Nine community organisations will be leading the charge in saving water after receiving funding support from Barwon Water.
The program aims to support projects that will save water, improve the environment, help people to be active and foster social inclusion from Birregurra through to the Bellarine.
Acting general manager customers, community and strategy Nicole Sexton said responding to the needs of customers and community was one of the ways Barwon Water was contributing positively to the region.
“We’re proud to be able to support initiatives that can create healthier and more connected local communities,” she said.
“It is pleasing to see a high number of projects that are focused on making water savings and being sustainable, especially as the region contends with ongoing dry conditions.”
Recipients of the 2025 Community Grants program are:
Allanvale Preschool: To install a 500L rainwater tank beside a shed in the four-year-old play area.
Birregurra Men’s Shed: To build a community vegetable garden at its entrance, including an arbour, water connection, sprinklers, and planter boxes.
Central Baptist Church, Clifton Springs: To purchase a water tank and chipper/shredder to recycle water and mulch, supporting their volunteer-run garden.
Common Ground Project: To create a culturally relevant garden education space to support vulnerable youth and women from migrant and CALD backgrounds through hands-on growing,training, and employment pathways in local food and farming.
Cloverdale Community Centre: To conduct an inclusive four-week outdoor wellness program for carers and children with disability, chronic illness, or neurodiversity.
Eastern Park Croquet Club: To upgrade its irrigation system with modern, water-efficient technology.
Lions Club of Lara: To improve biodiversity, soil health, and water conservation by planting native trees and grasses in Lara and Little River.
Rotary Club of Ocean Grove: To revegetate the Ocean Grove Lookout Reserve with indigenous plants to enhance biodiversity, stabilise dunes, and foster community involvement.
Swan Bay Environment Association: To build a shade structure to protect young plants and volunteers at Queenscliff Indigenous Nursery from extreme heat and wind.
