Achievements boost confidence and optimism

Cire Services has welcomed many grant successes and achievements during the COVID period, injecting much confidence and optimism in what we do and have planned for the future.

Our successes cover a diverse range of initiatives that will help provide grassroots support to our local communities at a time when they are doing it tougher than ever. They highlight Cire’s expanding reputation and credibility at government and philanthropic levels. They are also testimony to the value Cire places on practices such as collaboration and partnerships, helping people identify and address their own needs as well leadership in the not-for-profit (NFP) sector and also in terms of environmental sustainability.

Given the current environment in which we live, it is important to note the significance of the NFP sector in terms of the Australian economy. Australian charities employ approx. 1.3m people, more than the mining and manufacturing sectors combined. Our sector is a key player in Australia’s economy contributing the equivalent of 8.5% of direct and indirect value to GDP (approx. $155 billion).
Cire’s achievements so far this year include, from most recent:

  • Yarra Ranges Council granting Cire a long-term lease to continue to operate Chirnside Park Community Hub. At the invitation of Council, Cire has been operating the hub since the start of 2019 which has resulted in a significant revitalisation of this community resource. During this period Cire also gained registration to operate a kindergarten, occasional care and vacation care at the site.
  • A grant of $10,000 from the Sidney Myer Foundation, in conjunction with the Australian Neighbourhood Houses and Centres Association (ANHCA), to deliver valuable parent/carer workshops that families may otherwise be unable to afford or access. The six-month program will commence in Term 4 with a focus on issues that will assist families ranging from managing anxiety in children, to screen time and cyber safety to accessing support for children with special needs such as autism and ADHD. The program is flexible with scope to incorporate specific topics identified by participants as well as transition between face-to-face and virtual delivery, or a mix of both and subject to the Government’s pandemic guidelines at the time.
  • A grant of almost $10,000 to deliver pre-Learner driver education for eligible students at our Community School. Three Changing Gears programs will be offered once current restrictions allow. Changing Gears will be a great positive for students to look forward to upon their return to campus.
  • A grant of $10,888 to go solar at Yarra Junction Community Hub. Cire was one of only two successful applicants from the Casey electorate in the Federal Government’s Energy Efficient Communities Program. The money saved on electricity costs will be injected back into the provision of services and programs for people of all ages.
  • A Yarra Valley Water Community grant of $5252 for water efficiency improvements at Cire’s Mount Evelyn site.
  • Be Connected Digital Device program for over 50s – $15,000 to provide over 50s with Tablets and Sim cards, through a loan program.
  • Community Child Care Fund (CCCF) Special Circumstances COVID-19 grant stream – $70,000 FACS
  • Commonwealth Bank Staff Community Foundation – FICE – $10,000
  • Wandin Rotary Scholarships – $2000
  • Good360/Big W Lilydale/ Pro Shaker Australia. The Cire community continues to benefit from items valued at many $10,000s from Good360, as well as special donations from Big W Lilydale and Pro Shaker Australia.

EXPANSION

  • the Community School has secured registration for upper primary education at its Yarra Junction campus with grades 5 and 6 likely to commence in 2021.
  • hospitality training centre completed to further engage students and help provide realistic career pathways.  The state-of-the-art facility, built at a cost of more than $600,000

PARTNERSHIPS/COLLABORATIONS

  • Part of a consortia who successfully tendered to develop and operate an integrated youth health hub in Lilydale, servicing the Yarra Ranges. Consortia is led by Inspiro Community Health Service and also comprises Oonah Aboriginal Corporation, Anchor, Cire and Eastern Community Legal Centre. The activities and services will be delivered by the consortium members and additional partners including Eastern Health, Youth Support and Advocacy Service (YSAS) and a General Practitioner.
  • Yarra Ranges Council – Hang Explore Connect tender. Monbulk Tribe (Belinda Grooby). Tender for 12 months – $40,000
  • Practera virtual research including overseas students:  Topics covered Social Media and Marketing Efficiency Evaluation / Business Opportunities Evaluation and Future
  • Cire was named not-for-profit of the month by Good360 Australia for its tireless work in helping distribute new and surplus goods to those most in need and also helping further expand Good360’s network to share the opportunity as widely as possible. Cire has established an invaluable partnership with Good360 which sources goods, from companies and manufactures across Australia, that would otherwise go into landfill.