Completed projects
Strategic Planning Report for the Tourism Innovation Working Group: Heyfield & DistrictThis research project provided new findings and insights about how community organisations can collaborate with the Tourism Innovation Working Group to successfully and sustainably transition from timber harvesting which has now ceased, to a visitor-based economy in Heyfield and District. The research aimed to address the needs, preferences, and culture of the local community. Building on the strengths of the community, the approach synthesised research on regional towns in transitioning economies with existing local expertise. The project used a community-led study approach, and captured views on local tourism, along with stakeholder and expert views on how to improve the visitor economy, while preserving or enhancing the local culture and the liveability of the region. The project was funded by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). Wellington Shire managed the funds. Stakeholders and experts were interviewed to gain insights into the possibilities for increasing and improving tourism in Heyfield and District. A community survey captured the community's voice in making a successful transition to a visitor economy. A series of strategic and actionable recommendations was provided to the Tourism Innovation Working Group (TIWG). Recommendations identified stakeholders and partners to consult with and collaborate with in future project iterations. CERC researchers
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Sexual Lives and Respectful Relationships (SL&RR) Phase 2The CERC team successfully evaluated the SL&RR program in partnership with the Gippsland Centre Against Sexual Violence (GCASA). SL&RR is an ecological model of violence and abuse prevention that has people with an intellectual disability at the centre. It utilised the “Nothing about us without us” community development approach that works from the individual out to society and systems that impact the experiences of safety and well-being in relationships and communities. The model has been co-developed by people with intellectual disabilities and is co-facilitated by people with intellectual disabilities in partnership with community professionals in the sexual assault sector. It was funded by the Australian Government National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Information, Linkages and Capacity Building (ILC) grant. CERC researchers
Evaluation of the New Wave Gippsland Capacity Building Project 2023/2024 (PDF, 5.6 MB) |
Development of a Network to Support Gippsland's Migration Strategy ProjectIn partnership with Gippsland Regional Partnership, the CERC team successfully implemented a project, “Development of a Network to Support Gippsland’s Migration Strategy” (also known as Gippsland Regional Migration), which was funded by the Victorian Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry, and Regions. The Gippsland Migration Project was a unique initiative that combined two crucial interconnected components: Research and networking. The research component, which was the foundation of the project, informed the networking component. The CERC research team identified participants for individual interviews, in-depth discussions, and engagement workshops. The rapport built with the research participants during the data collection phase led to the invitation of these participants to attend networking events. At these events, the CERC research team disseminated the research findings and co-created key guiding principles and implementation strategies with the event participants. The project report contains key research findings with recommendations and a charter as one of the appendixes. The Charter, a practical guide, was developed for all stakeholders who are engaging in exploring migrant workers as a solution to meet current and future workforce needs in regional Gippsland. It provides a practical guide to inform organisational Migrant policies and procedures. This Charter gives voice to community aspirations and guides stakeholders in planning and delivering Migrant recruitment and retention strategies. It used a process of co-design that informed the development of the document and actively engaged with individuals, organisations, communities and migrants. CERC researchers
Development of a Network to Support Gippsland's Migration Strategy Project (PDF, 3.8MB) Gippsland Migration Recruitment & Retention Charter (PDF, 926 KB) |
Social PrescribingEvaluating the impact of the Social Prescribing project, which enables primary health providers to address the wider social determinants of health by referring patients whose health is affected by non-medical factors (such as housing, financial stress or loneliness) to a range of community-based services. CERC researchers
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Zoos Victoria: Nature Led RecoveryEvaluating the impact of the East Gippsland nature-based community recovery project, developed in response to the bushfire season of 2019-20. Zoos Victoria, ARI (DELWP) have partnered with Bushfire Recovery Victoria (BRV) to work with local communities to support people’s recovery through experiencing, supporting and witnessing nature’s recovery. CERC researchers
Evaluation of the Nature-Based Community Recovery Report (PDF, 2.4MB) |
Men’s Shed Field OfficerThe Men's Shed Field Officer Project evaluated the impact of employing a Field Officer in Latrobe Valley Men’s Sheds over a 2 year period. Supported by the Latrobe Health Assembly (LHA), the Field Officer aimed to support healthier mental and physical outcomes, and assisted and engaged with men affected by the downturn of employment in the Latrobe Valley. CERC researchers
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My Food SwapsWorking in partnership with Latrobe Health Assembly and the My Food Swap research team at Monash University and RMIT, the Collaborative Evaluation and Research Group (CERC) will evaluate the implementation of the My Food Swap initiative in Latrobe. The ‘My Food Swaps’ initiative provides personalised dietary feedback for the Latrobe Valley, based on the adaptation of an existing tool, Intake24. CERC researchers
