Changing the way government works
The Department of Planning and Community Development promotes the development of local-level cooperation to plan and deliver better services to local communities, an approach which underpins the Victorian Government’s A Fairer Victoria social policy action plan.
Alignment of regional boundaries to make government easier to work with
To make government easier to work with, the operations of Victorian Government departments have been aligned to eight standard regions that match local government boundaries. This alignment allows better integration of service planning and delivery. The Department of Planning and Community Development’ local teams work in these regions to bring together regional youth, employment, local government and sport and recreation activities at the local level to support community strengthening.
Regional Management Forums to work on local issues
Regional Management Forums have been established for senior officers from each State Government department and CEOs of councils in each of the eight areas, to meet to work on local priorities. The Regional Management Forums engage with regional stakeholders to develop an understanding of issues which would benefit from a joined-up response involving state and local government and community agencies working together, and also to develop proposals for addressing priority issues in each region that involve integrated planning and service delivery.
Department Secretaries as champions to each region
To provide a direct channel to the most senior levels of the public service, in each region, a department Secretary (Victorian public sector equivalent of a company CEO) has been nominated to champion the operation of each Regional Management Forum. The Secretary will oversee the operations of the Forum, facilitate joined-up action between departments, engage with stakeholders to understand local issues, and develop proposals for addressing priority issues, such as the initiatives identified in A Fairer Victoria.
Community Project Teams to work with local communities
Community Project Teams are a new approach to linking government effort at the local level and partnering with stakeholders, such as local government and the community sector, in developing place-based projects. Teams will implement priority projects identified and agreed by the Regional Management Forums and work under their direction.
Linked-up government projects
The Department of Planning and Community Development is leading and supporting a range of major community strengthening projects involving a number of government departments. These projects include:
- The Council of Australian Governments Shepparton Trial is aimed at improving outcomes for Aboriginal communities through better partnerships between communities and government at all levels. As the lead agency for the Victorian Government, the Department of Planning and Community Development is working with the Australian Government, the City of Greater Shepparton and the local Indigenous community on a whole-of-government initiative that tests new ways of working in partnership with the Aboriginal community of Shepparton. This is one of eight trials across the country. Find out more at
Neighbourhood Renewal, led by the Department of Human Services, involves residents of housing estates coming together to pitch in and improve local amenities, learn local leadership skills, create local jobs and take greater care of each other. The Department of Planning and Community Development’ local teams help to make links on-the-ground and with steering committees in their local communities. The Department also provides support through the Victorian Government’s $155 million Jobs for Victoria package, which provides opportunities for disadvantaged job seekers, including young people, the long-term unemployed, migrants and job seekers in regional communities. Find out more about the Department’s employment programs.
Healthy and Active Victoria is a cross-government effort to create healthy and resilient communities through promoting the benefits of increased physical activity, healthy eating and community involvement. The Department of Planning and Community Development is supporting this initiative through a range of investments and programs, including sport and recreation initiatives, the Victorian Volunteer Small Grants, and a range of initiatives promoting healthier and more active living for Senior Victorians. Visit
Web Site Updates
DPCD's websites are progressively being updated to reflect the changes following the establishment of the
department. This means you will continue to see some references to the Department for Victorian Communities
(DVC) as changes are being made.
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