19 Sept 2025
Greater Shepparton’s Wellbeing Framework, spearheaded by the University of Canberra and the Gardiner Foundation, is taking shape with a draft framework ready for review.
Kim Houghton from the University of Canberra said recent consultations highlighted the importance of social connections to people’s wellbeing.
“Three of the 11 proposed wellbeing themes (domains) are Vibrant Society (catching up with each other), Social Responsibility (looking after each other) and Acceptance and Inclusion (respecting each other),” Kim said.
“The other proposed domains are - Standard of Living; Health; Confidence with Life, now and in the future; Safety; Diverse Economy; Community Infrastructure; Disaster Preparedness; Climate Change and Resilience; and Local Influence on Decision-Making: Shaping the Future of Greater Shepparton.”
The draft framework is now being reviewed by stakeholders including C4GS, Rural Financial Counselling Service (AgBiz Assist), Goulburn Broken CMA, Lighthouse, Education Department, Well Wise Women, Community Hubs, Murray Dairy, GV Business Network, Ethnic Council, LMPHU, and Primary Care Connect, and will be finalised in October.
“The next major activity is gathering information from residents about their wellbeing through the annual Regional Wellbeing Survey which will be run in October and November this year,” Kim said.
The project team will be supporting C4GS and other organisations in Greater Shepparton to get the word out and build response numbers, so that a rich picture can be built of the wellbeing strengths and weaknesses across the community.
Stay tuned for more opportunities to have your say in this valuable project.