|
|
 Helen & Geoff Handbury Fellowship Program
2002 Fellowships
2003 Fellowships
2004 Fellowships
2005 Fellowships
2006 Fellowships
2007 Fellowships
Related images are regularly loaded to our photogallery.
Awarded Grants
More than sixty applications from community members have been received since 2002. A selection panel of community and university members met each year and went through each application, followed by interviews with short-listed applicants and a final decision based on these interviews. A total of sixteen Fellowships were awarded between 2002 and 2007. Research themes emerging from these applications focused on culture and the arts, place and environment, technology and resources, learning and education, and work and money.
2007 Fellowships:
Standing Tall School Based Mentoring Program
This application was submitted by Jeanette Pritchard, Project and Development Coordinator of the Standing Tall Program. This Fellowship was awarded to document both the process of implementation and the effectiveness of the Standing Tall model of school based mentoring. The Standing Tall Program recruits and trains members of the community to support young people in a school setting. It was first implemented at Baimbridge College in 2003 and now also operates at two primary schools within the city of Hamilton. The program has trained seventy-eight mentors and set up 107 mentoring relationships with involvement from students from grade three to year twelve.
The aim of the Program is to improve the chances of youth in a school setting taking greater advantage of educational opportunities offered and therefore enhancing their long term chances of finding pathways in the community which are of value to themselves and the community as a whole. Features of the Standing Tall model of school based mentoring include a sense of school ownership, community/school partnerships, early intervention, a focus on individual needs, and a belief in the importance of ongoing relationships established over a period of time.
The impacts of the Standing Tall model have been monitored over the past three years and quantitative evaluation of the Program has demonstrated students in the Program have increased confidence, a more positive attitude to school, developed better work habits, and an increased sense of connection to the school and community.
For more information about this project, contact Jeanette Pritchard at
jpritchard100@ansonic.com.au
A Feasibility Study for the Establishment of a Biodiesel Production Facility in the Western Districts of Victoria
This application was submitted by Heinz de Chelard, Environmental Engineer and Company Director of Catchment Health Engineering, Hamilton. Global warming and peak oil are two problems that pose a significant risk to the stability of our environment, social and economic structures. The need to rapidly decrease emissions of carbon dioxide while simultaneously reducing our dependence on fossil fuels provides an opportunity for the rapid development of an alternative fuels industry. The Southern Grampians region is one of the largest and most productive oil seed cropping areas in Australia. Biodiesel, a fuel made from vegetable oil, can be used in most diesel engines as a straight fuel or blended with existing stocks of petroleum diesel. This Fellowship was awarded to conduct a feasibility study into the viability of a biodiesel manufacturing facility in the Southern Grampians region. Should the feasibility study find that a large scale biodiesel facility is viable, the opportunity would exist for a range of industries to utilise the by-products of biodiesel production and provide a range of environmental, social and economic outcomes throughout the production chain.
For more information about this project, contact Heinz de Chelard at
heinz.dechelard@catchmenthealth.com.au
Hamilton Institute of Rural Learning (HIRL) – The Next Step
This application was submitted by Chris Cole, Secretary of the Hamilton Institute of Rural Learning (HIRL). This Fellowship was awarded to facilitate research into the background, history and vision of HIRL through study of existing archives/resources as well as the generation of new data through interviews with remaining members of early HIRL committees and RMIT staff involved in the architecture and landscaping of HIRL facilities. The application was submitted to ensure that valuable information about the early beginnings of the organisation is not lost with time. The findings of this research will be documented in a booklet form available for sale to the general public as an important and lasting record of HIRL’s history.
For more information about this project, contact Chris Cole at ccole@datafast.net.au
Southern Aurora Solar Car Project 2007
This application was submitted by Robert Cadden to enable a Western District team to participate in the 2007 World Solar Challenge. The team included 6 students from Western district schools who formed the strategy team responsible for monitoring the energy usage of the car throughout the event. The aims of the project included: to advance the knowledge of practical applications of solar energy and related technology in the Western district of Victoria through the development and operation of the Southern Aurora solar car; to increase operating efficiency and reliability of the existing solar car by updating various mechanical, structural and electrical components; and to involve community members/students in the World Solar Challenge and in the compilation of a completion report.
