Who are we?

HUM Team Members posing in front of Mildura mural with bright primary colours — The HUM Team

The HUM team work across local organisations to support the work that our community has called for.
Meet the team ➝

People sitting around a firepit at SMECC for Mallee Community Voices meeting — Mallee Community Voices

The MCV meet over dinner once a month to bring together diverse perspectives and ideas for a more connected community.
Learn more about MCV ➝

close up image of people's hands stacked on top of each other — Partners

Hands Up Mallee partners with services, education providers, businesses and community groups to work collaboratively to better use existing resources and knowledge for our community.
Learn more about our partners ➝

Photo of child with long hair helping child with short hair stand up on log — Investors

Hands Up Mallee is made possible by the investment or time, expertise and funds from
Learn more about our investors ➝

Why do we need HUM?

Situated in the far north-west of Victoria, the local government area (LGA) of Mildura covers around 10% of the state’s area and has a population of approximately 55,000 people.

The region is known for its big skies, rich earth and the mighty Murray River. It has a proud and longstanding reputation as a place of resilience and resourcefulness

The Mildura LGA is culturally diverse, with a large Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population (4.6% compared to 0.8% for the rest of Victoria), and is also home to more than 40 different migrant groups. Mildura is a primary settlement area for refugees and has a high percentage of arrivals come on humanitarian visas.

Beginning life behind infographic showing pregnant woman and local statistics

But,

despite the resourcefulness and resilience of our community, the Mildura LGA faces numerous complex social problems.

We are one of the most disadvantaged areas in Victoria; ranking 6th out of the 79 Victorian LGAs on the SEIFA index; the median wage is well below the state average; the rate of family violence incidents is the second highest in the state; we have a very high rate of children on child protection orders and children in out of home care; high numbers of our children start school vulnerable in one or more AEDC domains; and our year 12 completion rates are well below the state average.