Bass Coast Shire Council
Welcome to Bass Coast Council's Community Training Page
BCSC Digital Community Hub Stakeholder Co-Design Session
Thursday 23 April 2026
Following discussions at the Healthy Safe and Resilient Bass Coast stakeholder workshop held on 12 June 2025, Bass Coast Shire Council is inviting local service providers and community organisations to participate in a co-design session for a proposed Digital Community Hub.
During consultation for the Healthy, Safe and Resilient Bass Coast Plan, stakeholders consistently highlighted that community information, services and events are often difficult to locate. Information currently sits across multiple websites and platforms, making it challenging for community members to know where to look or which source to trust.
In response, Council is exploring the development of a Digital Community Hub — a single, reliable online platform designed to bring together community information, services and events in one accessible place.
Because this idea came directly from stakeholders, we are inviting organisations across the region to help shape how the platform should work.
In this session we will explore:
• What the Digital Community Hub should do
• How it should function for service providers and community members
• What information should be included
• How organisations can contribute and keep information current
• Our shared ambition for the platform
Session details
Thursday 23 April
10:00am – 12:00pm
Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club
15 Legge Way, Cape Paterson
Barista coffee and tea provided.
To confirm attendance, please sign up through this TryBooking page. If you are unable to attend, you are welcome to nominate another representative from your organisation.
Your experience working with the Bass Coast community is important in helping design a practical and useful platform.
We look forward to seeing you there…..
Cape Paterson Surf Life Saving Club
Grant Writing Workshop - online
Monday 9 February 2026
This Grant Writing workshop is designed to guide you through Bass Coast Shire Council’s grants process. We'll cover everything you need to know—from eligibility and guidelines to filling out the application form, including tips on quotes and the budget table. Plus, there’ll be plenty of time to answer any questions you have along the way!
South Coast Community Leadership Information session 2026
Tuesday 3 February 2026
Discover all the details about our program, including what it entails and how it can benefit you. This session offers a chance to:
Learn more about the program structure and objectives.
Ask questions directly to the program organisers.
Get insights on the application process and next steps.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and explore how the program can help you achieve your goals!
2025 Bass Coast Community Grants Celebration
Tuesday 9 December 2025
You’re warmly invited to the 2025 Bass Coast Community Grants Presentation & Celebration.
Join us to acknowledge this year’s achievements, connect with other successful grant recipients, and meet the Councillors who are here to support our community and celebrate your contributions to Bass Coast.
The Union
2025 Community Grants Celebration (CANCELLED)
Tuesday 9 December 2025
Councillors and Council officers look forward to celebrating with you as successful 2025 Community Grant recipients. This is also a great opportunity to network with other community groups and discuss your projects at the Wonthaggi Union. Light catering will be provided.
RSVPs are limited to two representatives per group.
Cape Paterson Surf Lifesaving Club
Alumni end of year celebration (CANCELLED)
Thursday 6 November 2025
An evening of great conversation, fresh ideas, and familiar faces.
We’ll hear from alumni Sarah, who will be sharing about local food systems in our region. Plus, be among the first to see the short film showcasing the 2025 Community Leadership Program!
You’ll also have the chance to catch up with alumni from other program years, share what you’ve been up to, and spark new collaborations for the year ahead.
Event details:
📅Thursday 6 November
🕕6:00 – 7:45pm
📍Wonthaggi Club (upstairs), 16 McBride Ave, Wonthaggi
🍽️Food and drinks available at your own cost (well priced)
Wonthaggi Club
Aluminium Art Workshop with Luminous Galleries
Saturday 18 October 2025
Seniors will learn how to design and trace shapes onto corflute using glue, then bring them to life by wrapping the designs in shimmering aluminium foil.
With friendly support and inspiring examples, participants will create their own textured, metallic artworks.
Coronet Bay Hall
Fluid Art and Mural Workshop with Luminous Galleries
Saturday 11 October 2025
Using a mix of bold paints and hairdryers to move colour across the canvas, participants will create striking, one-of-a-kind artworks.
