1. Billanook Primary School

Billanook Primary School will restore and revegetate an existing gully on school grounds that becomes a waterway after rainfall. Using indigenous plants and habitat features such as insect hotels and native wildflower plantings, the project will improve biodiversity and support local wildlife. The restored gully will help students learn about native ecosystems, sustainable food production and caring for Country.

Learn more: 
https://billanookps.vic.edu.au/ 

2. Boots For All Inc.

Boots For All will expand its use of an existing closed-loop wash system that recycles water while cleaning donated sports footwear for reuse. The project is expected to save more than 150,000 litres of water while processing up to 10,000 pairs of sports shoes for distribution to children, young people and adults in need.  

Learn more: 
https://www.bootsforall.org.au/

3. Coburg Primary School

Coburg Primary School will create inclusive, nature-based learning spaces across its junior and senior campuses. The project will include a sensory garden for students with additional needs, a frog hotel to support local wildlife, fruit trees for hands-on learning, and a rainwater tank to support sustainable water use. These new spaces will support student wellbeing, inclusion and environmental education.

Learn more: 
https://www.coburgps.vic.edu.au/

4. Coldstream Primary School

Coldstream Primary School will install a pump and irrigation system that connects an existing rainwater tank to the community vegetable garden and chicken coop. By making better use of harvested rainwater, the project will reduce reliance on mains water and improve the long-term sustainability of the site. The new system will also make watering and maintenance easier for volunteers.

Learn more: 
https://www.coldstreamps.vic.edu.au/ 

5. Donnybrook Primary School

Donnybrook Primary School will establish the student-led Pasifika Wellbeing Garden that promotes cultural connection, student wellbeing and environmental sustainability. Co-designed by students, the garden will feature native and drought-tolerant plants supported by rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation. The space will support cultural activities, mentoring and outdoor learning.

Learn more: 
https://donnybrookps.vic.edu.au/

6. Friends of Darebin Creek

Friends of Darebin Creek will lead a long-term revegetation project along Darebin Creek to restore remnant grassy woodland and strengthen a connected biodiversity corridor. Working with Council and local volunteers, the project will focus on planting 500-600 lower and mid-storey indigenous plant species each year to improve habitat and support native wildlife.  

Learn more: 
https://friendsofdarebincreek.org.au/

7. Jika Jika Community Centre Inc.

Showered with Hope will transform an underused space at Jika Jika Community Centre by installing a water‑efficient shower. This practical upgrade will provide facilities for people experiencing housing insecurity, and for staff and volunteers involved in hands-on community programs.  

Learn more: 
https://www.jikajika.org.au/

8. Jubilee Housing Inc.

The Jubilee Housing project will provide tenants with shared vegetable growing boxes to support access to fresh food and create opportunities for connection within a small community. By enabling residents to grow their own produce, the project will promote healthier lifestyles, reduce food costs, and support mental wellbeing through hands-on, outdoor activity. 

Learn more: 
https://jubileehousing.org.au/ 

9. Migrant Information Centre (Eastern Melbourne) Limited

The Migrant Information Centre will deliver a water conservation education program for Chinese and Myanmar communities across Melbourne's east. Through workshops, translated resources and an educational visit to Upper Yarra Reservoir, the project will help people use water wisely and build practical water-saving skills.

Learn more: 
https://miceastmelb.com.au/

10. North Ringwood Community Children’s Centre Inc.

The North Ringwood Community Children’s Centre will transform an underutilised outdoor area into a vibrant Bush Tucker and Sensory Discovery Space for early learners. Featuring planter boxes filled with native edible plants and sensory herbs, the garden will give children hands-on ways to explore biodiversity, learn about First Nations perspectives, and understand plant life cycles.

Learn more: 
https://www.nrccc.com.au/

11. 1st Craigieburn Scout Group (The Scout Association of Australia Victorian Branch)

The 1st Craigieburn Scout Group will upgrade its Scout Hall with a drinking water refill station and dedicated handwashing facilities. The project will improve access to drinking water and hygiene for Scouts, volunteers, families and community members who use the hall, while supporting the use of reusable drink bottles and water-efficient fixtures. The upgrades will also benefit volunteers and visitors at the adjoining Craigieburn Community Garden, which shares the site. 

Learn more: 
https://craigieburnscouts.com/

12. Sikh Community Connections Inc.

Through culturally tailored workshops, Sikh Community Connections will help communities connect, learn from each other and better understand water use. The program will make practical information accessible and inclusive, helping people understand water use, bills and everyday savings. 

Learn more:
 http://sikhcc.org.au/

13. Sussex Neighbourhood House Inc.

At Sussex Neighbourhood House, a growing community garden will be transformed with a new irrigation system and a vibrant youth‑led mural. The project will save water, support volunteers, and create a welcoming space for the local community. 

Learn more:
https://sussexnh.org.au/

14. The Friends of Damper Creek Conservation Reserve Inc. 

This project will restore native plants at Damper Creek Conservation Reserve, creating better habitat and improving creek health. By reintroducing lower and mid‑storey vegetation, it will help slow water runoff, keep moisture in the landscape and improve water quality. 

Learn more: 
https://www.friendsofdampercreek.org.au/

15. The Kevin Heinze Garden Centre Inc. 

A new water-smart system at Kevin Heinze Garden Centre will capture and reuse rainwater across its gardens. Supporting people with disabilities through therapeutic horticulture, the project will also act as a living classroom for visitors to learn how to use water wisely. 

Learn more: 
https://kevinheinzegrow.org.au/

16. The Motherhood Lounge Inc.

The Motherhood Lounge program will support families to save water, reduce household costs and build everyday habits that support health. Through practical workshops and activities, it will promote wellbeing, strengthen connections, and help children and parents learn simple ways to care for the environment. 

Learn more: 
http://www.themotherhoodlounge.com/ 

17. Victoria State Emergency Service Heidelberg Unit

This project will install a water‑efficient irrigation system at the SES Heidelberg Unit, to reduce water use and maintain native gardens more sustainably. It will save volunteers time on maintenance, allowing them to focus on emergency response and community support.  

Learn more: 
https://sesheidelberg.au/

18. Worawa Aboriginal College Limited 

Students at Worawa Aboriginal College will learn to grow food using water-efficient garden beds. The project will build practical skills in sustainability and healthy living, empowering young Aboriginal women to take this knowledge back to their communities. 

Learn more: 
https://www.worawa.vic.edu.au/