Pittsworth this week hosted a project planning workshop designed to help grassroots not-for-profit groups deliver even more outcomes for their communities.
Hosted by Condamine Catchment Management Association and delivered by Wombat Creative, the interactive workshop focused on the project management cycle with a deep dive into the planning process.
More than 20 community group were represented at the workshop including Scouts, shooting clubs, Siroptimists, P&Cs and kindys, historical societies, churches, heritage associations a School of Arts, football clubs and conservation group HOPE (Householders Options to Protect the Environment).
Regional NRM organisation Southern Queensland Landscapes were also present alongside Pittsworth Landcare Group, South Myall Landcare Group, North East Downs Landcare Group, Lockyer Uplands Catchments Inc, Milmerran Landcare and Condamine Catchment Management Association.
Mary Lou Gittens is the Secretary of Condamine Catchment Management Association and she said the workshop took place as a result of community need.
“We know from more than three decades of work in the catchment that our grassroots groups sometimes struggle with the intricacies of project planning,” Mary Lou said.
“They’ll have awesome ideas that they can’t quite articulate for funding bodies and partners.”
“Not only did this workshop offer practical strategies for taking those ideas and turning them into solid plans, it also helped people better understand the ins and outs of strategic community – especially when budgets are tight or non-existent.”
The workshop was funded by an Australian Government grant.
Presenter Samantha Morris said the projects explored were diverse and critical for the rural communities pitching them,.
“We had everything from koala mapping to fire resilience workshops for land managers, restoring a 150 year old pipe organ, installing nest boxes for birds and biodiversity and painting and renovating critical early childhood learning facilities,” she said.
“Community groups, and the volunteers who drive them, are the backbone of regional Australia,” Sam said. “Now these groups have had the opportunity to spend dedicated time fleshing out their project plans, they’re in a good place to engage their communities, seek grants and deliver significant outcomes.”
