A diverse range of experiences have given Greater Shepparton City Council community development manager Peter Bourke an excellent base from which to promote positive change for the community.
Peter _ who has worked in the United States, Queensland, Northern Territory and even on a yacht in the Whitsundays _ has a background in managing fitness centres for the YMCA.
He has always worked in the not-for-profit sector and in 2006 spent four months in Gambia, West Africa with Australian Volunteers International and has also done voluntary work in India.
Six years ago Peter moved to Shepparton to take up a position as executive officer of Rumbalara Football and Netball Club and then became the executive officer of Valley Sport, before commencing with Greater Shepparton City Council when the community development department came into existence on July 1 last year for the purpose of improving the quality of life for residents.
Prior to this, community development work had not been done in a co-ordinated manner, so creating a department gave it more structure and direction, Peter said.
``While the council already offered services such as roadworks and rubbish collection, these don't necessarily improve life.
``The programs we deliver are working with the community, focusing on issues that make a positive change or impact on the lives of residents.''
The department is broken up into seven distinct projects, each with a steering committee to identify areas needing the most support, Peter said.
``It is a case of constant engagement with the community, to identify their priorities.''
Current projects include a neighbourhood renewal program to reconnect the community of north Shepparton's Parkside Estate with each other and the wider community, and improving transport for the Merrigum community.
``In the area of community safety we are working to deliver a forum to service providers and the general community on domestic violence and preventative measures, and we are also working with the rural community who are impacted by the drought on what social supports are available.''
Youth programs include a harm minimisation alcohol program for Year 9 students, another program to give disadvantaged youth more access to driving lessons, as well as Word of Mouth connecting youth within the community.
An oral history program soon to be launched, River Connect, is about discovering the history of the Yorta Yorta people and reconnecting the wider community of the Goulburn and Broken rivers with its indigenous component, Peter said.
``Because the outcomes of the department are qualitative rather than quantitative, it is often hard to measure the success of what we are doing.
``We know the outcomes are there but it is difficult to prove.''
Peter sees one of his main strengths as being able to identify staff's abilities and qualities and develop programs to capitalise on them and achieve the best outcomes for the department.
Now 32 years old, Peter has a Bachelor of Applied Science and is currently doing a masters degree in business by correspondence through the University of Ballarat.
He will be heading to the United States in September for a month to look at community development models, and in particular social recovery after a major disaster in Iowa following recent floods.