of image. The Foundation operates by receiving donations from the...

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Jul 17

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Keeping SWCF informed, prepared and secure in a changing digital world.

This week, Alison and Maggie were delighted to attend an informative AI and Cyber Security for Business workshop hosted by our IT partner, Gunners Business Solutions (GBS), at the Warrnambool Golf Club.

Presented by leading industry practitioners Mark Voyce and Paul Barge, the session provided valuable insights into how organisations can safely embrace AI while strengthening their cyber security practices.

Mark shared his expertise on the future of work, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and how regional organisations can use AI securely and sensibly to improve outcomes for customers and communities.

Paul provided an eye-opening look into today’s cyber threat landscape, including real Australian breach examples, ransomware and phishing trends, AI-driven cybercrime, the importance of the human factor, the Cyber Security Act 2024, and practical protection strategies such as the Essential Eight.

We walked away with practical knowledge and actions to help us better protect, prepare, and respond to evolving cyber risks.

A big thank you to GBS, Mark, and Paul for an engaging and valuable workshop. We appreciate your support in helping SWCF continue to build a safe, secure, and future-ready organisation.

#CyberSecurity #ArtificialIntelligence #DigitalSafety #CommunityCare #SWCF #GBS

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Jul 16

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The South West Community Foundation has awarded a 2025/26 Strategic Grant to a regional creative initiative that places young people at the centre of creative activations in their own communities.

The project, dubbed 'Creative Uprising' until participants rebrand it, is designed to empower young creatives, strengthening connections, confidence and creative pathways across our region.

A key feature of Creative Uprising is that young people will not just participate — they will take the lead as creative producers, advisors and decision-makers. They will share their perspectives and co-design activities as a collective, creating meaningful opportunities for intergenerational exchange, youth participation and leadership.

Led by Regional Arts Victoria and partnering Councils across Corangamite, Glenelg, Moyne and Warrnambool, the collaborative project is also assisted by the Australian Government through the Regional Arts Fund, administered by Regional Arts Australia.

It responds to what local young creatives are asking for today — safe, accessible spaces to connect, create & learn in — both locally and online.

It aims to address shared challenges including access, visibility, confidence, pathways and connection, whilst supporting local creative organisations and venues to become more welcoming, accessible and youth-focused. 

Regional Arts Victoria, CEO Jo Porter said: “Thank you to South West Community Foundation for supporting this important work, and helping create opportunities for young people to live, work and thrive creatively in regional Victoria.”

Pictured: Young people at Expressions Festival in Gippsland, 2024, on which Creative Uprising is modelled. Photograph: Lauren Murphy.

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Jul 14

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We are thrilled to announce that GreenPrint Projects is a recipient of the South West Community Foundation (SWCF) Strategic Grant for 2025/26.

Executive Officer, Anthea Rafferty said, "this support will help us continue creating Living Classrooms — transforming underused spaces in schools and communities into vibrant outdoor learning environments where young people connect with nature, culture and Country".

Through hands-on, STEAM-based learning, Living Classrooms inspire curiosity, wellbeing, creativity and environmental stewardship. Students learn by designing, building and caring for gardens while developing confidence, leadership, teamwork and a deeper understanding of biodiversity and sustainability.

These spaces become more than gardens. They become places where students, teachers, families, Elders, volunteers and community partners come together to share knowledge, strengthen relationships and create a sense of belonging.

GreenPrint Projects was founded following the success of Living Classroom projects at Warrnambool College in 2023, demonstrating the powerful impact nature-based learning can have on young people and communities.

"We are proud to continue partnering with schools, kindergartens, community groups and First Nations organisations across South West Victoria to grow spaces that celebrate culture, care for Country and empower the next generation" said Anthea.

Together, we are growing more than gardens. We are growing confident young people, connected communities and a more sustainable future.

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Jul 9

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South West Victoria is a big region, and the communities within it are as diverse as the landscape itself.

South West Community Foundation operates across six municipal council areas — Colac Otway, Corangamite, Moyne, Warrnambool, Southern Grampians and Glenelg — connecting local generosity with local need right across the region.

From the coast to the country, our work is grounded in the belief that the people who know their communities best are best placed to shape their future. That's why everything we do is place-based, community-informed and built for the long term.

Every fund we manage, every grant we facilitate and every partnership we build is another step toward a more connected, resilient and thriving South West Victoria.

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Jul 5

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This week is NAIDOC Week, held annually from 5 to 12 July.

NAIDOC Week is a time to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and to recognise their enduring connection to Country, community and culture.

This year's theme is 50 Years Deadly, marking five decades of strength, leadership and community.

We acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the South West Victoria region and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.

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Jun 30

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The Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) is supporting rural communities through their Investing in Rural Community Futures (IRCF) program, a grassroots initiative designed to build the capacity of local not-for-profit organisations.

The IRCF Victoria program is currently underway in three communities, including right here in Colac, where local facilitator Liz Bishop is working with the NFP sector to strengthen collaboration, advocate on shared issues and deliver long-term community impact.

A recent community roadmap check-in was a valuable opportunity to reflect on progress and hear directly from local voices.
"Being new to community foundations, this was a great opportunity to understand the NFP sector in Colac, meet the people who work and volunteer in that sector, and understand how our Colac Community Fund fits within that picture," SWCF Executive Officer Alison said.

Colac Community Fund members Gemma, Brian and Robyn also participated in the program, and it was wonderful to see the fund represented so well.

A meaningful reminder of what can be achieved when local voices lead the way.
Our supporters

South West Community Foundation is proud to acknowledge our sponsors and partners.

Contact us
PO Box 478
Warrnambool VIC 3280
info@southwestcommunityfoundation.org
Connect

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land we live and work on, the lands of the Gunditjmara, Giraiwurung, Guilidjan, Gadubanud and Djabwurrung. We recognise the diverse needs of our community and we ensure our services are inclusive of all children, young people and their families including those who are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander descent, from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds, those who identify as LGBTIQ and persons living with disability.

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