Welcome to your Building an Effective Community Groups – Governance workshop series.
As leaders of multicultural community clubs, groups and associations, learning how to successfully govern your group, oversight your financials, run effective meetings, manage conflict of interest, plan for the future and manage risk, is all learnt on the go. To make these activities easier and to expedite this learning, the City of Greater Geelong and Cultura, in conjunction with Non Profit Training are providing a governance series which will be delivered between March and September 2026.
We have provided this resource page to assist you to access information provided throughout the duration of the program. We are always on hand to help so please feel free to call us between 9am – 5pm Mon – Fri, on 1300 144 113, if you have any questions. Note: this page can only be accessed during the program by using the password and website link provided via email, so please keep this password on hand.
The outcomes for the program include:
- Cultivating the skills of committees to strengthen their sustainability, knowledge and transparency as leaders of their organisation.
- Training to build committee member’s confidence in governance, compliance and other key skills essential for an effective community group.
- Building networks and partnerships with the community, key stakeholders, funders and community / commercial partners.
Each session will be delivered at the Norlane Community Hub for the following dates / times.
- Session 1 | Welcome and introduction to working in community groups | Tuesday 17 March 2026, 6pm – 9pm
- Session 2 | Risk managmenet and legal duties | Tuesday 19 May 2026, 6pm – 9pm
- Session 3 | Financial managment and accounts | Tuesday 21 July 2026, 6pm – 9pm
- Session 4 | Strategic planning and long-term sustainability | Tuesday 15 September 2026, 6pm – 9pm
Happy learning!
Committees are the heart of every community organisation, responsible for key decisions and often involved in day-to-day administration. For committees to be effective, they need to work cohesively and understand the unique responsibilities of each member, something that can be challenging to achieve.
This interactive workshop supports community groups in gaining a clear understanding of committee roles and accountabilities. Participants will explore what makes a strong and effective committee, evaluate their current team’s strengths and areas for growth, and identify the skills and attributes needed for each role. The session also covers practical strategies for recruiting, inducting, and evaluating committee members, while encouraging forward-thinking to ensure the committee’s ongoing success.
By the end of the session, participants will be able to clearly define committee roles and responsibilities and implement strategies to build and maintain an effective committee.
During this session we cover the following topics:
- Understanding committee roles and the accountabilities of each, including role descriptions
- Appreciating what makes an effective committee
- Evaluating their current committee’s strengths and weaknesses
- Knowing what specific skill sets and attributes are required for each committee role
- Putting into place strategies for recruiting, inducting and evaluating committee members
- Keeping an eye on the future
Resources
- Workbook – coming soon!
Risk management is more than just ticking boxes for OH&S or fraud prevention. It involves stepping back and viewing the organisation with a fresh perspective to identify the full range of risks that could affect its success.
This practical workshop helps community groups and not-for-profits understand how to recognise and manage both current and emerging risks. Through a clear, step-by-step approach, participants will learn how to assess new programs, uncover opportunity risks, and build a practical risk management plan. The session also explores how to assign responsibilities, reduce costly surprises, and prepare for critical incidents, resulting in stronger decision-making and greater organisational resilience.
By the end of this session, participants will walk away with the ability to identify, assess, and manage risks effectively, helping to safeguard their organisation’s future.
During this session we cover the following topics:
- Understanding the types of risks that their organisation is exposed to
- Assessing new programs and determining their viability and chance of success
- Identifying opportunity risks
- Planning to vest responsibility for risk management across the whole organisation
- Establishing a workable risk management plan
- Understanding who is accountable for different risks across the organisation
- Being prepared if critical incidents occur
Resources
- Workbook – coming soon!
This practical, hands-on session is designed for not-for-profit committee members who may not have a financial background but want to confidently understand and guide their organisation’s finances. Participants will gain the core financial knowledge needed to interpret key reports such as the balance sheet, profit and loss, and cash flow statements.
The workshop breaks down how to assess financial health, develop budgets, implement strong financial controls, and connect financial decisions with the organisation’s strategic goals. By the end, participants will have the skills to read financial reports with confidence, ask the right questions, and make well-informed decisions that support their organisation’s financial sustainability and future.
During this session we cover the following topics:
- Understanding how to assess if good financial governance is in place
- Interpreting the financial reports including the balance sheet, profit and loss and cash flow reports
- Developing a budget for the financial year
- Calculating the organisation’s financial health
- Linking the strategic plan to the budget and financial reports
- Determining the appropriate level of equity for a not for profit
- Understanding the financial controls required to protect assets
Resources
- Workbook – coming soon!
A clear and practical strategic plan acts as a roadmap, guiding an organisation from where it is now to where it wants to be. It helps set priorities, focus resources, and align the team around shared goals.
This workshop supports community groups in understanding the planning process and the importance of thoughtful preparation to avoid distractions and mission drift. Participants will explore why strategic planning matters, when to revisit the vision, and how to engage members and stakeholders effectively. The session also covers gathering evidence to inform direction, linking strategy to action, and building a workable framework, including how to cost the plan for successful implementation.
By the end of the session, participants will be equipped to develop and implement a strategic plan that drives their organisation forward with clarity and purpose.
During this session we cover the following topics:
- Understanding why a strategic plan is needed
- Knowing when it is time to ‘re-vision’
- Appreciating the purpose for the members / clients
- Understanding stakeholder mapping
- Finding evidence to support direction
- Relating strategy to delivery; not leaving the plan on the shelf
- Preparing the framework for the plan
- Costing the plan
Resources
- Workbook – coming soon!
