As Melbourne’s west continues to experience rapid growth, community leaders
and not-for-profit organisations are preparing for what is being described
as a pivotal moment for the region’s future.
With population forecasts predicting Melbourne’s western corridor will reach 1.8 million residents by 2051, advocates say stronger collaboration between community organisations, cultural groups and local traders has become increasingly important.
The emergence of unified advocacy from peak bodies such as WOMEDA has helped drive momentum for greater regional cooperation, setting the stage for Gather for Good 2026. Hannah Singleton, GM at Western Bulldogs Community Foundation notes that “The West is defined by strong, community-led and culturally responsive practice, but also by high demand and constrained resources.”
Organised by Local Impact, the event will bring together individuals and organisations committed to supporting local communities through practical collaboration, education and networking opportunities.
Andy Moutray-Read CEO, Local Impact.
“The heart of the day will be delivered under Local Impact’s pillars of Connection, Education and Support for non-profits.”
Described as an unprecedented gathering for the region, Gather for Good 2026 will focus on helping organisations share knowledge, develop partnerships and workshop solutions to common sector challenges.
The event is designed in response to extensive community conversations undertaken by Local Impact in the lead-up to the conference. According to the organisation, more than 65 community organisations and over 30 sector leaders participated in a co-design process to identify pressing needs facing the sector.
Aruna Venkatachalam, Head of Impact Education at Local Impact, said the conversations with the community revealed a strong desire among community groups to form trusted, mutually beneficial partnerships within the sector.
She said organisations were also seeking affordable and culturally sensitive education opportunities, while many continued to face challenges in responding to governance requirements and compliance obligations.
Damon Chester, Operations Manager at YLab and event speaker noted that Gather For Good is a “rare opportunity to bring together people who are doing incredible work across Melbourne’s West and create space for collaboration and shared learning.”
Damon added that, “community organisations often work in silos, and as the world is increasingly throwing more complex issues our way, we definitely need to band together! Events like this help strengthen our ideas and solutions so that our communities can be more resilient.”
Gather for Good 2026 will serve as both a networking platform and a practical learning forum. It is an initiative to build and strengthen the long-term sustainabilityof community organisations across Melbourne’s rapidly expanding Western suburbs.
Gather For Good
Friday June 26th
Victoria University, Footscray Park
