In 2009, a group of volunteers in Benalla applied for a grant to roll out what it called the Education Benalla Program. That group of passionate locals was called the Tomorrow Today Foundation. It officially got up and running in 2010, however, the group had started investigating poor rates of…
Over 200 excited children and their families participated in fun activities at Tomorrow Today’s Come and Try Day. Twenty-one local sport and recreation clubs attended the event, held across three venues in the Ackerley Avenue sports precinct. Come and try sessions for high energy sports such as Auskick, football, badminton,…
Local young people keen to try a new sport or after school activity are invited to a ‘Come and Try’ Day at the Benalla All Blacks Football and Netball Club and Benalla Indoor Recreation Centre on Sunday 20th March between 10am and 1pm. A free shuttle bus will be running…
Tomorrow Today has been supporting great community ideas for almost two decades. More than 60 local organisations have collectively received around $300,000 over the years, to fund projects which increase the vibrancy and community links of the Benalla district. The next round of the Tomorrow Today Community Grants Program opens…
Four Benalla students will fulfil their dreams, with the assistance of a University Scholarship granted by Tomorrow Today. “We understand the financial burden that pursuing university study can place on rural students,” said Rosie Koop, Tomorrow Today’s Executive Officer. “The cost of living away from home, university fees, books and…
Volunteers are often the lifeblood of not-for-profit community programs, and Tomorrow Today is no exception. “Our volunteers give so generously of their time to help make a difference to children’s learning, motivation, and connection to school and the community. They are a true example of the saying ‘it takes a…
It was looking a lot like Christmas last Wednesday evening at the Benalla Racecourse when over 100 families from Tomorrow Today’s Parents Early Education Partnership (PEEP) program came together for their end of year celebration. As well as a visit from Santa Claus, who arrived on a CFA firetruck, families…
The Board of Directors of Tomorrow Today is very pleased to announce the appointment of Louise Pearce as the new Chair. Louise succeeds Sally Gamble who stepped down on 12th November having served as Chair for twelve years. Louise grew up in Benalla and has raised her own five children…
Children, families and young people have the chance to play, learn and connect at Tomorrow Today’s new outdoor learning space. “Our backyard at Tomorrow Today’s Nunn Street premises has been transformed, thanks to wonderful community support,” said Rosie Koop, Executive Officer. Local contributions to fund the major works include…
“Benalla is a beautiful place and I live here because of the people and the amenity,” said Liz Chapman, Founder and inaugural Chair of Tomorrow Today, who is retiring after two decades of dedication to Benalla’s community foundation. Liz said the idea to create a community foundation came to her…
Twenty-seven young people showed great determination and flexibility to complete the Connect9 mentoring program. An online celebration was held, attended by mentees, their families and their volunteer mentors to recognise the young people’s commitment. “Tomorrow Today recognises the importance of teenagers connecting with community and being able to spend time…
COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns are making life tough for Benalla’s young people. Many are experiencing loneliness, isolation, disruption of routines and learning. Tomorrow Today is keeping young people connected to their peers and learning. “We have been able to use the learnings from last year’s pandemic lockdowns to support young…
Tomorrow Today is set to launch a bold initiative that will give young people a voice and help to achieve a stronger future for Benalla. Known as Full Impact, the project will help young people develop the skills to inform, advocate and participate in civic governance systems. Tomorrow Today is…
Ongoing lockdowns are causing great uncertainty for us all. Tomorrow Today is helping families and young people manage the pressures of schooling, working and caring at home, connecting our community to the activities and people they love. “Our staff are constantly thinking of ways to keep children, young people…
Thirteen Connect9 mentees and their mentors explored their creative side during last week’s craft evening. And some were surprised by their creativity! The Tomorrow Today team took their inspiration for the evening from local craftspeople at North East Artisans (NEA), preparing a range of craft activities for young people and…
So much learning happens in the first five years of life. Children’s brains are wired to learn. They are like little sponges – soaking up everything around them. Tomorrow Today recognises the importance of quality early learning experiences for children and offers a range of programs to assist all Benalla…
Tomorrow Today is seeking local people who are passionate about Benalla to join the Board. We are looking for people with a range of skills and experience who are deeply connected to the Benalla community. If you have community development experience; legal, marketing or business management skills; program development or…
Former Benalla P-12 College student Daniel Gillespie’s dream of working in the field of Sports Leadership is becoming a reality, thanks to his hard work and with the support of Tomorrow Today. Daniel completed Year 12 in 2020 and was accepted into a Diploma of Sport and Leadership and Management…
There was inspiration and excitement in the air at the recent Benalla Careers Carnival as Benalla’s Year 10 and 11 students learnt about the large range of work, training and study options open to them. The annual event is coordinated by Tomorrow Today, in partnership with local schools, businesses and…
Do you or your community group have a great idea that will help make Benalla better, bring people together or improve the lives of children and young people? If so, it may be eligible for a grant of up to $5000 through the Tomorrow Today Community Grants Program. Tomorrow Today…
