Environmental and landcare groups across the Yarra Ranges have been given a financial boost, with 20 projects throughout the shire receiving grants.
From the restoration of cool temperate rainforest in Sassafras Creek to establishing exemplar biodiverse demonstration dams in Christmas Hills, unique projects, specific to the Yarra Valley and Dandenong Ranges, were funded through the 2025 Victorian Landcare Grant program.
The initiative is delivered via the State Government, in partnership with Melbourne Water and nine Catchment Management Authorities across Victoria to help protect and enhance our land and waterways.
“Landcare and environmental volunteer groups make a significant contribution to our communities managing projects that restore and enhance our parks, coastlines, nature reserves and waterways,” environment minister Steve Dimopoulos said.
“Over many years these grants have delivered incredible value to Victoria and we’re proud to continue supporting their work to protect our environment for generations to come.”
This year $3.6 million in grants will support 509 landcare and environmental volunteer groups across the state, helping fund on-ground works, community education and engagement activities, group development, and small grants supporting administrative functions, including insurance, incorporation and operational costs.
Melbourne Water’s contribution is over half a million dollars with the 2025 funding round supporting 32 organisations receiving Landcare Grants of up to $20,000 to improve biodiversity, restore habitats and promote community development, partnership and educational opportunities. A further 83 groups will each receive a $500 support grant to cover administration and running costs.
In the Yarra Ranges, Friends of Sassafras Creek received $19,350, Montrose Upper Landcare Group received $5154, Monbulk Landcare Group received $20,000, and Christmas Hills Landcare Group received $12,064.
The remaining 16 groups received the $500 contribution. These groups were: Candlebark Community Nursery, Yarra Ranges Landcare Network, Mt Toolebewong and District Landcare, Southern Dandenongs Community Nursery, Upper Yarra Landcare, Macclesfield Landcare Group, Olinda Creek Landcare Group, Friends of Upwey South Reserve, Steels Creek Landcare Group, Southern Ranges Environment Alliance, Yarra Valley Equestrian Landcare Group, Southern Dandenongs Landcare Group, Healesville Environment Watch, Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater, Chum Creek Landcare, and Friends of Sherbrooke Forest.
“At Melbourne Water safeguarding our water, land and biodiversity is at the heart of who we are,” Melbourne Water regional landcare coordinator Barry Kennedy said.
“Protecting and revitalising our waterways, wetlands, parks and ranges is critical as they face increasing pressures from climate change and population growth.
“That’s why we’re proud to administer these grants on behalf of the Victorian Government to Landcare groups doing such vital work on the ground. From partnering on projects, to providing support via grants and training, together we’re ensuring the health of the environment now and for generations to come.”
Landcare grants deliver lasting benefits to the environment, the funding will help Landcare groups restore and protect vital habitats and waterways, and grow strong, connected communities that will continue to care for the land for generations to come.
Grants were available to all Victorian Landcare and environmental volunteer groups, including Landcare and Friends groups, Conservation Management Networks, Committees of Management, Coastcare groups and Traditional Owner or Aboriginal groups and organisations working on Country.
