The Greater Bendigo Rural Communities Committee provides strategic advice to Council through:

• Identifying key issues and opportunities relevant to rural community wellbeing, vibrancy and resilience and developing and implementing collaborative, coordinated responses
• Supporting the gathering and consideration of diverse rural community perspectives in local community and Council decision making
• Supporting the planning, delivery and evaluation of targeted initiatives aimed at strengthening rural community capabilities and capacities
• Sdentifying potential opportunities and rationale for the modification of Council processes with the intent of improving community and organisational outcomes

The Committee is made up of:

• Three Councillors (the Chairperson)
• Up to nine community representatives who have a passion for and commitment to rural community leadership and advancement, plus appropriate knowledge, skills and experience
• A City of Greater Bendigo Health and Wellbeing Director and / or Manager
• Relevant City of Greater Bendigo Community Partnerships unit staff

The Committee meets four times a year and community representative membership is for two years.

City of Greater Bendigo Mental Health Promotion Plan

Dry seasonal conditions in previous years have had a significant impact on the health and well-being of our rural communities.  

To support these communities, the Department of Health and Human Services has provided funding to the City of Greater Bendigo to develop a Mental Health Promotion Plan (MHPP). 

This plan has a range of initiatives aimed at raising community awareness of mental health issues and services and developing resilience. Read the Supporting Mental Health in Greater Bendigo information sheet..