Allanvale Preschool has received funding to install a 500L rainwater tank beside a new shed in the 4-year-old play area. The tank will capture roof runoff to support sustainable water use in play and gardening. It will enhance sensory and imaginative play, foster environmental education, and reduce water costs. The initiative aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework and will benefit over 1,200 children across its 20-year lifespan.

Birregurra Men’s Shed has received funding to build a community vegetable garden at its entrance, including an arbour, water connection, sprinklers, and planter boxes. The garden will provide a welcoming space for community groups and enhance social connection, mental health, and hands-on engagement for seniors. It aligns with the Shed’s mission of inclusion, participation, and wellbeing.

Central Baptist Church maintains a volunteer-run garden providing fresh produce weekly to the Drysdale Foodbank. To reduce rising water costs, they have received funding for a water tank and chipper/shredder to recycle water and mulch. This will support food relief efforts, reduce water usage by 75%, expand volunteer engagement (especially for isolated individuals), and allow more funds to be directed to those facing food insecurity.

With grant funding, Cloverdale Community Centre will conduct an inclusive 4-week outdoor wellness program for carers and children with disability, chronic illness, or neurodiversity. Activities include kayaking, mindfulness walks, wellness strategies, and movement games, promoting connection, wellbeing, and fun in nature. Held at local natural sites, the program fosters social inclusion, physical activity, and community belonging while honoring the Wadawurrung people’s connection to Country.

This project will create a culturally relevant garden education space to support vulnerable youth and women from migrant and CALD backgrounds through hands-on growing, training, and employment pathways in local food and farming. It promotes social inclusion, sustainable practices, and community connection while improving food security, biodiversity, and access to culturally appropriate nutrition. Grant funds will support equipment, irrigation, and wildlife habitat creation.

Eastern Park Croquet Club will use funding to upgrade its irrigation system with modern, water-efficient technology. This will improve turf quality, reduce water waste and costs, and enhance sustainability. The project benefits members and the wider community by supporting a high-quality, accessible playing surface for social, competitive, and community use. Installation will be completed in one day, minimising disruption.

The Lions Club of Lara’s Planting for the Future project aims to improve biodiversity, soil health, and water conservation by planting native trees and grasses in Lara and Little River. Through volunteer events with schools and local groups, the initiative will restore ecosystems, enhance the landscape, and foster social inclusion. Grant support will fund plants, materials, and community engagement to ensure lasting environmental and social impact.

Ocean Grove Rotary will revegetate the Ocean Grove Lookout Reserve with indigenous plants to enhance biodiversity, stabilise dunes, and foster community involvement. The project includes site preparation, a community planting day with local schools and volunteers, and ongoing maintenance. It aims to improve ecological health, raise environmental awareness, and create a more attractive, usable public space.

Quenscliffe Indigenous Nursery, run by Swan Bay Environment Association, has received funding to build a shade structure to protect young plants and volunteers from extreme heat and wind, following the loss of key shade trees. The project will enhance growing conditions, improve volunteer comfort and safety, and support increased production of local indigenous plants for revegetation, benefiting biodiversity, community wellbeing, and the local environment.