Access Key

Beyond Borders: Breaking Down Silos - Southern Mallee

Dja Dja Wurrung Country – Charlton Park (Function room and Meeting Room)

This Access Key provides important information about Charlton Park Community Bank Complex, the venue for the Beyond Borders: Breaking Down Silos – Southern Mallee event.

It outlines key details about the venue, location, and accessibility features to support participants planning their visit.

If you have questions about access or specific requirements, please contact us using the details at the end of this document.

Briefly

Venue: Charlton Park Community Bank Complex (Function Room and Meeting Room)

Address: Calder Highway, Charlton VIC 3525

Parking: Free parking in the main car park outside the venue entrance

Accessibility: Accessible/unisex toilet available; step-free access via the main entrance

Support: Contact the YACVic team (see ‘Contact Us’)

Dja Dja Wurrung Country

Charlton is located on the traditional lands of the Dja Dja Wurrung (Jaara) people, Traditional Owners of this Country. They have longstanding cultural connections to the land, waterways, and surrounding environment.

The area was traditionally known as “Youanduk,” meaning “a basin in a rock,” reflecting the natural water sources in the nearby hills, which were used as semi-permanent camps.

Today, Dja Dja Wurrung people continue to maintain strong connections to this Country, and their legacy lives in local place names such as Barrakee, Buckrabanyule, Woosang, Wooroonook, and Yeungroon.

*This information was sourced from https://charltonpark.com.au/history/

About Charlton:

Charlton, a charming and resilient town in Victoria's Wimmera region, is celebrated for its strong community spirit, scenic beauty, and heritage-rich streetscape.

Situated 245 kilometers northwest of Melbourne and within easy reach of major regional centers like Bendigo and Ballarat, Charlton presents an idyllic balance of peaceful country living and convenient access to urban amenities.

Charlton and the surrounding district have a population of approximately 1,200 residents, made up of long-standing local families and newer residents drawn to the area for work, retirement, or lifestyle.

Agriculture remains central to the region, with cropping (cereal grains, legumes, and oilseeds), as well as prime lamb and wool production, forming the backbone of the local economy. Key industries include the Charlton Feedlot, Ingham Poultry, and Boral Quarry.

Charlton offers a well-supported service and retail sector, with a range of local businesses, food outlets, and essential services meeting both community needs and visitors to the area.

Education is supported through Charlton P–12 College, Charlton Catholic Primary School, Charlton Pre-School, the North Central Trade Training Centre, and the Driver Education Centre.

*This information was sourced from https://charltonpark.com.au/history/

Getting there

Train/bus

Charlton Park is located: Calder Highway, Charlton, Victoria 3525

To get to Charlton via Train or Bus

Below is a step-by-step plan (example times) to get to Charlton Park on Wednesday, 27 May. Please confirm your services using the V/Line journey planner before you travel.

Step 1:

Go to Southern Cross Station

Step 2:

Catch a V/Line train to Bendigo

Example: 9:06 am service (trains run roughly hourly; travel time approximately 1 hour 55 minutes).

Step 3:

Arrive at Bendigo around 11:00am

Step 4:

Take the V/Line coach from Bendigo to Charlton

👉 This service is very limited (often only one per day or certain days)

Step 5:

Arrive in Charlton (early afternoon approx.)

Step 6:

From Charlton, go to Charlton Park, it's an 18 min walk (1.3km)

⚠️ IMPORTANT:

The Bendigo → Charlton coach does NOT run every day and may only run once on that day.

You must check the exact coach time on the V/Line journey planner before travelling, as connections can change with timetable updates.

If you miss that coach, there may not be another one that day.

If you need help planning your trip, please contact the team (details at the end of this document).