No prior art experience is needed, just an open mind and a sense of fun! At the end of the session, each participant will have their own artwork and a photo to remember the day.
Coronet Bay Hall
Garden Plywood Art Workshop with Luminous Galleries
Sunday 5 October 2025
In this hands-on workshop, participants will be guided to paint and decorate their own unique plywood art pieces using vibrant colours and simple techniques.
No experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to get creative! At the end of the session, each participant will have their own signed and varnished artwork, along with a photo to capture the moment. It’s a relaxed, social, and inspiring event where seniors can connect, share stories, and discover the joy of making art together.
Coronet Bay Hall
Community Leadership Alumni Gathering....(momentum)
Thursday 4 September 2025
An evening to connect, meet new alumni graduates, and celebrate our growing leadership network.
We’ll introduce an exciting new project designed to boost online promotion for all kinds of community activities, events, and initiatives—something that could benefit you and the groups you’re involved in.
Come along to enjoy great conversation over delicious food (provided), meet alumni from different program years, and be part of shaping what’s next for our region’s leaders.
Small Forrest
In Good Company - connection to change
Saturday 26 July 2025
Join facilitator Pete Canny and a panel of local change makers for a morning of connection, insight and shared learning. Explore how strong networks and collaboration help build better communities.
Pete Canny is a Collaborator at The Leadership Assembly and brings over 15 years of experience coaching and facilitating across sectors—including extensive work with local government—helping people lead with clarity, purpose and impact.
Hear from a panel of local community leaders reflecting on what makes community partnerships thrive.
Morning tea provided!
Please arrive by 9:15am to check in and get comfortable, as the workshop will start promptly at 9:30am.
Meeniyan Town Hall
Grant Writing Workshop - online
Wednesday 23 July 2025
This Grant Writing workshop is designed to guide you through Bass Coast Shire Council’s grants process. We'll cover everything you need to know—from eligibility and guidelines to filling out the application form, including tips on quotes and the budget table. Plus, there’ll be plenty of time to answer any questions you have along the way!
Grant Writing Workshop
Monday 21 July 2025
This Grant Writing workshop is designed to guide you through Bass Coast Shire Council’s grants process. We'll cover everything you need to know—from eligibility and guidelines to filling out the application form, including tips on quotes and the budget table. Plus, there’ll be plenty of time to answer any questions you have along the way!
Newhaven Visitor Information Centre
Future Planning Workshop
Tuesday 6 May 2025
Planning ahead is important for the long-term success of any community group. This online session will walk Bass Coast groups through the key steps of creating a strategic plan, involving members and stakeholders, and following good governance practices. Whether you're starting fresh or improving an existing plan, you'll get practical tips and tools to set clear priorities, make better decisions, and build a strong future.
Attracting and Engaging Volunteers
Wednesday 26 March 2025
Join us for a practical two-hour workshop designed to help Bass Coast community groups who want to attract and keep volunteers. We'll talk about effective ways to find and keep volunteers, and show you the Volunteering Gippsland website. It's free and helps manage volunteers. Whether you need more volunteers or want to improve how you work with them, this workshop will give you useful tools and tips.
Light refreshments will be provided.
San Remo Recreation Centre
Grant Writing Workshop - online
Wednesday 12 February 2025
This Grant Writing workshop is designed to guide you through Bass Coast Shire Council’s grants process. We'll cover everything you need to know—from eligibility and guidelines to filling out the application form, including tips on quotes and the budget table. Plus, there’ll be plenty of time to answer any questions you have along the way!
Grant Writing Workshop
Thursday 6 February 2025
This Grant Writing workshop is designed to guide you through Bass Coast Shire Council’s grants process. We'll cover everything you need to know—from eligibility and guidelines to filling out the application form, including tips on quotes and the budget table. Plus, there’ll be plenty of time to answer any questions you have along the way!
