Mansfield Shire Council to Host Social Inclusion Action Group
Published on 28 October 2022
Mansfield Shire has been selected as one of the first five local government areas to receive funding for a new Victorian Government state-wide initiative to promote community connection and inclusion efforts that support mental health and wellbeing.
This flagship prevention initiative was recommended by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System. Under the program, Council will receive flexible funding to establish a Social Inclusion Action Group made up of community members and leaders of all backgrounds and ages.
Their role will be to work together to identify and deliver initiatives, developed by locals for locals, that will support community participation, promote connections and boost social inclusion to support mental health and wellbeing.
The first five Action Groups will be established over the next year by:
- Mansfield Shire Council
- Frankston City Council
- Benalla Rural City Council
- Rural City of Wangaratta
- Latrobe City Council
Further groups are due to be up and running across the state by 2025.
Mayor Cr James Tehan said he was delighted to see Mansfield Shire being selected as one of the first local government areas to progress this exciting initiative.
“The health and wellbeing of our community is one of Council’s highest priorities,” he said.
“We know that community health will benefit if we identify key issues early and work together to find solutions that will have a positive impact on the whole community.”
“I’m pleased to see that the Royal Commission recognises that communities are the ones best placed to understand the needs of their own community and have given us the opportunity to identify initiatives and find solutions to support social connection and inclusion.”
Guidelines for the program are currently being developed and information on opportunities for the community to be involved will be presented when available.
Read more about Social Inclusion Action Groups on the Department of Health website - health.vic.gov.au