Strengthening ties with Monash University
Monash University, through its Fire to Flourish participatory granting program, has been a partner of the Gippsland Community Foundation since 2023. A partnership that has already seen more than $2 million invested into community-led recovery.
The partnership began with GCF working alongside Monash to administer participatory granting across its 'East of Orbost' program footprint. At the heart of this partnered work is a shared belief, as published in Fire to Flourish's final research paper -
"When communities are supported to make decisions about their own recovery, the outcomes are stronger, more relevant, and more sustainable over time." (Paschen, 2025)
In 2026 that commitment continues beyond the scope of the now completed Fire to Flourish.
A $500,000 rapid response fund has been established with GCF to support communities in times of emergency.
$300,000 has been dedicated to a project strengthening Indigenous connection.
A further $200,000 through Generous Gippsland to create a lasting legacy of community giving beyond the life of the Fire to Flourish program.
An exciting new project in the Latrobe Valley, Flood to Flourish.
Flood to Flourish is a community strengthening project focused on the impacts of recurring flooding of the Traralgon Creek, and based on the successful Fire to Flourish model. Flood to Flourish aims to engage with community, agencies and local Government to co-design and prototype new methods and tools for empowering communities, allowing communities to better participate in collaborative flood risk management and community resilience strengthening efforts. The project works to develop participatory processes that strengthen flood resilience and develop connections and leadership within community.
Community Connector, Desley Gray, has been appointed to carry out the project on the ground in Traralgon. Employed by Monash and hosted by Gippsland Community Foundation, Desley is currently engaging with community groups impacted by the flooding of Traralgon Creek. If your community group or organisation would like to be involved, email Desley at dgrey@gippslandcf.org.au
We thank Monash University, Fire to Flourish, and Flood to Flourish for their continued partnership and commitment to the Gippsland community, their trust in Gippsland Community Foundation, and for backing Generous Gippsland, a model that puts community voice at the center of decision making.