Supporting the core capacity and capability of grassroots organisations we have distributed $150,000 and across 5 grants.
Community Sensory Excursions
$30,000
The project will deliver psychiatry informed community excursions designed to support parents, create positive experiences for children and promote sensory healing across generations. It focuses on assisting over 390 newly arrived Palestinians in Victoria, recently arrived from Gaza and registered with PARA (Palestine Australia Relief and Action). The excursions will include visits to places such as Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Zoo, local farms and other social settings that encourage connection and recovery. These activities are particularly targeted at children from families affected by trauma, offering opportunities for healing through nature and animal assisted experiences. The project is delivered in close collaboration with the Royal Children’s Hospital Immigrant Health Clinic, where many of the children are receiving treatment. The initiative is informed by clinical insights, including the recommendation to use sensory and animal based activities to help improve mental health and wellbeing for this vulnerable group.
Intergenerational Music Programs: Younger and Older Making Music Memories
$30,000
This work focuses on expanding the reach of intergenerational music programs that have already shown strong benefits for older people in aged care and the wider community. Two key initiatives are planned: continuing the delivery of existing long term programs and developing a revised program model that can be rolled out more broadly across many more aged care centers in a cost effective way. To meet growing demand, the new model will be designed so it can be delivered by existing aged care staff, such as lifestyle team members. Participating centers will receive comprehensive resources, including a facilitator handbook, video tutorials, training materials, session plans and equipment lists. By adopting this approach, the program will significantly increase its reach and impact while remaining affordable and manageable for aged care providers. The design is informed by consultation with a UK based charity that has successfully implemented a similar model.
Relationships, Planning, Policy and Systems Improvement Project
$30,000
Beyond Words provides free biography work that has demonstrated valuable mental health benefits for older people living in Aged Care Residences. With services set to expand, there is a need to strengthen how volunteers delivering the program connect and interact with aged care partners and their residents. To support this growth, the project involves engaging a part time contractor to review current online relationship management systems and databases and provide recommendations to improve, expand and future proof these tools. The focus is on ensuring the systems are effective and easy to use at the local, grassroots level as Beyond Words gradually expands into selected metropolitan and regional areas in line with its Strategic Plan. Enhanced online tools, resources and data tracking will help build stronger connections with volunteers, ACRs and local community groups, supporting the program’s growth into locally driven, self‑sustaining initiatives.
Australia's National Prison Newspaper
$30,000
About Time is Australia’s national prison newspaper, reaching over 22,000 people in prisons across the country, including all 6,500 people incarcerated in Victoria. It provides a platform for news, information and creative expression, with most content written by people who have lived experience of incarceration. Launched in July 2024, the newspaper aims to reduce the isolation of prison life, support wellbeing and encourage creative and written talent among incarcerated people. It offers consistent, accessible and reliable information to a group at high risk of mental ill‑health, reoffending after release and homelessness, while also giving contributors a chance to share their stories and build a sense of connection. By getting information in and out of prisons, About Time addresses the information black hole that exists in prisons across Australia.
The First Not-for-Profit Veterinary Clinic for Regional Victoria-Fit Out
$30,000
The Regional Community Vet Clinic (RCVC), founded in 2021, supports disadvantaged residents in regional communities by providing access to affordable veterinary care for their companion animals. Research shows that pet ownership can improve health, social interactions and self-esteem for older people, while reducing loneliness. However, many elderly and vulnerable pet owners cannot afford veterinary care and currently have no access to low-cost services, often facing the difficult choice of surrendering or euthanising their pets. With significant funding from the Victorian Government and philanthropic organisations, RCVC is establishing a clinic in Castlemaine that will offer low-cost veterinary services and create opportunities for community members to volunteer in pet care and support. This initiative will help reduce hardship, foster social connection and build a vibrant volunteer workforce while strengthening partnerships with community and government organisations. The clinic will also provide regional veterinarians, 30% of whom are considering leaving clinical practice due to stress and financial strain, with a referral option for clients who cannot afford standard veterinary services.