Reading is a joy that lasts a lifetime, and Tomorrow Today is looking for volunteers to support Benalla’s children and young people as they learn this vital skill. “Our generous volunteers are central to the education work we do in Benalla”, says Tomorrow Today’s Executive Officer, Rosie Koop. “If you…
Well known locals, Alice Meravi and Vince Branigan, are enthusiastic volunteers who readily give their time to nurture the development of Benalla’s young people through Connect9, Tomorrow Today’s community-based mentoring program. Alice and Vince share their experience of being mentors in the ten-week Connect9 program. “What motivated you to put…
For the third consecutive year, Tomorrow Today has partnered with Ray White Benalla to spread the spirit of giving at Christmas. The project, known as ‘A Little Ray of Giving’, encourages the community to donate a gift to a child who may not otherwise receive anything on Christmas day. “This…
A group of Benalla students got a taste for the hospitality industry thanks to a local collaboration facilitated by Tomorrow Today. Five Year 10 students completed their Certificate III in Hospitality (Kitchen Operations), their Food Handler’s Certificate and Responsible Service of Alcohol Certificate. “We are thrilled that this opportunity…
Sensational weather made for perfect gliding conditions as twenty-two local Year 9 students soared above Benalla, thanks to Tomorrow Today’s Connect9 community mentoring program. Connect9 is a free ten-week program that matches Year 9 students with a community mentor who is their ‘buddy’ throughout the program. The young people and…
In Term 2 and 3 of this year, a group of Benalla’s young people learnt about the value of part-time work and how to attain a job, with Tomorrow Today’s Great Start to Work program. The 5-week program helps young people identify the kind of part-time job that might suit…
In the last week of October a group of Year 9 and 10 students from Benalla P-12 and FCJ College braved one of the great workplace challenges – job interviews! The mock interviews were the final activity in a work readiness training program, facilitated by Tomorrow Today. The Great Start…
Bernard Briggs Kindergarten in Benalla has kids building, learning about gravity and experimenting with magnets, thanks to new equipment, purchased with a grant from Tomorrow Today. The Stepping Stones grant allowed the kindergarten to purchase new equipment that encourages students to explore Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) through play…
Benalla has won two awards in Keep Victoria Beautiful’s 2020 Sustainable Communities – Tidy Town Awards. The awards recognise, celebrate and share grassroots initiatives and positive actions taken by community groups, educational institutions, businesses and councils in rural and regional areas in Victoria. At a virtual awards ceremony on Saturday 10 October,…
Tomorrow Today’s Connect9 program has brought together Benalla Year 9 student Jack Dekleuver with community mentors to explore a passion for trains. As part of the Connect9 program, students are supported to discover new sports and hobbies, expand their local connections, and set life and career goals. Early in this…
Learning to read is one of the biggest challenges, and greatest opportunities, in a child’s early life. Local parents Ashley and Caroll Bolitho believe that Tomorrow Today’s PEEP program played a vital role in developing early literacy skills for their son, Owen. “We were delighted to hear from Owen’s parents…
In May, Benalla’s community foundation, Tomorrow Today, appointed local pharmacist Marsha Watson to their board of directors. Marsha shares the organisation’s vision of a brighter future for our community. We ask Marsha a few questions about her new role. Q: What do you love about Benalla, Marsha? Well, that’s a…
Six local projects will be undertaken in Benalla over the coming year with funding support from Tomorrow Today’s 2020 Grants Program. Over $14,000 has been awarded to local groups whose projects and initiatives will help to build a stronger, more resilient and prosperous Benalla community. Grant recipients include: Ride Avenue…
Jenny Reaburn has been volunteering with Tomorrow Today as a Reading Buddy since 2014. Trained Reading Buddies are matched with a Benalla P-12 College student in Year 1 or 2, visiting the classroom twice a week for the year. They read quality picture books to their buddy, listen to their reading, and help with spelling and other…
The weekly sessions of our Parents Early Education Partnership (PEEP) program have become a fixture in the lives of Benalla’s young children and their parents, with over 220 families taking part this year. As well as being a place to share songs, stories and parent discussion, PEEP offers an important…
Benalla Uniting Church received a grant from Tomorrow Today’s Community Fund in 2018. We visited the garden to check on their progress. “Prior to lockdown,” explains Tanya Walker, Presbytery Secretary at Benalla Uniting Church,“we had been enjoying weekly working bees in the garden, with up 20 volunteers helping out. The produce from…
Twenty one of Benalla’s young people took on a challenge earlier this year – to identify and solve a local issue, using creativity, teamwork and technology. The students, aged 11 to 16 years old, attended a series of workshops offered by Tomorrow Today to foster skills needed for future work.…
It was a somewhat unusual setting for the Venturers – an online Zoom chat rather than a Scout Hall meeting or mountainous hike – but that didn’t prevent new connections and new experiences at their meetup with Connect9 last week. Connect9 is a program unique to Benalla, run by Tomorrow…
The Board and staff of Tomorrow Today joined in a social media campaign last week to recognise the fantastic contribution of volunteers during National Volunteers Week. Well over 100 local people volunteer with Tomorrow Today, helping with a range of initiatives, including PEEP, Kinder Pals, Reading Buddies, Connect9 and the…
Program leaders at Tomorrow Today Foundation’s Parents’ Early Education Partnership (PEEP) have secured quite the coup, lining up national parenting expert Dr Justin Coulson to share parenting tips for the COVID-19 period with the Benalla community, delivered right into their kitchens and living rooms. Dr Coulson is a sought-after and…
