Media releases

Regional communities will have more support to apply for government funding thanks to a new research centre based at Federation University Australia’s Gippsland Campus.

The university today launched the Collaborative Evaluation and Research Group (CERG) to support non-government and community organisations to evaluate projects, from local health initiatives to school and community support programs.

With governments increasingly requiring evidence to support grant applications, the work undertaken by the CERG will prove invaluable for community organisations seeking funding.

The CERG will provide local knowledge to organisations, while also tapping into the broad network of research expertise across a range of subject areas within the university.

This builds on the work of Federation University Associate Professor Joanne Porter since 2018 in developing significant partnerships with organisations like the Baw Baw Latrobe Local Learning and Employment Network and Latrobe Regional Hospital in evaluating their programs.

This strong connection to Gippsland will be used as the blueprint for expanding the service to other parts of regional Victoria and Australia through the CERG.

Quotes attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley

“As Victoria’s premier regional university, we have a key role to play in driving economic growth and jobs and industry and community partnerships are at the heart of this.”

“The Collaborative Evaluation and Research Group will work with organisations to embed evaluation within local projects, giving them the best chance of success in helping our regions prosper.”

“Governments want to see evidence-based research and data to know that programs they are funding are delivering value and making a difference the community – we will support regional communities to do this through our new research centre.”

Quotes attributable to Federation University Collaborative Evaluation and Research Group Director, Associate Professor Joanne Porter

“We’ve seen the vibrant partnerships we’ve already built in Gippsland through a collaborative, local approach to evaluation, and we are excited to expand on that work.”

“Organisations have different needs. They may be health-based, education-based or environmental but we are able to tailor our team of researchers to suit.”

“Having access to the university’s wealth of experts and researchers ensures that we can meet local needs.”