The Nationals’ Member for Mildura is encouraging young residents to apply for Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants.
Grants of up to $5,000 are available and aim to get young people out in nature to care for and learn about Victoria’s environment.
Local primary and secondary schools, Scouts and Girl Guides, childcare centres, youth groups and Junior Landcare groups can apply for grants of up to $5,000. Cross-border schools with Victorian students are also eligible to apply.
Projects can focus on one of two focus areas or a mixture of both:
- Focus Area 1: Biodiversity focused education activities: educating, involving, and engaging young people in valuing and actively caring for Victoria’s biodiversity and natural environment.
- Focus Area 2: Biodiversity focused on-ground projects: engaging young people to improve biodiversity through creating, enhancing, or restoring habitat for Victoria’s native plants and animals.
Previous grant recipients have undertaken projects including planting native gardens, building habitat to attract native insects and birds and excursions to wildlife sanctuaries.
2024 grant recipients from within the Mildura electorate include Wycheproof Junior Landcare, Pasadena Preschool, Sunraysia District Scouts and Trinity Lutheran College.
“These grants help provide a pathway for our next generation of environmental stewards. It is crucial that we provide young people with the tools and resources they need to engage with their local environment. This funding will help ensure that young people can participate in meaningful projects that have a lasting impact on our natural surroundings,” Ms Benham said.
Applications close on 28 March 2025. For more information on Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants, visit environment.vic.gov.au/grants.