Tomorrow Today has a new Executive Officer with Rosie Koop named as successor to former Benalla Mayor Pat Claridge. Ms Koop said that Ms Claridge made a remarkable contribution to the Benalla community through her work with Tomorrow Today during the past nine years. "Our Education Benalla program now consists…
"Our office is closed, but our work continues" was the message Tomorrow Today delivered to the Benalla community at the end of March. Since then, Tomorrow Today staff have been busy learning how to create digital content and facilitate online groups so that Benalla families can continue to participate in…
Firstly, we send all of you our best wishes. These are challenging times and we trust you are beginning, as we are, to find new routines that enable you to connect with others while maintaining a distance. Our office is closed Tomorrow Today’s face-to-face programs have been placed on hold…
“We have worked so hard. And we have achieved,” said one triumphant young person after the presentation that concluded a two-day digital workshop run by Tomorrow Today during the school holidays. Twenty-one young people had taken the opportunity to help create a digital solution to a local community issue. The…
Calling all girls aged 11 to 16 who like Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). Girl-Powered STEAM, presented by Tomorrow Today, gives you the chance to get hands-on with robotics and technology and talk with women working in STEAM. The evening will kick off with a session just for…
There was pride and excitement aplenty at the 2019 PEEP Graduation event at Cecily Court playroom on 10 December. Twenty-two four-year-olds with mortar board hats, graduation certificates and wide smiles stood before their families – and it was difficult to say who was prouder, parent or child. The Parents Early…
The Friends of Tomorrow Today recently held their first major fundraising event, with the very successful Marangy Open Garden during the Benalla Festival. There was great interest in the large garden which was beautifully presented, according to Tomorrow Today Executive Officer, Pat Claridge. “The very significant contribution of a great…
Barry and Pamela O'Connor are the happy winners of the Friends of Tomorrow Today's first major fundraising raffle. The O'Connors won a week's accommodation in Noosa donated by a generous local sponsor, plus a $1000 travel voucher, courtesy of Frank and Fiona Stephens at Benalla Travel. Additional prizes were donated…
More than 100 people gathered at the Lakeside Centre last Tuesday for Tomorrow Today’s Annual Celebration. It was a wonderful opportunity to hear stories of achievement and change. The work of the Foundation came to life when Education Benalla Program Manager, Sally Matheson interviewed a local dad and his 13…
Background Tomorrow Today is Benalla and district's community foundation, formed to help local people work together to create a stronger, more resilient and prosperous rural community. Our vision is of a generous community, able to achieve a stronger tomorrow by challenging itself today. In response to Benalla’s high level of…
Tomorrow Today’s Sally Matheson briefly stepped out of her management role at the Foundation to become principal for a day at Benalla P-12 College as part of the 19th annual Principal For A Day event. Aiming to increase understanding and awareness between schools and the wider community, the Principal For…
An early childhood program improving the lives of children in Benalla is being recognised and celebrated as being among the state’s best. State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes recently announced Tomorrow Today's PEEP program as one of 20 Victorian Early Years Awards finalists. “I wish to congratulate our fantastic…
Benalla’s Year 10 students had the opportunity to learn about training and career pathways at the recent Careers Day. Students from Benalla P-12 College, Benalla Flexible Learning Centre, EdSpace, FCJ College and the home schooling network participated in a variety of career focused workshops, workplace visits and presentations. The event…
Tomorrow Today is the grateful beneficiary of $500 in funding through AusNet Services ‘Community Cornerstone’ employee recognition program. AusNet Services employee, Lee Walter, received the Community Cornerstone grant to present to Connect9 in recognition of her commitment to volunteering at least 20 hours of her personal time to a not-for-profit-organisation.…
Participating in team building activities can help prepare young people for future work. Employees who have well developed personal skills, as well as the technical expertise to get the job done, are more attractive to employers. Team building activities can reveal strengths and leadership abilities that students have not yet…
Benalla’s young people have a great opportunity to take part in free Discovery Workshops in the coming school holidays. Tomorrow Today’s Sally Matheson, who is coordinating the workshops, encourages Benalla young people aged 11 to 16 to get involved. “The workshops will feature a range of exciting and challenging tasks…
‘Benalla Works’, a website to boost local youth employment opportunities, is now live thanks to nine months of hard work by a group of Benalla students The students, aged 11 to 16, were involved in an after-school project run by Tomorrow Today to help develop their critical thinking, communication and…
Getting children back to school is a costly exercise and can be particularly stressful for families struggling financially. However many Benalla children started the year on a positive note with Tomorrow Today once again distributing a significant number of FRRR Back To School Vouchers. The $50 vouchers are given to…
Churchill Reserve was buzzing with activity at the recent ‘Come and Try’ Day’. Nearly 200 young people and their families came to try out the many sports and activities available in Benalla. Fun ‘Come and Try’ activities were provided by over twenty local clubs and recreation groups including airforce and…
