Introducing SIAG

Are you passionate about social inclusion and community connection?
Do you care about mental health and want to make a difference in Benalla?

Are you committed to respectful collaboration and co-design, working with others to address local needs?

If you answered yes to any of these, the Benalla and District Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG) is for you.

SIAG is a community-led group working at a grassroots level to identify local needs related to social inclusion and connection, and support efforts to address these issues. We believe that everyone has something valuable to offer, no matter their background, age, culture or experience.

SIAG also supports Benalla Rural City Council through a broad array of initiatives, including grants, community events, community workshops and much more.

SIAG brings people together to listen and share ideas on local issues that matter.

Whether you are passionate about cultural inclusion, reducing mental health challenges, decreasing isolation, strengthening community connections, or just want to make a difference in your neighbourhood, there is a place for you here.

Everyone is welcome to apply to become a committee member, including community members, local organisations, and individuals who care about creating a stronger, more inclusive community.

Your voice, ideas and lived experience can help shape real, positive change.

We are looking for people from all walks of life, especially those with lived and living experience.

This includes people who have experienced mental illness, psychological distress, addiction, social exclusion, isolation or discrimination.

We also welcome Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people from LGBTIQA+ communities, people living with disability and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

We want the group to reflect the richness and diversity of our community by bringing together local leaders, everyday community members, and people of all ages, cultures, and backgrounds who are passionate about creating a more inclusive and connected Benalla for everyone.

What have we achieved so far?

• Successfully funded 45 distinct events and activities through four rounds of the Social Connections grants. These initiatives were specifically designed to enhance social inclusion, foster connections, and build a sense of belonging across diverse community groups.
  
• Provided support to 11 rural towns, enabling them to host meaningful community events aimed at strengthening local ties and encouraging neighbours to connect with one another. These events helped to bridge social gaps and created opportunities for residents to engage with their local community.
  
• Organised and hosted the Creating Community Connections Expo, a dynamic event that spotlighted local groups and organisations within the Benalla area. The expo was designed to raise awareness of these groups and encourage active participation, helping residents discover new ways to get involved and contribute to their community.

About the Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG)

The Benalla Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG) program takes a community-driven approach to foster connection and mental wellbeing. It empowers locals to collectively identify goals and co-create initiatives aimed at enhancing social inclusion, made possible through funding from the Victorian Government Department of Health.

By embracing our community’s diversity, we hope to create initiatives will make a positive difference in mental health and wellbeing. We are excited to learn from the experiences of our community and see the positive impact of these locally driven efforts.

To enhance community connections and support mental wellbeing, the Benalla Rural City Council has recently introduced the Social Connection Grants. Launched on 4 December 2023, this initiative marks the first initiative of the SIAG, a primary prevention program recommended by the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.

The Social Connection Grants initiative is a significant first step in the SIAG program, encouraging local community groups to organise events and activities that promote connection and inclusion.

The grant application period extends until the end of February or until the $15,000 funding pool is exhausted. Local groups are invited to apply for grants of up to $1,000, with applications evaluated on a rolling basis. Successful applicants will have the chance to host events between December and April. Eligibility criteria include creating opportunities for social connection and inclusion or supporting positive mental health outcomes and community resilience.

For more information on the Social Connection Grants and other funding opportunities please visit the Community Grants and Funding page.

Resource Library

The Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG) has launched a new Resource Library to support community groups within Benalla Rural City Council, by providing access to useful equipment that helps deliver events and initiatives with clear community benefit.

The library includes a range of items available to borrow, such as a data projector, laptop, PA system with microphone, trestle tables, wheelchair ramp, gazebos, bean bags, and lighting.

This initiative aims to reduce barriers and empower groups to connect and engage with the community.

We’re now inviting feedback—what else would you like to see included in the Resource Library? While we can’t guarantee every suggestion will be added, your input will help guide future planning.

Visit www.haveyoursay.benalla.vic.gov.au to share your feedback, explore the full list of available equipment, and access the booking form to hire items from the Resource Library.

Social Connection Grants – Closed for 2025

Bringing People Together in Benalla Rural City

The Social Connection Grants support ideas that strengthen our community. This funding helps individuals, groups, and organisations create events and programs that promote inclusion, reduce isolation, and bring people together. Whether it’s a cultural celebration, workshop, or community lunch, now’s your chance to make a difference.

Who Can Apply?

Everyone is welcome to apply!

• Local residents and informal groups
• Community organisations
• Not-for-profits
• Businesses with activities that benefit the community

What We Fund

We support projects that make an impact, including:

• Grassroots initiatives led by locals
• Activities for people facing isolation or exclusion due to disability, financial hardship, or mental health challenges
• Inclusive events celebrating Benalla Rural City’s diversity