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Cast Your Vote for our ISPT Community Kickstart Recipient.

We are proud to present our three exceptional finalists in the running to receive the $10,000 Community Kickstart Grant.

This funding is more than a donation; it’s an investment in a brighter future, empowering one of these remarkable initiatives to elevate its impact and create positive change within our local community.

Your participation is paramount. From October 20th to November 9th, cast your vote for the finalist that resonates most deeply with your vision.

Every person who casts a vote will be entered into a draw for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card. Terms and conditions apply.

Click here to cast your vote and make a difference!

Your vote empowers these inspiring initiatives. Share this opportunity with your networks to encourage them to participate. Together, we can champion these exceptional organisations and empower one to to continue their work.

The recipient of the $10,000 grant will be announced on November 10th. Thank you for being an integral part of this program and for helping us build a more vibrant and connected community.

Learn about our deserving finalists below and the inspiring work they’re doing.

Southern Cross Kids Camp

Bendigo Respite Camp

For over a decade, Southern Cross Kids’ Camps (SCKC) Bendigo has been a beacon of hope for at-risk children aged 7-11. We create safe, life-changing environments through our annual trauma-informed respite camps, fostering self-esteem and resilience with an incredible 1:1 volunteer-to-child ratio. With the Community Kickstart Grant, we can fully fund our upcoming Bendigo camp, providing accommodation, meals, and activities like kayaking for 25 deserving children. This empowers children to overcome trauma, nurturing personal growth and belonging, and building a foundation of trust and emotional wellbeing for these incredible young lives. We partner with local organisations like Bendigo Anglicare and Bendigo & District Aboriginal Cooperative, proudly serving a diverse group of children.

LEAD Loddon Murray

Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program

At LEAD Loddon Murray, we believe that empowering individuals is the key to unlocking the full potential of our communities. For nearly 30 years, our Loddon Murray Community Leadership Program (LMCLP) has been nurturing courageous, capable leaders right here in regional Victoria. We’re not just offering a program; we’re cultivating a vibrant network of passionate individuals who are ready to drive positive change. The Community Kickstart grant will directly fund the experiences of the LMCLP, allowing us to bring together diverse groups and equip them with essential skills in advocacy, project management, and strategic thinking. This investment strengthens local leadership, fosters regional collaboration, and ensures Bendigo remains at the heart of a thriving, connected Loddon Murray.

Reading Out of Poverty Inc

Books from Birth

At Reading out of Poverty (ROOP) Bendigo, we are driven by a singular, powerful vision: to break the cycle of poverty through the transformative power of early literacy. We confidently empower disadvantaged children and families by ensuring access to books and fostering a lifelong love of reading from the earliest age. With the Community Kickstart Grant, we will launch our ambitious “Books from Birth” project, directly impacting 1200 new families in Bendigo. We’ll provide literacy packs filled with baby books and educational resources, nurturing early literacy skills and promoting wellbeing from day one. This isn’t just about distributing books; it’s about igniting curiosity, building stronger family bonds, and creating equal opportunities for every child to thrive academically and socially, ensuring a brighter future for our entire community.