Kilcunda Community Hall
South Coast Community Leadership Information session
Wednesday 22 January 2025
Discover all the details about our program, including what it entails and how it can benefit you. This session offers a chance to:
Learn more about the program structure and objectives.
Ask questions directly to the program organisers.
Get insights on the application process and next steps.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and explore how the program can help you achieve your goals!
Introduction to Crisisworks
Thursday 12 December 2024
This session will be held in the Council Chamber
You will learn how we use Crisisworks to track activities and record information during emergency
Council Chambers
Introduction to Personal Support
Tuesday 10 December 2024
This is primarily for staff who have nominated to undertake a role in an Emergency Relief Centre.
Delivered by Victoria Council of Churches Emergency Ministry this training includes:
• Understanding individual and community affect following disasters
• Learn skills to support your role
• Understanding the psychological reactions to stress and trauma
• Self-care.
Old Post Office Wonthaggi
How We Respond to Emergencies (CANCELLED)
Between Tuesday 26 November 2024 and Thursday 5 December 2024
This is for anyone who has or is considering being part of Bass Coast’s Emergency Support team.
By attending you will understand:
• Council’s role in emergencies
• The management structure that we use to manage emergencies at Bass Coast.
• What you will likely be doing in a supporting role.
Town Hall Foyer, Wonthaggi
2024 Community Grants Celebration
Tuesday 3 December 2024
Councillors and Council officers look forward to celebrating with you as successful 2024 Community Grant recipients. This is also a great opportunity to network with other community groups and discuss your projects in the stunning Cape Paterson Surf Lifesaving Club. Light catering will be provided.
RSVPs are limited to two representatives per group.
Cape Paterson Surf Lifesaving Club
Working in an Emergency Relief Centre (CANCELLED)
Wednesday 27 November 2024
This training will explain what an Emergency Relief Centre (ERC) is, how they operate and what you need to know to assist in the operation an ERC in an emergency.
Inverloch Hub
Introduction to Crisisworks
Tuesday 8 October 2024
Everything you need to know to get started using Crisisworks.
Council Chambers
Introduction to Crisisworks
Between Tuesday 23 July 2024 and Thursday 29 August 2024
Everything you need to know to use Crisisworks.
Council Chambers
Working in an Emergency Relief Centre
Wednesday 14 August 2024
This training will explain what an Emergency Relief Centre (ERC) is, how they operate and what you need to know to assist in the operation an ERC in an emergency.
Inverloch Hub
Community Grant Information Session - online (CANCELLED)
Wednesday 31 July 2024
Not sure of what the process is for applying for grants? What is SmartyGrants? Then come along to our information session where a Council officer will walk you through the grants process and work through any questions you may have.
This is an online session.
Community Grants Information Session (CANCELLED)
Wednesday 31 July 2024
Not sure of what the process is for applying for grants? What is SmartyGrants? Then come along to our information session where a Council officer will walk you through the grants process and work through any questions you may have.
This is an in-person group session.
Old Post Office building
Emergency Support Team: What's That
Thursday 18 July 2024
What's Council's role in emergencies? What is your role in Council's role in emergencies? Come along and find out.
Innovation Space, Wonthaggi Civic Centre.
Emergency Support Team: What's that?
Wednesday 10 July 2024
What's Council's role in emergencies? What is your role in Council's role in emergencies? Come along and find out.
Innovation Space, Wonthaggi Civic Centre.
Emergency Support Team: What's that?
Tuesday 9 July 2024
What's Council's role in emergencies? What is your role in Council's role in emergencies? Come along and find out.
Post Office Meeting Room
Grant Gathering
Saturday 18 May 2024
The Grant Gathering will bring together Bass Coast funding organisations, community groups and experts for a collaborative and insightful day of information sharing, new opportunities, and great food!
We are excited to introduce Kate Buxton who will facilitate a workshop using a 'theory of change' approach to grant writing, connecting the activities of funded projects with their intended outcomes.