Car

🕒 Travel time: approx. 3–3.5 hours
📏 Distance: ~245 km

🗺️ Main Route (Most direct)

The easiest and most common route is via the Calder Highway:

Depart Melbourne heading north-west

Take the M79 / Calder Freeway

Continue past Bendigo

Stay on the Calder Highway toward Wycheproof

Turn toward Charlton (well signposted)

☕ Good Stop Options

If you want a break along the way:

Kyneton – great cafés, about 1 hr out

Bendigo – larger stop (fuel, food, toilets)

Inglewood – quick rural stop closer to Charlton

⛽ Tips for the Drive

Fuel up before leaving Melbourne or at Bendigo

Mobile reception can drop in rural areas

Watch for wildlife, especially near dusk

Roads are generally sealed and easy to drive

📍 Arrival

Once in Charlton, head toward Charlton Park Community Complex (main event location).

Safe Travels

While there are currently no major emergency travel warnings specifically for late May 2026 in Charlton, you should stay alert for seasonal weather shifts. Historically, this region can experience riverine flooding from the Avoca River or grassfire risks depending on the season’s rainfall.

To ensure a safe trip, you can monitor the following resources:

Real-Time Safety & Traffic Monitoring

VicEmergency: For the most up-to-date alerts on floods, fires, or severe weather, check the official VicEmergency website or their mobile app.

VicTraffic: Before you head off, use the VicTraffic road closure tool to see if local routes like the Charlton-St Arnaud Road are impacted by maintenance or previous incidents.

Travel Victoria: General safety advice and links to emergency contacts are available through Travel Victoria.

Local Alerts & Community Info

Charlton SES: Local updates are often posted by the VicSES Facebook page regarding river levels and regional weather warnings.

Charlton Christian College: For school-related closures or crisis management info in the area, you can visit the Charlton Christian College website.

VicSES Updates: Stay informed on local incident locations from the Vicses Facebook feed.

Emergency Contacts: Keep the VicEmergency Hotline (1800 226 226) saved on your phone. www.emergency.vic.gov.au

If you find other useful resources, please share them with YACVic.

Venue:

The Charlton Park

Charlton Park Community Bank Complex, a vibrant sporting precinct and community hub in the heart of Charlton. Set alongside the picturesque Avoca River, it provides a beautiful backdrop for a wide range of events.

Opened in 2019, this modern, community-built facility offers flexible spaces for conferences, functions, meetings, and celebrations. With capacity for up to 240 guests and full catering facilities, it is an ideal venue for both community and private events.

Charlton Park is home to a range of local clubs, including football, netball, cricket, tennis, hockey, harness racing, and angling, as well as the Charlton Agricultural and Pastoral Society, golf course, and pony club.

Conveniently located between Melbourne and Mildura, Charlton is also the gateway to the Silo Art Trail, making it a unique destination for your next event.

Function Room:

Entry to the Charlton Park function room is via the main entrance of the Community Bank Complex, located off the main car park. Guests should park in the main car park and follow signage to the front doors of the complex. Upon entering, the function room is located directly inside the building.

Additional access is available from the sporting grounds side; however, the main entrance is recommended for all guests.

Emergency exits are clearly marked and located at the rear and sides of the function room, providing direct access to the outdoor areas and sporting grounds. Please take note of the nearest exit upon arrival.”

Venue Accessibility – Amenities

Bathroom Facilities

Charlton Park provides male, female, unisex, and accessible (disabled) bathroom facilities.

The bathroom entrance is clearly signed and located to the left-hand side of the main room when facing the stage, labelled “Toilets.”
Upon entering, a short corridor (approximately 10 metres) leads directly to both the meeting room and bathroom facilities.

Along this corridor, you will find an emergency exit on the left, featuring glass doors that allow natural light into the space.

Flooring transitions from carpet tiles to vinyl as you approach the bathroom areas.

Male Bathroom

Access is via two push doors.

Light switch located on the right-hand side of the first entrance

A small stainless-steel floor strip creates a slight lip (a few millimetres)

Urinals are located immediately to the left upon entry

Toilet cubicles are approximately 5 metres further inside

Facilities include automatic hand dryers and paper towel options

Neutral scent with antibacterial hand wash provided

Female Bathroom

Access is via two push doors.

Three toilet cubicles (including one larger accessible cubicle)

Three basins with scented antibacterial soap

Mirrors with LED lighting

Two electric hand dryers available

Accessible / Unisex Bathroom

This is a unisex accessible toilet designed for wheelchair users.