Investing time, effort and resources in children’s early years – when their brains are developing rapidly – brings lifelong benefits to them and to the whole community. Results from a national survey of childhood development shows a dramatic improvement in the school readiness of Benalla’s children following a concerted community…
Enthusiastic volunteers are needed to help nurture the development of Benalla’s young people through Connect9, Tomorrow Today’s ten-week community-based mentoring program. In the program, students at Year 9 level of schooling are supported by a well-connected local mentor to try hobby and leisure opportunities they might otherwise not have access…
An extraordinary process has been unfolding over the past six months in Benalla, culminating in the creation of a new digital response to boost youth employment. A core group of twenty-two local students aged between 11 and 16, supported by Tomorrow Today Foundation, explored local issues that were pertinent to…
Would you like to have fun working with other community-minded people while raising money for a fantastic local organisation? If so, you’d be warmly welcomed at the inaugural meeting of the Friends of Tomorrow Today being held at 3pm on Monday 25th February 2019 at Tomorrow Today’s offices in Cecily…
Tomorrow Today recently held it's annual celebration at Benalla's Lakeside Community Centre with delighted organisers exclaiming that "Everyone left with a smile on their face". More than 90 people attended the event, which showcased the great work being done by the foundation to build strength and resilience in the Benalla…
The contradiction in the local labour market was a topic of discussion at a recent event for Benalla businesses hosted by the Benalla Future Work Steering Committee. Local Learning & Employment Network (NE Tracks LLEN) Executive Officer Danny O'Donoghue explained the issue to participants. "On one hand there is a…
In Australia, one in three women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by someone known to them. On average, one woman is killed every week by a current or former partner. Benalla has alarmingly high levels of reported family violence incidents. We are the highest ranked local government area…
Twenty-six Benalla students gave up their time in the September school holidays to attend full-day workshops lead by the Tomorrow Today Foundation. The workshops were held in partnership with Seer Data and Analytics which, like Tomorrow Today, is at the forefront of finding ways to tackle social problems. Using the…
Benalla is lagging behind neighbouring towns in providing work placements and School Based Apprenticeships for local students. Members of the Benalla Future Work Project are looking to reverse this trend by providing local businesses with information to demystify the process of taking on a young person, and highlight the many…
Seventeen Year 10 students at Benalla P-12 College were recently given the opportunity to experience corporate life. Tomorrow Today Foundation linked the students to a powerful network of businesses for a one-day workshop to build the students understanding of job interview techniques and processes, enabling them to experience realistic interview…
Celebrations were in full swing for Benalla P-12 College's Year 6 students on Wednesday 12 September after successfully completing the Kids as Catalyst Program. The students gathered at the Lakeside Community Centre to show off the philanthropic projects they have been working on since pitching their ideas to a community…
Months of planning came to fruition recently as thirty Benalla students embarked on a community digital project. The room was buzzing with anticipation and excitement as the students met with Tomorrow Today Foundation and Seer Data and Analytics, two organisations at the forefront of finding innovative ways to tackle social…
Benalla's Year 10 students took the next step on their life's journey by attending Careers Day 2018 last week. More than 100 students from Benalla P-12 College, Benalla Flexible Learning Centre, EdSpace and FCJ College had the opportunity to learn about careers and career pathways through a variety of workshops,…
Bill Dobson, a well-known and respected champion of the local community, was recently farewelled after ten years of service to Tomorrow Today, Benalla’s community foundation. In thanking Bill for his enormous contribution to Tomorrow Today over many years, Chair Sally Gamble commented “When Bill joined the Board in 2008, Tomorrow…
Over 80 enthusiastic Year 6 students have been empowered to lead creative community change after engaging in the Kids as Catalysts program. The program has been brought to Benalla through a partnership between Tomorrow Today, Kid’s Thrive and Benalla P-12 College. The 3T’s of philanthropy - time, treasure and talent…
‘Future Work’ is a stunning new project developed by Tomorrow Today to improve the employability of Benalla’s young people. In a world where automation will make many jobs redundant, Benalla’s young people need a portfolio of flexible, portable skills that will give them the greatest advantage when they enter the…
Twelve excited Year 9 students celebrated the conclusion of the Connect9 mentoring program recently. Perfect weather greeted the young people as they began the day with their final Connect9 activity, a free glider flight over Benalla. Developed and run by Tomorrow Today Foundation as part of the Education Benalla Program,…
Forty six senior students from Benalla secondary schools had the opportunity to learn more about university life and study options during a recent visit to Melbourne. Two buses set off bright and early, one headed to LaTrobe University, then on to RMIT; the other to Deakin and Monash. Remoteness from…
Ten local projects will be undertaken over the coming year with funding support from Tomorrow Today Foundation's 2018 Grants Program. Over $27,000 was awarded for a range of initiatives at a well-attended ceremony on Thursday 17 May. Representatives of the successful groups spoke about their projects and the difference they…
Benalla owes much to volunteers and this National Volunteer Week, May 21 to 27, is a great opportunity to celebrate the many ways they support the town. Out of an estimated population of 13,900 residents, more than 3,600 people have volunteered their time in one way or another. That equates…
