What we do Awards program 2022 NHVic Awards Reducing Inequalities Award Winner: Reservoir Neighbourhood House - Colour my Neighbourhood The goal of this project was to bring art and colour to a public housing estate in East Reservoir through an intentional and integrated community development mural project. The end result: beautiful buildings, active citizens and a whole lot of joy! Residents were consulted on the design of each House, and encouraged to suggest colours and motifs that were meaningful to them. A health worker was also present at these meetings, helping to address other health concerns for the residents. Community Resilience Award Winner: Yarram Neighbourhood House - Storm Response During June and October 2021 South Gippsland was hit with storms that caused large scale destruction, flooding and extended power outages. Yarram Neighbourhood House worked with local CFA, Wellington Shire and other community groups to reach more of their community with food and support. When they had feedback that some residents needed access to showers, and that some even felt too embarrassed to come for the services without one, they arranged 4 portable showers for people to use. Climate Action Award Winner: Mernda Community House - Mernda Repair Cafe The Mernda Repair Café delivers information and educational workshops, recruits and trains community champions, and creates opportunities for community members to engage and socially connect. Mernda Community House partnered with Whittlesea City Council and Sustainability Victoria, and have received glowing feedback and consistent attendance from their participants. Fiona Richardson Award for Gender Equity Winner: Dallas Neighbourhood House - Family Violence Peer Education Project This program was created in response to the high rates of family violence in Hume, bringing together 12 women from diverse backgrounds to be trained as Peer Educators and produce a short video, Take the First Step, to share their message. The video has already made a direct impact, and the peer educators are continuing to support their communities and advocate against family violence. Social Enterprise Award Winner: Wellsprings for Women - Cultural Cuisines Women in the Greater Dandenong area face significant barriers, with only 53% of women aged 15-64 in paid employment and a family violence rate 32% higher than the metropolitan average. Wellsprings for Women identified the need for support for these women to generate an income, and worked with William Angliss Institute to develop the Cultural Cuisines program. They’ve been able to employ women in the community for catering jobs, and hope to open more opportunities with a food truck in the new year.