Wide push door (approx. 1200mm clearance)

Light switch located to the right of the entrance

Toilet positioned in the right corner with supportive handrails

Basin suitable for a range of wheelchair heights

Long mirror and waste facilities located beside the sink

Baby change facilities available

No electric hand dryer (paper-based options available)

Antibacterial hand wash provided

Additional Unisex Bathroom & Shower

Located to the right of the building entrance.

Small floor lip (approx. 5mm) at entrance

Light switch on the left-hand side

Door opens to the right

Basin located to the left, shower directly ahead, toilet in right corner

Includes handrails and sanitary disposal unit

Basin height suitable for wheelchair access

Main Event Room

The Beyond Borders: Breaking Down Silos Forum will be held in the Charlton Park Main Room.

Large space with natural lighting and high ceilings

Equipped with central heating and cooling

Entry via double doors (open before the event and closed during sessions)

Exit: push handle down and away

Entry: turn handle towards you

Flooring: low-pile carpet tiles throughout

Windows are fitted with adjustable light-blocking shades to support comfort and visibility for presentations and video conferencing.

Seating & Layout

Seating arranged at square tables

Chairs: lightweight aluminium/plastic with padded seats (no armrests)

Tables are height-adjustable and wheelchair accessible

Tables are fitted with lockable casters

Kitchen & Catering Area

Kitchen facilities are located to the left of the main room entrance.

Morning tea, afternoon tea, and light refreshments will be served

Catering tables will be positioned directly in front of the kitchen/kiosk area

Environment Notes – Charlton Park

Power Points
Power points are available at the main entry and within the conference room. Additional outlets are located along the back wall near the meeting room/kitchen area.

Window Coverings
The main conference room is fitted with block-out blinds, which can be adjusted to control lighting for presentations and comfort.

Kitchen Access
A kitchen/kiosk area is located adjacent to the meeting room, with nearby access to power outlets,

Doors
Please note that some doors are heavy, including entry and exit points. Assistance may be required for some users.

Environment & Sensory Considerations

The venue is generally quiet and low stimulation

There are no strong or overwhelming smells

Bathroom facilities include lightly scented antibacterial soap

Outdoor & Smoking Area
A designated smoking area is located at the rear of the building.

Access is via the back exit door from the main room

The door is a push door and may be slightly heavy

The outdoor area provides additional space for break

Emergency Evacuation Plan Diagram

Emergency Exit Access

Emergency exits are clearly signed throughout the venue with illuminated exit signage.

The closest emergency exit to the main function room is located along the left-side corridor and leads outside through glass double doors. Additional exits are accessible via the main entrance and rear areas of the building.

Pathways to exits are generally step-free and accessible; however, some doors throughout the venue are heavy manual push doors. In the event of an evacuation, attendees should follow instructions from event staff and proceed to the designated area in the main car park outside the building.

Where can I park?

🚗 Where to park

Main car park at the Community Complex

This is the best option for the function room

Located directly outside the building entrance

Easy walk (1–2 minutes) to the function space

Disable car park on the left facing the building

Overflow parking

Around the surrounding sporting ovals and grounds

Used during larger events (footy, netball, conferences)

Usually still within a short walking distance

📍 How to find the car park

Access is typically off the Calder Highway / local access road into Charlton Park

Follow signs for:

“Charlton Park”

“Community Complex”

Once inside, you’ll see the main building and parking area nearby

Parking is free

No public transport options nearby, so most people will be driving

Accommodations options in Charlton (or nearby):

For events at Charlton Park Community Bank Complex

There are 90+ rooms in Charlton and 170+ within 30 minutes. Early booking is strongly recommended.