Benalla Toy Library has closed its doors after serving the Benalla community for over 40 years. During that time the volunteer organisation has given pleasure to countless children, allowing them access to high quality educational toys to explore and enjoy. In the last decade, however, toys have become more affordable…
Over 70 young people and their families recently braved a wet and windy day to try out many sports and activities available in Benalla. Fun ‘Come and Try’ sessions for archery, astronomy, Auskick, badminton, baseball, basketball, cricket, cubs, dance, football, golf, gymnastics, hockey, Benalla Leo’s, Little Athletics, netball, Scouts, soccer,…
Benalla College Hands on Learning students travelled to Melbourne’s Parliament House to join schools from across Victoria for the opening of a special showcase of their ingenious building projects on Tuesday 27 March. The showcase in Queens Hall featured musical instruments made by Benalla P-12 College students, along with a…
Since moving to Benalla in 1991 Sally’s time has been devoted to family, their olive farm and community. Sally has contributed greatly to many aspects of Benalla’s growth and development through her volunteer service to many education, philanthropic, environmental and horticultural projects. Sally’s strong sense of community has included affiliation…
An Australia-wide program, introduced to Benalla by Tomorrow Today Foundation, has received international recognition. “Hands On Learning” is a program that creates opportunities for young people to discover their talents and experience success through working on real-life projects both around their school and in the wider community. Tomorrow Today has…
In 2017 Tomorrow Today worked with Melbourne Recital Centre and Benalla P-12 College to introduce a music program for Hands on Learning students. The result, the amazing Benalla Junk Orchestra! Special thanks to The William Buckland Foundation for making this program possible. Check out the video https://vimeo.com/237834697
Tomorrow Today’s recent Annual Celebration, held at the Lakeside Community Centre, attracted a large gathering that included donors, community and school partners, interested community members, and volunteers. A number of funding partners from Melbourne also attended the evening: The Ian Potter Foundation was represented by Senior Program Manager, Dr Alberto…
Tomorrow Today Foundation has been recognised as an inspiring example of the Community Foundation sector in Australia. The 2017 Community Foundation Awards were presented during the recent three day national conference. Tomorrow Today was one of two recipients of the 2017 Award for ‘enabling and creating impact, positive change and…
The William Buckland Foundation’s collaboration with Benalla’s Tomorrow Today Foundation is breaking new ground in philanthropy, according to its Chairman, Mr Sandy Clark. “As a perpetual charitable foundation, the low interest loan we have provided to Tomorrow Today, to help it purchase the Cecily Court property, reflects new trends in…
Local students have had a remarkable musical experience thanks to world-class music venue, the Melbourne Recital Centre. During Term Three, Melbourne Recital Centre (MRC) has run an outreach program at Benalla P-12 College involving their Year 7 ‘Hands On Learning’ students and a group of Year 4’s The MRC program…
Tomorrow Today Foundation was the beneficiary of the recent charity launch of the Swanpool Bald Archy exhibition. Swanpool & District Memorial Hall had undergone its annual transformation into a beautiful rural gallery, perfect for exhibiting the irreverent portraits of well-known Australians. In opening the exhibition, Libby Price spoke about the…
A program that gives Benalla young people confidence and skills to continue their education has saved some of them from a possible lifetime of unemployment or welfare, according to one of the teachers involved. Peter Janas was a teacher in the Hands on Learning program at Benalla P-12 College for…
Year 10 students from Benalla P-12 College, FCJ College and EdSpace had the opportunity to learn about more than 100 careers and career pathways at the recent Benalla Careers Day. Ninety-two students participated in the day which involved interactive workshops, workplace visits, guest speakers, exhibitors and ‘speedy talks’ with 20…
Member for Indi Cathy McGowan recently hosted Tomorrow Today Chair Sally Gamble, and Board member Liz Chapman OAM, during their visit to Canberra. Sally and Liz met with ministers and senators to discuss the work of Tomorrow Today and the Education Benalla Program. In a speech to parliament prior to…
Twelve fantastic community projects are now underway thanks to Year 6 students involved in ‘Kids As Catalysts’. The program, which empowers kids to lead creative community change, has been brought to Benalla through a partnership between Tomorrow Today and Benalla P-12 College. It is the brain child of Kid’s Thrive,…
The Tomorrow Today Foundation has launched an appeal to raise $250,000 in local support to buy Cecily Court in Nunn Street where it is currently based. Tomorrow Today Chair, Sally Gamble said the opportunity to buy the property came thanks to the support of two philanthropic organisations and would be…
The charity launch of Swanpool’s Bald Archy Exhibition later this month is an opportunity for a great evening out while supporting Benalla’s Tomorrow Today Foundation. Community members and groups are invited to book now to secure their place at the event, which will be on Friday 25th August, 6.30pm -…
Tomorrow Today Foundation has provided a grant of $13,000 to support the creation of Benalla’s new adventure playground. Some years ago the Foundation helped with fundraising for the Crossing Place Project, which supported major improvements in the Botanical Gardens and around the Lake. This grant was the last of these…
A great celebration was held recently at Benalla Airport to mark the conclusion of the most recent Connect9 mentoring program. Connect9 is run twice a year and is unique to Benalla. Year 9 students are individually matched with a well-connected local volunteer who over the course of one school term,…
