Community Games AUS model is applicable to, and achievable by, all community sectors across all areas of

Australia but particularly in rural and regional Australia.

Despite the challenges of rural isolation, community disharmony and low socio-economic status, the Heathcote

Community Games is an exemplar, that creates community empowerment and inclusiveness, which allows for it to

be effectively applied to other communities with a diverse range of needs, age, mix and culture.

At its heart the ‘Community Games’ helps to get families and communities to become more active. It also creates

many other beneficial outcomes - encouraging volunteering, engaging communities, building local partnerships and

improving health.

The Community Games model will be aimed at rural and regional communities throughout Australia and all

community groups/sectors within these communities. The HCCB have seen firsthand how ‘Community Games’ can

change participants perceptions of their communities , to become a good place to live, with different people getting

on well with each other and instilling a sense of pride and achievement in what their community can do.

On a local level over the next two years the HCCB will continue to build on their games success through expanding

their games and involving community groups from small rural towns in the district. Ongoing evaluation will ensure

in 3 years’ time, when Community Games AUS is ready to be launched, that the Australian model will have been

fully trialled and tested.

The HCCB already has a proven track record in successfully engaging the community and together with our partners

we would provide a toolkit, which will contain a wealth of valuable information and tips for organising an event,

and a website to enable other communities to do the same. Mentoring and training for local games organisers and

volunteers would also be provided particularly in the area of community engagement.

The Heathcote Community Games are a prime example of drawing the community together and utilising rather

than duplicating existing groups and activities. This event was designed for all ages and abilities to bring the

community together through celebrating the importance of health, exercise and social inclusion through a variety

of avenues and activities, at more than 25 sites over the Games weekend.

Community organisations, local business and community members have al-

ready approached the HCCB wanting to be involved and provide events for

the next Heathcote Community Games. The games will now extend from a

2 day event to a week involving other smaller adjoining communities and giv-

ing them the opportunity to be involved by linking in with the Relay.

Whilst the community games is a fantastic celebration in itself, the real

potential is in using the Games as a catalyst for on-going community led

activity to promote sport and active lifestyles and encourage local social

interaction. The Country Sports Partnership Network (CSWPNetwork ) have

detailedevidence that local events run by local volunteers are excellent

vehicles for engaging local communities.

Also taking part in the events positively changed

participants attitudes towards that sport or activity.

Year 1. Heathcote & District Community Games

Applicants In Kind Support

Consultant ($50 per hour 3 days) 1,200

Capacity Builders Team Members 4 x 7 days) 5,600

Heathcote Health 5,000

Heathcote Community House 12,000

Heathcote Lions Club 5,000

Other Inkind

Volunteers @$25 per hour

20 x 4 days - outlying community events 16,000

25 x 2 days - heathcote (main event) 10,000

Community Groups Activities 14,000

68,800

Sponsorship - sponsors funding covers cost of games ie activities, printing, design work, promotion, training, resources and prizes

Riverine Herald 2,000

Mandalay Resources 5,000

Mulqueen Printers 3,000

Pete Bunce Design 2,000

Todd Property 2,500

Bendigo Health - Carers Support Services 4,000

Ray White Heathcote 2,500

NAB Heathocte 200

Heathcote & District Community Bank 1,000

Venues - Lions Club

RSL Hall 500

Goulburn Broken Catchment Authority 500

Coliban Water 500

YMCA 2,500

26,200

As the model increases year by year it is difficult to estimate volunteer in kind support /partnership in kind and sponsorship funding—

appropriate partners, volunteers and sponsorship would be sought to cover

No funds are sought to run the actual Community Games Event(s) in this application. Those funds are sourced from sponsors and elsewhere, where necessary. The information for Sponsorship funding details as well as the IN-Kind Support for actual Community Games Event will differ for all districts,

and even from year to year.