Swan Hill Rural City Council has secured funding through VicHealth’s Partners in Place program, unlocking an exciting opportunity to deliver locally led initiatives that improve the health and wellbeing of communities across the region.
The flexible, place-based funding will enable Council to work alongside community members, local organisations and stakeholders to respond to local needs and create meaningful change where people live, learn, work and play.
Partners in Place is backing 23 projects across Victoria, empowering communities to develop solutions that reflect their unique circumstances, because good health doesn’t start in a hospital; it starts in the places and environments that shape our everyday lives.
This funding has a particular focus on culturally and racially marginalised communities, supporting councils to address barriers and create more inclusive opportunities for health and wellbeing.
Acting Chief Executive Officer, Bruce Myers said the funding would enable Council to continue investing in initiatives that reflect local priorities while creating lasting benefits for the community.
"We're delighted to receive this funding from VicHealth, which recognises the importance of locally led solutions to improve community health and wellbeing."
"By working closely with our community and partners, we can deliver initiatives that encourage greater social connection, support positive mental wellbeing and create more opportunities for people to be active and engaged," Mr Myers said.
As part of the program, Council has chosen to focus on Neighbourhood and Built Systems, one of VicHealth's three prevention systems. This focus aligns with the priorities outlined in Council’s Plan 2025–2029, particularly Pillar 2 – Community and Liveability, supporting initiatives that enhance connection, participation and liveability.
The initiative aims to:
To support the delivery of the project, Council has commenced recruitment for a temporary full-time Neighbourhoods for Nations (NfN) Project Manager. The funded position will lead the development and implementation of strategies with culturally and racially marginalised communities across Robinvale and Swan Hill.
Council is in the early stages of this important work and looks forward to sharing further information as the project progresses, strategies are developed and initiatives begin to take shape.