Surf Coast Shire Council is one of 18 leading organisations from a range of sectors across the Geelong region that have committed to take action to enhance the financial resilience and wellbeing of their community.
Stakeholders from local businesses, not-for-profits, local government, and government agencies have pledged to use their collective influence through the creation of a shared Financial Inclusion Action Plan (FIAP).
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Good Shepherd CEO Stella Avramopoulos said that with the rising cost of fuel, food, and energy prices, it was great to see 18 Geelong-based organisations commit to ensuring individuals and families are financially safe, well, strong and connected.
“These community organisations have the power to set the tone for the community when it comes to the importance of financial wellbeing,” said Ms Avramopoulos.
“That is why it is so important they help create supports and services for people at risk of financial hardship.”
One of Surf Coast Shire Council’s FIAP commitments is to opt into the Victorian Government’s Best Start, Best Life Kindergarten Reforms to provide free kinder at our six kindergarten services across the shire. It means that Council is helping to ensure every child in the Surf Coast Shire has the opportunity to go to kinder, regardless of their family’s financial situation, and it helps make women’s return to work easier.
To track the progress of these actions, the FIAP partners will continue to engage through a quarterly Community of Practice over the next 12 months and share learnings with the other members.