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Food Security and Wellbeing ProgramMorwell Neighbourhood House partnered with Latrobe Health Assembly to utilise the People's Kitchen and related programs to implement an inclusive whole person approach to addressing issues of food security, health and wellbeing in the Latrobe Valley. CERC was commissioned to evaluate potential solutions to providing food security to those engaging with Morwell Neighbourhood house. CERC researchers
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Evaluation of the Healthy Supermarkets Latrobe ProjectThe Healthy Supermarkets Latrobe project has been developed by Latrobe Community Health Services (LCHS), Latrobe Health Assembly (LHA) and community members. The project, called 'Reach for the Stars" aimed to implement a number of initiatives to increase the promotion of healthy food and drink options in supermarkets. CERC evaluated the project and its impact on the health and welbeing of residents in Latrobe. CERC researchers:
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Evaluation of the Early Years Family Violence Advisor (EYFVA) ProjectIn partnership with Quantum Support Services, The CERC was commissioned to explore the activities of the Early Years Family Violence Advisor (EYFVA), gaining an insight into how this role supports the antenatal and early childhood sectors to respond to family violence. This insight was gained from EYFVA project staff, stakeholders and steering committees, as well as the Advisor. The EYFVA project commenced in 2019 following recommendations arising from the Family Violence Royal Commission with the introduction of the role supported by Quantum. The EYFVA was designed to provide expertise and support for workers in the antenatal and early years sectors to identify and respond to family violence with their clients, whether they are experiencing family violence or perpetrating family violence. CERC Researchers
Evaluation of the Early Years Family Violence Advisor Report (PDF, 1.5MB) |
Rainbow Brick Road Project EvaluationIn partnership with the Gippsland Pride Initiative Inc., CERC (formally CERG) analysed survey data that explored lived experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community across Gippsland. This survey data collected by the Gippsland Pride Initiative Inc. was reported to highlight the thoughts and experiences of community to inform future strategic plans in the region. Through extensive sharing of the evidence-based report by Gippsland Pride Initiative Inc., they have subsequently been successful in gaining additional funding to continue their exploration and advocacy of the LGBTQIA+ community. CERC researchers
For more information about this project, please see the resources below: Media release - Rainbow Brick Road report shines spotlight on LGBTQIA+ experiences |
Latrobe Regional Health - The Wellness Centre EvaluationCERC (formally CERG) partnered with the Latrobe Regional Health (LRH) to evaluate their Staff Wellness Centre, designed to provide wellbeing support for staff during and post the COVID-19 pandemic. The organisation had identified an impact to staff wellness during the pandemic, responding with the Centre to help staff access health promotion services, mental and physical wellbeing services. CERC assisted with evaluating the service, demonstrating the impact the service has had on the overall wellbeing of staff. CERC researchers
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Physical Literacy Scoping Project: Children and Families EvaluationIn partnership with Latrobe Health Assembly (LHA), The CERC was commissioned to scope the possibilities to improve Physical Literacy in the Latrobe Valley and provide recommendations for the LHA Physical Literacy Working Group. An appreciative inquiry approach was taken to gain insights from the community, along with a range of experts and stakeholders, exploring the possibilities to improve Physical Literacy in the region. The appreciative inquiry method was successful in generating enthusiasm and buy-in from the working group, community and stakeholders. As a result, all recommendations from the project were adopted and incorporated into a charter, visual identity, and action plan for the Physical Literacy Working Group. This project was presented at the International Physical Literacy Conference in New York and the Asia Pacific Society for Physical Activity (ASPA) in New Zealand in 2023. CERC Researchers:
Other Researchers:
Physical Literacy Scoping Project Evaluation Report 2022/2023 |
Evaluation of the Cyan Crew's preparation for the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.The Collaborative Evaluation & Research Centre (formally CERG) evaluated the crew’s experiences pre and post yacht events using a mixed methods approach. The Cyan yacht had a crew of 12 and competed in a number of events in the racing calendar leading up to the Sydney to Hobart race in January 2023. This was the first time that this boat and many of the crew competed in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race. CERC researchers
Cyan Moon Crew Preparation For The Sydney To Hobart Yacht Race Report |
Latrobe Valley Authority: Health Innovation ProjectCERC partnered with the Latrobe Valley Authority to deliver the Health and Wellbeing stream of the Gippsland Smart Specialisation Strategy (GS3). Working in partnership with stakeholders, CERC explored current and future strengths and challenges in the heath sector. A series of workshops lead a collaborative Discovery, Inquiry and Design process that was evidence based to explore strengths and opportunities. More information about the Health Innovation Project CERC researchers
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Incident Analytics: |
'I Am Deadly' EvaluationCERC (formally CERG) evaluated the implementation of the ‘I Am Deadly’ project, which is a version of the ‘I Am Ready’ project targeting young Aboriginal students. The project aimed at encouraging up to 20 Aboriginal students to take up a trade and providing them with a pathway into a trade. It also aimed to encourage Aboriginal Students to continue their education to allow a greater choice for employment options post-secondary school. CERC researchers
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Adolescents Building Connections (ABC) ProgramCERC (formally CERG) has evaluated the Quantum Support Services ABC program that provids tools and strategies to help young people understand the impact of their behaviours and encourage positive growth and maintenance of healthy relationships. CERC researchers