For more information about this project, contact Bob Cadden or Steve Martinich at
cadden@hotkey.net.au or martinich@bigpond.com
2006 Fellowships:
Grampians Disability Accommodation Network Project
Downloadable version of the report - PDF (2.12 MB 81pp)
Downloadable version of the report attachment - PDF (1.17 MB 45pp)
This application was submitted by Norelle Pearce on behalf of families who have a child/young adult with a disability in the Southern and Northern Grampians regions in partnership with Wimmera Parent Support Network, Ararat Parent Support Group and Hamilton Support Group for Parents of Children with Special Needs. This initiative comes as a response to the government’s decision not to build any more accommodation facilities for people with a disability. The funding requested will employ a project worker for two days per week for one year to research existing and evolving models of accommodation and support for young people with a disability. The project’s primary aim is to provide education to empower families to make informed decisions about their child’s future accommodation when parents are no longer able to care for the child.
For more information about this project, contact Norelle Pearce at norellep@wimmera.unitingcare.org.au
Sustaining a Future for Young People in Agriculture: Red Meat and Wool Industry Project
The application was submitted by Bill Hamill, Chief Executive Officer of Rural Industries Skill Training Inc. (RIST). With skill shortages in the read meat and wool industries posing one of the greatest threat to the viability of farming enterprises in the near future, this project seeks to identify the causes of the skills shortages in the red meat and wool sectors and the reasons for the lack of interest in young people pursuing a career in agriculture, and to develop strategies to address this shortage in order to ensure the sustainability of rural and regional communities in the Western Victoria region.
For more information about this project, contact Bill Hamill at bhamill@rist.com.au
Stones, Streams, Stories and Dreams Project
This project is conceived as an important step towards raising the profile of the arts in the local area encouraging community participation and professional development opportunities. It also aims to provide participants with arts and cultural interpretation skills of the local landforms as well as contribute to building relations with the Gunditjmara people. It will also work towards raising awareness of the environmental significance of the Western Victoria region, its wonders, threats and ways of working with sustainable land management. In addition, the project aims to showcase the community’s own stories in a way that the community can relate to, respond to and reinterpret through the skills that will be developed in workshops. The application was submitted by Carolyn Rundell as the principal artist and researcher she is supported RMIT with the new media aspect of the project mentored by lab3000.
For more information about this project, please contact Carolyn Rundell at
streamingstonestories@yahoo.com.au .
2005 Fellowships:
An evaluation of the Fellowships was carried out in October and November 2005. The method used involved semi-structured interviews to explore specific areas and themes with the Fellowship holders, and also to capture deeper and more nuanced information about processes that have influenced development and implementation of the project and associated learning. Notes were taken at these interviews by two people and then combined as a transcribed set of notes. Notes have been sent to each interviewed fellowship holder to verify the contents and to seek permission to draw from these notes. Many of the interviewees took this opportunity to make small corrections and to add to what had been said, while others said that they were comfortable with the way the conversations had been reported.
The semi-structured interviews covered questions on:
• Publicity and awareness of the Fellowship program
• Application process
• Participation and Partnerships
• Personal Learning and Reflection
• Measures of community sustainability, community-building and regional development
• Research themes and areas of interest in the region
Outcomes
A number of significant outcomes resulted from the community & community-university partnerships established by the funded research. Key outcomes identified by the participants were:
• That the research projects supported learning- and-growing outcomes for all involved
• That new learnings in research methodologies and technical knowledge in their areas of research were acquired
• That researchers’ own skill bases improved in a number of areas such as; communication, team work, presentation, media
• That new and effective community networks and local government linkages were established.
• That there were increased levels of community engagement in their local areas consequent to the research
• That they had received support and encouragement from RMIT Hamilton and RMIT Melbourne staff and the community
• That they had acquired a greater awareness of the complexity of local existing and emergent trends and responses
• That they had acquired a deeper understanding of the complexity of local community issues and the responsibilities to engage in a broader way within and outside the region
2004 Fellowships:
Taking the Sting out of the European Wasp from the Dunkeld Panyyabar Landcare Group
Downloadable version of the complete report - PDF (650 KB)
Downloadable version of the impact survey report - PDF (210 KB)
This was a project involving the Panyyabyr Landcare Group, Dunkeld Consolidated School, Dunkeld Progress Association, Glenelg Hopkins CMA, RMIT University (Melbourne) and other community groups and organisations in the region. This application was submitted by Lisa McIntyre from Dunkeld. This project investigated the extent to which the European Wasp (Vespula germanica) has affected the Dunkeld and district communities with particular reference to its impact on tourism, industry, ecology and the lifestyle of Southern Grampians residents. The team worked with Professor John Hearne, Kaye Marion, and Katie Ballagh from RMIT Melbourne. The project coordinator was Prue Saimoun (Dunkeld). A report was produced to provide a “base of evidence” from which future research can draw from; and recommendations on how community may respond to this issue.
