By Mikayla van Loon
Groups, schools and organisations in the Yarra Ranges will be better equipped to improve the natural environment thanks to a number of landcare and biodiversity grants.
A total of $4.4 million was awarded to youth and volunteer groups by the State government to protect and restore the natural landscape.
Some of the Dandenong Ranges’ leading environmental groups received up to $20,000 to support their work, like Friends Of Leadbeater’s Possum and Friends of Sassafras Creek.
Across the urban parts of the Yarra Ranges, many of the grants were provided to junior programs, most receiving between $4000 and $5000.
This included the Edinburgh Early Learning Centre for a bush kinder, Mount Lilydale Mercy College for a native food garden, Mount Evelyn Memorial Preschool for a Caring for Country initiative and Sarah Court Preschool for a bush play project.
Liz Kennedy from Mount Evelyn Memorial Preschool said she felt very lucky to be a recipient of the $5000 grant because it will help continue the children’s engagement in Aboriginal culture.
Since beginning to facilitate the learning of Wurundjeri culture within the kindergarten, Liz said the children have been so enthused by it, so the grant will go towards replacing the existing garden with all native and edible plants to embed those teachings even more.
It also aims to attract more varieties of birds, bees and critters, only enhanced by the help of the Men’s Shed who will build nesting boxes to be installed.
The grant will extend far enough as well to provide the children with educational sessions at Healesville Sanctuary where they can learn about bushtucker and spend some time immersed on Country.
“Encouraging children to get involved in projects like these can lead to a lifelong appreciation of nature and community,” environment minister Ingrid Stitt said.
Just across the border in Croydon, two junior landcare projects have been funded, with Croydon Hills Primary School set to extend their native grasslands, while Melba College plans to teach students about wetland wildlife and raise awareness about the impact of human activities on water quality and the need to protect the wetland ecosystem.
Smaller grants of $500 have also been awarded to Landcare groups to help with administrative tasks and the running of these groups.
“This funding is an important way that we’re supporting volunteers and their communities to secure our environment for future generations,” North-Eastern Metro Region MP Sonja Terpstra said.
“Our volunteers are invaluable, and these grants will allow them to continue to make a significant difference at a grassroots level.”
These projects are just some of the 500 recognised under the 2023 grants system. More can be found by visiting www.environment.vic.gov.au/grants