And you will interact with the following:
• Bass Coast Community Foundation
• Bendigo Community Bank
• Westernport Water Community Support Program
• Phillip Island RSL Community Grants
• Bass Coast Shire Council - Community Grants and Climate Action Grants
Each will deliver a short presentation, followed by a Q&A session where you get to ask your grant questions. A light lunch will be provided.
Berninneit
Coaching Women and Girls in Community Sport
Friday 3 May 2024
Presented by Hawthorn AFLW head coach Daniel Webster this session focuses on coaching women and girls sports teams at a community level. Topics covered include creating a welcoming environment and different ways to provide feedback.
Supper provided.
Dalyston Recreation Reserve Pavilion
New approaches to Volunteering
Tuesday 16 April 2024
Having trouble recruiting or retaining volunteers? There are new and innovative ways to attract volunteers and they actually work! It is well known that volunteers are crucial to thriving communities and this workshop will investigate the positive pathways for volunteers to thrive.
Community Risk and Resilience Workshop
Monday 25 March 2024
Join us for an interactive workshop focused on building resilience in emergency situations.
• Learn practical strategies to mitigate risks
• Expert led session on emergency planning and response
• Hands on activities to enhance your preparedness skills
• Networking opportunities with like minded neighbours.
FREE BBQ!!
Kernot Hall
Community Recovery Meeting - Storm and Energy Outage
Thursday 21 March 2024
Come along to a community debrief and information session being held at Grantville Hall on Thursday, 21st March.
Light refreshments will be available from 5:30 pm. Presentations will start at 6pm. (approx. 1 hour duration).
Representatives from the emergency services, AusNet, emergency relief and recovery services and Council and Victorian Government representatives will attend.
There will be opportunity for community members to share their stories and ask all agencies about the response to the storm.
Grantville Hall
Diversity and Inclusion Workshop
Thursday 14 March 2024
At this new workshop you will be inspired to learn more about Diversity and Inclusion. You will be provided with broader knowledge in diversity and be equipped in the context of how this applies to you in your community. We all have an opportunity to further diversity and include in our world, through our own actions.
Our presenter is Melissa Tandy from Strategic Shift Consulting. She will walk you through what diversity looks like today and specifically focus on enhancing your understanding of different aspects of diversity. She will walk us through the steps we can take towards achieving inclusivity using case studies. She will also address any specific questions you have.
Light refreshments will be available.
** You may be interested in viewing some diverse topics prior to attending the workshop. Links to a number of topics are available via Council's webpage: https://www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/community-support-services/community-planning/community-training-and-resources
Inverloch Community Hub
Not just another grant workshop!
Monday 19 February 2024
This is not your typical grant writing workshop! Our focus is on streamlining your approach grant seeking and effectively communicating the impact of your work to grantmakers and other stakeholders.
In this interactive session, we’ll be focusing on:
• Communication: Learning how to effectively communicate the connection between your project's activities and its intended results.
• Skill and Confidence Building: Strengthening your abilities and confidence to present your projects compellingly, ensuring they resonate with funders by demonstrating the tangible benefits they bring to the community.
Community Grants 2023 Celebration
Tuesday 28 November 2023
Councillors and officers look forward to celebrating with you as successful Community Grant recipients for 2023 Rounds 1 and 2. This is also an opportunity to network with other community groups and discuss your projects in our wonderful new cultural centre in Cowes - Berninneit. Light catering will be provided.
Due to this being a combined Round 1 and 2 event, RSVPs are limited to two representatives per group/committee.
Berninneit
How to run a sustainable event - online Workshop
Tuesday 21 November 2023
Gain practical tips on how to run a community event and explore a range of exciting ways to make your events more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
Test event
Friday 17 November 2023
testing links
How to run a sustainable event - in person Workshop
Wednesday 15 November 2023
Gain practical tips on how to run a community event and explore a range of exciting ways to make your events more environmentally friendly and sustainable.
* Please note: if there are not enough registered participants to make this workshop viable, it will be cancelled and participants will be offered attendance at the online workshop on Tuesday, 21 November.
