The Victorian Government is providing a $4.4 million funding boost to volunteers and young people across the state, including in Ripon to help them protect and restore the natural environment in our area.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said the 2023 Victorian Landcare Grants and the 2023 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants are now open and aim to help volunteers and kids care for the state’s precious environment and biodiversity.

Through the Victorian Landcare Grants, environmental volunteer groups can apply for up to $20,000 for on-ground works and community education projects that protect or improve the natural environment in Ripon and across the state. Support grants of up to $500 are also available to help with group administration and running costs.

The Victorian Landcare grants are open to environmental volunteering groups, including Landcare groups and networks, Friends groups, Conservation Management Networks, Committees of Management, Coastcare groups and Aboriginal groups to support the important work they do in protecting and restoring our land and environment.

More than 200 projects were funded through last year’s grants, including the Buloke and Northern Grampians Landcare Network- Junior Landcare group and Timor Primary School who received funding to regenerate habitat on their community reserve.

Grants of up to $5000 will be available for projects that provide childcare centres, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, Scouts, Girl Guides and youth groups in Ripon and across the state with an opportunity to participate in hands-on projects planting Indigenous gardens, building habitat to attract native insects and birds, collecting data about nature and excursions to wildlife sanctuaries.

For more information about how to apply, visit environment.vic.gov.au/grants

Quotes attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“These grants will help volunteers across our region restore and improve the environment for our native plants and animals.”

“We have such diverse landscapes across our communities, and it is important they can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

“This funding will assist our hard-working volunteers, community groups and young people to continue caring for our natural environment.”