Shortstack

Women in sport

Applications are now open for the Change Our Game Professional Development Scholarships Program, with grants of up to $10,000 available.

The program is making sure more women have the opportunities and support they need to build their career in the sport sector, with the grants backing women across all career stages - from those in the early years of their careers, returning from a career break such as parental leave, through to executives, and new or aspiring board members. 

Applications close Monday, August 26. For details visit changeourgame.vic.gov.au

Bush kinder grants

Applications are open for one-off grants of $6000 to help eligible kindergartens establish bush kinder programs.

The Bush Kinder Grants Program supports kindergartens to establish or enhance a bush kinder program in a local natural space. Kindergartens without access to a suitable off-site location can use their grant funding to enhance the biodiversity of their existing outdoor environment.

Applications for the second round of bush kinder grants close on September 3 at 5pm. To apply or find out more, visit www.vic.gov.au/bush-kinder-grants-program.

Plant more trees for bees

Grants of up to $10,000 are available to farmers and land managers to plant pollinator-friendly trees that are indigenous to their farms, with Bee Friendly Farming providing farmers and land managers with $1 for every tree planted, thanks to grant partner One Tree Planted.

Grants between $1000 and $10,000 available. Larger grant requests will be considered.

Applications close 5pm AEST on September 10.

To be eligible farms must either be a Bee Friendly Farming Certified farm or have a Bee Friendly Farming Certified application submitted and pending approval by the tree grant closing date.

Apply for Tree Grants at www.beefriendlyfarming.org.au/tree-grants-application

Apply to become Bee Friendly Farming certified at www.beefriendlyfarming.org.au/categories/bff-certified

Funding for Pride

Applications are open for the Pride Events and Festivals Fund for 2024-25, with $400,000 in grants available across two funding streams for events that celebrate the identity, history and achievements of LGBTIQA+ communities.

Grants of up to $10,000 are available for eligible small events and festivals, while large LGBTIQA+ events and festivals can apply for grants between $10,001 and $25,000.

Organisations proposing events in peri-urban, rural, regional and remote Victoria are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications close September 11. Visit www.vic.gov.au/pride-events-and-festivals-fund.

Boost for football and netball

Applications are open for the latest round of the Country Football and Netball Program.

Grants of up to $250,000 are available for regional and outer metropolitan councils to apply for grants for sports infrastructure developments including court lighting upgrades, changeroom overhauls, new pavilions and more, to benefit their local clubs and communities.

Applications close on September 30. For more information on the program and to apply, visit sport.vic.gov.au/funding.

Dyson Community Grants

Applications open on September 1 for the Dysons Community grants, in support of the many sporting, educational, welfare and community groups around Victoria.

There are two rounds of grants annually, each with $10,000 available (maximum grant $1000). Eligible organisations include pre-schools, primary and secondary schools, sporting clubs, not-for-profit groups, charities, welfare agencies, local societies and volunteer emergency services.

Applications close September 30.

Details at: dysongroup.com.au/about/community-grants

Men's Shed grants

Applications are now open for the 2024-25 Men's Shed Funding Program grants.

Grants of up to $100,000 are available to build new men's sheds - which includes converting a building into a men's shed - and refurbish, extend or upgrade existing men's sheds.

Applications close October 16.

For more information or to apply, visit vic.gov.au/mens-shed-funding-program.

Nursing, Midwifery awards

Nominations are now open for the 2025 HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards.

The awards (now in its 18th year) honour the vital contributions made by Australia's nurses, midwives, nurse educators, researchers, and personal care workers, who improve health outcomes for those in our community through exemplary care and support.

The $30,000 prize pool will be split equally between the winners of the three categories - Nurse of the Year, Midwife of the Year, and Outstanding Organisation.

Nominations close December 15.

For more information or to submit a nomination, visit hestaawards.com.au

New trail - Inverloch to Wonthaggi

Works are underway on a 14-kilometre shared path between Inverloch and Wonthaggi.

The $7.7 million trail upgrade has been jointly funded by the State Government and Bass Coast Shire Council.

Construction on the shared pathway is expected to be complete by mid-year 2026.