Beechworth – Indigo Shire

Bee School, presented by Beechworth Honey, is a dedicated educational platform focused on teaching students about the significance of bees in relation to pollination, food security, sustainability, and biodiversity. Through interactive sessions, Bee School raises awareness about the challenges faced by bees. From hands-on exploration of hive operations to investigative experiences on food security and the crucial role of pollinators, Bee School caters to students from kindergarten to Year 12. The sessions are thoughtfully designed by qualified teachers, aligning with the Australian and Victorian Curriculum.

Camperdown – Corangamite Shire

Mercy Regional College project aims to develop an engaging, authentic learning program with lifelong applications and also seeks to support the VCE-VM Indigenous Garden project. This support extends to both the local community and the broader Corangamite area, with a focus on fostering a sense of community, connectedness, and responsibility. The initiative aspires to promote healing of the environment, acknowledging the history and significance of Gunditjmara Country.

Mount Martha, Balnarring, Red Hill, Rosebud, Flinders, Sorrento, Mornington, Mount Eliza – Mornington Peninsula Shire

Repower is dedicated to empowering the Mornington Peninsula community in their journey towards decarbonising energy usage at home and work. They simplify the shift to renewable energy, considering themselves as visionary catalysts for equal support and transition. Through consultation, education, advocacy, and ownership, they foster local satellite groups with clear emission reduction targets. Repower facilitates access to renewable energy, energy efficiency improvements, transition from fossil fuels, electric transport, and financing options. They also collaborate with organisations to drive collective community projects for net-zero emissions, emphasising environmental, social, and financial equity.

Tempy – Yarriambiack Shire

Tempy Primary School, a rural school with 18 students embarked on a conservation mission to study and protect the endangered Malleefowl. In 2020, the school received funding from the VMRG’s Geoff Armstrong Bequest and MCMA’s Citizen Science program. Auspiced by the Mallee Landcare Group, the project aimed to educate students about the unique characteristics and lifecycle of the Malleefowl, while minimizing threats to their survival near the school. The students took initiative due to concerns about Malleefowl being at risk near the highway. The project focused on strategies such as erecting distinguishable signage, controlling pests in Malleefowl habitat, and revegetation to prevent fragmented habitats. The students were also encouraged to become citizen scientists, contributing to real scientific research.

Brunswick – City of Merri-Bek 

The Fix-Your-Own-Bike project by The Bike Shed champions a circular economy by extending the lifespan of bicycles. Through maintenance, repair, education, and upskilling, they empower the public to fix their own bikes with guidance rather than providing the service directly. Their ‘fix-your-own-bike’ (FYOB) workshop offers work stands, tools, and the assistance of mechanics and volunteers. It’s an inclusive space where individuals with existing bike-repair knowledge can access tools and support, while novices have the opportunity to learn new skills, from changing a tube to maintaining a chain.

Geelong – City of Greater Geelong

The Circular Living Show, delivered by Geelong Sustainability hosted at the Showgrounds, offered a free community event dedicated to promoting environmentally friendly practices. Attendees enjoyed informative presentations, engaging conversations, and kids’ activities centered around the concepts of reducing, reusing, upcycling, and sharing for a more circular and sustainable lifestyle. The event showcased exhibits that encouraged attendees to embrace eco-conscious choices and make a positive impact on the environment.

Greensborough – Nillumbik Shire

A Fitting Connection offer a diverse range of services that cater to a wide cross-section of the community, encompassing textiles at various stages of their lifecycle. This comprehensive approach allows them to establish strong and enduring foundations. Their craft-based workshops serve as engaging conversation starters, promoting enjoyable upcycling of textile waste. By organising purpose-driven activations, events, and programs, they educate students about textile waste issues and empower them to find real-world solutions. They facilitate a clothing swap format that includes guest speakers, educating participants on building sustainable wardrobes while emphasising the importance of garment design, body shape, and color coordination to maximise value and minimise waste.

Various suburbs – City of Brimbank

My Smart Garden is an innovative, free educational program that fosters connections among community members across metro Melbourne, empowering them to create sustainable gardens. Eight councils, including Brimbank, Stonnington, Hobsons Bay, Maribyrnong, Merri-bek, Moonee Valley, Yarra, and Wyndham City Councils, collaborate to deliver My Smart Garden. This program equips individuals from diverse backgrounds with knowledge on food cultivation, climate adaptation, biodiversity support, water conservation, and waste recycling. With workshops, localised resources, event recordings, and a monthly newsletter reaching over 6,700 recipients, My Smart Garden offers valuable educational opportunities for all, including renters and those with limited spaces.