Senior students from Benalla secondary schools gained a greater understanding of further study options and university life, after a visit to Melbourne last month. Fifty-four local students had the opportunity to tour two university campuses; either RMIT University in the city and Latrobe University Bundoora, or Deakin University Burwood and…
By Libby Price. Liz Chapman is something of a person ahead of the times. As a young mother living in Goomalibee, she studied a Graduate Diploma in Community Development at the University of Western Sydney as a distance education student, specialising in rural development and rural change processes. She always…
Eleven fantastic local projects will be undertaken this year with funding support from Tomorrow Today Foundation's 2017 Grants Program. Over $22,000 was awarded for a diverse range of initiatives at a well-attended ceremony on Friday 12 May. Representatives of the successful groups spoke about their projects and the difference they…
Families attending Tomorrow Today’s PEEP (Parents Early Education Partnership) program recently enjoyed a visit to Benalla’s new playground at the Benalla Botanical Gardens. It was a great chance for families to check out this fantastic new space designed for exploration and creative play. While definitely different to a traditional playground,…
Local groups and organisations are encouraged to apply for the 2017 Tomorrow Today Grants Program. The grants are distributed annually and support local people to make a positive difference in the Benalla and district community. Groups can apply for funding for projects ranging anywhere from $100 to $5,000. Tomorrow Today…
Tomorrow Today Foundation recently received a generous donation from the Molyullah Easter Sports committee. Held every Easter Monday since 1901, the Molyullah Easter Sports have activities for all ages; horse events, novelty events for kids and families – egg throwing, three-legged races, children’s races – market stalls and so much…
Extract from FCJ College Benalla Newsletter - October 28th 2016 FCJ College conducts an exciting learning program in the school curriculum. Hands on Learning (HOL) has been operating within schools throughout Australia over many years. The program aims at providing an alternative learning framework for disengaged students who are finding…
North East Wellness Support Group recently presented Tomorrow Today with $450 in funds, raised at the Benalla Fitness and Wellbeing Expo. The event brought together many gifted practitioners from the region, including Kinesiology, chiropractic care, Bowen Therapy, healthy foods, nutritional supplements, dance therapy, Reflexology, Life Coaching and more. The group’s goal…
Published in Benalla Ensign, Wednesday 16 November 2016 Local models of innovation in education in Indi, including the program offered to Year 9 students at Benalla P-12 College, could break down barriers to higher education faced by rural, regional and remote students. This was the message for the Education and Training Minister…
We were delighted that so many of our program funders were able to join us at our recent Annual Celebration. The generous philanthropic support we receive allows us to take a long-term approach to improving local educational outcomes, through our Education Benalla Program. Pictured above are: Sylvia Admans, CEO, The…
The Community Based "Great Start to School" (GSTS) program is free to parents of children who will be starting school in Benalla and District in 2017 (but not Benalla P-12 College which has its own separate program) This program is for parents only, however onsite childminding can be arranged if…
Tomorrow Today was recently in the national spotlight when board member Liz Chapman presented at Philanthropy Australia’s bi-annual conference in Sydney. Over 700 of the best philanthropic thinkers, strategists and leading voices from around the globe came together for the premier thought leadership event of its kind in Australasia. Tomorrow…
Big grin: Rylie Hawkins with one of the dairy calvesfrom Benalla P-12s Cows Create Careers program. Students from the Hands-on Learning Program at Benalla P-12 College, Faithfull Campus, are involved with the Dairy Australia Program Cows Create Careers. The Cows Create Careers Farm Module is a six-week program that aims…
New adventure park: Students from the Hands-On Learning program at Benalla P-12 College haveconstructed some of the furniture that will be used in the new playground. Work has started on innovative adventure park at Botanical Gardens. The construction of a $610 000 nature-based adventure playground in the Benalla Botanical Gardens…
The next generation of budding young local philanthropists recently celebrated their success in organising nine great community projects for Benalla and district. Developed and coordinated by Melbourne organisation Kids Thrive, the Kids as Catalysts program was brought to town through a partnership with Tomorrow Today and local schools. The program…
Benalla P-12 music students nurture our next generation of performers during a collaboration with Tomorrow Today’s Parents Early Education Partnership (PEEP). The benefits provided by music and musical experiences to early childhood development have been explored through a recent collaboration between Benalla P-12 College and Tomorrow Today’s Parents Early Education…
Tomorrow Today Foundation congratulates Benalla Business Network for putting on a great night at the 2016 Business Excellence Awards. We are proud and grateful to accept Business Commitment to the Community Award, sponsored by GMCU. This really is an award for the entire community - we couldn't do what we…
Caption: Barry O’Connor (left) and Michael Vanderzee (right) of Swanpool & District Community Development Association with Fran Henke, Peter Batey, Sally Gamble and Tim Bowtell at the launch of the 2016 Swanpool Bald Archy exhibition. Over 100 people celebrated the launch of the 2016 Swanpool Bald Archy exhibition recently, while…
Speedy talks at Benalla's recent Careers Day. Over 120 Year 10 students from Benalla P-12, FCJ and Benalla Flexible Learning Centre came together recently to learn about work and study options throughout the region and beyond. The 2016 Benalla Careers Day showcased activities offering a range of career information and…
