The draft 2020/2021 Budget will fund a range of initiatives that support safety and resilience to assist the Greater Bendigo community to recover from COVID19.
The City undertakes various projects and programs that aim to build community connectedness, but specific items funded in this budget include:
• Contribute to the Greater Bendigo Coalition for Gender Equity and develop an action plan aligned with the Gender Equity Strategy
• Develop and implement the virtual community hub, Connect Greater Bendigo
• Deliver the community grants program and complete a review of the Community Grants Policy
• Work with the Youth Council to development and implement City strategies and plans, including a new Human Rights Charter
• Promote Greater Bendigo as a welcoming city for all by developing a new Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Plan, including actions to improve access and inclusion for multicultural communities
The Budget includes funding to support existing initiatives in Greater Bendigo such as partnering with Bendigo Safe Community Forum to deliver initiatives that enhance community safety and prevent violence. It also includes coordinating the Northern Victorian Emergency Management Cluster to strengthen emergency management planning and support the development and delivery of community resilience initiatives, with a focus on vulnerable groups.
Mayor Cr Margaret O’Rourke said Council had prioritised projects that would have a lasting, positive impact on the community.
“We know that one of the best ways to help our community is to facilitate greater connection and cooperation between groups, businesses and organisations,” Cr O’Rourke said.
“Programs like our community grants program, our Youth Council and Cultural Diversity and Inclusion Plan all serve to strengthen community-based initiatives and fund projects that make our community better for everyone.
“While we were already doing this before COVID-19, it is now even more important that we focus on community safety, resilience and connection to support each other to recover and to thrive once the pandemic is over.”
To view the draft Budget, go to www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/budget
