A new group has formed to connect community groups, leaders and volunteers across Melbourne’s west.
Established by the HealthWest Partnership, connectwest is a membership-based network which aims to strengthen groups by offering region-wide networking and sharing information.
It will support groups and leaders across Melton, Maribyrnong, Brimbank, Hobsons Bay and Wyndham.
HealthWest executive officer Gail O’Donnell said connecting the groups will have benefits for the wider community.
“Community empowerment and leadership are known to be a driving force in strengthening community health and wellbeing,” Ms O’Donnell said.
The group will be officially launched at a public breakfast event at VU MetroWest in Footscray on November 30.
The event will include a panel of speakers including representatives from Melton council, Western Young People’s Independent Network, Asylum Seeker Resource Centre and LeadWest.
Connectwest was formed as a result of the Community Leadership in the West project, which has been looking into how to support and link community groups, leadership program graduates, health champions and volunteers across the western suburbs.
