EV Strengthening Communities

11/09/2026

What does a stronger community look like?

Sometimes, it looks like a 73-year-old and a 4-year-old crossing the same finish line.
As we celebrate 50 years of EV Strengthening Communities, we've been reflecting on the many ways local people have come together to support one another. One story takes us back to 2001, when community members of all ages laced up their runners and joined an EV (then Eastern Volunteers) Fun Run to raise funds and strengthen connections across the community. The event featured participants ranging from four years old to 73, demonstrating that community is something everyone can be part of.

For five decades, we've seen that communities are at their strongest when people come together around a shared purpose. Whether through volunteering, supporting local events, accessing services, building friendships, or simply showing up for one another, every connection helps create a stronger and more inclusive community.
Today, that spirit continues through the many people, volunteers, organisations and partners who work alongside EV to ensure people can participate, belong and stay connected.

As part of our 50-year celebrations, we'd love to hear from you.
Do you have a memory of EV, a community event, a volunteer experience, or a connection you've made through our work? Share your story in the comments below.

10/09/2026

A simple conversation can help strengthen a community. 💛

RUOK? Day reminds us that meaningful connection starts with a simple question and a willingness to listen.

At EV Strengthening Communities, we see every day how important connection, belonging and community support are. Whether it's through volunteering, employment pathways, community transport, early years services, aged care and disability support, or bringing people and organisations together, strong communities are built when people feel seen, heard and supported.

This RUOK? Day, take a moment to check in with someone in your world. A conversation might not solve every problem, but it can remind someone that they don't have to face challenges alone.

💛 Ask the question.
💛 Listen with care.
💛 Encourage action.
💛 Stay connected.

Because stronger communities start with looking out for one another.

10/09/2026

Last days to vote for the Westfield Local hero. We encourgae people to participate to recognise the strength of volunteers in building our local communities.

Westfield Local Heroes is a program that recognises and supports individuals and organisations making a positive impact in their local communities in Australia

04/09/2026

If you're looking to strengthen your organisation's community impact, join us at the Maroondah Community Wellbeing Network and connect with others who are passionate about building a thriving, connected Maroondah.

Hosted by Maroondah City Council in partnership with EV Strengthening Communities, this practical and engaging workshop will introduce a new online community networking space designed to help local organisations connect, collaborate and learn from one another.

You'll discover how to:
• Build valuable local partnerships
• Share resources, ideas and opportunities
• Learn from the experiences of other community organisations
• Stay connected to relevant news, events and initiatives
• Strengthen volunteer and community engagement

We're also excited to welcome a special guest speaker, who will share insights and fresh thinking on volunteer engagement, community leadership and creating meaningful impact through community connection.

Whether you're a community group, neighbourhood house, sports club, service provider or cultural organisation, you'll leave with new connections, practical ideas and inspiration to strengthen your work in the community.

Thursday 15 October
5:30pm–7:30pm
Realm, Eastland Town Square, Ringwood
RSVP here: https://cop.ev.org.au/events/11499

Together, we can build a more connected, resilient and supportive Maroondah.

04/09/2026

For 50 years, EV Strengthening Communities has been bringing people, organisations and communities together.
Strong communities are built when people have opportunities to participate, contribute and connect. Whether it's helping someone access Community Transport, supporting a person into volunteering, creating local employment pathways, or working alongside community organisations, connection is at the heart of what we do.
Over five decades, EV has grown and evolved, but our purpose remains the same: ensuring people have the support, connection and care they need throughout their lives.

This September, we're celebrating the individuals, volunteers, organisations and partnerships that help strengthen our communities every day. Through listening, collaboration and collective action, we can build communities where everyone has the opportunity to belong.

Here's to 50 years of strengthening communities.

03/09/2026

Every day, volunteers help create stronger, more connected communities. They support people to stay engaged, reduce isolation, build belonging, and make services and activities possible that many people rely on.

At EV Strengthening Communities, we see the impact of volunteering across our programs and throughout the communities we work with. EV also supports volunteers through volunteer opportunities, learning and development, and pathways into employment and community participation.

That's why we're pleased to share this thought-provoking event, "What If Everyone Stopped Volunteering?", presented by Volunteering Victoria + Volunteering Australia

Join the conversation and explore what volunteering means for our communities, the challenges facing the sector, and why volunteering continues to matter now more than ever.

What would happen if everyone stopped volunteering? Hear directly from the author of the groundbreaking 2025 UK report exploring this very question.

25/08/2026

Professor Kathy Eagar spent months pulling apart the code behind the Support at Home algorithm. Last night, she told the Senate inquiry exactly what she found: only 23 of 622 questions decide your funding, while dementia, mental illness and elder abuse barely factor in at all. Here's exactly how the whole system works.

Link: https://hellocare.com.au/unpacking-the-aged-care-algorithm-how-the-system-is-weighted-against-those-who-need-it-most/

25/08/2026

Addressing loneliness is about more than helping people feel less alone. It's about creating opportunities to participate, connect and belong.

For some people, that means having transport to get to a medical appointment, community activity or social outing. For others, it's finding a volunteer role that builds confidence, friendships and a sense of purpose. It's support for families in the early years, pathways to employment, or helping community organisations create places where people can connect and contribute.

For 50 years, EV Strengthening Communities has been working alongside communities to make those connections possible. Through Community Transport, volunteering programs, employment initiatives, early years services, and support for community organisations, our goal has always been the same: helping people participate, contribute and belong.

As we reflect on our August theme of addressing loneliness, we're reminded that stronger communities are built when people have access to the support, opportunities and relationships that keep them connected to the people and places around them.
That's what EV has been doing for 50 years, and we're proud to continue that work every day.

25/08/2026

Manager Aged and Disability Liz Mcfarlin, CEO Viv looking down on our Social Support group enjoying their MCG tour. Liz and Viv are at the CHSP summit at the MCG discussing ongoing funding for these great services.

19/08/2026

For 50 years, EV Strengthening Communities has helped people find connection, belonging and community through volunteering.
For people building a new life in a new place, volunteering can be more than an opportunity to give back. It can be a way to meet people, build confidence and feel part of a community.

As we celebrate 50 years of EV, we're reflecting on the role volunteering can play in creating connection.

When Mariyam arrived in Australia, she left behind the family, friends and support networks she had always known. Years later, after struggling to find opportunities, a friend encouraged her to try volunteering at EV. It was her first volunteer role.
Starting as a volunteer receptionist, Mariyam quickly found something she hadn't expected: a place where she felt welcomed, supported and valued from day one.

"Everyone was super friendly and helpful. No one knew me, but people came up and introduced themselves. It was very refreshing for once."

Through volunteering, Mariyam built confidence, developed new skills, formed meaningful connections and eventually progressed into a leadership role. Today, she is a Transport Operations Team Leader, helping support both staff and volunteers.
Stories like Mariyam's remind us that volunteering isn't just about giving back. It's also about friendship, belonging and finding your place in a community.

For 50 years, EV has been creating opportunities for people to connect, contribute and feel that they belong.