For further information contact Pru Saimoun (Nee McAlpin) at prumcalpin@yahoo.com.au
Balmoral – Building a Creative Community from the Chameleon Arts Collective
Downloadable version of the complete report - PDF (3.3 MB)
The application was submitted by Suiyin Honeywell, a member of the Chameleon Arts Collective Inc. Other members of the project team included Amelia Johnston and Elise Armitage. The collective comprises over 40 artists from Balmoral, Edenhope, Harrow, Casterton, Hamilton, Horsham, Nhill and Ballarat, and expanded on an already successful “Cultural Quencher” exhibition in 2003 towards a larger festival in 2004. The project worked towards developing an extensive evaluation of the benefit of arts festivals to community wellbeing, community connectedness, attracting and maintaining new residents and/or young people and creating positive linkages between established and newly arrived residents.
The evaluation report strongly supported the benefit of arts and arts festivals in not just addressing the isolation factor of living in rural areas with large distances between farms and towns; but also in enriching community life through new skills, ideas and larger networks. This project has enabled the development of new events such as the Place and Diversity Festival for 2006.
Inquiries can be directed to The Chameleon Arts Collective Inc. at www.chameleonarts.org.au
Enabling young people to participate in the World Solar Challenge from the Southern Aurora Solar Car Group (Southern Grampians region)
Downloadable version of the complete report - PDF (40 KB)
This project submitted by Robert Cadden enabled young people to participate in the 2005 World Solar Challenge. Three years ago, a group of Western district people with a keen interest in the practical applications of solar energy became involved in the RMIT University supported Aurora Vehicle Association based in Melbourne. There has been an increasing level of interest and participation in this project from its enthusiasm, and development from the activities of the Aurora vehicle Western District group. This project is also assisting in engaging more young people in the practical application of solar power and related sustainable energy technology.
2003 Fellowships:
Using Treated Wastewater for High Value Horticulture in Rural Communities submitted from the Coleraine & District Development Association Inc. (CDDA), with RMIT Melbourne
Downloadable version of the full report - PDF (1.52 MB)
The application was submitted by John Kane on behalf of the Coleraine & District Development Association in partnership with RMIT University (Melbourne) and the Glenelg Region Water Authority (now amalgamated with Wannon Water). This project is a good example of genuine co-operation between a small rural community and public sector agencies in the pursuit of common objectives.
This project involves the further treatment of wastewater at the Coleraine Water Reclamation Plant after it has passed through the standard treatment processes around three lagoons. Currently water held in the third lagoon over winter is sprayed over adjacent agricultural land during the summer months. This can be considered low value usage of a scarce resource and this Handbury Fellowship has developed an exciting project to make much better use of this water. It is proposed to build a trial “constructed wetland” into which water from the third lagoon will flow and be treated by natural processes including micro-organisms, grasses, rushes, sedges etc. It is anticipated that the water will flow from this wetland as Class A or Class B which will allow this precious resource to be used in a vegetable, fruit and herb growing enterprise based on organic production principles. It is considered of fundamental importance not to use chemicals or a large cash budget to make this project successful, which adds more complexity to this challenge.
The Water Reclamation Plant and proposed horticultural site is on a high profile area of land on the Glenelg Highway 1 kilometre from Coleraine and this project should create a lot of interest from locals and the passing tourists.
For more information about this project, please contact John Kane at jtakane2@bigpond.com
A Model to Attract a Reliable Teaching Workforce to the Southern Grampians Region
Downloadable version of the full report: PDF (141 kb)
Rosalind Jones of The Hamilton Alexandra College submitted the application for this project which explored recommendations to both education policy planners as well as key university education faculties on how mature age graduates can be recruited back to the teaching field. A network of school representatives and related associates was established in participating schools. Rosalind also worked with staff at RMIT Hamilton. An important aspect of this project included recommendations towards the possibility of establishing a Graduate Diploma in Education (Secondary) program at RMIT Hamilton as well as extending accommodation options in the region, including that for student teachers. A full report is available on the Handbury Fellowship website.
For more information about this project, please contact Rosalind Jones on jonesr@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au or (03) 5572 1355
Strengthening Local Labour Markets in the Southern Grampians Region to Build Stronger Communities with RMIT University Melbourne
Downloadable version of the full report: PDF (945 kb)
The application was submitted by Associate Professor Dave Mercer with support from the Southern Grampians Shire Council and the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority. Other members of this research project team were RMIT researchers Simone Alexander, Trevor Budge and Robin Goodman. The project aims to better understand the nature and changes affecting small town and labour markets in the Southern Grampians region. This research provides valuable information about the changing economic and labour market requirements for the region, information which will assist the Shire and the State Government with future planning. Presentations of findings from this project were held in 2004 and 2005.
