Grants available for conservationists of all ages

THE Victorian Government has announced a funding boost of $4.4M to support volunteers and young people across the state, including in northern Victoria, in their efforts to protect and restore the natural environment.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes has announced that the 2023 Victorian Landcare Grants and the 2023 Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants are now open for applications and are aimed at helping volunteers and children care for the state's precious environment and biodiversity.

The Victorian Landcare Grants are available for environmental volunteer groups, including Landcare groups and networks, Friends groups, Conservation Management Networks, Committees of Management, and Aboriginal groups. Successful applicants can receive up to $20,000 for on-ground works and community education projects that protect or improve the natural environment across northern Victoria.

In addition, support grants of up to $500 are available to help with group administration and running costs. The grants are intended to support the important work that these groups do in protecting and restoring the land and environment.

The Victorian Junior Landcare and Biodiversity Grants are also available for projects that provide opportunities for childcare centres, kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, Scouts, Girl Guides, and youth groups in northern Victoria to participate in hands-on projects.

Successful applicants can receive up to $5,000 to plant Indigenous gardens, build habitats to attract native insects and birds, collect data about nature, and go on excursions to wildlife sanctuaries.

If you're interested in applying for these grants, you can visit environment.vic.gov.au/grants for more information.