Endangered ecosystems, under-represented Victorians and grassroot volunteer groups are set to benefit from Victorian Government funding for environmental volunteering initiatives.

Minister for Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio today announced the 22 winning groups who will share in more than $500,000 to reinvigorate volunteering on public land through the Volunteering Innovation Fund.

This includes The Grassy Plains Networks and Outdoors Inc. from Wyndham.

All projects were assessed against four criteria – innovation, volunteerism, merit and legacy. One application stood out for its outstanding merit. The Port Phillip EcoCentre is the recipient of the Minister’s Choice Award, for its Baywide Data Pioneers project. Bringing together five volunteer groups, the project involves mapping habitat of sandy coasts in Port Phillip Bay to better understand the coastline in the face of rising sea levels and growing infrastructure.

Among the successful bids were seed conservation and revegetation workshops in partnership with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, to help Craigieburn Grasslands (Galgi Ngarrk) and foster new friendships between culturally and linguistically diverse Victorians. Phillip Island Nature Parks is being supported to build a brighter future by empowering young people to improve and restore habitats at Philip Island. The Glenbervie Stationeers plan to increase biodiversity in Melbourne’s inner north-west as part of a streetscape project to remove weeds and plant indigenous species. The Belfast Coastal Reserve Action Group can proactively tackle the highly invasive Cape Beach Daisy, enhancing biodiversity, ensuring survival of native vegetation and help nesting shorebird habitat.

Submissions for the final round of the Volunteering Innovation Fund is open. For more information and for the full list of grant recipients and projects, visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/vif.

To recognise the legacy and ongoing dedication of existing volunteer groups, 32 existing volunteer groups will share in $58,500 through a pilot Volunteering Growth Fund. This fund aims to help grassroot volunteer groups enhance their work, expand their impact and attract new volunteers.

In partnership with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, these funds are a key initiative of the Victorian Government’s $4.5 million commitment towards conservation, supporting volunteer programs and engaging Victorians in nature through Victoria’s Great Outdoors.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“Congratulations to these creative volunteering groups for finding new ways to engage the community with the social, economic and health benefits of nature.”

“The Volunteering Innovation Fund is an opportunity for Victorians to stay healthy, active and play a part in protecting nature in their neighbourhoods.”

“Victorians are exploring our state’s parks, forests and open spaces now more than ever, and we’re excited to continue to invest in opportunities that will conserve these precious places for future generations.”

Quotes attributable to Member of Werribee Tim Pallas

 “I recognise the incredible work of existing volunteers and invite them, alongside new groups in our community, to apply for one of these funds.”

“I look forward to discovering what these exciting projects can offer the local community. In the meantime, we should all explore and enjoy the wonderful green spaces in Werribee.”