Geelong Place-based Financial Inclusion Action Plans

Geelong Region 'Build' Place-based FIAP

With the success of the ‘Foundation’ Financial Inclusion Action Plan (FIAP – phase one) in the Geelong Region, the development of a Geelong Region ‘Build’ FIAP (phase two) was initiated in July 2022; made possible with funding support from the Building Better Regions Fund and the Federal Government, along with Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand (GSANZ).

This initiative has seen the continued engagement of the pioneer organisations along with the further engagement of our new Geelong Region placed-based FIAP members to help support the financial wellbeing of individuals within the Geelong Region community.

The ‘Build – Geelong Region Financial Inclusion Action Plan’ launched on the 30th of March 2023. Read the Geelong Region ‘Build’ FIAP and watch the fantastic video of members describing what FIAP means to them, below.

Geelong Region 'Build' Financial Inclusion Action Plan (FIAP) 2023-2025

Geelong Region 'Foundation' FIAP: Driving Positive Change

The 2022 Geelong Region FIAP report (below) highlights the critical role played by all Geelong Region FIAP members, over the past 18 months, in addressing the issues of financial stress and hardship affecting the local communities.

The Pioneers explored the impact of key risks and triggers of financial stress and hardship in the Geelong Region such as low income, unemployment, specific life events, lack of access to safe and affordable products and services, limited knowledge, and capability to undertake effective financial decisions and identified practical actions to address these challenges.

Geelong Region 'Foundation' Financial Inclusion Action Plan (FIAP) 2020-2021

Geelong Region FIAP - Dec 2021 Report: How the Pioneers have been successful in driving positive change through practical actions

Geelong2

Why the Geelong Region?

In early 2018, the Helen Macpherson Smith Trust extended an opportunity for Good Shepherd to leverage the learnings of the National FIAP Program and test it in a specific place in regional Victoria. Geelong was selected as the first location to pilot the concept of a Place-based FIAP.

The Geelong region has a diverse economy, with growing industries and access to infrastructure, yet heavy manufacturing has historically been the biggest employer. More recently, the uncertain global economy and the technological disruption has led to the downsizing and closure of many factories. The local economy has been transitioning towards more diversified employment in higher skilled service industries including education, health, scientific research, and tourism yet those with lower skills and education particularly older workers are likely to be left behind.

Place-based Geelong FIAP

Barwon Health

Barwon Health

Formed in 1998, Barwon Health is one of the largest and most comprehensive regional health services in Australia, providing care at all stages of life and circumstance. With more than…
St Joseph’s College

St Joseph’s College

As a Catholic school, St Joseph’s College aspires to form students’ hearts and minds to act with integrity and compassion within a learning culture that is engaging, rigorous, inclusive, and…
Golden Plains Shire

Golden Plains Shire

Golden Plains is unique as it is essentially running between Victoria’s two biggest regional centers, those being Geelong and Ballarat. The Shire covers 2,705 square kilometers with a population of…
Surf Coast Shire

Surf Coast Shire

The Surf Coast Shire is a local government area serving a population of 37,623 (2021). It is home to eleven distinct townships: Aireys Inlet, Anglesea, Bellbrae, Deans Marsh, Fairhaven, Jan Juc, Lorne, Moriac,…
The Gordon TAFE

The Gordon TAFE

As one of the largest TAFEs in Victoria, The Gordon has been helping people gain real skills for over 130 years. Delivering a great range of study options in vocational…
Headspace

Headspace

Headspace Geelong provides ‘no wrong door’ advice and support for young people aged 12 to 25 in the Geelong region. Our service offers young people the opportunity to access support…
Geelong Food Relief Centre

Geelong Food Relief Centre

Geelong Food Relief Centre (GFRC) was established in 1990 is committed to providing the delivery of food aid services to disadvantaged members of the community throughout the Geelong region in…
Aware Super

Aware Super

“Our goal, by investing your super, is to improve our communities, economy, and our environment, while also delivering strong long-term returns.    Aware Super are a tobacco-free fund at the forefront…
City of Greater Geelong

City of Greater Geelong

City of Greater Geelong’s purpose: Working together for a thriving community. “At City of Greater Geelong, we are committed to working together for a thriving community. We do this by…
Meli (formerly Bethany Group and BCYF)

Meli (formerly Bethany Group and BCYF)

Meli (formerly Bethany Community Support Inc.) is an independent, not-for-profit community services organisation providing high-quality support services for women, men, children, and families living in the Barwon and Southwest regions…
Barwon Water

Barwon Water

“Barwon Water (Barwon Region Water Corporation) is Victoria’s largest regional urban water corporation. We have a proud history supporting regional prosperity by providing excellence in water, sewerage and recycled water…
Colac Otway Shire

Colac Otway Shire

“The Colac Otway Shire is a richly diverse area located less than two hours west of Melbourne, linked by rail and a dual highway.  Colac Otway is one of the…
Give Where You Live

Give Where You Live

Give Where You Live Foundation is a unique, place-based philanthropic community foundation.  They are a change-maker for their region. Who constantly looking at, assessing, and addressing social needs within their…
Good Money (Geelong Store)

Good Money (Geelong Store)

Good Money stores support people to make responsible and sustainable financial decisions.  Good Money offers financial support via a network of financial capability workers and counsellors and access to a…
WorkSafe Victoria

WorkSafe Victoria

“At WorkSafe Victoria we explored whether our people had similar financial wellbeing needs to what global research suggests. The outcome is that they do have financial wellbeing and literacy needs,…
Match Works

Match Works

“At MatchWorks, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to work. That’s why every year, we help thousands of people from all backgrounds, ages and abilities to find the right job. …
Deakin University

Deakin University

As one of Australia’s leading tertiary education providers, Deakin offers a personalised experience enhanced by world-class programs and innovative digital engagement. We lead by creating opportunities to live and work…
Transport Accident Commission (TAC)

Transport Accident Commission (TAC)

The TAC is a Victorian Government-owned organisation whose role is to promote road safety, support those who have been injured on our roads and help them get their lives back…
Sacred Heart College

Sacred Heart College

Sacred Heart College is a Catholic secondary school for girls located in Newtown, Geelong. It has operated on the same 6.6-hectare site since it was established by the Sisters of…
The Times News Group

The Times News Group

The Times News Group is a hyper-local community media outlet across print, digital and social channels.  It prints more than 65,000 free newspapers weekly on a Thursday across selected parts…

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