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Every child deserves the opportunity to start school ready to learn. In Mooroopna, a powerful local partnership has been demonstrating what can happen when schools, early childhood services and community organisations work together to give children the support they need to thrive. Now in its seventh year, the Oral Language Intervention (OLI) Program, an intensive intervention in Speech Therapy, is helping vulnerable children develop the speech, language and literacy skills th

When we talk about the dairy industry in Greater Shepparton, it is easy to focus on the things we can measure, like milk production, farms, jobs, investment and economic contribution. But behind every one of those measures is a community. The dairy industry is deeply woven into the fabric of our region. It supports farmers and their families, employs people across processing, transport, manufacturing and services, and contributes to the viability of local businesses, schools,

Sometimes, the difference between a young person dreaming about their future and believing they can achieve it is simply knowing someone believes in them too. Since 2014, the Lift Off Education Scholarship Program has supported 164 school leavers’ from across the Goulburn Valley to take their next step into higher education. Lift Off scholarships support students undertaking Diplomas, Bachelor degrees and other higher education courses, helping to overcome the financial and o

This week we continue our deep dive into 25 years of community giving, and 25 of the ways the Foundation supports our community with impacts 5 – 10. To look back at the list so far you can visit www.greatershepparton.foundation Over 25 years we have focussed lots of support on scholarships, bursaries and support for young people entering further education pathways. The Lift Off Education Scholarship is one of our most long-standing program of support, but the Greater Sheppart

For 25 years, the generosity of people across the Goulburn Valley has helped turn local ideas in to lasting change. What began as a way to raise local support for local initiatives has grown into a Foundation that brings people, ideas, funding and opportunity together to tackle some of the most important challenges facing our region. Over a quarter of a century, the Greater Shepparton Foundation has supported education, health, employment, food security, cultural inclusion, d

Investing in Local Talent Through Employment and Vocational Training Scholarships Supporting people to gain the skills they need for meaningful employment is one of the most valuable investments a community can make. At Greater Shepparton Foundation, our partnership with GMLLEN helps to remove financial barriers that can stand in the way of committed students completing their training and pursuing rewarding careers. With funding support from Central Shepparton Rotary Club a

At the Greater Shepparton Foundation, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive at school. That's why we are proud to support an evidence-informed Occupational Therapy (OT) Program at Mooroopna Park Primary School, an investment that will help remove barriers to learning, strengthen inclusive classroom practice and ensure more children can participate with confidence. Every day, schools support students with increasingly diverse learning needs. While some chal

As winter settles across Greater Shepparton, many local families are facing challenges that extend far beyond the colder weather. Rising living costs, increasing food insecurity, housing pressures, and social isolation are creating significant hardship for many in our community. At a time when demand for support is growing, local organisations are working harder than ever to ensure people have access to food, connection, wellbeing services, and opportunities to participate fu

WomenCAN graduation - (l-r) Mark DePaola - Chair Greater Shepparton Foundation, WomenCAN Program Manager - Donna Baldwin, CEO WomenCAN Australia - Heather Saunders, Early Years Program Graduates Darci, Abby and Leah. From Connection to Opportunity: Building Pathways for Women in Greater Shepparton Some of the most important community change happens quietly at first. It begins with a conversation, a willingness to listen to people who see both the challenges and opportunities

The 2026 National Community Foundations Forum took place in Melbourne in May. It was a reminder that, in uncertain times, communities across Australia are increasingly turning to local leadership, local knowledge and local philanthropy to shape their futures. Held on Wurundjeri Country at the historic Abbotsford Convent in Melbourne, the Forum brought together community foundations from metropolitan, regional and remote Australia under the theme “Meeting the Moment”. The gath

As Australia prepares to celebrate National Volunteer Week next week — the nation’s annual recognition of volunteering — it is the perfect time to acknowledge the extraordinary people who quietly strengthen our communities every single day. National Volunteer Week shines a light on the millions of Australians who generously give their time, skills and experience, while also encouraging others to discover the connection, purpose and fulfilment that volunteering can bring. At G

Greater Shepparton Foundation is calling for expressions of interest for the final position in its successful Regional Youth Journalism Fellowship program. The Fellowship offers young people from the Greater Shepparton a unique chance to be paid while learning and developing their skills in the Shepparton News newsroom. Participants also receive support and mentorship from journalists through the Melbourne Press Club, gaining valuable guidance and industry insight. Past Fello

Margaret Attwood Grant Advisory Committee from left – Justin Bice, Jack O’Sullivan, Rebecca Lovell, David Furci, Madeline Hines, Julia Thomas, Lauren Cornwall, Maryanne Stivactas, Isobel Gribben. Six local initiatives addressing critical community needs have secured funding through the Greater Shepparton Foundation’s Margaret Attwood Grant Round, reinforcing the power of grassroots action in creating meaningful change. This year’s round was one of the most competitive to date

Looking Back: Planning Forward As the Greater Shepparton Foundation celebrates 25 years of community impact, we proudly reflect on a journey defined by generosity, collaboration, and a shared commitment to strengthening our region. Building on the legacy of our predecessor, The Community Fund Goulburn Valley and United Way Community Fund, we have continued to respond to the evolving needs of our community—supporting place-based initiatives and investing in projects that cr

Strengthening our community with place-based grants. Below are two key ways you can meaningfully contribute to your community Are you an eligible non-for-profit organisation? Apply for up to $10,000 to support a project that provides a solution to a community need through the Margaret Attwood Grant Round. Are you wanting to see the direct benefits of your donation? Sign up for Forever 500, our FIRST democratically voted grant round, where you decide which project receives y

Greater Shepparton Foundation’s annual ‘Margaret Attwood Grant Round’ opened , Friday, February 13, 2026, offering grants of up to $10,000 to local community organisations for place-based projects. If you are a local non-for-profit organisation, looking to provide a solution to meet community need, you are encouraged to read the grant guidelines on the Greater Shepparton Foundation website to determine if you are eligible to apply. The Margaret Attwood Grant Round is communit

Greater Shepparton Foundation is awarded its 2026 Education Scholarships at a ceremony on February 5th, at 10am at Latrobe University, Shepparton. A total of $84,000 in Lift Off Education Scholarships was announced and awarded to 14 successful applicants to the 2026 Lift Off Education Scholarship program at the ceremony including Aaron Schuren, Princess Arielle Santos, Chloe Hogg, Hunnardeep Kaur Sandhu, Jade Klein, Katya Eddy, Kiara Stephens, Masooma Shah, Matilda Altoft, Mi

After a short break and refresh over the festive season, Greater Shepparton Foundation was straight back to work creating opportunities for local people across our community. Applications for our Lift Off Education Scholarships closed in mid-December and were promptly assessed and shortlisted for interview earlier this month. Those interviews have now been completed by an independent panel, and we are pleased to advise that successful recipients for 2026 will be announced and

As the festive season approaches and our community begins to turn its attention toward connection, generosity, and reflection, the Greater Shepparton Foundation’s brand new Forever 500 campaign stands out as a powerful way to give back. With the Foundation now pooling contributions for the 2026 Impact Grant Round there has never been a better moment for locals to step forward and be part of something truly transformative. The beauty of the Forever 500 model lies in its simpl

Early Investment, Lasting Impact — Mooroopna’s Oral Language Program Shows What’s Possible When Community Comes Together When Mooroopna Primary School was announced as the winner of the Continuity of Early Learning category at the Victorian Early Years Awards, it was a moment that recognised not just an outstanding program, but the power of collaboration, community, and the belief that every child deserves the best possible start in life. The Oral Language Intervention (OLI)