Creating healthy waterways for our platypus

Platypus thrive in healthy rivers, and in turn, a healthy platypus population is essential for the delicate river ecosystem. The Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance plan on restoring the local river system with the support of a community grant, which they received as part of this year’s Thriving Communities program.

Community Reach Out Days will distribute critical material aid through a pop-up op shop model, offering clothing, shoes, toiletries, homewares, and kitchenware.

Volunteers at the Community Bike Hub rescue bikes from landfill and refurbish them to be reused, fostering a circular economy and encouraging cycling in Melbourne’s west. The program provides an inclusive space for volunteers to learn practical skills and connect with others while contributing to a sustainable future.

The AFLW Summer Development Program will increase female participation in the sport and provide development opportunities for girls from disadvantaged and diverse communities. The event will be hosted by AFLW footballers and specialist coaches.

Through workshops, mentoring programs and community events Empowering Indian Women in Australia fosters cultural inclusivity by creating a supportive platform for personal and professional growth. The program supports women’s mental health, domestic security and career development. It helps women integrate into mainstream Australian society while preserving their cultural identity.

The Seaholme Kindergarten’s commemorative mural honours the kindergarten's 60 year history and deep community roots. Originally painted by local artist Kerrie Gottliebsen to mark the centre's 40th anniversary, the mural was lost when a building was demolished in 2023. This project will recreate the mural on a portable board, so it can be preserved and proudly displayed at the kindegarten for generations to come.

Christmas in Romsey is a multifaceted event honouring the festive season. Local businesses and community groups are invited to decorate a tree for the Main Street Christmas Tree Installation. For those with a sense of festive creativity and competition there’s the Home and Business Lights and Decorations Competition. The Community Carols event brings everyone together in a free Christmas musical extravaganza.

The Spring Festival will transform Woodend into a vibrant showcase of young musical talent from across the Macedon Ranges. Twelve performance spaces will be dotted around the town, culminating in a final showcase event. This festival offers emerging young musicians a place to perform, connect with audiences and develop their craft.

This free community event promotes the facilities, programs and resources available at the Angliss Neighbourhood House. Residents of the Angliss Housing Estate and the Footscray community are welcome to experience the various activities available at the centre, with the goal of increasing ongoing participation. There will be entertainment, workshops and a free sausage sizzle.

Held during NAIDOC Week, the Footscray Hockey Club’s Family Day celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. A local Elder will share his knowledge of the local area’s history and perform a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.