Inaugural Major Grants recipients connect with a meet & greet

Last week, our inaugural Major Grant recipients had the opportunity to meet with VLF staff and each other over morning tea and networking, providing a warm and welcoming space for the recipients to connect and share experiences.

Grants Manager Mel Rygl opened the session with an introduction to the VLF grant program and our new Major Grants, followed by VLF staff from Research, Events and Communications who outlined the support we provide to help produce and promote their projects. Recipients then had the opportunity to introduce their grant projects, reflecting on the previous work they were building on to deliver new initiatives or strengthen the use of data in the Victorian justice system.

The gathering proved to be an invaluable networking and knowledge-sharing experience. Many attendees recognised past projects they drew inspiration from or colleagues they had worked alongside with remotely but had never met in person—until the meet and greet. The event fostered new connections, sparked engaging discussions, and encouraged recipients to exchange advice and practical tips to help guide their projects.

“It was lovely for everybody to meet in person,” Mel Rygl said of the event, “and to provide a space for our recipients to make connections with those on a similar journey and share their experiences.”

We look forward to seeing these projects come to life! Explore our 2024/25 grant recipient projects and more.