New ways of engaging with regional and rural communities: strengths based and inclusive

The Regional Environmental Employment Program in regional Victoria assists young people in their transition to employment, education and training. The Dubbo Leadership and Cultural Program assists Year 8 Aboriginal students to stay at school, to gain leadership skills and to enhance their cultural knowledge and identity. This paper explores the methodology and results of the two programs. It discusses community resilience and well being and examines the benefits of strengths based and inclusive approaches to community building and community engagement.