Grassroots Governance touring Tas

The TCF Grassroots Community Governance Program is touring Tasmania, providing volunteer committee members in local communities with the tools and knowledge to better take on and stay in their roles.

Many community organisations rely on volunteer committee members to hold governance positions and support the overall operations of the organisation, including being responsible for finance, legal, health and safety matters.

The TCF’s Grassroots Community Governance program was implemented to strengthen the governance capability and confidence of the many volunteers working in community organisations.

Assistance is especially needed for committee members in rural and regional areas.

Latrobe based Alkas Consulting has conducted 27 workshops as a part of a state-wide series with three more to be delivered before the end of 2023.

The workshops are delivered in a three-part program by Steve Allan, Ella Dixon and Donna Bain, who have been impressed with the participants passion for their organisations and their willingness to take on board new ideas.

“The response and engagement from participants so far has been overwhelmingly positive. We really encourage long-standing and new committee members to attend our remaining workshops to ensure volunteer committees get a chance to deliver exceptional governance,” Donna said.

“The workshops are led by the participants and as they are held locally, people know each other and collaborate and share ideas and experiences.

The workshops have evolved to better engage participants and stay up to date with wider legislative changes and implement participant feedback.

“Some content has been updated because of developing factors such as not-for profit regulations, which underscores the importance of such a program,” Ella said.

“The workshops are often light-hearted and focus on connecting other like-minded volunteer members in the community, which can be especially effective in smaller rural communities.

“Both Alkas Consulting and the participants appreciate the support form TCF and its efforts to help provide skills and knowledge to grassroots committees that they can’t obtain anywhere else.”