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Gippsland Primary Health Network (Gippsland PHN)CERC (formally CERG) evaluated the impact and reach of a number of GHPN’s early detection and screening initiatives in Latrobe City, including tobacco initiatives, illness detection and prevention, and local access to treatment and support services. CERC researchers
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South Gippsland Shire Council Suicide Prevention ProjectCERC (formally CERC) evaluated the impact of South Gippsland Shire Council’s suicide prevention campaigns to support the mental health and emotional well-being of men aged over 25 years and community members bereaved by suicide. Suicide prevention activities focused on community inclusiveness and included mental health training, social events and support programs for families and individuals affected by suicide. CERC researchers
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Latrobe Valley Authority: Career Journey Mapping of Health and Community ServicesCERC (formally CERG) conducted a career journey mapping of professionals in Health and Community Service occupations. The work focused on exploring the experiences of individuals in the Health and Community Services sector and recording their stories, along with mapping their career journeys. CERC researchers
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Remote Health solutions for isolated Far East Gippsland CommunitiesWorking in partnership with the Deddick Valley Isolated Community Group and in collaboration with the Errinundra to Snowy Community Recovery Committee, CERC (formally CERG) evaluated and validated existing data and new information in support of an appropriate health service model for the Errinundra to Snowy District of Far East Gippsland. CERC researchers
Building Healthy and Resilient Communities Through Service Equity Project Report |
Latrobe City Council Community EngagementCERC (formerly CEU) analysed the results of the Latrobe City Council Community Engagement Survey. This will assist Latrobe City Council prepare a new Community Vision and Council Plan, Financial Plan and Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan. CERC researchers
Find out more about Latrobe City Council Community Engagement Survey and Download the Report. |
Make Your Move (MYM) LatrobeCERC (formerly CEU) evaluated the GippSport and Latrobe Health Assembly’s MYM program, which aimed to increase physical activity opportunities, activity levels, levels of physical literacy, and social inclusion and social connectedness for communities throughout Latrobe City. CERC researchers
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Increasing Access to Sport:CERC (formerly CEU) evaluated the implementation of the GippSport Increasing Access to Sport program. The Increasing Access in Sport program was consistent with the Hazelwood coal mine fire inquiry: Victorian Government implementation plan, which aims to optimise healthy living by Increasing Access to Sport was an initiative developed by GippSport and funded in partnership with the Latrobe Health Assembly (LHA). The project aimed to identify the barriers affecting young people aged 12 – 25 years from participating in traditional sports in the Latrobe Valley. CERC researchers
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‘I am Ready’ ProgramThe CERC (formerly CEU) evaluation of the ‘I Am Ready’ Program sought to ascertain the impact of the program on the preparedness to seek future employment of participating Year 10, 11 and 12 students with mild intellectual or learning barriers. CERC researchers
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Streetgames 2019 and 2020/2021The CERC (formerly CEU) evaluation of GippSport's Streetgames program in 2019 and 2020/2021 analysed the impact of Streetgames in regional townships in Latrobe City while assessing the impact on social connectedness and increased participation. CERC researchers
Find out more about the Latrobe Streetgames 2019 evaluation. |
Yinnar Exercise ProgramThe CERC (formerly CEU) evaluation analysed the impact of the Yinnar and District Memorial Hall Committee’s Yinnar Exercise Program in 2019 by developing an understanding of the participant’s motivation for attending and the effect it had on social connectedness. CERC researchers
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Emerging Practice Survey: COVID-19The CERC (formerly CEU) evaluation of the Emerging Practice Survey, commissioned by LHA and DHHS, analysed how successful service organisations were in adapting to the rapidly changing environment of COVID-19. CERC researchers
Find out more about the Emerging Practice Survey evaluation. |
HandsUp Latrobe ValleyEvaluating the impact of HandsUp Latrobe Valley, an initiative recognising the health and social benefits of volunteerism, on the development and coordination of community volunteering opportunities in Latrobe City. CERC researchers
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Gippsland Aboriginal Advocacy Support Services (GAASS)Evaluating the processes and outcomes of GAASS’s work toward increasing workforce capacity to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, their families and carers to understand and access the NDIS within the Gippsland region. CERC researchers
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Latrobe Valley Youth Survey: Baw Baw Latrobe LLENEvaluating the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the provision of services to young people in the Latrobe Valley, including an in-depth analysis of the attitudes and experiences of community service agencies who assist young people. CERC researchers
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Zero Suicide Prevention Pathways ProjectEvaluating the processes and outcomes of Latrobe Regional Hospital Mental Health’s Suicide Prevention Pathway, which aims to improve care for people presenting with suicide and self-harm. CERC researchers
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'Hello.' CampaignThe CERC (formerly CEU) evaluation of the Lifeline Gippsland 'Hello.' Campaign in 2019 analysed the effectiveness of the campaign in increasing awareness that social connection improves mental wellbeing. CERC researchers
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