Community involvement: Benalla P-12 College and St Joseph's Primary School students had a great day pitching their ideas to the panel. PHOTO: Benalla Ensign Benalla’s young people are making a difference for the community through the Kids as Catalyst Program. Teaching the next generation to become philanthropists, the program is…
TOGETHER: The FCJ College and Cooinda choir. PHOTO: Benalla Ensign FCJ College and Cooinda joined forces to experience the power of music during term two, culminating in a live community performance. The Year 7 students and Cooinda residents performed some of the classics including Andy Williams’ Moon River as well…
Local artist Tim Bowtell’s work ‘On Deaf Ears’ will feature in this year’s Bald Archy Exhibition, to be launched in Swanpool on Friday 19 August. Witness art and humour collide at Swanpool’s Bald Archy gala launch on Friday 19 August, while raising money for Benalla’s charitable foundation, Tomorrow Today. In…
Attention local families with little ones! The Term 3 PEEP (Parents Early Education Partnership) Calendar is here! We are looking forward to another interesting and fun term to share with our families. PEEP is a free program that supports parents as their child’s first educator. It’s open to all Benalla…
Benalla's five year olds are better prepared to start school thanks to the Benalla Early Years Network. The release of the 2015 Australian Early Year Development Census (AEDC) data contained great news for Benalla, showing positive improvement in school readiness for local five year olds starting school. The Census has…
Madeleine and Kingston Smith. Kingston sadly died in 2014, with a fund from Tomorrow Today to support children named in his honour. This month marks the first anniversary of the establishment of the Kingston Smith Memorial Fund. The Fund was created last June to support the education, health and welfare…
Benalla P-12 students constructing seats for the new children’s playground at the Benalla Botanical Gardens. A local family legacy is helping to change the lives of Benalla’s young people by providing funding to deliver opportunities for students. The Bertalli family has made the largest local donation of its kind to…
Tomorrow:Today Foundation is a philanthropic organisation, formed and run by local people to provide funds for local community projects. It is Benalla district’s Community Foundation, working to bring about positive change. Funds for grants are available as a result of generous donations from local people and businesses. Applications from local…
Tomorrow Today, Rotary Club of Benalla and Benalla Lion's Club have developed an information booklet recording opportunities offered by the three organisations for children and young people in Benalla district. The four areas covered are Programs, Community Service, Scholarships and Awards, and Funding Support. The booklet is a useful resource…
Our latest newsletter features the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) report's findings that show crucial evidence of the change Benalla wants to see. Learn how more of Benalla's children are considered 'on track' overall and the great gains made in the areas of educational competence. We also celebrate the success of…
TTF Executive Officer Pat Claridge (left) and Student Wellbeing Coordinator Cathy Hair (right) receiving funding towards our Connect 9 program from AusNet Services Work Administrator Lee Walter. Tomorrow Today Foundation’s (TTF) Connect 9 program is a grateful beneficiary of $500 in funding from AusNet Services ‘Community Cornerstone’ employee recognition program. Connect 9 is…
Ten fantastic local projects will be undertaken this year thanks to funding from Tomorrow Today Foundation's 2016 Grants Program. In a record disbursement last Friday TTF chair Sally Gamble presented grants totalling over $33,000 for a diverse range of initiatives. The money is raised through investment of funds received from…
Young coaches from Benalla Basketball club helped many youngsters try out their skills Over 75 young people recently had an active and fun-filled day at Churchill Reserve trying out many of the sports and activities available in Benalla. Come and try sessions for golf, netball, football, soccer, kendo, dance, drama,…
Tomorrow Today’s Let’s Read 2015 winner Bonnie sharing a story with her younger sister, Tilly, and mother, Charlotte. They were amongst the many young Benalla readers who turned the pages on over 40,000 stories during last year’s challenge. It’s official! Benalla families have set a new record reading an amazing…
Louise Armstrong, Chair of Benalla Business Network speaks at the establishment of the Benalla Employment Enclave. Local employers have committed to providing employment opportunities for young people following the launch of the Benalla Employment Enclave at a recent Benalla Business Network breakfast meeting held at Benalla Gliding Club on 5…
Benalla Flexible Learning Centre students Nathan, Sophie, Paul and Crystal with North East Artisans’ member Tim Bowtell surrounded by stunning artwork created at workshops funded by Tomorrow Today Grants Program. Community groups and organisations are encouraged to apply for Tomorrow Today Foundation’s 2016 Grants Program. This community building grants initiative…
Friends Alex and Hayley enjoyed catching up at PEEP’s Benalla Aquatic Centre visit which coincided with their day off from Prep. Both children attended PEEP from birth and their siblings still attend the program. Young babies and children recently enjoyed splashing with their families on a visit to Benalla Aquatic…
Tomorrow Today Foundation board member Adrian Aldous (second from right) presenting $50 Target Back to School vouchers last week to Benalla Flexible Learning Centre campus principal Michele Ramage. They were pictured with students Paul Mountford-Matcott (VCAL) and campus leader Sophie O’Shannessy (Senior VCAL, Certificate III in Beauty). BENALLA Flexible Learning…
