Our Business

Community Gro is a well-established not-for-profit organisation that has been serving its local community since 1979 We have a proven track record engaging and working with people experiencing barriers and people from diverse backgrounds We currently assist 38,000 individuals and families annually through Community Gro programs and services Most programs and services fit within the scope of access, inclusion and education We were recently successful in securing a federal Connected Beginnings grant to improve the preparation of Indigenous children for the transition to school through integrated early childhood service delivery As well, we value our working relationship and communicate regularly with our funding partners

Community Gro believes in a safe and equitable community where everyone has the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives Our values that underpin our operation is as follows:

• Collaboration – We value collaboration and are committed to working with those who share our values. Together we are stronger and contribute more, leading to greater outcomes.

• Guidance – We value guidance, and we aim to inspire, motivate and encourage others by walking alongside them

• Diversity – We value the diversity of culture, gender, ability and perspectives Acceptance and inclusion are crucial to our success

• Initiative – We value initiative by approaching all that we do with a sense of ownership and responsibility and by modelling effective self-management strategies

• Growth – We value growth in that we aim to expand our influence in the community and to continuously look towards ways we can continue to stain and improve, both personally and professionally

Community Gro is committed to delivering holistic services and support necessary to ensure safety, financial wellbeing and life changing opportunities within our community We do this through a range of programs developed in partnership with the community Our quality services are provided by both paid and unpaid staff through best practice principles Our community services are delivered through Centre's that provide a welcoming meeting place where anyone can come to gather, obtain information, support, referrals, and access to resources We are committed to minimising the risk of family breakdown from social and economic pressures

Community Gro has two sites, the Garbutt Community Centre and the Upper Ross Community Centre We employee 30 staff and approximately 20 volunteers across the two sites Our services are focused on supporting the Townsville community, with a particular focus on Garbutt and Upper Ross areas Community Gro staffing consists of between 50%- 60% identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage. We are well known in the community as providing support to all and support the needs of the community

Our board of governance, two of whom identify as Aboriginal, consists of seven skilled professionals including a qualified CPA, solicitor and community justice officer They are supported by a highly qualified and experienced executive team who all hold degree level and postgraduate qualifications in social sciences, education, business and community services Combined they have over 75 years’ experience working in the community and education sectors Staff qualifications and experience range from Bachelor of Social Work to Cert IV in Community Service and a range of years of experience in working with community