Kilcunda Community Centre
Expanding connections through social media
Thursday 19 October 2023
How to expand the reach of your group, collaborate and network with other groups. Learn how to create engaging video content to share your stories across social media platforms.
Community Training - Are you Grant Ready?
Tuesday 13 June 2023
This workshop is targeted to Bass Coast Community not for profit community groups to help set up a framework from which your organisation can be ready to apply for any grant, efficiently and effectively. It will give you the confidence and tools which will give you the best chance of writing a successful application to a variety of sources.
The workshop will be offered as a hybrid session - you can attend in person or online. A link to the meeting will be forwarded the day of the workshop, please check your Inbox (or Junk folder).
Bookings are limited to two representatives from each community group and are essential.
Wonthaggi Civic Centre Council Chamber
Community Training - Strategic Planning 101
Monday 5 June 2023
This workshop is targeted to Bass Coast Community not for profit community groups to learn more about the basics of Strategic Planning. This will include; why develop a Strategic Plan, the key steps involved in developing a plan, who needs to be involved, undertaking a SWOT analysis and developing a Vision and Goals.
The workshop will delivered online and is not limited by numbers so we encourage you to ask your committee members to attend. A link to the meeting will be forwarded the morning of the workshop so please check in your Inbox (or Junk folder).
Bookings are essential.
Community Grants 2023 Round 1 Presentation
Thursday 1 June 2023
Councillors and Council Officers look forward to celebrating with you as a successful Community Grant recipient Round 2 2023. This is also an opportunity to network with others and discuss your projects while enjoying light afternoon tea.
Our Climate and Sustainability Team will also present information about Council's Climate Change Action Plan and offer tips around how community groups can align their projects and programs with its objectives.
San Remo Recreation Centre
Community Training - Running a Successful Community Group
Monday 29 May 2023
This workshop is targeted to not-for-profit community groups to help your group function successfully together by assessing the strength of the group, building constructive partnerships and supporting the group with long term sustainability to have greater impact with your mission. It will also help you understand the roles and responsibilities for the committee.
The workshop will be offered as a hybrid session - you can attend in person or online. A link to the meeting will be forwarded on the day of the workshop so please check your Inbox (or Junk Folder). Light refreshments will be provided.
Bookings are essential and are limited to two representatives from each group.
Newhaven Visitor Information Centre
Community Training - Building Community with Social Media
Thursday 25 May 2023
This workshop is targeted to Bass Coast Community not for profit community groups and will guide you through the complicated maze of social media - including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn - and help you to focus your tactics to keep you sustainable and viable into the future.
The workshop is only offered online. A link will be forwarded the day before the meeting, please check your Inbox (or Junk folder).
Bookings are limited to two representatives per community group and are essential.
BCSC Community Grants 2022 Round 2 Presentation
Tuesday 29 November 2022
Councillors and Council Officers look forward to celebrating with you as a successful Community Grant recipient Round 2 2022. This is also an opportunity to network with others and discuss your projects while enjoying a light afternoon tea.
Dalyston Recreation Reserve Clubrooms
Bass Coast Shire Council Community Grants Presentation 2022
Thursday 30 June 2022
Councillors and Council Officers look forward to celebrating with you as a successful Community Grant recipient Round 1 2022. This is also an opportunity to network with others and discuss your projects while enjoying light afternoon tea.
Cowes Yacht Club
Succession Planning for Community Groups - Kilcunda
Wednesday 10 November 2021
This training is designed to tease out what groups really need to move their organisation into the right direction. It will help plan for succession by focussing on who is needed, what skills are required, how to find the right people and what contributions they each should make.
Kilcunda Community Centre
Governance Training for Community Groups - Inverloch
Tuesday 26 October 2021
This training will help group's understand about leadership and good governance and the importance of having good structures in place which aids in the confidence of the group to deliver great community outcomes.
Inverloch Community Hub Hall
Grant Writing - are you grant ready?
Thursday 21 October 2021
How, as a group, does one decide which grants to apply to? With most funders having different requirements and application processes, leaning how to set up a framework from which one can be ready to apply for any grant efficiently and effectively will open the doors to opportunity and success.
