Empowering Community Centres. Protecting Councils. Strengthening Governance.
Complete Program Overview
The Stronger Community Centres Program is designed to equip volunteers, staff and Council officers with the essential skills needed to govern, manage and activate community centres, neighbourhood centres and halls effectively.
This structured program covers governance, financial management, leasing compliance, risk mitigation, marketing, technology and more, ensuring committees have the tools to meet Council and community expectations and operate sustainably.
Below is the full list of modules included in the program.
What's Covered?
Program Modules and Inclusions
Based on CPR Group’s decades of experience in not-for-profit governance, finance, compliance and community activation, this program delivers the essential training every community centre committee needs.
- Legal Structures – Understanding incorporation, not-for-profit vs. charity status and legal responsibilities
- Committee and Board Structures – Roles, responsibilities and effective governance frameworks
- Reporting Requirements – What committees must report and to whom (state/territory governments, ASIC, ATO, ACNC)
- Understanding the Constitution – What it is, why it matters and how to use it to guide decision-making
- Governance vs. Operations – The role of committees and boards in strategy, governance and leadership, and the separation of operational duties to staff and volunteers
- Effective Meetings and Decision Making – Getting the best value from meetings, balancing diverse opinions and reaching effective decisions
- Building a Strong Committee Culture – Creating a values-driven, collaborative committee environment
- Strategic Planning for Long-Term Sustainability – Developing clear, actionable plans for growth and impact
- Aligning with Council and Community Needs – Ensuring committee activities support local government priorities and community expectations
- Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers – Strategies to attract, engage and retain committed volunteers
- Supporting and Motivating Volunteers – Best practices for onboarding, recognition and role satisfaction
- Managing Staff and Volunteers Effectively – Structuring roles, setting expectations, and fostering positive working relationships
- Employment and Contractor Obligations – Understanding employment law, contracts and Fair Work Australia principles
- Managing Performance – Addressing staff and volunteer performance and legal considerations
- Creating Fair and Inclusive Workplace Policies – Developing clear policies that support diversity, safety and professionalism
- Understanding Council Leasing and Tenure Agreements – Ensuring committees comply with Council requirements, lease obligations and reporting processes
- Managing and Maintaining Community Centre Assets – Planning for repairs, renewals, upgrades and long-term sustainability within Council tenure frameworks
- Compliance and Risk Management for Council-Owned Facilities – Meeting safety, maintenance and operational requirements to protect both the committee and Council
- Preventative Maintenance and Lifecycle Planning – Reducing costs and extending asset life through proactive management, inspections and reporting
- Understanding and Interpreting Financial Statements – Reading balance sheets, profit and loss statements and cash flow reports
- Budgeting and Forecasting for Committees – How to plan, allocate resources and anticipate financial needs
- Using Financial Dashboards for Decision-Making – Key indicators committees should track to monitor financial health and asset sustainability
- Maximising Revenue and Reducing Costs – Strategies to increase net profit by ~40% through smarter financial management
- Setting Prices for Long-Term Sustainability – How to charge appropriately while ensuring accessibility and financial viability
- Diversifying Revenue Streams - Exploring multiple income sources to strengthen financial sustainability and maximise centre resources
- Managing Cash Flow and Creditor/Debtor Days – Keeping finances stable by tracking payments and receivables, and avoiding shortfalls
- Fraud Prevention and Financial Risk Management – Protecting against mismanagement, unauthorised spending and financial misreporting
- Finding and Securing Grants – Identifying opportunities and meeting funding criteria
- Writing Compelling Grant Applications – Structuring applications for maximum impact
- Fundraising for Long-Term Sustainability – Planning effective fundraising campaigns beyond one-off events
- Legal and Compliance Requirements – Understanding state/territory regulations for fundraising, collections and games of chance
- Maximising Fundraising Efficiency – Getting ‘bang-for-buck’ and ‘bang-for-time’
- Marketing Strategies for Community Centres – Creating clear, consistent and compelling messaging
- Social Media, Email and Traditional Promotions – Choosing the right platforms and tactics for engagement
- Leveraging AI and Digital Tools – Automating and improving marketing efficiency
- Community Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement – Building relationships that enhance visibility and support
- Identifying and Mitigating Key Risks – Addressing financial, operational, reputational and extreme weather threats (e.g. cyclones, floods, bushfires)
- Business Continuity Planning (BCP) and Disaster Resilience – Ensuring centres can continue operating and supporting the community during and after crises
- Emergency Preparedness and Recovery Planning – Creating response plans that meet Council expectations (built on the PPRR model) and protect people, assets and services
- Digital Tools for Operational Efficiency – Implementing booking systems, volunteer management and CRM tools to streamline administration
- Cybersecurity and Data Protection – Best practices for safeguarding committee data, protecting privacy and preventing cyber threats
- AI-Powered Automation – Using AI to simplify administrative tasks, scheduling and member communications
- Beyond ChatGPT: Practical AI Applications – Exploring AI-driven tools for marketing, video and audio production, content creation and community engagement
- Data Mining and Predictive Analytics – Leveraging AI to analyse trends, improve decision-making and optimise centre operations
- Expanding Centre Use – Diversifying activities to maximise facility utilisation and attract a broader audience
- Understanding Community Needs – Using data and local insights to shape relevant programs and services
- Building Strong Partnerships – Collaborating with Council, businesses and community organisations to enhance impact
- Creating Engaging Events and Programs – Delivering activities that drive participation and financial sustainability
- Measuring Success and Adapting Strategies – Using feedback and key performance indicators to refine centre operations
- Reducing Environmental Impact – Practical steps to implement sustainable practices
- Accessing Funding for Green Initiatives – Grants and funding sources for sustainability projects
- Community-Led Environmental Programs – Engaging volunteers and the community in eco-friendly initiatives
- Understanding Conflict and Its Triggers – Recognising common causes of disputes in community centres, including governance disagreements, volunteer conflicts and service delivery complaints
- Effective Communication Strategies – Using active listening, clear messaging and de-escalation techniques to resolve issues before they escalate
- Building Rapport and Managing Emotions – Establishing trust with centre users, volunteers and stakeholders to minimise conflict and facilitate smooth resolutions
- Applying Conflict Resolution Frameworks – Adapting principled negotiation techniques, mediation skills and structured intervention strategies for community settings
- Preventing Conflict Through Preparation – Implementing proactive policies, clear role definitions and behavioural expectations to minimise disputes
- Embedding Succession Planning from Day One – Ensuring a smooth transition by identifying key positions early and developing future leaders
- Creating an Effective Handover Process – Using a structured handover checklist (provided in the program) to transfer critical information, including finances, governance and operational details
- Building a Leadership Pipeline – Engaging and mentoring potential successors to take on committee and other roles with confidence
- Documenting and Maintaining Organisational Knowledge – Keeping clear records of processes, contacts and responsibilities to prevent knowledge loss
- Inducting New Committee Members – Providing structured onboarding, including an induction pack and key role-specific guidance to set new leaders up for success