Fifteen Access Enabler Payments and counting!
We've already provided more than $31,000 to local organisations working to reduce barriers to participation and create opportunities for connection and belonging. Whether it's transport, childcare, accessibility supports, promotion or other practical solutions, Access Enabler Payments are helping more people take part in community life.
Since April, the Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG) awarded 15 Access Enabler Payments, supporting community-led projects across Greater Geelong with a total of $31,000 in funding.
These payments help organisations remove barriers that can make it harder for people to participate in community life. Funding has supported practical needs such as transport, childcare, accessibility supports, training, promotion, equipment and participation costs, helping more people feel welcome, connected and included.
The Geelong Women's Shed provides a welcoming space where women can build friendships, confidence and wellbeing. Access Enabler funding supported transport assistance and Mental Health First Aid training, helping remove barriers that prevent women from participating and strengthening the Shed's ability to support members experiencing loneliness and isolation.
Learn more: Northern Geelong Women's Shed
The Empowerment Challenge supports young mums who may be experiencing isolation during the early years of parenting. Access Enabler funding helped bring their "You Can Sit With Us" initiative to life, creating an outdoor space with seating and a children's play area where mums can relax, connect, share experiences and build supportive friendships in a safe and welcoming environment.
Learn more: The Empowerment Challenge
Geelong Rainbow creates safe and welcoming opportunities for LGBTIQA+ people to connect, build friendships and find a sense of belonging. Access Enabler funding supported a community membership drive, helping raise awareness of Rainbow Bloom, Rainbow Families and Golden Rainbow while reducing barriers to participation. Through targeted outreach and community events, more people can discover opportunities for connection, support and involvement in the local rainbow community.
Learn more: Geelong Rainbow
Stitch and Switch is a small local business with a strong commitment to creating welcoming, neurodiverse-friendly spaces where people can connect, learn and thrive. Through creative programs focused on art, crafting, wellbeing and sensory experiences, they support children, young people and adults to build confidence, skills and social connections.
Access Enabler Payment funding supported a six-week art, journalling and wellbeing program for young neurodiverse people experiencing social isolation, anxiety and other psychosocial challenges. The program provided a safe and inclusive environment where participants could build friendships, express themselves creatively and develop a stronger sense of belonging within their community.
Learn more: Stitch and Switch
Australian Breastfeeding Association Greater Geelong provides free weekly gatherings where parents can connect, share experiences and access peer support in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Funding supported promotion of these gatherings, helping more families become aware of available support, build social connections and find a sense of belonging during the often challenging early stages of parenthood.
Learn more: Australian Breastfeeding Association Greater Geelong
From supporting new parents and young mothers to creating opportunities for women, neurodivergent young people and LGBTIQA+ community members, these projects demonstrate how relatively small amounts of funding can create meaningful opportunities for connection, inclusion and belonging.
Access Enabler Payments helps remove barriers and make community participation possible for more people across Greater Geelong
Do you have an idea that could help people connect, participate or belong?
