As we approach the end of another year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the remarkable journey and achievements of the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation (WBCF) in 2023. This year, the Foundation has continued its vital work in the areas of health and wellbeing, youth leadership and diversity. We have expanded the scope of our programs, scaling to new heights and creating impact that inspires.
The health and wellbeing of our community is at the heart of the Foundation's mission. The Sons of the West (SOTW) and Daughters of the West (DOTW) programs have been pivotal in advancing the Foundation's mission of health and wellbeing. Covering critical topics such as mental fitness and cancer awareness, and addressing work-related gendered violence, the beauty of this program is that it does so much more than just educate.
In the words of one participant, "SOTW has been a lifesaver for me. It's more than just a health program; it's about connection, understanding, and support". This sentiment is echoed by many participants, with 75% reporting having made new friends, and 77% feeling more connected to their community.
The Youth Leadership Project and Nallei Jerring are cornerstones of the Foundation's youth engagement strategy. The Youth Leadership Project celebrated the graduations of 111 young leaders in 2023, who developed 20 social impact projects bringing positive change to their local communities. 95% of participants reported that they enjoyed the program, with one explaining the highlight was “interacting with people and learning new life skills that you don’t normally know about or learn.”
Nallei Jerring engaged 110 First Nations young people from 19 schools across Melbourne’s inner-west, Melton and Ballarat, focusing on building connection, enhancing confidence, increasing knowledge about Indigenous culture, and instilling cultural pride. “This program has benefited our kids in so many ways” explained one of the teachers responsible for some of the young people. “They have formed connections to community, peers and agencies involved in this program.”
Using sport to build social cohesion is another focus of the Foundation, brought to the fore by the CALDPlay program, which enjoyed a year of growth thanks to a new partnership with the MCC Members Foundation. CALDplay’s introduction of cricket to the roster culminated in a day of cricket and behind-the-scenes exploration of the MCG for 348 newly-arrived refugees and migrants to Melbourne’s west.
A key ingredient in the flourishing of Ubora in the West was the growing partnership with African Youth Initiative (AYI). AYI’s involvement in the GOAL program facilitated the partnering of participants with mentors who understood them, culminating in an adventure camp that received a bevy of great reviews; “the best camp I’ve ever been on” according to one. At the same time, WBCF supported AYI’s African Women's Fitness Program, which engaged over 50 participants in a culturally safe gym on a bi-weekly program of circuit workouts and self-defence classes; 92% of participants felt more comfortable accessing the gym and felt more connected to their community.
The Foundation's financial health has been bolstered by major funding from the Sport and Recreation Victoria. We have also strengthened and extended partnerships with WorkSafe Victoria, Victoria University, CDC, SCI Australia, Watergardens and Greater Western Water. These partnerships are vital for financial stability and collaborative community initiatives.
