Businesses across Melbourne’s South-east have been upskilling and modernising their operations during the pandemic.
Two women standing side by side in a shoe shop
Economic & Social Inclusion
Some of these stories and associated images and/or video listed on these pages were produced before physical distancing regulations were introduced in Victoria.
Atal Samad
Empowering the next generation of international students
Atal Samad came here as an international student in 2013. He now works at Global Victoria, helping international students build careers in Victoria.
Tarantula Nebula by Astronomical Society of Victoria
The sky’s no limit
The Astronomical Society of Victoria’s all-abilities telescope is making the cosmos more accessible.
Strengthening care for children
A pioneer program in the Wimmera Southern Mallee sets the benchmark for the future of regional healthcare in Victoria.
Latrobe Community Health Service’s dental prosthetics laboratory in Churchill
Coming up smiles in the Latrobe Valley
A dental prosthetics lab in the Latrobe Valley is helping students start their careers as dental technicians, providing vital services to locals.
Ripe Cheese stall at the Queen Victoria Market
Business mentoring program central to the maturing of Ripe Cheese
Hakim Halim is a Singaporean Asian cheesemonger who founded Ripe Cheese at the iconic Queen Victoria market, and whose online business is now growing.
Abhi and Smit (centre L-R) have enjoyed working on a new tech project with Sonia and Erin (outside L and R) from startup, Mountoken
At the cutting edge of tech
Working with a startup has been an exciting experience for students taking part in SummerTech LIVE.
Photograph of Andrea Evans-McCall
Bringing global lessons to the Bass Coast
Andrea Evans-McCall’s Churchill Fellowship is bringing her a step closer to changing education in Gippsland and removing barriers to employment.
Collage photographs of Brigit Heller, Thablay Khinshwe, Deb DeCarli and Vanessa Kearney
Regional women, champions in their field
Meet some extraordinary women across regional Victoria helping #BreakTheBias this International Women’s Day.
Boronia Community Breakfast program volunteers
Free breakfasts helping the Boronia community access vital support services
A community breakfast program is connecting Boronia locals with support services and each other.
Yarraville’s United Housing Co-operative online social club
Connecting online for the first time
Some members of Yarraville’s United Housing Co-operative accessed the internet at home for the first time, thanks to the Let’s Stay Connected Fund.
Esme Bamblett
Keeping conversation flowing among Aboriginal Elders
Aboriginal Elders across Melbourne are staying connected with their culture during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Image of tennis courts
Local legends excited about major wheelchair tennis tournaments in Melbourne
Legendary wheelchair tennis coach Greg Crump and four-times Australian Open champion Heath Davidson have watched the sport grow over the decades.
Julie Turner with international students
My Local Life program creates community for international students
‘My Local Life’ has created a vital support network for international students facing isolation during the coronavirus (COVID 19) pandemic.
Image of the new outdoor gym equipment in Talbot
Tiny Talbot is big on active community
New outdoor gym equipment in Talbot in Victoria’s north-west is being taken up enthusiastically by the community, improving health and connections.
Image of Susan Oliver
Send me an angel: how Susan Oliver AM is backing Victorian business
Susan Oliver is a leader in the field and a passionate and committed supporter of women-led startups, helping to drive success.
Emma Bamblett and Megan Van Den Berg
Kinya Lerrk takes Aboriginal Victorians on a sensory journey to Country
With help from a grant from the First Peoples’ Business Support Fund, two artists have repivoted their business to trade through the pandemic.
Samaritan House project upon completion image credit to FormFlow
The small homes making a big difference
A Geelong-based manufacturer, a university and a men’s crisis accommodation are paving the way in creating sustainable housing.
