Queenscliff’s Southern Ocean Environmental Link (SOEL) will share more than $350,000 in state government funding from the Coastcare Community Grants Program.
SOEL founder James (Murph) Murphy said it was “fantastic” to receive the funding for a Marine Coastal Citizen Science Program and Plastic Recycling Workshop.
“We’re really excited to be able to offer this,” he said.
“We’re looking to bring people into the environment to showcase the world of volunteering through the amazing biodiversity and the impacts that our regions are facing.
“It’s a big thanks to Coastcare for backing us because it’s confirmation for us that we’re on the right track and the work we’ve been doing is absolutely worth it.”
Mr Murphy said the coastal citizen program looked to engage the young, disadvantaged, indigenous, elderly and local groups to get them interested in volunteering.
“They are going to get the opportunity to go through, collect, sort, and learn about the different types of plastics,” he said.
“The volunteers will also learn how plastics can be recycled and then turn some of the waste collected here in the Bellarine back into usable products.”
Mr Murphy said the group was always looking for more volunteers to look after the surrounding ocean’s marine health and encouraged anyone interested in helping to reach out to SOEL.
“We’re all in this together,” he said.
“I’ve been incredibly proud of the team and really pleased with where it’s going, I think we’re on step four of a massive staircase.
“The goal is to help improve the health of our ocean, and I think if we can come and put our minds together, then there’s a good shot of leaving the place better for our kids.”
