New research centre aims to boost funding to regional communities

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 Collaborative Evaluation and Research Group (CERG) will 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.