General News
17 February, 2026
Program to boost local groups
A free, year-long program will commence this Saturday supporting Maryborough based not-for-profit organisations to run at their best capacity.
Community groups are the heart of Maryborough, from sporting clubs and neighbourhood houses to volunteer‑run events and grassroots initiatives.
Yet many of these groups are run by small teams of dedicated people who are often juggling big res-ponsibilities with limited time and resources.
To support this vital work, the Committee for Maryborough and the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal have launched the Thriving Maryborough Workshop Series, a free program designed to build the skills, confidence, and long‑term capacity of local not‑for‑profit organisations.
Presented by facilitator Alister Shaw, this four‑hour session breaks governance down into four clear, engaging sections: being strategic, using evaluation, building strong systems, and staying true to your organisation’s purpose.
Committee for Maryborough’s Kerrie Dowling said the program will provide guidance for a range of roles to be filled by various not-for-profits.
“Each session is tailored speci-fically for small community groups, making the content accessible, relevant, and useful,” she said.
“The series brings together experienced presenters to deliver practical, hands‑on workshops covering governance, volunteer management, project planning, fundraising, digital tools, and more.”
With 12 workshops running throughout 2026, the program offers something for every group, whether you’re looking to recruit volunteers, plan a project, write grants, or future‑proof your committee.
This is a rare opportunity for local organisations to learn, connect, and build stronger foundations for the future, together.
A free lunch will be provided, making it even easier for volunteers and committee members to attend without added cost or pressure.
The first workshop in the series, The B.U.S.H. Guide to Good Governance, will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the Mill House from 10 am until 2.30 pm.
All workshops are free, but places are limited.
Community groups are encou-raged to explore the full program and register early at committeemb. com.au/workshop-series.