About the Social Inclusion Action Group (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 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.

Expression of Interest (EOI) Form: Joining the Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG)

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.

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.