Gary Joyce of Benalla Timber Products, centre, with TTF directors Adrian Aldous and Sally Gamble.Photo courtesy of Benalla Ensign The Benalla community has once again demonstrated its generosity with over $200,000 donated to Tomorrow Today Foundation’s grant making fund in 2015. Tomorrow Today is Benalla and districts community foundation, dedicated…
Local Reading Buddy volunteers are making a real difference for Benalla students, and more volunteers are needed in 2016. Operating in Benalla Primary Schools since 2012, the Reading Buddy Program matches children in junior classes in Benalla schools with a volunteer ‘buddy’ who works with them during the school’s literacy…
The Tomorrow Today Foundation hosted a Christmas party for the families involved in their Early Years programs to finish off a year full of fun, learning and strengthening friendships on Thursday 10 December 2015. About 200 people joined the festivities at the Rocket Park, enjoying a social barbecue thanks to…
More than 100 people attended Tomorrow Today Foundation’s Annual General Meeting at the Lakeside Centre last Thursday. It was no ordinary AGM, as the attendance indicates, with much of the time taken up with stories of achievement and change. Six year-old Evalee said she liked her Reading Buddy who helped…
One hundred and twenty-three Year 10 students from FCJ College and Benalla P-12 College spent a busy day last Wednesday participating in Benalla Careers Day. The annual event is designed to supplement the information young people gain from school-based career activities by providing a wide a range of career information,…
Education is key to ending Benalla’s cycle of disadvantage and it is only a matter of time according to the Tomorrow Today Foundation. Benalla Rural City Council recently announced a joint investigation with Benalla Health in to the town’s stagnant position as one of the state’s most disadvantaged following the…
Members of the Benalla Bushwalking Club present a cheque to Tomorrow Today. Members of the Benalla Bushwalking Club have provided many volunteer hours to help Tomorrow Today’s student mentor program, called Connect9, offering students involved in the program specially tailored bushwalks each year to places of local interest. The…
Eleven keen young people are now better prepared to take on part-time jobs after graduating from an intensive five week training program coordinated by Tomorrow Today Foundation. Family, friends and supporters joined with Tomorrow Today staff and Benalla Rural City Mayor, Justin King to congratulate the young people for completing…
The Council has donated $4,242 from the Mayoral and Councillor Allowances budget to the Tomorrow Today Foundation. “The Council is very supportive of Tomorrow Today’s work and decided to contribute $5,000 from existing 2015/16 Budget allocations - $4,242 from the Mayoral and Councillor Allowances Budget and $758 from Community Sponsorship,"…
The recently released Dropping Off the Edge Report, which has again found that Benalla is one of the most disadvantaged towns in Victoria, reaffirms the importance of whole-of-community initiatives like our Education Benalla Program. ‘Tomorrow Today Foundation’s Education Benalla Program was introduced after the 2007 Dropping Off the Edge Report highlighted disadvantage in Benalla,’…
On a glorious winter’s day, twelve local Year 9 students recently had the opportunity to view Benalla from high up in the front seat of a glider. The glider flight was the culmination of a series of activities undertaken by the students as part of the Connect9 mentoring program. Connect9…
A group of keen young people began a work-readiness training program last week - the After School Paid Part-time Work Project. Many Benalla business people will give presentations during the five week after-school program. Benalla Rural City Mayor, Justin King, was the first speaker, discussing the do’s and don’t’s of…
We are delighted that this year Tomorrow Today Foundation was invited to be the beneficiary of the Gala Charity Launch of the Bald Archy Exhibition. It was a great night with 120 people attending and over $1,800 raised towards our current Challenge Appeal. Our sincere thanks go to the Swanpool &…
Students at Benalla P-12 College last week took part in the school’s first career action planning day, featuring guest speakers and motivational talks. The teenagers particularly enjoyed the energetic session with Life Coach Glenn Irvine, while Anne Geddes spoke to the students about courses at Charles Sturt University and used…
Sally Gamble and Vicki Dosser For every dollar given to Tomorrow Today Foundation’s Community Fund this year, another dollar will be added. Tomorrow Today Foundation is aiming to raise $200,000 through their 2015 Challenge Appeal. Over the past six months, the Directors of the Foundation have assembled a group of…
Twelve local organisations received grants totalling $32,000, when Tomorrow Today Foundation awarded their annual Benalla District Grants on Friday 1 May 2015. New ideas and proven projects alike were successful in achieving community development grants. The successful recipients shared one thing in common – the commitment of the people who…
We are calling on the community to support our 2015 ‘Challenge’ Appeal which aims to raise $200,000 for the Community Fund. As the Community Fund grows, so does the income available for Benalla and district grants. Donations from the public will be matched dollar for dollar, up to a total…
TTF Founder Liz Chapman and Ross Trust CEO, Sylvia Admans, at the launch More than 60 people gathered for the launch of at the new Benalla Library on Monday 13 April 2015. Launching the story, Sylvia Admans, CEO of The R E Ross Trust, said: ‘This important publication puts a stake…
Benalla’s Tomorrow Today Foundation has become a White Ribbon Day Supporter by signing up to the ‘Hume Preventing Violence Against Women and Children Charter’. Signatories to the charter pledge to take action against family violence in their own community. Chair Sally Gamble and Executive Officer Pat Claridge were joined by…
Tomorrow Today Foundation is once again helping local children to start school in a positive way. Three hundred and seventy-five Sidney Myer Fund/ FRRR Back To School’ Vouchers worth $19,150 have recently been distributed by the Foundation to Benalla and district schools. This is the 11th consecutive year that Tomorrow…