Community volunteer action grants announced

The Upper Campaspe Landcare community group in Macedon, have received $24,000 in funding as part of the Community Volunteer Action Grants program, aimed at supporting communities and community organisations and volunteers across Victoria and in Macedon.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas announced the successful grant recipient today. The Community Volunteer Action Grants program provides funding to a variety of local community and volunteer groups including local Landcare groups and networks, Committees of Management and Traditional Owners.

The Upper Campaspe Landcare Network’s Pollinator Corridor Project is designed to engage and empower the community within the Upper Campaspe Catchment in a cooperative and interactive ongoing program that encourages participation in the enhancement, establishment, and preservation of native pollinator habitat through the creation of Pollinator Corridors on private and public land.

The grants offer a range of positive biodiversity outcomes across the Macedon and across the state by assisting communities to conserve, rehabilitate, restore and protect Victoria’s native flora, fauna and vegetation and supporting community groups to increase and build their capacity to act for the environment.

Previous funding has assisted community groups across Victoria to engage a total of 992 community members in conservation or improved land management, with a contribution from community members of approximately 23,515 volunteer hours.

The grants are spread across a range of geographic locations to align with the goals and targets identified in the Victorian Government’s plan to improve our natural environment, Biodiversity 2037.

This is part of the $7.4 million Community Environment Grants package funded by the Victorian Government to support small and large-scale projects dedicated to preserving AREAS.

Quotes attributable to member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas
"Volunteers and community organisations play a critical role in Macedon, this grant supports the Upper Campaspe Landcare group to build capacity, expand and diversify the volunteer base and increase inclusivity."

"This project will assist in conserving, rehabilitating, restoring and protecting Victoria’s native flora, fauna and native vegetation while addressing threats to biodiversity."

"It is fantastic to see this wonderful project receive funding, the Upper Campaspe Landcare community group in Macedon."