Bass Hall
Naidoc Week 2021 Indigenous Art Exhibition
Between Tuesday 22 June 2021 and Sunday 18 July 2021
Naidoc Week 2021 Indigenous Art Exhibition
ArtSpace Wonthaggi
Blue Gum Reserve Community Consultation (6.00-7.00pm)
Thursday 24 June 2021
Bass Coast Shire Council would like to invite you to have your say about a proposed amendment to the Blue Gum Reserve Master Plan 2019.
Following a series of community consultation opportunities in 2019, Council adopted the Blue Gum Reserve Master Plan. Council would like to revisit the Master Plan and propose the inclusion of the Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre’s (PICAL) highly valued Community Garden and the historical Coel’s Shed.
Blue Gum Reserve Community Consultation (3.00pm-4.00pm)
Thursday 24 June 2021
Bass Coast Shire Council would like to invite you to have your say about a proposed amendment to the Blue Gum Reserve Master Plan 2019.
Following a series of community consultation opportunities in 2019, Council adopted the Blue Gum Reserve Master Plan. Council would like to revisit the Master Plan and propose the inclusion of the Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre’s (PICAL) highly valued Community Garden and the historical Coel’s Shed.
Access & Inclusion in Bass Coast
Tuesday 22 June 2021
Bringing together people with disability, their carers and advocates and other key stakeholders who can make a difference from across services, industry, government and the private sector.
Silverwater Resort
Test
Thursday 3 June 2021
Terst
International Women's Day Breakfast
Tuesday 9 March 2021
Bass Coast Shire Council, in partnership with Westernport Water, Phillip Island Nature Parks and Bass Coast Health invite you to attend the International Women's Day Breakfast.
Silverwater Resort
FREE cinema screening to celebrate Social Inclusion Week
Tuesday 1 December 2020
Now showing! WAFF Adult Program of Films suitable for ages 13+
Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre - WUCAC
Young Leaders for the Environment 2020 - film premiere
Monday 26 October 2020
When: October 26 2020 at 5.30pm.
Who: Bring your parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins or pets! Everyone is welcome.
Bass Coast Workshop: Managing Challenging Conversations (CANCELLED)
Tuesday 12 May 2020
Manage Challenging Conversations in your Community Group.
Hosted by Bass Coast Shire Council and presented by Dana Hughes of Non-Profit Training
Cape Paterson Community Hall
Bass Coast Council Workshop: Applying for Suitable Grants (CANCELLED)
Thursday 19 March 2020
Hosted by Bass Coast Shire Council and presented by Chris Wootton from Philanthropy Grants Management Australia
Old Post Office Wonthaggi
POSTPONED Bass Coast Shire End of Year Community Party
Friday 6 December 2019
Connect Share Enjoy. You're invited to Bass Coast Shire's 2019 End of Year Community Party
Kilcunda Community Centre
Social Media for Community Groups Workshop - Newhaven
Tuesday 8 October 2019
Hosted and Presented by Bass Coast Shire Council
Newhaven Community Hall
Social Media for Community Groups Workshop - Bass Valley
Wednesday 25 September 2019
Hosted and presented by Bass Coast Shire Council
Bass Valley Community Hall
Community Builders Master Class with Peter Kenyon
Wednesday 22 May 2019
World leader in community building, Peter Kenyon returns to Bass Coast for a one off master class. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the best in the business. Peter will highlight best practice from all over the world, inspiring a new way of thinking about communities. You'll be left inspired and energised to take this back to your Bass Coast community.
Inverloch Community Hub - Hall
Community Building Master Class with Peter Kenyon
Tuesday 2 April 2019
World leader in community building, Peter Kenyon returns to Bass Coast for a one off master class. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the best in the business. Peter will highlight best practice from all over the world, inspiring a new way of thinking about communities. You'll be left inspired and energised to take this back to your Bass Coast community.
RACV Resort Inverloch