📍 Charlton (0–5 minutes to venue)

Foundry Palms Motel

📞 (03) 5491 1700

🚗 ~3 min to venue

Charlton Motel

📞 (03) 5491 1611

🚗 ~2 min

Vale of Avoca B&B

📞 (03) 5491 1595

🚗 ~5 min

East Charlton Hotel

📞 (03) 5491 1204

🚗 ~3 min

Cricket Club Hotel

📞 (03) 5491 1207

🚗 ~3 min

Bakery Lane Apartments

📞 (03) 5491 1400

🚗 ~2 min

🚗 ~25 min

19 rooms

📞 (03) 5494 3511

🚗 ~30 min

🚐 Additional Options

Caravan parks (Charlton – 2 locations)

Airbnb options in surrounding towns

💡 Tips for Attendees

Book early — limited regional capacity

Charlton stays = easiest access (walk/short drive)

Consider carpooling if staying in nearby towns

Public transport is limited in the region

Event Activities & Icebreakers

Table Activity: Reflecting on Lived Rural Experiences

At each round table, participants will reflect on the young people’s stories shared during the Lived Rural Experience presentations.

Participants will consider:

Who is involved in each young person’s experience

How and why different services or individuals are engaged

How power is shared (or not shared) in these situations

Purpose:
To encourage critical reflection on roles, relationships, and power dynamics when supporting young people.

Activity: “Who’s in My Orbit?” – Stakeholder Mapping

Participants will place a young person (from the earlier session) at the centre and map:

Services and supports currently involved

Missing or weak connections

Points where support may be duplicated or overwhelming

Purpose:
To highlight system complexity and identify opportunities for stronger alignment and coordination across services.

Activity: “The Collaboration Speed Date”

(Structured networking exercise)

Participants will engage in short, rotating conversations (4–5 minutes each) in pairs or small groups, guided by prompts such as:

“What’s working well in your region right now?”

“Where is collaboration breaking down?”

“What is one thing you wish other services understood about your work?”

Purpose:
To support rapid relationship-building with meaningful, focused conversations beyond surface-level introductions.

Panel Discussion: The Long Game – Wins, Losses and the Work In Between

Featuring NCLLEN, YACVic Rural, and KD Solutions

Partners will share real-world experiences of building collective impact in rural youth contexts. Panellists will reflect on:

What success looks like in practice

Challenges and setbacks in collaboration

Lessons learned and unexpected insights

Purpose:
To provide honest, practical insights into strengthening partnerships, navigating complexity, and sustaining long-term collaboration across regions.

Interactive Workshop: Same Page, Different Places

A facilitated workshop exploring two key areas of collective impact:
Common Agenda and Shared Measurement Systems

Participants will:

Reflect on what “success for young people” means in their local context

Identify where definitions align—and where they differ across services, sectors, and LGAs

Explore the balance between data, lived experience, and funding requirements

Co-design ideas for shared indicators that reflect rural realities

Key activities include:

“What does success look like here?” rapid mapping exercise

Small group discussions across regions and organisations

Live prioritisation of shared outcomes

Feedback session on what a shared measurement approach should include or avoid

Outcome:
A clearer, more grounded understanding of how shared agendas and measurement approaches can reflect rural youth realities—not just system compliance.

Other people:

At the session there will be facilitators and multiple presenters throughout the day, and other people who are attending or organising the session. If you need an interpreter, they can be booked and be available upon request and with notice. Please contact Taline or Rhiannon directly for this request.

YACVic staff will be identifiable via a name badge, and you can ask any of them for support throughout the forum or conference.

Epilepsy Trigger Warning

We will be using an online polling and presentation program called Mentimeter. In presentation mode, the screen may flicker with incoming information. MCs and presenters will provide warnings prior to using presentation mode.

Power access

There will be some power points provided along the walls close to the floor. If you choose to plug in a device, please be aware of where it is and make sure it isn’t in danger of being stepped on or tripped over. YACVic will also provide a charging station with USB ports.

Noise

The event isn’t likely to be very loud. However, you can expect there to be loud chatter. You will also hear a quiet buzz of the air conditioning, some footsteps as people walk on the floor, the sounds of doors swinging open and at times some background music. During the session, you will hear people talking, chairs moving around, and people shuffling paper.

What to bring:

Comfy shoes, water bottle and preferred snacks

Hats, sunscreen, sunglasses.

