About the Program
The Grit and Resilience Program is a community-led initiative that strengthens social inclusion and mental wellbeing across the Rural City of Wangaratta.
The program helps create a community where everyone feels welcome, included, and connected. It supports the wellbeing of people across the Rural City of Wangaratta by reducing loneliness, strengthening relationships, and encouraging people to get involved in local life.
The Grit and Resilience Program is funded by the Victorian Department of Health as part of a statewide initiative Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG) responding to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, which found that inclusion and strong community connection are vital for good mental health.
Building on Grit and Resilience
Before SIAG, our region led the Grit and Resilience Program (2018–2023). That program brought people together, helped build confidence, and created opportunities for connection - especially during difficult times. Many groups and community activities born from that work still continue today.
SIAG builds on that foundation with renewed support and long‑term focus on social inclusion.
Our Objectives
The Grit and Resilience Program aims to make our community stronger by focusing on three key goals:
1. Strengthen community participation
2. Enhance social inclusion
3. Improve social connection
These objectives guide every decision we make and every project we support.
Our Values
Our values shape how we work and the kind of community we want to build.
We are committed to being:
• Community‑led, focused and designed
• Ensure initiatives are relevant to our Local Government Area
• Recognise the interdependence of wellbeing across our community and that social and environmental determinates of health are critical
• Role model inclusion and connection
• Communicate with each other and all members of our community with respect, honesty and in good faith
The Consortium: Local People Leading the Way
At the heart of the program is the Grit and Resilience Consortium - a group of community members and organisations who help guide the program’s direction.
The Consortium:
- reflects the diversity of our community
- ensures local voices lead local decisions
- helps identify needs, opportunities, and priorities
- oversees how local project funding is used
- champions inclusion and connection across the municipality
Community Partners bring lived experience, insight, and passion.
Organisational Partners bring knowledge from health, wellbeing, First Nations support, community development, diversity groups, and more.
Together, they ensure the program stays true to its values and remains grounded in local realities.
Creating Change Locally
Through community‑led ideas, projects, and partnerships, the SIAG program works to:
- reduce isolation
- strengthen neighbourhood and town‑based connection
- support people facing barriers to participation
- celebrate diversity
- help everyone feel valued, seen, and included
Why this work matters
Connection and inclusion are essential for good mental wellbeing. When people feel they belong, they are healthier, safer, and more supported.
The SIAG program helps create the conditions where every person - no matter who they are - can take part, feel included, and thrive.
