WIMMERA Southern Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network has taken home a top prize at the prestigious Victorian Regional Achievement and Community Awards.
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The organisation won Community Group of the Year Award at an awards ceremony in Melbourne on Friday night.
Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN was recognised for its efforts to support young, disadvantaged people to remain engaged in education or transition into employment.
With hundreds of nominations, Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN won the award from a strong field of community contributors.
They were up against Food Next Door Co-op of Mildura, and The Simpson and District Community Centre.
Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN is an independent, not-for-profit association, covering 28,000 square kilometres of Western Victoria.
They have 14 voluntary Committee of Management members and over 115 members all up.
The network has brokered 55 active partnerships with community organisations and local businesses, with staff travelling extensively to plan and implement these partnerships.
Speaking to the Wimmera Mail-Times at the time of the group’s nomination, Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN project officer Vanessa O'Loughlin said the team was passionate about supporting vulnerable young people.
“All our work is around supporting vulnerable young people particularly to have an education or have meaningful transitions to the workplace,” she said.
Ms O'Loughlin said the organisation had many supportive programs aimed at helping young people have valuable experiences and develop skills.
Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN was also eligible for the people’s choice award.
The community could cast their votes through the Victorian Regional Achievement and Community Awards Facebook page.
More than 400 people attended the awards ceremony to celebrate regional Victoria’s high achievers.
Goodwin Village of Donald won the Prime Super Employer Excellence in Aged Care Award.
Winners each received $2000 or air time packages on PRIME7.