Notebook and pen will be provided

Statement of Principles – Beyond Borders: Breaking down Silos

Our communities are complex, interconnected, and shaped by a range of social, cultural, and structural factors. Improving outcomes for young people requires coordinated, cross-sector responses that recognize these interdependencies and support more integrated, place-based approaches.

This forum brings together stakeholders across the Southern Mallee region to strengthen collaboration, share knowledge, and identify practical opportunities to improve systems and services for young people. While young people are not in attendance, this work remains grounded in youth-centered practice and a commitment to improving their wellbeing, participation, and outcomes.

YACVic is committed to inclusive, equitable, and ethical practice. This event reflects our organizational values and aligns with relevant frameworks, including the Victorian Child Safe Standards, youth participation principles and best practice in community and sector development. Participants are expected to engage in a respectful, professional, and contribute to a safe and constructive environment.

We encourage all participants to reflect on the following principles prior to and during the event.

Our core principles are:

Youth-centred practice and a focus on improving outcomes for young people

Equity, inclusion and intersectionality

Culturally safe and respectful practice, including recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Commitment to safe, respectful and professional environments

Strength-based and trauma-informed approaches

Collaboration, partnership and collective impact across sectors

Place-based responses informed by local knowledge and community context

Continuous improvement informed by evidence, reflection and feedback

Ethical practice aligned with youth sector standards

Knowledge sharing to strengthen sector capability and practice

These principles support a shared commitment to strengthening systems, partnerships, and outcomes for young people across the Southern Mallee region.

Working With Children Check (WWCC) – Participant Requirement:

The Youth Affairs Council Victoria (YACVic) is an organisation that works with and for young people. As part of our commitment to child safety and inclusive practice, we strongly recommend that all event participants hold a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC).

While this event may not involve direct engagement with young people, YACVic encourages all staff, contractors, facilitators and participants to maintain appropriate screening to support safe environments across all programs and activities.

Participants who do not currently hold a WWCC are encouraged to apply prior to attending the event via the official website:

https://www.workingwithchildren.vic.gov.au/

Two types of WWCC are available:

Volunteer WWCC – no cost

Employee (paid) WWCC – applicable for individuals in paid roles

Applications are completed online, with identity verification required.

YACVic may request evidence of a valid WWCC where relevant to participation.

Things to do in Charlton:

Nature and Outdoors

Avoca River walks & picnic spots – perfect for a relaxed stroll, fishing, or a quiet break

Lake Buloke (nearby) – great for birdwatching and big open landscapes

Mount Wycheproof – one of the smallest “mountains” in the world, with great views

Local parks and open spaces around Charlton for BBQs and downtime

Arts, Culture & Local Highlights

Silo Art Trail (gateway location) – explore incredible large-scale murals across the region - https://www.australiansiloarttrail.com/victorian-silo-art-locations

Explore Charlton’s historic streets and local heritage buildings

Community events, markets, and exhibitions (depending on timing)

Places to Eat & Coffee:

☕ coffee & casual eats

Charlton Bakery Cafe - 58-62 High Street, Charlton,

Coffee + quick breakfast/lunch

Famous for pies, pastries, sandwiches

Opens early → perfect before events

One of the most popular spots in town

🍽️ Sit-down meals / pub food

Cricket Club Hotel - 92 High St, Charlton VIC

Classic pub meals (parma, steak, etc.)

Good for dinner or group meals

Open regularly

Vale of Avoca - 16-18 Mildura Way, Charlton VIC

More upscale / boutique feel

Great for breakfast, coffee or dinner

Known for quality food + atmosphere

Contact Us: the YACVic Team:

Please contact the YACVic team:

Name	Role	Email	Phone
Rhiannon	Rural Development Coordinator	rjennings@yacvic.org.au	0474 506 000
Taline	Events Officer	tferreira@yacvic.org.au	0401 237 911
Zoe	Rural Development Coordinator	zdamman@yacvic.org.au
Bec	Police and Projects Officer	bshaw@yacvic.org.au
Derm	Head of Rural	dryan@yacvic.org.au	0408674738

Contact the host of Beyond Borders: Breaking Down the Silos - Southern Mallee