For more information about this project, please contact Dave Mercer on dave.mercer@rmit.edu.au
2002 Fellowships:
The Hamilton Rare Plant Seed Production Project from Greening Australia Victoria with RMIT University at Hamilton
Downloadable version of the project sheet - PDF (325 KB)
“Hamilton Rare Plant Seed Production” was submitted by Dave Warne of Greening Australia Victoria in collaboration with RMIT Hamilton. Seed production areas (or seed orchards) are a cost effective way of increasing the extent and diversity of revegetation without compromising the integrity of the remnant through over-collection. The establishment of a dedicated seed production area, located on a 0.5 hectare piece at RMIT Hamilton has provided a reliable source of understorey and ground flora species to increase the availability of high quality indigenous seed in the Southern Grampians area. It is also intended to develop the site as an interpretive centre for educational purposes particular for visits by primary, secondary and tertiary students in the future.
The Hamilton Community Parklands (Bandicoot Enclosure) Management Plan from the Eastern Barred Bandicoot Recovery Team community group
Downloadable version of the full report: PDF (2.79mb)
Submitted by the Eastern Barred Bandicoot Recovery team; community desire for this project was reflected in a study carried out in October 2001 by students from RMIT University. This study found that there remains a high level of support for the bandicoot and efforts to conserve the species. These results were consistent with those from research conducted ten years ago by the Bandicoot Recovery team in Hamilton. The project produced a management plan for the Hamilton Community Parklands (Bandicoot Enclosure) that considered the economic, environmental and social outcomes of this facility for the broader Southern Grampians community. Considerable community consultation was undertaken by Tim Burnard as the Handbury Fellow for the project team; with both statutory bodies such as the Shire Council, Country Fire Authority and other interested parties/people identified in the first stage. The plan encompassed all management issues including: threatened species, pest plants and animals, fire track and fence maintenance and public access and interpretation to name a few. The plan also detailed responsibilities for each of the stakeholders involved in the parkland management to ensure that future actions are mutually beneficial to the broader Southern Grampians community. The final document was presented at a public forum in consultation with all stakeholders, and is available as a CD rom at RMIT University.
For more information about this project please contact Tim Burnard on tburnard@netbay.com.au
The Sustainable Volunteerism in Rural Communities from a community organisation called Community Connections Vic Ltd with RMIT University, Melbourne
Downloadable version of the full report: PDF (1.4 mb)
"Sustainable Volunteerism in Rural Communities" was submitted by Community Connections Vic Ltd and the (then) RMIT School of Social Science and Planning. This project sought to explore the issues surrounding volunteerism in the Southern Grampians region. As a community organization Community Connections is dependant on volunteers to assist disadvantaged families. The project identified what would motivate a greater involvement by a broad cross section of the Southern Grampians community in sustaining the voluntary sector. The project outcome provided a much greater understanding of the current and projected issues confronting the Southern Grampians community, the sustainability of voluntary input, the associated social and economic benefits contributed by volunteers along with effective strategies to encourage greater and broader community involvement in the future. The principal research fellow was Jill Warne and the project overseen by a steering committee that included local community representation, volunteers and consumers of volunteer services, community organizations and in a research partnership with Dr. June Allan from the School of Social Science & Planning.
This initial research conducted in 2003 which focused on the Southern Grampians sub region has continued. Community Connections as a member agency of the South West Community Capacity Consortium has investigated the issues around volunteerism across the whole south west region. In 2005 further research funded by the Geoffrey Gardiner Foundation was conducted (Principal Researcher - Project Officer Mrs Linda Thies). The outcome a model for - The South West Local and Regional Volunteerism Initiative - 'Strengthening and Sustaining SW Communities' has been developed by a working party whose membership includes local government, community and the DVC. It is a regional model and framework for community building, and a plan for sustainability of the community and volunteer sectors, which is underpinned by collaboration and partnerships between community, local government and the private sector. This 3 year initiative has received funding from the Gardiner Foundation and from the Department of Victorian Communities - Volunteer Support Grant Program and will commence operation from November 2006.
For further information please contact:
Susan Meyer
Executive Manager, Organisational Development
Community Connections (Vic.) Ltd.
P.O. Box 404
WARRNAMBOOl. Vic. 3280
Ph: 1300 361 680
|
|
 |
| Community Sustainability ©Copyright
2004 |
|
